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Kansas • Chronic Illness
If you have kidney disease in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, medical coverage, and financial support. Options include SSI, SSDI, Kansas Medicaid programs (KanCare), and special savings accounts like ABLE. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and steps to protect your benefits if you work.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) due to kidney disease, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial work for at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death), and meet additional technical rules. For SSDI, you generally need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began[7]. SSI is need-based and has strict income and asset limits. Both programs require thorough medical evidence showing that your kidney disease severely limits your ability to work. If you are already receiving dialysis or have had a kidney transplant, Social Security may fast-track your claim under a special category for certain kidney-related conditions. If you plan to return to work, SSI and SSDI include work incentives that allow you to test employment without immediately losing benefits[6].
Kansas uses federal SSI/SSDI rules but also offers additional Medicaid coverage (KanCare) for people with disabilities and low incomes. You may qualify for KanCare if you receive SSI or SSDI, although not all SSDI recipients automatically get Medicaid. KanCare also offers the Working Healthy program, which helps working Kansans with disabilities keep Medicaid even if their income is above standard limits—important for those managing kidney disease who can still work part-time[5]. Kansas Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide in-home and community-based services, but waitlists and specific service availability can vary by region and diagnosis. Kansas also has an ABLE Savings Program, allowing people with kidney disease (and other disabilities) to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4]. The state does not currently offer a specific long-term disability (LTD) benefit program for kidney disease beyond federal and private options.
To apply for SSI or SSDI, start at ssa.gov to file online, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. For KanCare (Kansas Medicaid), apply online at KanCare.ks.gov, by phone, or in person. To use work support programs, contact Kansas Workforce Services or the Ticket to Work provider KANSASWORKS. For ABLE accounts, enroll online at the national ABLE site, then designate the Kansas plan[4][6]. If you are not sure which programs you qualify for, contact your county health department or local Social Security office for help.
Step 1—Apply for SSI/SSDI: Gather medical records, work history, and financial information. Complete your application online at ssa.gov or in person. The process can take several months, especially if your claim needs review by Disability Determination Services (DDS). Step 2—Apply for KanCare: If you need health coverage, apply for KanCare (Kansas Medicaid) at KanCare.ks.gov. You can do this at the same time as your SSI/SSDI application. If you're working and need help keeping Medicaid, apply for the Working Healthy program[5]. Step 3—Connect to Work Supports: Kansas Ticket to Work connects you with free career counseling, job training, and benefits counseling if you want to test returning to work. Contact KANSASWORKS or visit kansascommerce.gov for details[3][6]. Step 4—Consider an ABLE Account: If you want to save for disability-related expenses, enroll in a Kansas ABLE account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. The Kansas State Treasurer’s office offers a $100 grant to new enrollees in 2025[4]. Step 5—Explore Waivers and Assistive Tech: If you need home- or community-based care, ask your KanCare case manager about waiver programs. For assistive technology, contact Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) or use the K-LOAN program for financial help[3].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): A federal, needs-based program for people with disabilities and low incomes, including those with kidney disease. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For those with a work history who have paid into Social Security. Medicare: After 24 months on SSDI, you qualify for Medicare, which covers dialysis and transplants. Ticket to Work: A free federal program that helps people with disabilities return to work without immediately losing benefits[6]. ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for those with disabilities, available to Kansas residents[4].
KanCare (Medicaid): Kansas's Medicaid program covers doctor visits, hospital stays, dialysis, medications, and possibly transportation to medical appointments. Working Healthy: Allows working Kansans with disabilities to keep Medicaid even if their income is above normal limits—helpful for those with kidney disease who can work part-time[5]. HCBS Waivers: Kansas offers Medicaid waivers for home- and community-based services. Coverage and services vary; check with your case manager for details. Kansas ABLE Savings Plan: Kansans with kidney disease (and other disabilities) can save for qualified disability expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4]. State Vocational Rehab: For help with employment, assistive technology, and job skills, contact Kansas Workforce Services or KANSASWORKS[3]. Kansas does not have a unique, state-run disability cash benefit for kidney disease.
Kansas offers ABLE accounts, allowing people with kidney disease and other disabilities to save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility. The Kansas State Treasurer provides a $100 grant for new accounts opened in 2025. ABLE funds can be used for disability-related expenses, from medical bills to housing and transportation[4]. Apply at savewithable.com/ks/home.html.
SSI has strict income and asset limits: $943/month for an individual (2024 federal rate), with some allowances for earned income and resources. SSDI has no strict income limit once approved, but you must have enough work credits. KanCare/Medicaid income limits depend on household size and program. Working Healthy allows higher income but requires monthly premium payments[5].
You must report changes in income, living situation, and health to Social Security and KanCare promptly to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in penalties or benefit loss. Always keep your contact information up to date and respond to all agency requests. For guidance, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Kansans with kidney disease who want to work can connect with free job counseling, training, and assistive technology through Kansas Workforce Services and KANSASWORKS. The K-LOAN program offers low-interest loans for assistive devices.
Open a Kansas ABLE account in 2025 and receive a $100 empowerment grant from the Kansas State Treasurer. ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without harming your SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months. End-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring dialysis or transplant may qualify faster under special medical listings.
Yes, Kansas’s Working Healthy program lets you keep Medicaid even if your income increases. You’ll pay a monthly premium based on your income[5].
ABLE accounts cover qualified disability expenses, such as medical care, housing, transportation, education, and assistive technology. These savings do not affect SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
Apply at KanCare.ks.gov, by phone, or in person. If you already receive SSI, you may be automatically enrolled in KanCare.
Some waiver programs for home- and community-based services have waitlists. Talk to your case manager to learn your options.
Yes. Kansas Ticket to Work (KANSASWORKS) offers free career counseling, job placement, and training for people with disabilities[6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for information only and does not replace official program rules or legal advice. Contact your county or state agency for decisions about your eligibility.
You can appeal the decision. Contact your local Social Security office for help or visit ssa.gov. Legal aid organizations may provide free assistance.
Contact Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) at (866) 465-2826 or k-loan.net for loans and savings programs for assistive devices[3].
No. Kansas does not provide a stand-alone state disability cash benefit for people with kidney disease; SSI/SSDI are the main federal options.
Report changes to both Social Security and KanCare right away. This includes starting or stopping work, changes in income, or changes in your health status.
