Kansas offers federal and state benefits for people living with depression, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and work incentives, with clear steps and official resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSDI), you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. The disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSI, income and assets must be below federal limits. Depression can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work[6].
Kansas does not have a separate state disability program, but does coordinate with federal SSI/SSDI programs. Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) offers coverage for low-income individuals, including those with depression. The Working Healthy program allows you to work and keep Medicaid if you meet income guidelines—important updates to eligibility reviews take effect July 1, 2025[5]. For state employees, KBOR provides long-term disability coverage if you participate in the mandatory retirement plan and are disabled more than 180 days[1].
Start by applying for SSI or SSDI online at ssa.gov. For Kansas Medicaid, apply through KanCare.ks.gov. Check if you qualify for Working Healthy to keep Medicaid while working. Open a Kansas ABLE account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html to save for disability expenses without losing benefits. Contact KANSASWORKS for employment support[3][4][5].
1. Gather Documentation: Collect medical records, work history, and proof of income. 2. Apply for SSI/SSDI: Complete the online application at ssa.gov. Depression must be documented by a healthcare provider and severely limit your ability to work[6]. 3. Apply for Kansas Medicaid: Visit KanCare.ks.gov to apply online, by phone, or in person. Update your application if your income or health changes. 4. Explore Work Incentives: If you want to work, check the Working Healthy program to keep Medicaid coverage. Visit the Ticket to Work website or contact KANSASWORKS for employment support[3][5]. 5. Open an ABLE Account: Kansas offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. Sign up at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. You can save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility[4]. 6. Follow Up: Respond promptly to requests for more information. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.
SSI and SSDI: These federal programs provide monthly payments if depression prevents you from working. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources; SSDI is based on work history. Mental health conditions, including depression, are among the most common reasons for disability awards in Kansas[2][6]. Ticket to Work: A free, voluntary program helping SSI/SSDI recipients aged 18–64 find employment while keeping benefits[3].
KanCare (Medicaid): Kansas Medicaid covers low-income residents, including those with disabilities. Apply online at KanCare.ks.gov. The Working Healthy program allows Kansans with disabilities to work and keep Medicaid if income is within limits—eligibility reviews are changing in 2025, so check for updates[5]. Kansas ABLE: Save for disability-related expenses without losing federal benefits. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts in 2025[4]. KBOR Long Term Disability: For state employees in the mandatory retirement plan, disability benefits are available after 180 days of disability[1]. Employment Support: KANSASWORKS helps jobseekers with disabilities, and Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) connects people with tools for independence[3]. State-specific mental health grants or programs are limited; these core programs are your best starting points.
Kansas ABLE accounts let individuals with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can sign up easily online, and Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts opened in 2025. Funds in ABLE accounts do not count toward the SSI asset limit until they exceed $100,000[4].
SSI has strict income and asset limits—check the SSI Income Estimator for current thresholds. Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) and Working Healthy also have income limits, but Working Healthy allows higher earnings for people with disabilities who want to work[5].
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and KanCare to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more details.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions qualifying for disability benefits in Kansas. If your symptoms make it hard to work, keep detailed medical records and consider applying for SSI, SSDI, or Kansas Medicaid[2].
Kansas offers several programs to help people with depression stay employed, including Ticket to Work and KANSASWORKS. These can help you keep benefits while you work toward financial independence[3].
Kansas ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without affecting SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas even offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025[4].
Yes, depression can qualify you for SSI, SSDI, and Kansas Medicaid if it severely limits your ability to work. Medical documentation is required. Mental health conditions are among the most common reasons for disability awards in Kansas[2][6].
Apply online at KanCare.ks.gov, by phone, or in person. Include medical records showing your depression limits daily activities. Keep your application updated if your situation changes[5].
Yes, programs like Working Healthy let you keep Medicaid while working if you meet income limits. Ticket to Work supports SSI/SSDI recipients who want to work without immediately losing benefits[3][5].
An ABLE account is a savings plan for disability-related expenses. Money saved does not count against SSI or Medicaid asset limits up to $100,000. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025[4].
State grants specifically for depression are limited, but Kansas Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts provide financial support. Employment networks like KANSASWORKS offer work assistance[3].
Contact your local Social Security office or Kansas Medicaid office. KANSASWORKS and Assistive Technology for Kansas also provide direct support for jobseekers with disabilities[3].
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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Processing times vary, but expect several months. Respond quickly to requests for information to avoid delays. Appeal if your application is denied.
Yes, Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) helps people with disabilities access tools for independence. The K-LOAN program offers financial help for assistive devices[3].
You have the right to appeal. Gather more medical evidence and consider contacting a legal aid organization for help with the appeals process.
Report all changes in income, living situation, or health to Social Security and KanCare. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more tips.
