People in Kansas with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) can access federal and state disability benefits, including Social Security, Medicaid, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources for TBI support in Kansas.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with a traumatic brain injury, you must have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs covered by Social Security. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be limited. Both programs require medical proof of your disability. The Social Security Administration reviews your medical records and work history to decide eligibility [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
In Kansas, people with traumatic brain injury may qualify for Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, and state-specific programs. To get Medicaid, you must meet income and disability requirements. Kansas also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with long-term care and support. The Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) LTD plan provides long-term disability benefits for eligible employees, including 60% of monthly pay after 180 days of disability. State programs may have additional eligibility rules, so check with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment or KanCare for details [kansascommerce.gov/program/workforce-services/disability-resources/, accessed 2025-11-05; humanresources.ku.edu/kbor-ltd-plan, accessed 2025-11-05].
The Kansas ABLE Savings Plan lets people with disabilities save for qualified disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. You can open an account online at savewithable.com/ks/home.html. Kansas offers a $100 empowerment grant for new accounts opened in 2025. ABLE accounts have annual and lifetime contribution limits, but funds can be used for a wide range of expenses related to your disability [kansasstatetreasurer.ks.gov/able_savings.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
Federal SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. Kansas Medicaid and KanCare have their own income and asset rules, which may be higher. Work incentives like Working Healthy can help people with disabilities earn more while keeping Medicaid coverage [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
If your income, resources, or living situation changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments and loss of benefits. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office to report changes. For Medicaid, report changes through the Kansas Department for Children and Families [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Contact your local Social Security office or the Kansas Department for Children and Families for help with applications. Local agencies can also help with assistive technology and employment support.
You may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your TBI prevents work for 12+ months. You can also get Medicaid for health coverage. Both programs require medical proof and have specific eligibility rules [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
Apply for Medicaid or KanCare through the Kansas Department for Children and Families. You can apply online or by phone. You’ll need to provide proof of disability and income. Medicaid can help with medical costs and long-term care for people with TBI [kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
An ABLE account lets Kansans with disabilities save for qualified expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid. You can open an account online and use funds for things like medical care, education, and housing. Kansas offers a $100 grant for new accounts in 2025 [kansasstatetreasurer.ks.gov/able_savings.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
Yes, Kansas has work incentives like Working Healthy, which lets people with disabilities keep Medicaid while working. Social Security also has work incentives to help you earn more without losing benefits. Report any changes to avoid overpayments [kansascare.ks.gov/members/benefits-services/working-healthy, accessed 2025-11-05; ssa.gov/benefits/disability/work-incentives, accessed 2025-11-05].
The KBOR LTD plan provides 60% of monthly pay (min $100, max $5000) for employees disabled over 180 days. It’s for participants in the KBOR Mandatory Retirement Plan. You are automatically enrolled when you join the plan [humanresources.ku.edu/kbor-ltd-plan, accessed 2025-11-05].
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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K-LOAN is a consumer-run program that offers low-interest loans for assistive technology. ATK connects people with disabilities to assistive technology resources. Contact K-LOAN or ATK for help getting the tools you need [kansascommerce.gov/program/workforce-services/disability-resources/, accessed 2025-11-05].
Medicaid waivers in Kansas provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities, including those with TBI. These waivers can help with long-term care, support services, and more. Apply through the Kansas Department for Children and Families [kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Report changes in income, resources, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Use the SSA online portal or call your local office. For Medicaid, report changes through the Kansas Department for Children and Families to avoid overpayments [ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05; kansascare.ks.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
Yes, KANSASWORKS is an Employment Network that helps people with disabilities find jobs and get support. The Ticket to Work program also offers free career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries [kansascommerce.gov/program/workforce-services/disability-resources/, accessed 2025-11-05; choosework.ssa.gov, accessed 2025-11-05].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is for those with enough work credits. Both provide monthly payments for people with disabilities. SSI has strict income limits, while SSDI is based on work history [ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05].
