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Kansas • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help cover medical costs, living expenses, and assist with work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the work credit requirement (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^1]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources, and meet the Social Security definition of disability[^1]. Cancer is often considered a qualifying disability if it is severe enough to prevent substantial work for 12 months or is expected to result in death[^1].
In Kansas, people with cancer may qualify for state disability benefits through the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Long Term Disability (LTD) plan if they are enrolled in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan and are disabled for more than 180 days[^2]. You are automatically enrolled in the KBOR LTD plan when you join the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan[^2]. Kansas also offers Medicaid through KanCare, which covers medical costs for people with disabilities, including cancer, and provides work incentives to help you keep coverage while working[^3]. Kansas residents with disabilities can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[^4].
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets people with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can open an account at savewithable.com/ks. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025[^4].
For SSI, the 2025 income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but substantial earnings (over $1,620/month in 2025) may affect benefits[^1].
You must report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and KanCare to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or benefit reductions[^5].
Contact your local Social Security office or KanCare for help with applications. KANSASWORKS and ATK offer support for employment and assistive technology.
Yes, if your cancer prevents you from working for 12 months or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. Kansas also offers Medicaid and ABLE accounts for people with disabilities.
Apply for SSDI or SSI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. For Medicaid, apply through KanCare. For ABLE accounts, visit savewithable.com/ks.
The KBOR LTD plan provides 60% of monthly pay (min $100, max $5000) for those disabled over 180 days. It is for KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan participants.
Yes, Kansas offers work incentives through KanCare and Social Security to help you keep benefits while working. Report changes to avoid overpayments.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts opened in 2025.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) provides assistive technology and financial planning for people with disabilities. Call (866) 465-2826 or visit k-loan.net.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
KanCare's Working Healthy program helps people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working and earning more.
Yes, report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and KanCare to avoid overpayments and benefit reductions.
Children with cancer may qualify for SSI if they meet the disability and income requirements. Benefits may continue into adulthood if the disability began before age 22.
You can appeal the decision. Contact Social Security or KanCare for information on the appeals process.
