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Kansas • Chronic Illness
If you have heart disease in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and state-specific programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with heart disease, you must meet 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. The SSA uses a Blue Book listing for heart disease, which includes conditions like chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and recurrent arrhythmias. You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. If you don't have enough credits, you may still qualify for SSI based on financial need. Both SSDI and SSI have strict medical and financial requirements. ^1
In Kansas, people with heart disease may qualify for additional state programs and resources. The Kansas Medical Assistance Program (KanCare) provides Medicaid coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities. Kansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with long-term care needs. The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Long Term Disability Plan provides benefits for eligible employees who are disabled for more than 180 days. The state also supports the Ticket to Work program, which helps people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits. Kansas offers ABLE accounts, which allow individuals with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for certain assistance programs. ^2^4
All federal programs have strict eligibility requirements and may require regular reviews. ^1
State programs may have additional eligibility requirements and application processes. ^2^4
Kansas offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save money for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other assistance programs. You can open an account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas provides a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025. ABLE accounts have annual and lifetime contribution limits, but funds can be used for a wide range of disability-related expenses. ^4
If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to SSA and state agencies as soon as possible. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. For help with reporting changes or resolving overpayments, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes. ^1
In 2025, Social Security Disability benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit is expected to rise slightly, allowing beneficiaries to earn a little more before benefits are affected.
Yes, if your heart disease meets the SSA's definition of disability and you meet the work or financial requirements for SSDI or SSI. Kansas also offers Medicaid and other state programs for people with disabilities.
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is expected to be around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals. Earning more than this can affect your SSDI benefits.
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local SSA office. You will need medical records and proof of income.
The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities return to work without losing their cash or medical benefits. It offers free employment services like career counseling and job placement.
Yes, Kansas offers ABLE accounts, which allow people with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other programs.
KanCare is Kansas's Medicaid program, which provides health coverage for eligible individuals with disabilities. It includes services like doctor visits, hospital care, and long-term care.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
The KBOR Long Term Disability Plan provides monthly benefits to eligible employees who are disabled for more than 180 days. Benefits are 60% of the employee's monthly compensation, up to $5,000.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) helps people with disabilities acquire assistive technology. K-LOAN offers low-interest loans for assistive technology purchases.
Starting July 1, 2025, late eligibility reviews will be treated as a new application. To be considered for backdated coverage, you must answer 'yes' to the question about prior medical expenses in the review.
Yes, the Ticket to Work program and other work incentives allow you to work without losing your benefits. There are limits on how much you can earn, so report any changes to SSA.