Living with low vision in Kansas gives you access to a mix of federal and state disability benefits. Options include Social Security programs (SSI/SSDI), Kansas Medicaid (KanCare), assistive technology supports, and ABLE savings accounts. Find out how to apply, maintain benefits while working, and connect to local resources for Kansans with low vision.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition (such as low vision) expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, which prevents you from working at “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) levels. SSI is based on your financial resources, while SSDI requires sufficient work credits. Medical documentation from an eye specialist is critical for approval. Children may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if their family meets income thresholds and disability criteria, and adults with disabilities that began before age 22 may be eligible for SSDI as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) on a parent’s record if their parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[5]. In 2025, SGA for adults is $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind).
State-specific information is limited; start here: Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) eligibility includes income and asset limits, and some waivers may offer additional supports. Kansas does not have a unique disability program specifically for low vision, but the Kansas ABLE Savings Plan allows those who became disabled before age 26 to save without losing SSI or Medicaid. Other Kansas resources include assistive technology loans and employment supports through KANSASWORKS and the Kansas Assistive Technology Program. For work or school accommodations, contact your local Workforce Development Center[2]. For state employees, the KBOR Long Term Disability plan covers eligible workers after 180 days of disability[1].
Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For Kansas Medicaid, apply at KanCare.ks.gov. Set up a Kansas ABLE account at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Contact local Employment Networks or use Assistive Technology for Kansas for device loans and financial counseling. For state employee benefits, your HR office will guide you if you qualify[1][2][3].
Social Security Disability Benefits: SSI provides cash to low-income people with disabilities, and SSDI pays monthly benefits to those who’ve worked enough. Both can help with low vision, and both can lead to Medicare or Medicaid coverage. The federal Ticket to Work program offers employment support and work incentives to help you keep benefits while working[2].
Medicare and Medicaid: If you qualify for SSDI or SSI, you may automatically get Kansas Medicaid (KanCare), which covers eye exams, low vision devices, and some therapies. Medicare is available after a 24-month SSDI waiting period and covers some vision-related services for low vision.
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare): Covers medical and some low vision needs if you meet financial criteria. Kansas does not have a special Medicaid waiver for low vision but does have HCBS waivers for other disability types—ask your case manager if you might qualify.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK): Helps Kansans of all ages with low vision to get devices and technology they need for daily life, school, and work. ATK runs a low-interest loan and savings program for assistive tech[2].
ABLE Savings Plan: Kansas offers a state-sponsored ABLE account, letting people with disabilities—including low vision—save up for qualifying expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid[3].
Employment and Training: KANSASWORKS, under Kansas Commerce, helps jobseekers with disabilities connect to training, job placement, and assistive devices[2].
KBOR Long Term Disability: For Kansas state employees participating in the Kansas Board of Regents Mandatory Retirement Plan, LTD coverage may be available after six months of disability[1].
Kansas ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without risking SSI or Medicaid. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26. In 2025, Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts. Funds can be used for housing, transportation, assistive technology, education, health care, and more[3].
SSI has strict income and asset limits (in 2025, $943/month individual, $1,415/couple—plus Kansas Medicaid follows similar rules). SSDI does not have income limits but does limit earnings (SGA: $1,620/month in 2025). ABLE account savings up to $100,000 do not count toward SSI’s asset limit.
You must report changes in your income, living situation, and resources to Social Security and KanCare promptly. Failure to report may lead to overpayments, which you’ll have to pay back. If you receive SSI, report changes, including earning income, moving, or changes in household composition, right away. For guidance, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Kansans with low vision can apply for low-interest loans or grants to pay for assistive devices like magnifiers, screen readers, and Braille displays. Contact Assistive Technology for Kansas at 1-866-465-2826 for help finding, funding, and learning to use these tools in your daily life—for work, school, and home.
If you open a new Kansas ABLE account in 2025, you may be eligible for a $100 empowerment grant. ABLE accounts are a key way to save for disability expenses without losing your Medicaid or SSI benefits—learn more at savewithable.com/ks/home.html.
KANSASWORKS is the place to start if you have low vision and want help finding a job, getting workplace accommodations, or returning to work while keeping your benefits. Their Employment Networks and Disability Resources team can connect you to local training and career services.
Yes, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI even if you work, if your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025). SSI has income and asset limits, while SSDI’s main limit is the SGA cap. Work incentives and Ticket to Work can help you keep some benefits while working.
No, Kansas does not have a Medicaid waiver specifically for low vision. It offers other Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for different disabilities. Medicaid (KanCare) may cover some vision-related care if you meet general eligibility criteria.
ABLE accounts let you save tax-free for disability expenses—like assistive devices, transportation, and housing—without losing SSI or Medicaid. In 2025, Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts. Funds can be used for eligible expenses.
Contact Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) at 1-866-465-2826 or online at k-loan.net. They offer loans, grants, and financial planning for assistive devices.
State employees in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan may qualify for long term disability after 180 days. Check with your HR office for details about enrollment and benefit amounts, which are typically 60% of your monthly pay up to $5,000/month.
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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Yes, you can attend college and receive benefits if you meet all other eligibility rules. Work-study programs have special provisions under SSI and Medicaid. Always report changes in school enrollment or income.
Apply online at KanCare.ks.gov. You’ll need proof of income, identification, and details about your disability. If you need help, contact your local Department for Aging and Disability Services.
KanCare may cover some low vision devices and exams. Coverage varies by plan, so check your specific Medicaid benefits or call your managed care organization for details.
Ticket to Work connects you to free job training, placement, and support. You can use it while keeping your SSI or SSDI benefits as you transition to work.
KANSASWORKS, part of Kansas Commerce, helps Kansans with disabilities find jobs, training, and accommodations. Contact your local Workforce Development Center for more information.
