SSDI Benefits in Kansas

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial help to people who can't work because of a disability. It's like an insurance policy. When you work, a part of your paycheck goes into this program. If you become disabled and can't work anymore, SSDI can provide you with monthly benefits.

About the Social Security Administration

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the SSDI program, along with Social Security Retirement and Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI).

The SSA is responsible for reviewing applications and making decisions about who qualifies for benefits. The agency also provides education about the program and helps people understand how to apply for benefits.

How to Qualify for SSDI in Kansas

Eligibility for SSDI in Kansas is based on two main criteria. First, you have to have a medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of disability. Second, you need to have enough work credits, which you earn from working and paying into Social Security.

How does the SSA define Disability?

The SSA has a specific definition of disability.

The agency considers you disabled if all of the following are true:

• You can't do the work that you did before
• You can't adjust to other work because of your medical conditions
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death

SSDI benefits are not available for individuals with short-term disabilities.

What are work credits?

Work credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four credits each year. The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age when you become disabled. Most people must have 40 credits.

How to Apply for SSDI in Kansas

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Kansas can be done through several methods. The most convenient method for many people is to apply online through the SSA's official website. This allows you to complete the process from the comfort of your home at any time.

Visit the SSA website to start your online application.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

If you need assistance with the application, you can also apply over the phone or in person at a local SSA office.

To apply over the phone, you can call the SSA's national toll-free number at 800-772-1213.

For in-person applications, there are several SSA offices located throughout Kansas where you can go and get help with your application.

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI in Kansas

When applying for SSDI, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth or baptismal certificate
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of the doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that took care of you
• Names and dosages of the medicines you take
• Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals, clinics, and caseworkers
• Laboratory and test results
• A summary of where you worked and the kind of work you did
• A copy of your most recent W-2 form or federal tax return

Having complete and well-organized documentation can help streamline the application process, and improve your chances of being awarded SSDI benefits.

Appeal Process

If your application for SSDI benefits is denied, you can protest the decision by filing an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: Reconsideration, Hearing by an administrative law judge, Review by the Appeals Council, and Federal Court review.

You have 60 days after you receive the decision to submit an appeal. In most cases, you can request an appeal online.

Do You Need a Disability Lawyer?

When dealing with SSDI applications and appeals, having a disability lawyer can be beneficial. These lawyers understand the system and can guide you through the complex process, improving your chances of a successful outcome. They can help ensure your application is complete and accurate, and they can represent you during an appeal, if necessary.

While you can apply for SSDI on your own, many people find the help of a lawyer to be invaluable during this process. Keep in mind that most disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if your application is successful.

SSI Program in Kansas

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration. It provides financial assistance to folks who really need it. This includes people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability that stops them from working.

In Kansas, you may qualify for SSI if you fall into one of these groups and have limited income and resources:

• Older adults aged 65 and above
• People who are blind
• People who are unable to work because of a disability

Like the SSDI program, you can apply for SSI online, by phone, or at your nearest Social Security office.

Apply for SSI Benefits Online: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html

Apply By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file your SSI application.

Once you qualify for SSI in Kansas, you also become eligible for other helpful programs. For example, you automatically qualify for Medicaid, which can help cover your medical bills. And you may be able to get help with food expenses through the SNAP program.

Kansas - Social Security Disability Office Locations