If you have Muscular Dystrophy in Kansas, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key Kansas-specific programs—helping you access financial support, healthcare, and independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with Muscular Dystrophy, you typically need a condition that severely limits your ability to work and is expected to last at least one year or result in death. SSDI requires sufficient work credits based on your age, while SSI is based on financial need, regardless of work history[7]. In 2025, SSDI payments will increase by 2.5% due to the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA)[1]. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which caps earnings for SSDI recipients, is also expected to rise slightly to keep pace with inflation[1]. Both SSI and SSDI have strict medical and financial criteria—review the latest requirements on ssa.gov before applying[7].
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) provides health coverage for low-income individuals with disabilities, including Muscular Dystrophy. The state’s Working Healthy program helps people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working and earning income[5]. Kansas ABLE accounts allow residents with disabilities to save for qualified expenses without losing Medicaid or SSI eligibility[4]. State resources like Ticket to Work offer free employment services for SSDI/SSI recipients ages 18–64 who want to work[3][6]. The Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program can help you buy adaptive equipment for home, work, or school—contact Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) at 866-465-2826 for details[3]. State-specific information is limited; start here: KanCare working healthy page and Kansas Commerce Disability Resources[3][5].
Start by visiting ssa.gov to apply for SSI or SSDI online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office—have your medical records, work history, and financial information ready. To apply for Kansas Medicaid, visit KanCare.ks.gov and choose the program that fits your situation. For Working Healthy, check your eligibility and apply on the KanCare website[5]. ABLE account enrollment is simple—sign up at savewithable.com/ks/home.html[4]. For assistive technology, contact ATK by phone or visit k-loan.net[3].
To apply for SSI or SSDI, gather medical documentation proving your Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work. Complete the online application at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. If you are denied, you can appeal—help is available at your local Social Security office.
For Kansas Medicaid, visit KanCare.ks.gov to see if you qualify for standard Medicaid or a waiver program (HCBS). The Working Healthy program is for people with disabilities who want to work and keep Medicaid—apply directly through the KanCare site[5].
To open a Kansas ABLE account, visit savewithable.com/ks/home.html, provide your disability documentation, and follow the prompts[4]. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts in 2025[4].
For help finding work, use the Ticket to Work program—connect with Employment Networks like KANSASWORKS online or by phone[3][6]. For assistive technology loans, visit k-loan.net or call ATK at 866-465-2826[3].
Report any changes in income or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid promptly to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits—see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for tips.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to you if you’ve worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 and older[7]. Both programs help support people with severe disabilities like Muscular Dystrophy by providing a monthly income and, for SSI, eligibility for state Medicaid. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is needs-based—see our SSI vs SSDI guide for more.
Medicare provides health insurance to people on SSDI after a 24-month waiting period. The Ticket to Work program helps SSI/SSDI recipients ages 18–64 explore employment while protecting benefits[6].
ABLE accounts are national programs (but state-run) that allow people with disabilities to save money tax-free for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[4].
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) covers eligible residents with disabilities, including those with Muscular Dystrophy. The Working Healthy program is a state-federal partnership that lets Kansans with disabilities work and earn more while keeping Medicaid coverage[5]. In 2025, expect changes to eligibility reviews for this program[5].
Kansas ABLE accounts are available for residents with disabilities—you can save up to the federal ABLE limit and still keep SSI and Medicaid[4]. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts in 2025[4].
The Ticket to Work program connects Kansans with disabilities to free career counseling, job placement, and training—apply online through Kansas Commerce or visit the federal Ticket to Work portal[3][6].
Kansas also participates in the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN), which provides low-interest loans and savings programs for assistive technology—contact Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) for details[3]. State-specific information is limited; for more, visit Kansas Commerce or KanCare.
Kansas ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses—like housing, education, and assistive technology—without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In 2025, Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new ABLE accounts. You can open an account and manage funds online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html[4].
SSI and SSDI have strict income and asset limits—changes in income must be reported promptly to avoid overpayments. SSDI recipients can earn up to the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which increases with inflation each year[1]. In 2024, non-blind individuals could earn up to $1,470 per month, and blind individuals up to $2,460; expect a similar increase in 2025[1]. Kansas Medicaid and Working Healthy also have income limits and reporting requirements—review your income status with the KanCare portal and update your information as needed[5].
You must report any changes in income, assets, or living situation to Social Security and Kansas Medicaid to prevent overpayments and benefit suspensions. Failing to report changes can result in reduced benefits or repayment requests. For help understanding what and how to report, visit our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide and contact your local Social Security office.
SSDI benefits will increase by 2.5% in 2025 due to the annual COLA adjustment. This change helps keep payments in line with inflation and rising living costs. Always check your latest Social Security statement for your personalized payment details[1].
If you open a Kansas ABLE account in 2025, you may be eligible for a $100 grant to get started. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[4].
Yes, the Kansas Working Healthy program lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working—you can earn more and still qualify for health benefits[5]. Always report income changes to Medicaid.
Payment amounts depend on your work history and earnings, not your diagnosis. In 2025, SSDI payments increase by 2.5% due to the COLA[1]. Check your Social Security statement for your estimated monthly payment.
Go to savewithable.com/ks/home.html, confirm your disability eligibility, and follow the steps to open your account. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025[4].
Yes, the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN) provides low-interest loans and savings plans for adaptive equipment. Contact ATK at 866-465-2826 or visit k-loan.net for details[3].
Ticket to Work offers free career counseling, job placement, and training for SSI/SSDI recipients ages 18–64. It helps you explore work without immediately losing benefits[3][6].
Earnings over the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit may affect your SSDI benefits. The SGA limit increases each year—be sure to report all earnings to Social Security for accurate benefit adjustments[1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
You do not need an attorney to apply, but many people use legal help or advocates if their claim is denied. The application process asks for detailed medical and work history—prepare your materials carefully.
Yes, Employment Networks like KANSASWORKS help connect you with local employers and job training—visit Kansas Commerce for details[3].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for a full comparison.
If your SSI or SSDI claim is denied, follow the appeal instructions in your denial letter. You can request a reconsideration, hearing, or further review. Local Social Security offices can help you understand the process.
