Where to Start: The Social Security Administration, Not the State
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), not by Kansas. You file with SSA, not with the state of Kansas, even though you live here. Kansas does not run its own disability program or process your claim — SSA does all of that from its regional offices and processing centers.
You have three ways to file: 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. If you do not have one, you can create it at ssa.gov before you file, which takes about 10 minutes.
Kansas has Social Security field offices in Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, and several smaller cities. You can find the one nearest you on ssa.gov by entering your zip code. Walk-in hours vary by location, but most offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- File with the Social Security Administration (SSA) online, by phone, or at your local Kansas Social Security office — not with the state of Kansas.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and how it limits your work.
- The SSA takes 3 to 6 months to make an initial decision, and most first claims are denied; you can request reconsideration or a hearing if yours is.
- If you are working, report your earnings to SSA when ready, because work activity can affect your benefits or your claim.
- Kansas has no state-specific disability programs that replace or supplement federal SSDI or SSI, so your only path is through SSA.
What Documents You Need Before You File
Gather these documents before you contact SSA. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will have to make a second trip or phone call.
Identity and citizenship: Your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring the document that shows your immigration status.
Medical records: This is the most important part. Bring records from every doctor, hospital, mental health provider, or specialist who has treated you for the condition that keeps you from working. Include test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, and medication lists. If you have not seen a doctor recently, SSA will send you to one at no cost to you, but having your own records speeds things up.
Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, what you did, and how much you earned. You do not need pay stubs, but having them helps. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.
Filing Online, by Phone, or In Person
Online filing is the fastest route if you have internet access and a my Social Security account. Go to ssa.gov, sign in, and look for "File for Retirement, Family, or Disability Benefits." The form takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will answer questions about your medical condition, work history, and living situation. SSA will tell you right away whether you can file online or whether you need to call or visit an office. You will get a confirmation number and a date when SSA will contact you next.
Phone filing takes about 30 minutes. Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Kansas time. Have your documents nearby. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will tell you what happens next. You will receive a confirmation letter in the mail within two weeks.
In-person filing at your local Social Security office takes longer because of wait times, but some people prefer it. Bring all your documents. The office staff will help you fill out the form and answer questions on the spot. You will leave with a receipt showing the date you filed.
What Happens After You File
After you file, SSA sends your claim to the Kansas Disability information Services (DDS) office in Topeka. This is a state agency that works under contract with SSA to review medical evidence and decide whether you meet SSA's definition of disability. You do not contact DDS directly — SSA manages the case.
DDS will request medical records from your doctors. This can take 2 to 4 weeks. If your doctors do not respond quickly, DDS may send you to a consultative examination (CE) — a free medical exam paid for by SSA. This is normal and does not mean your claim is in trouble. The doctor will write a report that goes into your file.
The entire process from filing to a decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. SSA will contact you by mail or phone when a decision is made. If you are approved, you will receive a notice showing your benefit amount and when payments start. If you are denied, you will receive a detailed explanation of why.
If Your Claim Is Denied
Most first claims for SSDI or SSI are denied. This does not mean you cannot receive benefits — it means you can ask SSA to review the decision. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration.
Reconsideration is a free second review by a different SSA examiner. You can submit new medical evidence, updated work history, or a written statement explaining why you believe you are disabled. This takes another 2 to 4 months. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing.
A hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) is your chance to present your case in person or by phone. You can bring a representative — a lawyer, advocate, or family member. Many people win at the hearing stage. Hearings take 2 to 6 months to schedule, depending on the backlog in your area. If you lose the hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court, but these steps are rare and usually require a lawyer.
Work and Earnings While Your Claim Is Pending
If you are working while your claim is being decided, tell SSA when ready. Work activity can affect whether you are found disabled. SSA looks at whether you are earning more than the "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) limit, which changes each year. For 2024, the limit is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, SSA may find you are not disabled.
Even if you earn less than the SGA limit, SSA will consider what kind of work you are doing, how many hours you work, and whether the work shows you can do substantial work. Report all earnings, including self-employment income, tips, and bonuses. Do not wait for SSA to ask — call or log into your my Social Security account and report it yourself.
If you are approved for SSDI, you have a nine-month trial work period during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, SSA counts your earnings against your benefit amount. If you are approved for SSI, your benefit is reduced by one dollar for every two dollars you earn above $65 per month, so work can still reduce your payment.
Kansas-Specific Resources and Support
Kansas does not have a state disability program that runs parallel to SSDI or SSI, but the state does fund programs that can help you while your claim is pending or after you are approved.
Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) runs the Medicaid program and can help you understand whether you may be covered while you wait for an SSA decision. If you are approved for SSI, you are automatically covered by Kansas Medicaid. If you are approved for SSDI, you become covered by Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. Call DCF at 1-888-369-4777 or visit kdcf.ks.gov.
Kansas Disability Rights Center offers free legal help to people with disabilities, including those filing for SSDI or SSI. They can review your claim, help you prepare for a hearing, or represent you at a hearing. Call 785-273-9661 or visit drckansas.org.
Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) is a free service that helps people on SSDI understand how work affects their benefits. The Kansas WIPA project can answer questions about trial work periods, earnings limits, and how to keep your benefits while you work. Call 1-866-866-9472 or visit the WIPA website at vcu-ntdc.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for disability while I am still working?
Yes. You can file while working, but SSA will look at how much you earn and what kind of work you do. If you earn more than the substantial gainful activity limit ($1,550 per month in 2024), SSA may find you are not disabled. Report all earnings to SSA when you file and whenever they change.
How long does it take to hear back after I file?
The initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. This includes time for SSA to request your medical records and for the Kansas DDS office to review them. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another 2 to 4 months. If you request a hearing, add 2 to 6 months more, depending on the backlog.
What if I do not have recent medical records?
SSA will send you to a free consultative examination (CE) paid for by the government. The doctor will examine you and write a report for your file. This is a normal part of the process and does not hurt your chances. If you can, see your own doctor before the CE so you have some records in your file.
Do I need a lawyer to file for disability?
No, you do not need a lawyer to file your initial claim. You can file on your own. However, if your claim is denied and you request a hearing, a lawyer or advocate can help you present your case. Many lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is based on financial need and is for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. You may be able to receive both. SSA will determine which programs you may be able to receive when you file.