Approximately 27% of the adult population in Kansas have a disability which is almost at par with the national average. The most common forms of disability reported in the state relate to cognition, independent living, and mobility. Other forms of disability include hearing, vision, and self-care.
These disabilities cost the Sunflower State government nearly $3.4 billion annually in healthcare expenditures and productivity losses.
The state has a program called the Kansas Supported Living Program that provides services and support to eligible individuals with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible in their own homes or apartments.
Other programs that provide financial assistance to disabled residents include the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Our primary focus in this post is SSDI. Read on to find out everything you need to know about Social Security local to Kansas.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Kansas?
You need to remember that Social Security Disability benefits are not the same as workers’ compensation or private disability insurance benefits.
Workers’ compensation is specifically designed to provide income, and medical benefits to employees injured at work or who become ill because of their job.
Private disability insurance is purchased by individuals or through their employers and pays a portion of the individual’s salary if they are unable to work due to an illness or injury.
SSDI, on the other hand, are needs-based. This means the SSA will only provide benefits to those individuals who are unable to work and earn a living because of a disability that is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. The number of work credits you need to earn depends on your age when you become disabled.
Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the ten years immediately preceding your disability. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
In addition to meeting the work credit requirements, you must also have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of a “disability.”
Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last ten years before you became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify for Social Security disability benefits with fewer credits.
To meet the SSA’s definition of a “disability,” your medical condition must be severe enough that it prevents you from doing any “substantial gainful activity” (SGA) and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
“Substantial gainful activity” is defined as work that earns you more than $1,260 per month (or $2,110 if you are blind).
If you can still do your past work or other work despite your medical condition, you will not be considered disabled.
To determine whether you are disabled, the SSA will consider your medical conditions, age, education, past work experience, and other skills you may have that could be used to do other types of work.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Kansas?
You can apply for SSD in Kansas online, over the phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
If you choose to apply online, you can do so by visiting the SSA website and creating an account. Once you have created your online account, you can complete and submit your disability application.
If you would rather apply by phone, you can call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
When you call, you will need to answer some questions so that the SSA can determine whether you are eligible to apply for SSD benefits.
If you are eligible, you will be able to begin the application process over the phone.
If you prefer to apply in person, you can make an appointment with your local Social Security office. You can find your nearest office by visiting the SSA website and using the Social Security Office Locator tool.
When you visit your local office, you will need to bring certain documents with you, including:
- Proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID card)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status (e.g., birth certificate or green card)
- Proof of any military service discharge papers you may have
- A copy of your most recent W-2 form or, if you are self-employed, your federal tax return for the previous year
- Information about your medical condition (e.g., medical records, test results, or a list of your medications)
- The names, addresses, and phone numbers of any doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, or clinics you have seen for your medical condition
- Information about your job (e.g., job duties, how your medical condition affects your ability to do your job)
- Your bank account number if you want direct deposit for your benefits
What Happens After I Apply for SSD Benefits in Kansas?
After submitting your application, the SSA will review your work history to ensure you have worked enough years to qualify for SSD.
The SSA will deny your application if you have not worked enough years. If you have worked enough years, the SSA will send your application to the Disability Determination Services office in Kansas.
The Disability Determination Services is responsible for deciding whether you are eligible for SSD benefits.
A disability examiner will review your medical records and may ask your doctors or other medical professionals for more information about your condition.
The disability examiner may also ask you to undergo a medical examination. Once the disability examiner has all the necessary information, he or she will decide whether you are disabled.
If approved for SSD benefits, you will begin receiving payments within a few months. If you are denied SSD benefits, you can appeal the decision within 60 days.
How Do I Appeal an SSD Claim Denial in Kansas?
If your application for SSD benefits has been denied, you can appeal the decision. You must appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving your denial letter.
You must submit a written request to the SSA to appeal the decision. Your written request must explain why you disagree with the SSA’s decision to deny your claim.
You will then have a hearing in front of an administrative law judge. At the hearing, you will be able to present evidence and arguments as to why you believe you should be approved for SSD benefits.
After the hearing, the administrative law judge will decide on your case. If the judge denies your appeal, you can file a request for review with the Social Security Appeals Council.
If the Appeals Council denies your request for review, you can file a lawsuit in a federal district court. You should consider hiring an attorney to help you with your appeal.
How Much Will I Receive in Social Security Disability Benefits in Kansas?
The amount of your SSD benefit payments will depend on your lifetime earnings. The SSA uses a formula to calculate your benefits.
The SSA will first calculate your average monthly earnings during the years you worked. Then, the SSA will apply a multiplier to that number to calculate your SSD benefit amount.
For example, if your average monthly earnings are $1,000, your SSD benefit amount would be $1,700 per month.
In addition to your regular SSD benefits, you may also be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program that provides additional benefits to low-income individuals who are disabled or blind.
To qualify for SSI, you must have a low income and no assets. If you are approved for SSI, you will receive an additional monthly payment to help cover your basic needs.
The amount of your SSI payment will depend on your income and assets. In 2021, the maximum SSI payment for an individual was $794 per month. If you are married, you and your spouse may each receive up to $1,191 per month.
How Long Will I Receive Social Security Disability Benefits in Kansas?
Your SSD benefits will continue for as long as you remain disabled. However, the SSA periodically reviews your case to ensure you are still eligible for benefits.
The SSA will review your case every three years if your condition is not expected to improve. The SSA will review your case more often if your condition is expected to improve.
If the SSA finds that your condition has improved, your benefits may be reduced or discontinued. If you believe that the SSA made a mistake in its review of your case, you can appeal the decision.
Get Help Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits in Kansas
Applying for SSD benefits can be a complicated and time-consuming process. It is essential to make sure that you complete all of the required forms and submit them on time.
Gathering all necessary medical evidence to support your claim is also essential. An experienced SSD attorney can help you with all aspects of the SSD application and appeals process.
A lawyer can help you gather the necessary evidence and complete the required forms. A lawyer can also represent you in front of an administrative law judge at your hearing.
At Legal Giant, we have helped many people in Kansas apply for SSD benefits. We understand the SSD application and appeals process, and we can help you every step of the way.
To learn more about how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation. We will answer your questions and explain your options.
