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Kansas • Chronic Illness
People with asthma in Kansas may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, ABLE accounts, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for managing asthma and financial stability.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. You generally need to have earned enough work credits for SSDI, or meet income and asset limits for SSI. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records to decide if your asthma meets their disability criteria. If approved, you may receive monthly payments and access to Medicaid or Medicare.
Source: SSA Disability Qualification (accessed 2025-11-05)
In Kansas, people with asthma may qualify for state-specific disability benefits and support programs. The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan provides benefits for eligible employees who are disabled for more than 180 days. The monthly LTD benefit is 60% of your monthly compensation, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $5,000. You are automatically enrolled if you participate in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan.
Kansas also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses like asthma. These waivers can help cover medical costs and support services. Additionally, Kansas provides ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs.
Source: KBOR LTD Plan (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Kansas ABLE Savings (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: SSA Disability Application (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: KanCare Benefits (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Kansas ABLE Savings (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: SSA Disability Programs (accessed 2025-11-05)
Source: KBOR LTD Plan (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Kansas ABLE Savings (accessed 2025-11-05) Source: Disability Resources Kansas (accessed 2025-11-05)
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan allows people with disabilities to save money for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs like SSI and Medicaid. You can open an account online, and Kansas offers an empowerment grant of $100 for new accounts opened in 2025. ABLE accounts are a great way to save for medical costs, education, housing, and other needs related to your disability.
Source: Kansas ABLE Savings (accessed 2025-11-05)
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Kansas does not have a separate state income limit for SSI, but other state programs may have different rules. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and the specific waiver program. Always check with KanCare or your local Department for Children and Families for the most current information.
Source: SSA SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-05)
It’s important to report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Keep records of all communications with benefit agencies and report changes as soon as possible. For SSI/SSDI, you can report changes online, by phone, or in person.
Source: SSA Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05)
Contact your local Social Security office or a Kansas disability resource center for help with your application. They can guide you through the process and answer your questions.
Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI/SSDI. Kansas also offers state-specific programs for people with disabilities.
Gather medical records, check eligibility on the SSA website, and apply online or at your local SSA office. For state benefits, contact Kansas Medicaid or the Kansas State Treasurer for ABLE accounts.
The KBOR LTD Plan provides monthly benefits for eligible Kansas employees disabled for more than 180 days. The benefit is 60% of your monthly compensation, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $5,000.
Medicaid waivers in Kansas help cover medical costs and support services for people with disabilities, including those with chronic illnesses like asthma. They can provide extra help beyond regular Medicaid.
Visit the Kansas ABLE Savings website, follow the instructions, and provide the required information. Kansas offers an empowerment grant of $100 for new accounts opened in 2025.
Kansas offers the Ticket to Work program, employment networks, and assistive technology resources to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition as soon as possible. Keep records of all communications with benefit agencies.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) connects people with disabilities to assistive technology resources. K-LOAN offers low-interest loans and savings programs for assistive technology.
Yes, there are work incentives and programs like Ticket to Work that help people with disabilities work and keep their benefits.
You can appeal the decision. Contact your local SSA office or seek help from a disability advocate or legal aid organization.
