Kansas offers a range of state and federal disability benefits, Medicaid waivers, and financial tools for people with epilepsy. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs to help Kansans with epilepsy live independently and access needed services.
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe medical condition—like epilepsy—that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. For SSDI, you must have enough work credits; for SSI, income and asset limits apply. Learn more at <internal_links[0]>.[6]
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) eligibility for adults with disabilities like epilepsy depends on income, assets, and medical need. The Working Healthy program extends Medicaid to working Kansans with disabilities who exceed standard income limits. Medicaid waivers provide home- and community-based services (HCBS) for eligible individuals needing long-term supports. Kansas benefits are often layered on federal programs—check both before applying.[5]
Start by applying for SSI/SSDI at ssa.gov—these programs are the foundation for most Kansas disability benefits. Next, apply for KanCare (Kansas Medicaid). If you need home- or community-based supports, ask about Medicaid waivers. For work supports or assistive technology, contact Kansas Workforce Services. Open a Kansas ABLE account to save for disability costs.[3][4]
Social Security (SSI/SSDI): Monthly income for adults with epilepsy who cannot work. Medicare is available after 24 months of SSDI. Ticket to Work helps beneficiaries explore employment while keeping SSI/SSDI coverage. ABLE Accounts are a national program to save for disability expenses without losing public benefits.[3][4][6]
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid): Covers doctor visits, medications (including anti-seizure drugs), therapies, and hospital care for eligible Kansans with epilepsy. Working Healthy is a Medicaid buy-in for employed Kansans with disabilities who earn too much for traditional Medicaid. Medicaid Waivers: Multiple HCBS waivers (e.g., Physical Disability, Intellectual/Developmental Disability) fund in-home supports, respite, and skilled nursing—services can be tailored to epilepsy needs, though waiver support is subject to capacity. Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program: Low-interest loans for assistive devices. Kansas Rehabilitation Services: Offers vocational counseling, job training, and assistive devices to help Kansans with epilepsy work. Kansas Long Term Disability (KBOR): If you are a public employee, KBOR provides income replacement if you become disabled from work for 180+ days (not epilepsy-specific).[1][3]
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets people with epilepsy save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. Accounts can pay for qualified disability expenses, including healthcare, transportation, and assistive technology. In 2025, Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts. Sign up at savewithable.com/ks/home.html.[4]
SSI and Medicaid programs have strict income and asset limits. For SSI, countable resources must stay below $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Kansas Medicaid has higher income limits for certain disability populations and through the Working Healthy program. ABLE accounts don’t count toward SSI’s asset limit until balances exceed $100,000.[4]
It’s essential to report all income and life changes (like hospitalizations or new seizures) to the Social Security Administration and Kansas Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments must be repaid, and not reporting can result in benefit loss. See <internal_links[3]> for guidance on avoiding and reporting overpayments.
Kansas Working Healthy lets you keep Medicaid coverage even if you earn too much for regular Medicaid. Contact KanCare for details.[5]
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) offers low-interest loans for devices that help with employment, independence, and safety. Call 866-465-2826 or visit k-loan.net.[3]
Open a Kansas ABLE account in 2025 and get a $100 empowerment grant to help pay for disability-related expenses. Apply at savewithable.com/ks/home.html.[4]
Yes. Kansas offers Medicaid coverage through the Working Healthy program for employed adults with disabilities, even if your income is higher than standard Medicaid limits. Social Security work incentives (Ticket to Work) also help you try employment without immediately losing SSI/SSDI. See <internal_links[5]> for details.[3][5]
Kansas Medicaid waivers allow eligible Kansans to receive services at home, such as personal care, respite, or nursing, instead of in a facility. These waivers are designed for people with significant needs and may cover epilepsy-related supports, depending on your waiver and care plan.
ABLE accounts let Kansans with disabilities save money tax-free for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. In 2025, new account holders receive a $100 Kansas empowerment grant. Balances under $100,000 do not count toward SSI asset limits. Visit <outbound_links[3]> to learn more.[4]
The Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program provides low-interest loans and financial planning for devices that help Kansans with epilepsy live and work independently. Call Assistive Technology for Kansas at 866-465-2826 or visit k-loan.net.[3]
If you receive an overpayment, you will have to repay it, sometimes in installments. Always report changes in income, living situation, or health status to avoid this. See <internal_links[3]> for more on handling and reporting overpayments.
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 up to 3–6 months for an initial SSI or SSDI claim, sometimes longer if an appeal is needed. Complete applications, submit all medical records, and respond quickly to any requests for information to speed up your case.
Yes. Kansas is finalizing rules to give waiver participants more freedom to choose their service providers. By the end of 2026, expect greater flexibility in selecting providers and managing your care plan.[2]
SSI is for people with limited income and assets; SSDI is for those with a work history who contributed to Social Security. Both require proving that epilepsy prevents substantial work. See <internal_links[0]> for a full comparison.
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or KanCare Managed Care Organization to request a waiver assessment. You’ll need to meet disability and financial criteria and may be placed on a waiting list depending on waiver availability.
While services aren’t tailored just for epilepsy, Kansas Workforce Services and Ticket to Work can help you find job training, workplace accommodations, and assistive technology. KANSASWORKS is an approved Employment Network for Ticket to Work.[3]
