Kansans with deafness can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and work support programs. Programs help with income, healthcare, assistive technology, and returning to work. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get support.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[7]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Deafness (if severe) can qualify as a disability under federal rules. Both programs require medical proof of your disability and how it limits your ability to work. SSI also has strict income and asset limits, while SSDI eligibility is based on your work history.
In Kansas, state Medicaid (KanCare) and related waivers follow federal SSI/SSDI eligibility for those with sensory disabilities requiring significant support for daily living. The Kansas ABLE savings plan allows people with deafness to save without losing eligibility for means-tested programs like SSI. Kansas also partners with federal programs to provide assistive tech loans and employment support services for those who wish to work[3][4]. If you return to work, Kansas’ Ticket to Work program helps you keep benefits while you transition to employment[6].
Start by contacting your local Social Security office for SSI/SSDI. Call 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778). For Kansas Medicaid, visit Kancare.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884. For assistive technology loans or employment support, contact KansasWorks. Gather medical records, work history documents, and your Social Security number before applying. Apply online, by phone, or in person.
1. Gather Documentation: Collect all medical records, doctor’s notes, audiologist reports, and your Social Security card. 2. Choose Your Program: Decide if you need SSI (low income/resources), SSDI (work history), or both. 3. Apply: For SSI/SSDI, use the SSA website, call your local office, or visit in person. For Medicaid, visit Kancare.ks.gov online or call. 4. Wait for Review: Claims can take months—be ready for follow-up questions. 5. Appeals: If denied, you can appeal. 6. Extra Support: For assistive tech, contact Assistive Technology for Kansas at 1–866–465–2826. For work support, use the Ticket to Work program at KANSASWORKS[3][6]. 7. ABLE Account: If enrolled in SSI/SSDI, open a Kansas ABLE account to save without losing benefits[4].
SSI/SSDI: Monthly cash benefits for eligible individuals with deafness[7]. Medicare: Health insurance if you qualify for SSDI (after a 24-month waiting period). RAM: Free dental, vision, and mental health care for people with deafness who meet income guidelines. Ticket to Work: Get free career counseling, job training, and support to return to work while keeping some benefits[6].
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, hospital care, and assistive devices for eligible residents with deafness. Kansas offers a Working Healthy program for employed people with disabilities to keep Medicaid even with higher incomes. Kansas ABLE: Save money (up to $100,000) without losing SSI/Medicaid eligibility[4]. Assistive Technology: K-LOAN provides low-interest loans for hearing aids, captioned phones, and other devices[3]. Employment Services: Kansas Department of Commerce partners with Ticket to Work for disability job support[6]. Employee Benefits: Kansas Board of Regents offers long-term disability insurance for eligible employees[2].
Kansas ABLE accounts let people with deafness and other disabilities save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid[4]. You can use the account to pay for assistive tech, education, housing, and more. In 2025, Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant to new ABLE account holders[4]. Open an account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html.
For SSI, your monthly income and assets must be under strict federal limits. For SSDI, there is no asset limit, but if you earn above $1,550/month (2025 estimate, SGA limit), benefits may be affected[1]. Kansas Medicaid has higher income limits for people with disabilities, especially if you’re working. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments.
You must report any changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Kansas Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you may have to pay back. For tips on avoiding mistakes, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant in 2025 to anyone opening a new ABLE account—great for saving on assistive tech, education, or housing without risking benefits like SSI or Medicaid[4].
You can get supported employment and benefit counseling through Kansas’ Ticket to Work program—free career services, job coaching, and help keeping your benefits as you transition to work[6].
Yes, if your deafness is severe enough to prevent substantial work, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical proof and, for SSDI, a sufficient work history[7].
Assistive Technology for Kansas (K-LOAN) offers low-interest loans for devices like hearing aids and captioned phones. They also provide credit counseling and savings options for qualified applicants[3].
Yes, through Ticket to Work and Medicaid’s Working Healthy program, you can keep some benefits while working. SSI/SSDI have work incentives, but earnings over the SGA limit may reduce benefits[1][6].
Apply online at Kancare.ks.gov or call 1-800-792-4884. You’ll need proof of income, disability status, and Kansas residency.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses—like hearing devices, education, or housing—without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas even offers a grant for new accounts[4].
Contact your local Social Security office or a Kansas legal aid group. The appeals process has strict deadlines, so act quickly if your claim is denied.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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Yes, KANSASWORKS and Ticket to Work provide job coaching, training, and placement services for people with disabilities, including deafness[3][6].
Federal SSI limits change annually and are the same in all states. In 2025, expect similar strict limits for countable income and resources. See **SSI Income Estimator** for details.
