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Kansas • Chronic Illness
People living with HIV/AIDS in Kansas can access federal and state benefits, including Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, ABLE accounts, and employment support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with HIV/AIDS, you must have a diagnosis that causes severe limitations in daily activities or work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the Blue Book. HIV/AIDS is listed under Section 14.11. You must meet the criteria or show your condition is equally severe. Generally, you 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 qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on low income and assets [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
In Kansas, people with HIV/AIDS may qualify for Medicaid, SSI/SSDI, and state-specific programs. Medicaid eligibility is based on income, assets, and disability status. Kansas uses the federal definition of disability for most programs. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid. Kansas also offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, to save for qualified expenses without losing benefits. Some state programs may have additional requirements, such as residency or participation in a state retirement plan. Always check with KanCare or your local agency for the latest rules [kansasstatetreasurer.ks.gov/able_savings.html, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Kansas offers the ABLE Savings Plan for people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS. You can save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for qualified disability expenses. Savings do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas provides a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025. Open an account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html [kansasstatetreasurer.ks.gov/able_savings.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Kansas Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size. For KanCare, limits are generally at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. ABLE accounts have no income limits, but contributions are capped at $17,000/year (2025) [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Report any changes in income, assets, or health to Social Security and KanCare to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Keep records of all changes and communications. Use the SSI/SSDI reporting portal or contact your local office for help [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Contact your local Social Security office or KanCare for help with applications. Local agencies can also assist with ABLE accounts and employment support.
Yes, HIV/AIDS can qualify for federal and state disability benefits in Kansas if it causes severe limitations in daily activities or work. You must meet SSA criteria or show your condition is equally severe.
Apply for Medicaid through KanCare online or by phone. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you may be automatically enrolled. Eligibility is based on income, assets, and disability status.
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits. The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find jobs and keep benefits. There are work incentives to help you transition to employment.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts in 2025.
Yes, Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) and K-LOAN provide access to assistive technology and low-interest loans for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS.
For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943/month for an individual. Kansas Medicaid limits vary by program and household size, generally at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the latest rules and eligibility.
Report any changes in income, assets, or health to Social Security and KanCare. Overpayments can lead to benefit reductions or repayment demands. Keep records of all changes and communications.
Yes, the Ticket to Work program and local agencies offer employment support for people with disabilities, including those with HIV/AIDS. Contact KANSASWORKS for help.
The KBOR Long Term Disability Plan provides up to 60% of monthly compensation (max $5,000/month) for state employees disabled for more than 180 days. It is automatic for KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan participants.
Open an ABLE account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html if you became disabled before age 26. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts in 2025.
