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Kansas • Neurological/Developmental
Kansas offers a range of disability benefits for people with Tourette Syndrome, including federal programs like SSI and SSDI, Medicaid options, ABLE savings accounts, and job supports. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key state-specific programs, with step-by-step action items and trusted resources.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked long enough and recently enough (usually 40 credits, 20 in the last 10 years) and have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death[6]. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), income and asset limits apply. Tourette Syndrome can qualify if symptoms prevent substantial work. Children under 18 may receive SSI if their symptoms are severe and family income/assets are limited, or as a Disabled Adult Child (DAC) on a parent's record if disability began before age 22[6].
Kansas follows federal guidelines for SSI/SSDI but also offers Medicaid (KanCare) under the state Working Healthy program for people with disabilities who work[4]. Kansas Ticket to Work supports beneficiaries ages 18–64 who want to return to work[5]. The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan empowers people with disabilities to save without losing SSI/Medicaid eligibility[3]. State-specific benefits generally extend to Kansans who meet federal disability standards, though some programs have their own work, income, or medical eligibility rules.
Start with the Social Security Administration (SSA) for SSI or SSDI—apply online, by phone, or in person at a local SSA office. For Medicaid (KanCare), apply online through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Connect with the Kansas Department of Commerce for job supports and Ticket to Work[5]. Open a Kansas ABLE account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html[3].
SSI/SSDI Application:
Kansas Medicaid (KanCare):
Kansas Ticket to Work:
Kansas ABLE Savings Plan:
Assistive Technology & Financial Help:
Ongoing Reporting:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly cash benefits if you have a work history and a qualifying disability. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) offers cash assistance based on financial need and disability. Both define disability as a medically determinable impairment (like severe Tourette Syndrome) expected to last 12+ months or result in death, preventing substantial gainful activity (SGA)[6]. Children with severe Tourette Syndrome may qualify for SSI if family income/assets are low, or as Disabled Adult Children (DAC) if their disability began before age 22 and a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased[6].
KanCare (Kansas Medicaid): Covers health services for eligible low-income Kansans, including those with disabilities. The Working Healthy program lets people with disabilities who work keep Medicaid even if their income is above usual limits[4]. Kansas ABLE Savings Plan allows savings up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility, and offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025[3]. Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) and K-LOAN help people with disabilities access and finance assistive devices[2]. Kansas Ticket to Work provides free job counseling, training, and placement for SSI/SSDI recipients ages 18–64[5]. The Kansas Board of Regents Long Term Disability Plan is available for certain public employees, offering income replacement up to $5,000/month after a 180-day waiting period[1].
Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets people with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid eligibility[3]. You can open an account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas residents opening a new ABLE account in 2025 may receive a $100 empowerment grant[3].
SSI has strict income and asset rules—individuals generally must have less than $2,000 in countable resources and limited income. For SSDI, income limits only apply if you are working; in 2025, earning over $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) is considered substantial gainful activity and may affect eligibility[6]. Medicaid income limits vary by program and household size.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or health to SSA and KanCare right away to avoid overpayments. If you get too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. For help, see our internal guide on avoiding overpayments and reporting changes.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) and K-LOAN help you get devices that support work, school, or daily life. Call 866-465-2826 or visit k-loan.net for financial help.
Yes. The SSI & SSDI Work Incentives and Kansas Ticket to Work program help you return to work without losing all benefits immediately. There are earnings limits—if you earn over $1,620/month (2025), SSDI may stop, but SSI has lower limits and phases out more quickly. Medicaid can continue through Working Healthy[4][5][6].
Apply online at KanCare.ks.gov. If you work and need to keep Medicaid, check the Working Healthy program. Gather proof of income, disability, and Kansas residency before applying[4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025[3]. See our ABLE guide for details.
You can appeal. The process starts with reconsideration, then a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. Consider contacting Kansas Legal Services or a disability attorney for help.
Assistive Technology for Kansas (ATK) and the Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program (K-LOAN) offer loans, savings plans, and grants for devices that help with daily tasks or work[2].
No. To qualify for SSI/SSDI or Medicaid, your Tourette Syndrome must significantly limit your ability to work or perform daily activities, and be expected to last at least 12 months. Not every case qualifies[6].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. For official determinations, contact the relevant agency directly.
It is a free federal program for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries ages 18–64 who want to return to work. It offers job counseling, training, and placement, and helps protect your benefits as you transition to work[2][5].
Children with severe Tourette Syndrome may get SSI if family income is low. If the disability began before age 22 and a parent gets Social Security, they may qualify for Disabled Adult Child benefits at age 18+[6].
Working Healthy lets people with disabilities who work earn more and still keep Medicaid coverage. It has higher income limits than regular Medicaid[4].
Start with the Kansas Department of Commerce for job supports, KanCare for Medicaid, and Assistive Technology for Kansas for devices. See our contact blocks for phone numbers and websites.
