Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Benefits in Kansas

To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration's (SSA) definition of disability. This means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. You must also meet income and resource limits for SSI, or work credit requirements for SSDI. The SSA reviews medical records and work history to decide eligibility[1].

• SSI is for people with limited income and resources.
• SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Both programs require proof of disability through medical evidence[1].

In Kansas, people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for state-specific disability benefits and support programs. State employees enrolled in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan are automatically covered by a long-term disability (LTD) plan. This plan provides a monthly benefit of 60% of your salary, with a minimum of $100 and a maximum of $5,000 per month, if you are disabled for more than 180 days and approved for benefits[2].

Kansas also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help pay for home and community-based services. These waivers may be available if you meet medical and financial criteria. The state is working to improve flexibility and choice in waiver programs, including allowing participants to manage their own services[3].

ABLE accounts are available for Kansans with disabilities, allowing tax-advantaged savings for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for certain benefits[4].

• Check if you meet federal disability criteria for SSI or SSDI.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or visit a local Social Security office.
• For state benefits, contact Kansas Department of Commerce or KanCare.
• Consider opening an ABLE account for savings[4].

• Step 1: Review SSA's disability criteria and gather medical evidence of your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and its impact on your ability to work[1].
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide personal information, work history, and medical records[1].
• Step 3: If you are a state employee, confirm your enrollment in the KBOR LTD plan and follow the process for filing a claim if disabled for more than 180 days[2].
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact KanCare or the Kansas Department of Health and Environment to learn about eligibility and application steps[5].
• Step 5: To open an ABLE account, visit savewithable.com/ks and follow the instructions for Kansas residents[4].
• Step 6: For employment support, contact the Kansas Department of Commerce or KANSASWORKS to access the Ticket to Work program and other services[6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but are now disabled.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Offers monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements.
• Medicare: Health coverage for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Ticket to Work: Free employment services for people with disabilities who want to work[1][6].

• KBOR Long-Term Disability Plan: Provides monthly benefits to state employees disabled for more than 180 days, up to 60% of salary (max $5,000/month)[2].
• Medicaid Waivers: Help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome[5].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses, available to Kansans with disabilities[4].
• Kansas Ticket to Work: Connects people with disabilities to employment services and supports[6].
• Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN): Provides low-interest loans and financial planning for assistive technology[7].

ABLE accounts allow Kansans with disabilities to save money 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].

SSI has strict income and resource limits. For 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but you must have enough work credits. Medicaid and ABLE accounts have their own limits, which vary by program[1][4].

If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Follow the reporting rules for each program to stay in compliance[8].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI, SSDI, and work incentives.
• KanCare
  Phone: 1-800-792-4884

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and waiver programs.
• Kansas Department of Commerce
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For employment and disability resources.

• Can Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome qualify for disability benefits in Kansas?

  Yes, if your Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome severely limits your ability to work and meets SSA criteria, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. State programs may also be available if you meet medical and financial requirements[1][2].

• What is the KBOR Long-Term Disability Plan?

  The KBOR LTD plan provides monthly benefits to Kansas state employees disabled for more than 180 days. The benefit is 60% of your salary, up to $5,000 per month, if approved[2].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Kansas?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records and work history to prove your disability[1].

• What are Medicaid waivers in Kansas?

  Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify[5].

• Can I save money with an ABLE account in Kansas?

  Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts opened in 2025[4].

• What is the Ticket to Work program?

  Ticket to Work is a federal program that connects people with disabilities to free employment services, including career counseling and job placement, without risking your benefits[6].