People with intellectual disabilities in Kansas can access federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key 2025 updates.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. For SSDI, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. SSI is for those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a formal disability determination by the Social Security Administration (SSA) [^1].
The SSA uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. This includes reviewing your ability to do past work, other work, and medical evidence [^1].
In Kansas, people with intellectual disabilities may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services (HCBS). To be eligible, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by KanCare. The state also offers the ABLE Savings Program, which allows eligible individuals to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Enrollment in ABLE is open to those who became disabled before age 26 and meet SSA criteria [^4].
Kansas partners with local agencies to provide employment support, assistive technology, and financial counseling for people with disabilities [^3].
The Kansas ABLE Savings Program lets eligible individuals save for qualified disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can open an account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025 [^4].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Kansas does not have a state supplement. The SGA limit for SSDI is expected to increase slightly in 2025, reflecting inflation [^1].
You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the SSA to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSA's online portal or contact your local office for reporting [^1].
In 2025, Social Security disability benefits will increase by 2.5% due to COLA. The SGA limit for SSDI is expected to rise slightly, allowing beneficiaries to earn more before benefits are affected [^5].
Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts opened in 2025. This helps Kansans with disabilities save for their future without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility [^2].
To qualify for SSI in Kansas, you must have limited income and resources, be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and meet SSA's disability criteria. The federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025 [^1].
Contact KanCare or your local Department for Children and Families office. You will need to complete a functional assessment and financial review to determine eligibility for home and community-based services [^3].
The ABLE Savings Program allows eligible individuals with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025 [^4].
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is expected to increase slightly, reflecting inflation. For 2024, it was $1,470/month for non-blind individuals. Check ssa.gov for the latest update [^1].
Contact K-LOAN at (866) 465-2826 or visit k-loan.net. K-LOAN provides low-interest loans and financial counseling for assistive technology purchases [^3].
The Ticket to Work program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18–64. KANSASWORKS is an approved Employment Network in Kansas [^3].
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 COLA increase for Social Security disability benefits in 2025 is 2.5%. This adjustment helps benefits keep pace with rising living costs [^1].
Yes, you can work while receiving SSI or SSDI, but your earnings must not exceed the SGA limit. The Ticket to Work program can help you progress toward financial independence [^3].
Failure to report changes in income, resources, or living situation can result in overpayments, penalties, or loss of benefits. Always report changes to the SSA [^1].
You can open an ABLE account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. You will need proof of disability and your Social Security number [^4].
