If you have a mobility impairment in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid waivers, and employment support. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on financial need and disability status. Both programs require medical documentation of your mobility impairment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application and medical records to determine eligibility [^1].
If you are under age 24, you need 1.5 years of work in the past 3 years. Ages 24–31 require work for half the time since age 21. Ages 31 and older need 5 years of work in the past 10 years [^1].
In Kansas, people with mobility impairments may qualify for Medicaid waivers, which provide home and community-based services. To qualify, you must meet both medical and financial criteria set by KanCare. The state also offers employment support through the Ticket to Work program and workforce services. Kansas residents with mobility impairments may also be eligible for the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN) for assistive devices. Some state employees receive long-term disability benefits through the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan, which pays up to 60% of monthly compensation, with a maximum of $5,000 per month [^2].
Kansas is working to improve flexibility and choice in waiver programs for individuals with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments, by increasing provider options and aiming for rate parity across waiver programs [^3].
Kansas ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like Medicaid. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are also tax-free. To open an ABLE account, visit the Kansas ABLE website or call 1-800-593-8639 [^8].
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple in 2025. For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and program. KanCare uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility. For most Medicaid programs, individuals must have income below 138% of the federal poverty level. For ABLE accounts, there is no income limit, but contributions are capped at $18,000 per year [^8].
It is important to report changes in income, employment, or medical status to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to Social Security, KanCare, and other benefit programs as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person [^7].
Contact your local Social Security office or KanCare for help with applications. KANSASWORKS can assist with employment support.
People with mobility impairments in Kansas can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both programs provide monthly payments based on disability and work history or financial need. Medicaid and Medicare may also be available [^1].
To apply for Medicaid waivers in Kansas, contact KanCare. You can apply online, by phone, or in person. KanCare will review your medical and financial eligibility for home and community-based services [^4].
The Ticket to Work program helps people with disabilities find and keep jobs. It is free and voluntary, and it provides career development services. KANSASWORKS is an approved Employment Network in Kansas [^5].
Yes, the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN) offers low-interest loans and savings programs for assistive technology for people with disabilities and their families [^6].
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. Income limits for Medicaid vary based on household size and program [^8].
Report changes in income, employment, or medical status to Social Security, KanCare, and other benefit programs as soon as possible. You can report changes online, by phone, or in person [^7].
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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An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year, and the account grows tax-free [^8].
Yes, Kansas offers Medicaid waivers, the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN), and long-term disability benefits for eligible state employees. Employment support is also available through KANSASWORKS and Ticket to Work [^2][^6].
The approval process for disability benefits can take several months. Social Security reviews your application and medical records. KanCare reviews Medicaid waiver applications based on medical and financial eligibility [^1][^4].
Yes, there are work incentives for people with disabilities. The Ticket to Work program and other services help you find and keep jobs while receiving benefits. Some programs allow you to earn income without losing benefits [^5].
