People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in Kansas can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. These programs help with medical care, income support, and financial planning.
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].
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].
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].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Kansas Department of Commerce for help with applications and questions about benefits.
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].
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].
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].
Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. You must meet medical and financial criteria to qualify[5].
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].
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].
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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The K-LOAN program provides low-interest loans and financial planning for assistive technology for people with disabilities in Kansas[7].
Report changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much, you may have to repay the excess. Follow each program's reporting rules[8].
Yes, programs like Ticket to Work and SSI/SSDI work incentives help people with disabilities work without losing benefits. These include career counseling, job training, and support services[6][8].
For Social Security, call 1-800-772-1213. For KanCare, call 1-800-792-4884. For the Kansas Department of Commerce, visit kansascommerce.gov[1][5][6].
