Where to Start: The Social Security Administration, Not the State

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not by Kansas. You file with SSA, not with the Kansas Department of Labor or any state agency. Kansas has no separate state disability program that runs parallel to SSDI, so there is only one route: the federal one.

You can file in three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. The online option is fastest if you have a my Social Security account already set up. If you file by phone or in person, SSA will schedule you for a follow-up appointment to submit medical records and work history.

Kansas residents do not need to travel to a federal office in another state. The SSA maintains field offices in Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, and several smaller cities. You can find the office nearest you on ssa.gov by entering your ZIP code.

Key Takeaways

  • You file for SSDI with the Social Security Administration (federal), not with Kansas state government, using ssa.gov, phone, or your local SSA office.
  • You must have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned enough Social Security credits; most people need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
  • Your medical condition must be documented by a doctor or other medical provider and must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.
  • The SSA will request your medical records directly from your providers; you do not need to collect them yourself, though providing a list of doctors speeds the process.
  • The decision typically takes three to six months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge.

Work Credits: The Earnings Requirement You Must Meet

SSDI is not a needs-based program. You do not have to be poor to receive it. Instead, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to have earned Social Security credits. Most people need 40 credits total, with at least 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years before you became disabled.

You earn one credit for every $1,730 of wages you report to Social Security in 2024 (this amount changes yearly). You can earn a maximum of four credits per year. So if you worked full-time at any wage above minimum wage, you likely earned four credits per year. If you worked part-time or seasonally, you may have earned fewer.

When you file, SSA will pull your earnings record automatically. If you have not worked enough to meet the credit requirement, SSA will deny your claim. There is no exception to this rule in Kansas or anywhere else. If you are close to the requirement, you may want to wait a few months to file if you are still working, so you can earn additional credits.

Medical Evidence: What Doctors' Records You Need

Your disability must be documented by a licensed medical provider—a doctor, psychiatrist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. SSA will not accept records from a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or unlicensed provider as your primary evidence. The medical records must show that your condition prevents you from doing any work for at least 12 months, or that it is expected to result in death.

You do not have to collect the records yourself. When you file, you will provide SSA with the names and addresses of your doctors and hospitals. SSA will request the records directly from those providers. However, the process moves faster if you give SSA a complete list of every provider you have seen in the past three to five years, including dates of visits and the condition treated.

If you have not seen a doctor recently, you should do so before filing. SSA needs current medical evidence—records from the past 90 days are most useful. If your last visit was more than a year ago, SSA may schedule you for a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they choose and pay for. This adds time to the decision.

The process Form and What Information to Gather

The official form is the process for Disability Insurance Benefits (Form SSA-16). If you file online, you will answer the same questions in a web form instead of on paper. Either way, you will need to provide:

  • Your Social Security number and date of birth
  • Your work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, and dates
  • Names and addresses of all doctors, hospitals, and mental health providers you have seen
  • Dates of your medical visits and what was treated
  • A list of current medications
  • Your education level and any vocational training
  • Information about any workers' compensation or other disability benefits you have received

Gather this information before you file, especially the medical provider list. Having it ready will speed up the online or phone filing process. If you file in person at a Kansas SSA office, bring a photo ID and your Social Security card.

Timeline: How Long the Decision Takes

Initial decisions typically take three to six months from the date you file. SSA processes claims in the order they are received. If your medical evidence is clear and complete, the decision may come faster. If SSA needs to request additional records or schedule a consultative examination, it will take longer.

You can check the status of your claim online through my Social Security, or by calling 1-800-772-1213. SSA will mail you a decision letter when a information is made. The letter will explain whether you were approved or denied, and if denied, what you can do next.

Do not wait for a decision before seeking other help. If you are struggling financially while your claim is pending, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income and resources are low enough. SSI is a separate program with different rules. You can file for both SSDI and SSI at the same time.

If Your Claim Is Denied: Reconsideration and Appeals

About 65 to 70 percent of initial SSDI claims are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI—it means SSA did not find enough medical evidence that your condition meets their definition of disability at that moment. You have the right to challenge the decision.

Your first step is to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. A different SSA examiner will review your claim and any new medical evidence you provide. This is your chance to submit additional doctor's records, test results, or a letter from your provider explaining why you cannot work.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This hearing is held by video or phone in most cases; you do not have to travel to a federal courthouse. Many people who were denied twice are approved at the hearing stage, especially if they have a lawyer or representative present. You can find a disability advocate or lawyer through the Kansas Disability Rights Center or through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR).

Work Incentives and Continuing Benefits After Approval

If you are approved for SSDI, you will receive a monthly payment. The amount depends on your lifetime earnings record, not on how disabled you are or how much money you need. After you have received SSDI for 24 months, you become may be able to access for Medicare, even if you are under 65.

SSDI has built-in work incentives that allow you to test your ability to work without when ready losing your benefits. The Trial Work Period lets you earn any amount of money for nine months without affecting your SSDI payment. After the trial work period ends, SSA will measure your earnings against the current substantial gainful activity (SGA) level—in 2024, that is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals. If you earn more than that, your benefits will stop, but you can restart them if your earnings drop again.

You must report your work and earnings to SSA. Failing to report can result in overpayments that you will have to repay. If you return to work, contact your local SSA office or call 1-800-772-1213 to discuss which work incentives make sense for your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SSDI if I have never worked?

No. SSDI requires you to have earned enough Social Security credits through paid work. If you have never worked, you may be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead, which is a needs-based program. SSI has no work history requirement, but it has strict income and resource limits. You can file for SSI at the same time you file for SSDI.

Do I need a lawyer to file for SSDI in Kansas?

No. You can file on your own at no cost. However, a lawyer or accredited representative can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and navigate the appeals process if you are denied. If you win your case, the lawyer's fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200. Many lawyers work on contingency and charge nothing upfront.

What happens to my SSDI if I move out of Kansas?

Your SSDI follows you. SSDI is a federal benefit, so it does not change if you move to another state. You will continue to receive the same monthly payment. You should notify SSA of your address change so they can mail your payment and any notices to the correct location.

Can I file for SSDI while I am still working?

Yes. You can file while you are working, and SSA will evaluate whether your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work. However, if you are earning more than the SGA level ($1,550 per month in 2024), SSA will likely deny your claim on the grounds that you are able to work. If you are working part-time or at low wages, filing may still make sense.

How much will I receive in SSDI payments?

The amount varies based on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but payments range from a few hundred dollars to over $3,800 per month. SSA will tell you the estimated payment amount when you file. You can also see an estimate on your my Social Security account.