People with rheumatoid arthritis in Kansas can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and employment support. These programs help cover medical costs, provide income, and support independence.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For SSDI, you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Rheumatoid arthritis can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. Children with disabilities may also be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s record if the disability began before age 22 [6].
In Kansas, people with rheumatoid arthritis may qualify for state disability programs if they meet federal eligibility and are enrolled in the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) Mandatory Retirement Plan. Long-term disability (LTD) benefits are available through KBOR for those disabled for more than 180 days, providing up to 60% of monthly pay (minimum $100, maximum $5,000) [1].
Kansas also offers Medicaid through KanCare, which covers people with disabilities and includes work incentives like the Working Healthy program. This helps you keep Medicaid coverage while working and earning more [4].
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets people with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility. You can open an account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. New accounts in 2025 get a $100 empowerment grant. ABLE accounts help cover costs like medical care, education, and housing [3].
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. SSDI has no income limit, but substantial earnings (over $1,620/month in 2025) may affect benefits. Medicaid income limits vary by household size and program. ABLE accounts have a $100,000 limit before SSI payments stop, but Medicaid coverage continues [6][3].
If your income or resources change, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn more than allowed or don’t report changes. Report changes promptly to avoid penalties or loss of benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator tool to check how work affects your payments [6].
Contact your local Social Security office or Kansas workforce services for help with applications and documentation. They can guide you through the process and connect you with resources.
Yes, if rheumatoid arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You must meet federal eligibility and provide medical proof. Kansas also offers state programs like KBOR LTD and KanCare Medicaid for eligible residents [6][1][4].
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local Social Security office. You’ll need medical records and proof of income. The process includes forms and possibly a medical exam. Approval depends on how your condition affects your ability to work [6].
The KBOR LTD plan provides up to 60% of monthly pay (min $100, max $5,000) for those disabled over 180 days. It’s automatic for KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan participants. You must be approved for LTD benefits [1].
Yes, Kansas has work incentives like the Ticket to Work program and Working Healthy Medicaid. These let you keep benefits while working, earning more, and maintaining health coverage. Report changes to avoid overpayments [5][4].
An ABLE account lets Kansans with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open one online and get a $100 grant in 2025. It helps cover medical, education, and housing costs [3].
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.
The K-LOAN program offers low-interest loans and savings plans for assistive technology. Contact ATK at (866) 465-2826 or visit k-loan.net for help with acquiring devices for work, learning, or daily living [2].
Working Healthy helps people with disabilities keep Medicaid coverage while working. It lets you earn more and maintain health coverage. This is a medical work incentive for KanCare members in Kansas [4].
Yes, report changes to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. Changes in income, resources, or health can affect your benefits. Use the SSI Income Estimator to check how work impacts your payments [6].
Yes, children under 18 with a qualifying disability may get benefits as a dependent. If the disability began before age 22, adults may continue benefits on a parent’s record. They must be unmarried and meet the disability definition [6].
Yes, the Ticket to Work program offers free career counseling, job placement, and training for Kansans 18-64 on SSDI/SSI. Contact KANSASWORKS or local providers for help finding and keeping a job [5].
