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Kansas • Neurodegenerative
Kansans with Huntington’s Disease can access federal and state benefits, including SSI/SSDI, Kansas Medicaid (KanCare), ABLE accounts, and waivers for community-based care. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) with Huntington’s Disease, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability—unable to work due to a medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability onset[6]. SSI is based on financial need and has strict income and asset limits. Huntington’s Disease (or other disabilities) must be medically documented, and the application requires detailed medical evidence from your healthcare team.
For Kansas-specific programs, residents with Huntington’s Disease may access KanCare (Medicaid), which covers medical care, therapies, and—if you qualify—home and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid waivers[5]. The state is working to give participants more choice in service providers and aims for rate parity across waivers by the end of 2026[2]. Kansas also offers the ABLE Savings Plan for qualified disability expenses without affecting eligibility for Medicaid or SSI[4]. For state employees, the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Long Term Disability plan provides income replacement after 180 days of disability[1]. Eligibility for these state programs depends on income, assets, and functional needs assessments.
Start by applying for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov. Gather your medical records, work history, and financial documents. For KanCare (Kansas Medicaid), apply online or contact your local KanCare office. Check if you qualify for a Kansas Medicaid waiver for in-home services. Open a Kansas ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Contact KANSASWORKS for job support resources if you wish to work[3].
Step 1: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 2: Apply for Kansas Medicaid (KanCare)
Step 3: Explore Waiver Programs
Step 4: Open an ABLE Account
Step 5: Seek Additional Support
Step 6: Report Changes and Avoid Overpayments
The two main federal programs for people with Huntington’s Disease are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSI is for low-income individuals with limited assets, while SSDI is for those with sufficient work history. Both require medical proof of disability[6]. The federal Ticket to Work program helps beneficiaries explore employment while keeping benefits[3].
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and—for eligible individuals—home and community-based services through special waivers, which are expanding to offer more participant control[2][5]. The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan allows individuals with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without affecting eligibility for Medicaid or SSI[4]. For state employees, the KBOR Long Term Disability Plan replaces a portion of income after a 180-day waiting period[1]. The Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) program provides loans and grants for adaptive equipment. The state also supports employment readiness through KANSASWORKS and Employment Networks[3].
Kansas offers the ABLE Savings Plan, which allows individuals with disabilities to save up to $100,000 without affecting eligibility for SSI and Medicaid[4]. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like housing, transportation, education, and healthcare. Kansas provides a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts opened in 2025[4].
SSI has strict income and asset limits: in 2025, an individual can earn up to $943/month and have no more than $2,000 in countable resources. Spousal or household income may also be considered. SSDI does not have income limits for eligibility, but higher earnings may affect payments after approval. Medicaid (KanCare) income limits vary by program and eligibility category—check with KanCare for current figures.
Always report changes in income, assets, living situation, or health status to the Social Security Administration and KanCare. Failure to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Kansas Medicaid now treats late eligibility reviews as new applications, so timely reporting is crucial[5]. See our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide for more tips.
Beginning July 1, 2025, late Kansas Medicaid eligibility reviews will be treated as new applications. If you want backdated coverage, you must report prior medical expenses during your review[5].
New state rules (by December 2026) will let people with disabilities have more say in choosing their waiver service providers and managing their care plans, including those with Huntington’s Disease[2].
SSI is for those with low income and few assets; SSDI requires a work history. Both require medical proof that Huntington’s Disease prevents substantial work. SSI has strict limits, while SSDI does not[6].
KanCare covers health care and may pay for home and community-based services through waivers if you qualify. The state is working to give participants more choice in providers and services[2][5].
A waiver lets you get long-term care at home or in the community instead of a nursing home. Eligibility is based on functional needs and income. New Kansas rules will expand your choice of services and providers[2].
Yes. The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts opened in 2025[4].
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) provides loans and grants for devices and equipment. The K-LOAN program offers low-interest loans and financial counseling for assistive technology[3].
Yes. The Ticket to Work program and KANSASWORKS offer free job training and placement services for Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to work[3].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Benefit rules and programs may change. Always confirm details with the official agency or program.
You must report changes promptly. Higher income may reduce your benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to see the effects before you earn more.
If denied, you can request a reconsideration within 60 days, then a hearing if needed. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from a legal aid organization.
State employees may be enrolled in the KBOR Long Term Disability Plan, which pays 60% of your salary after a 180-day waiting period, up to $5,000/month[1].
Contact KanCare for Medicaid, KANSASWORKS for employment, and ATK for assistive technology. See our state benefits hub for more resources.
