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Kansas • Rare/Genetic
If you have Cystic Fibrosis in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid programs, assistive technology loans, and ABLE account savings. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to find more support.
To qualify for SSDI with Cystic Fibrosis, you need a strong work history and meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. For SSI, income and resources must be very low, regardless of work history[5]. Children with Cystic Fibrosis may qualify if the disease severely limits daily activities. Adults whose disability began before age 22 may get Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits if a parent is deceased or receiving retirement/disability benefits[5]. Special rules apply if you earn money from work—ask about SSI & SSDI Work Incentives available.
Kansas Medicaid is called KanCare. If you work, you may keep your health coverage through the Working Healthy program, even if your earnings go up[4]. Disability waivers (HCBS) for rare diseases like Cystic Fibrosis exist, but you must apply directly. For state employees, long-term disability (LTD) requires at least 180 days of being unable to work and enrollment in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan[1]. Kansas ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI and Medicaid[3]. State-specific resources, including local employment supports and assistive technology loans, are available—contact Kansas Disability Resource teams for personalized help[2].
Step 1: Confirm disability and income status for federal programs. Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online through SSA or by phone. Step 3: Apply for KanCare (Medicaid) online or through a local office. Step 4: Explore ABLE accounts and state employment supports. Step 5: Contact local nonprofits for assistive tech loans and job help.
For SSI/SSDI: Gather medical records, work history, and financial documents. Apply online at the SSA’s website, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. You may need a representative (friend, family, or advocate) to help. For KanCare: Fill out an application online at the KanCare portal or request a paper application. List all health conditions and medications. For Working Healthy (Medicaid for workers with disabilities), provide proof of earnings and disability. For ABLE accounts: Choose a Kansas plan online and set up direct deposit or recurring payments. For state programs: Visit Kansas Disability Resource sites or call the ATK loan program for assistive tech. Contact Kansas Workforce Services for job training and supports. Always keep copies of all paperwork and check application status regularly. If denied, you can appeal—ask for help from a disability advocate.
Social Security: SSI provides cash payments based on financial need. SSDI offers payments and, eventually, Medicare if you have enough work credits[5]. Medicare: If you get SSDI for 24 months, you’ll get Medicare health coverage (even under age 65). Children: Kids under 18 with severe Cystic Fibrosis may qualify for SSI even if parents have high incomes.
KanCare (Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. Working Healthy lets those with disabilities who work keep Medicaid, even if they earn too much for regular Medicaid[4]. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Waivers may fund personal care, therapies, or home modifications—ask your local aging and disability resource center. ABLE Accounts: Kansas offers special savings accounts for disability-related expenses without losing benefits[3]. State Employment Supports: The Ticket to Work program and Kansas Workforce Services help find jobs and offer free career counseling[2]. State Employee LTD: If you work for a Kansas university or state agency, automatic long-term disability coverage is available after 180 days unable to work[1].
Kansas ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for qualified expenses—like housing, healthcare, education, and assistive technology—without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[3]. Kansas even offers a $100 grant to open a new ABLE account in 2025[3]. Earnings grow tax-free if used for approved costs.
For SSI, income and resources must meet strict federal limits—which change yearly. For SSDI, work history matters most, but after starting benefits, earning too much (over $1,620/month in 2025, or $2,700 if blind) can stop payments[5]. Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) has higher limits for people with disabilities who work[4].
If your income or living situation changes, you must report it promptly to SSA or KanCare. Overpayments can happen if you don’t report changes on time, and you’ll need to repay money—sometimes in installments. Kansas does not offer extra forgiveness for overpayments beyond federal rules.
Kansas ABLE Grant: Open a new Kansas ABLE account in 2025 and get a $100 state grant—even if you already have SSI or Medicaid[3].
Working Healthy lets you earn more and keep Medicaid. You pay a monthly premium based on income, but don’t lose coverage just because you work[4].
Yes, children may qualify for SSI if the disease severely limits daily activities and family income/resources are low. Most children on SSI will also get KanCare (Medicaid)[5].
Working Healthy lets Kansans with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working, even if earnings increase, as long as you pay a monthly premium based on income[4].
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Kansas offers a $100 grant to open a new account in 2025[3].
Contact Kansas Workforce Services or the Ticket to Work program for career counseling and job placement help[2].
Assistive Technology for Kansas connects you to loans and advice for devices and tech that help with daily tasks—call (866) 465-2826 or visit k-loan.net[2].
You can appeal. Gather new medical evidence and consider getting help from a legal aid or disability advocate. Appeals have strict deadlines.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee benefit eligibility. Always verify details with official agencies.
HCBS waivers exist, but coverage varies. You must apply and show you need in-home supports. Contact your local aging and disability resource center for details.
State employees in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan are automatically enrolled in long-term disability after 180 days of being unable to work[1].
Some Medicaid plans and local nonprofits offer non-emergency medical transportation. Ask your KanCare managed care organization for specifics.
Contact Kansas Disability Resource teams or local nonprofits for help navigating benefits, appeals, and community resources[2].
