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Kansas • Chronic Illness
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in Kansas, you may qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI and SSDI, as well as state-specific supports such as Medicaid waivers and employment services. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 Social Security credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources, regardless of work history. COPD is listed in Social Security’s Blue Book under respiratory disorders, so if your condition matches or equals the listing, you may qualify. If not, you may still qualify if your COPD severely limits your ability to work.
For more details, see the Social Security Blue Book listing for respiratory disorders and the official eligibility requirements.
Sources: Social Security Disability Qualifications, Social Security Disability Benefits Guide (accessed 2025-11-05).
In Kansas, people with COPD may qualify for Medicaid waivers if they need long-term care or support services. The state is modernizing its Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Waiver, which may affect eligibility and services for those with chronic illnesses. Kansas also offers employment supports through programs like Ticket to Work and Working Healthy, which help people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working. To qualify for state programs, you must meet both federal disability criteria and state-specific requirements, such as income limits and functional assessments.
Sources: Kansas IDD Waiver Modernization, Kansas Disability Resources (accessed 2025-11-05).
Sources: Social Security Disability Application, Kansas Medicaid Waivers, Kansas Ticket to Work (accessed 2025-11-05).
Sources: Social Security Disability Benefits, Medicaid, Medicare (accessed 2025-11-05).
Sources: Kansas IDD Waiver Modernization, Kansas Disability Resources, Kansas Ticket to Work (accessed 2025-11-05).
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI eligibility. In Kansas, you can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, education, and housing. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and withdrawals for non-qualified expenses may be taxed.
Source: ABLE National Resource Center (accessed 2025-11-05).
Source: Social Security SSI Limits (accessed 2025-11-05).
If your income or condition changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Report changes online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Source: Social Security Reporting Changes (accessed 2025-11-05).
Contact your local Social Security office or KansasWorks for free help with your disability application and employment supports.
Yes, if your COPD meets Social Security’s disability criteria. You may qualify for SSDI or SSI, and possibly Medicaid waivers for long-term care. Medical proof is required.
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. You’ll need medical records and work history. The process can take several months.
The Medicaid waiver provides long-term care and support services for people with chronic illnesses like COPD. Kansas is modernizing its waiver programs, so check for updates.
Yes, Kansas offers work incentives and employment supports. Programs like Ticket to Work and Working Healthy help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI eligibility. Kansas residents can open an ABLE account through the state’s ABLE program.
Report changes in income or condition to Social Security and Medicaid. You can do this online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of all reports.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check official sources for the most current eligibility and application rules.
You’ll need pulmonary function tests, treatment history, doctor’s notes, and any other records that show how COPD affects your ability to work.
Yes, SSI has strict income limits. Medicaid waivers also have income limits, usually below 100% of the federal poverty level.
Yes, Kansas offers free job training and career counseling through programs like Ticket to Work and KansasWorks.
You can appeal the decision. Kansas has a process for reconsideration and appeals. Get help from a disability advocate if needed.
