$140B
Government benefits go unclaimed every year in the U.S.
White House OMB, 2023
9M
Older adults are eligible for benefits but not enrolled
NCOA/Urban Institute, 2024
~100M
Americans receive some form of government assistance
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, 2023
Kansas Government Benefits Programs
Explore the main benefit programs available and find the ones that apply to your situation.
Available programs in Kansas
SSDI in Kansas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI in Kansas - Social Security Disability
Monthly income if a disability stops you from working.
SSDI is a benefit you already paid for through Social Security taxes on every paycheck. If a medical condition now keeps you from working, you may be owed a monthly payment based on your work history, not the severity of your condition.
AVERAGE MONTHLY PAYMENT
$1,630
What the average disabled worker receives each month in 2026
SSA 2026 COLA Fact Sheet
HOW OFTEN CLAIMS ARE DENIED
2 in 3
First applications are usually denied, most are reversed on appeal, which is why getting it right matters
SSA
YOU CAN STILL WORK
$1,690/mo
The most you can earn from a job in 2026 and still qualify
SSA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Workers age 31 and older typically need to have worked at least 5 of the last 10 years and paid Social Security taxes
- People with a condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal
- The condition prevents substantial work, defined by the SSA's annual earnings limit (higher for people who are blind)
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. We handle the entire process for you, from the paperwork to every appeal. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How long does SSDI take in Kansas?
Kansas medical decisions are made by Disability Determination Services, a unit of the Kansas Department for Children and Families. An initial decision typically takes 3 to 6 months, with appeals taking a year or more if needed. The earlier you apply, the more back pay you may receive.
Does SSDI lead to Medicare in Kansas?
Yes. After 24 months on SSDI, you become eligible for Medicare regardless of age. This matters in Kansas, where Medicaid coverage for non-elderly adults is very limited because the state has not expanded Medicaid.
Can I work while applying?
Yes, as long as you stay under the SSA's monthly limit for substantial gainful activity. Going over that signals to the SSA that you're able to do substantial work.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SSI in Kansas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI in Kansas - Supplemental Security Income
Monthly cash for people with disabilities and limited income.
SSI is monthly cash for people who are struggling to get by. You can qualify if you're disabled, blind, or 65 or older, and have very little income and few assets. Unlike SSDI, you don't need a work history, it's based on need. In Kansas, getting SSI also opens the door to KanCare, the state's Medicaid program.
MONTHLY MAXIMUM
$994
The federal SSI payment for one person in 2026. Kansas does not add a general state supplement
SSA, 2026
SAVINGS YOU CAN KEEP
$2,000
The federal SSI resource limit. Your home and one car never count
SSA, 2026
WHO CAN QUALIFY
No work history
SSI is based on need, not your work record. People 65+, blind, or disabled can qualify
SSA
Who qualifies
- People who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older
- Those with very limited income
- Limited resources, with your home and one car not counting against the limit
How to apply
The fastest way to apply is through Turnout. SSI applications involve detailed financial records that trip people up, and one mistake can delay your case. We handle all of it for you. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
Will I get KanCare with SSI in Kansas?
Yes. SSI approval automatically enrolls you in KanCare, the Kansas Medicaid program. No separate application is needed.
Does Kansas add to my SSI payment?
Generally no. Kansas does not pay a general state supplement, so most recipients get only the federal amount. A small supplement exists only for people who live in a Medicaid-funded care facility.
Can I receive both SSI and SSDI?
Sometimes. If your SSDI payment is low enough, SSI can fill the gap up to the federal rate. This is called concurrent benefits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Veterans Benefits in Kansas
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
Veterans Benefits in Kansas
Tax-free monthly payments for service-connected conditions.
VA disability is tax-free monthly pay you earned through your service. If you have an injury or condition connected to your military service, you may be owed compensation every month. The VA assigns a rating from 0 to 100 percent that sets your payment, and many veterans are rated too low or denied at first.
MONTHLY PAY AT 100%
$3,938.58
What a veteran rated 100% with no dependents receives each month in 2026, tax-free
VA.gov, 2026
TAXES YOU OWE ON IT
$0
VA disability pay is never counted as taxable income by the IRS
IRS
KANSAS SALES-TAX BREAK
Up to $24,000/yr
Starting July 1, 2026, Kansas exempts purchases from state sales tax for veterans rated 100% permanent and total
Kansas Office of Veterans Services, 2026
Who qualifies
- Veterans who served on active duty or qualifying training (Guard and Reserve can count)
- Those with a current condition connected to their service
- Those discharged under conditions other than dishonorable
How to apply
The fastest way to get what you're owed is through Turnout. Our VA advocates build your claim from the start, catch rating errors, and fight back if the VA gets it wrong. The consultation is free and we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win.
Frequently asked questions
How does the VA disability rating work?
The VA rates you from 0 to 100 percent based on how much your condition affects you. That rating sets your monthly payment. If you have more than one condition, they are combined, not simply added.
Does Kansas offer any extra benefits for disabled veterans?
Yes. Kansas offers a property-tax relief claim (Form K-40SVR) for resident veterans with a 50 percent or higher service-connected disability, and a new state sales-tax exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans begins July 1, 2026. The Kansas Office of Veterans Services can help you file. These are separate from your federal VA compensation.
Can I get VA disability and Social Security at the same time?
Yes. They are separate programs with separate rules, so receiving VA disability does not reduce your SSDI.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Healthcare Advocacy in Kansas
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare Advocacy in Kansas
Health coverage and advocacy for people 65+ and some younger people.
Healthcare advocacy is one-on-one help getting the most out of your Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance for people 65 and older, and for some younger people on disability, and most plans cover more than people realize. A Turnout advocate works with you to understand your coverage, find the right specialists, manage your prescriptions, and cut your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there is no cost to you.
WHERE TURNOUT HELPS
All 50 states
Turnout's healthcare advocates work with people in every U.S. state
Turnout
WHAT IT COSTS YOU
$0
Your insurance pays for the advocacy, so there's nothing out of pocket for you
Turnout
ONE-ON-ONE TIME
Up to 6 hours a month
Free monthly sessions with your own dedicated advocate
Turnout
Who qualifies
- Anyone with Medicare, including Part B, or approaching eligibility at 65
- People who want help using their coverage, finding care, or cutting costs
- And more, including those reviewing or switching plans
How to apply
The fastest way to get the most from your Medicare is through Turnout. We pair you with a healthcare advocate who helps you understand your coverage, find specialists, manage prescriptions, and lower your costs. The advocacy is covered by Medicare, so there's no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
What does a healthcare advocate do for you in Kansas?
A healthcare advocate helps you understand and use your coverage, from finding specialists to managing prescriptions to lowering what you pay. With Turnout, the advocacy is covered by Medicare at no cost to you.
Is there free Medicare counseling in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas runs SHICK, the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas program, which offers free unbiased Medicare help through trained volunteers. You can reach SHICK at 1-800-860-5260. Turnout advocacy goes further with ongoing one-on-one support.
What's the difference between Medicare and KanCare?
Medicare is federal health insurance based mainly on age or disability, not income. KanCare is Kansas Medicaid, based on income. Some people qualify for both, which covers nearly all of their health costs.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Education Advocacy in Kansas
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education Advocacy in Kansas
Making sure your child gets every service they're entitled to.
Education advocacy is one-on-one help getting your child the school support they're entitled to. Under federal law, a child with a disability has the right to an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, a plan the school must follow and pay for. Evaluations get delayed and support gets watered down, and many families don't realize they can push back. A Turnout education advocate prepares with you, joins your IEP meetings, reviews the plan, and pushes for everything the law requires.
CONDITIONS THAT QUALIFY
13 categories
From autism to dyslexia to ADHD, federal law covers a wide range
IDEA / U.S. Dept. of Ed
HOW COMMON IT IS
1 in 7
Public school students receive special education under federal law
U.S. Dept. of Education
AN IEP IS
Legally binding
The school must deliver every service written in the plan, by law
IDEA
Who qualifies
- Children ages 3 to 21 enrolled in Kansas public schools
- Have a qualifying disability under IDEA, including learning disabilities, ADHD, autism, speech delays, emotional disturbance, and more
- A disability that affects their ability to learn
How to apply
The fastest way to get your child the help they need is through Turnout. Our education advocates prepare with you, join your IEP meetings, and push the school for every service your child is entitled to. Reach out to get started.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan?
An IEP provides specialized instruction and services for a child with a disability. A 504 plan provides accommodations, like extra time or seating changes, but not specialized instruction. A child who needs more than accommodations usually needs an IEP.
How fast does the school have to evaluate my child in Kansas?
Kansas schools must complete the initial evaluation within 60 school days of getting your written consent. The team then develops the IEP within 30 calendar days of deciding the child is eligible.
What does an education advocate do?
An education advocate helps you understand your child's rights, prepares with you before meetings, joins your IEP meetings, and pushes back when the school offers less than the law requires.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
KanCare (Medicaid) in Kansas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Kansas residents.
KanCare (Medicaid) in Kansas
Free or low-cost health coverage for qualifying Kansas residents.
KanCare is the name for Kansas Medicaid. It covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and more for those who qualify, usually at no cost, through three managed-care health plans. Kansas is a non-expansion state, so adult eligibility is limited to pregnant women, parents with extremely low income, people with disabilities, and seniors. Most childless adults do not qualify, even with no income.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~399,700
Kansans enrolled in KanCare (approximate; per Medicaid.gov)
Medicaid.gov, 2025 (approx.)
MONTHLY PREMIUM
$0
Most enrollees pay nothing per month for full health coverage
KDHE, 2026
PARENT INCOME LIMIT
38% FPL
One of the strictest parent limits in the country, so most non-disabled adults without a qualifying category do not qualify
Kansas Action for Children / KDHE, 2026
Who qualifies
- Children up to age 19 in households under the state's income limits (roughly 133% to 166% of the poverty level by age)
- Pregnant women up to about 166% FPL, with 12 months of postpartum coverage
- Parents with extremely low income (only about 38% of the federal poverty level)
- Adults 65 and older, blind, or with a qualifying disability
- SSI recipients are automatically enrolled
How to apply
Apply online through the KanCare portal at kancare.ks.gov, or call the KanCare Clearinghouse at 1-800-792-4884. Have proof of income, identity, and Kansas residency ready. Most decisions arrive within 45 days, longer if a disability determination is needed. KanCare is run by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
Frequently asked questions
Is Medicaid called something different in Kansas?
Yes. Kansas Medicaid is branded as KanCare. It is the same federal program, delivered through three managed-care plans and overseen by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
Why do so many adults get turned down for KanCare?
Because Kansas has not expanded Medicaid. Roughly 28,000 Kansans fall into a coverage gap, earning too much for the very low parent limit but too little for marketplace subsidies. Childless adults who are not disabled generally do not qualify at any income.
What's the difference between KanCare and Medicare?
KanCare is Kansas Medicaid, based on income. Medicare is based mainly on age or disability. Some people qualify for both.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
SNAP in Kansas (Food Assistance)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP in Kansas (Food Assistance)
Monthly grocery benefits on an EBT card, accepted at most grocery stores.
SNAP, called the Food Assistance Program in Kansas, is a federal program that helps qualifying households buy groceries. Benefits are loaded each month onto a Kansas Benefits Card and can be used at most grocery stores, Walmart, Dillons, and many farmers markets. The program is run by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF).
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
~188,000
Kansans received food assistance across about 93,000 households in 2025
Kansas DCF, 2025
MAX BENEFIT (FAMILY OF 4)
$994/mo
Federal maximum SNAP allotment for a family of four in 2026
USDA, FY2026
INCOME LIMIT
130% FPL
Kansas uses the federal gross-income limit and still applies an asset test, so it is stricter than most states
Kansas DCF / USDA, 2026
Who qualifies
- Households with gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Households that also meet a resource limit, since Kansas still applies an asset test
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Kansas
- Most adults age 16 to 59 must meet work requirements unless exempt
How to apply
Apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcf.ks.gov, or in person at your local DCF office. An interview is required, but it can be done by phone from home. Standard processing takes up to 30 days, with expedited benefits within 7 days for urgent need. The DCF help line is 1-888-369-4777.
Frequently asked questions
I work full-time. Can I still qualify for food assistance in Kansas?
Yes. Many working households qualify once deductions for rent, utilities, childcare, and earned income are applied. Income alone does not tell the full story.
Does Kansas have a higher income limit than other states?
No. Kansas is one of the few states that has not adopted broad-based categorical eligibility, so it uses the plain federal 130 percent poverty limit and still applies an asset test. That makes Kansas stricter than many states that raised their limits.
How long does approval take in Kansas?
Up to 30 days for a standard decision. If your household has very low income and limited resources, you may qualify for expedited benefits within 7 days. An interview is required but can be done by phone.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Kansas
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC (Women, Infants, Children) in Kansas
Nutrition support for moms, infants, and young children.
WIC, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, helps pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 eat well. It provides monthly benefits for healthy groceries, plus breastfeeding support and nutrition help. Many working families qualify, and being on KanCare, SNAP, or cash assistance usually qualifies you automatically.
BABIES WIC REACHES
4 in 10
WIC serves about 4 in 10 of all infants born in the US
USDA, 2024
ON KANCARE OR SNAP?
Auto-eligible
Being on KanCare, SNAP, or cash assistance automatically meets WIC's income test
USDA
WHO IT'S FOR
Through age 5
Pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5
USDA
Who qualifies
- Pregnant women, new mothers, and caregivers of infants and children under age 5
- Households at or below 185% of the federal poverty level
- Families already receiving KanCare, SNAP, or cash assistance are automatically income-eligible
- Kansas residents, regardless of immigration status
How to apply
Start the online pre-application at kansaswic.org, then schedule an appointment with your local WIC clinic or health department. Bring ID for each family member applying, proof of Kansas residency, and proof of household income or proof of KanCare, SNAP, or cash assistance. If approved, you receive your Kansas eWIC card and food benefits.
Frequently asked questions
What can you buy with WIC in Kansas?
Healthy basics like milk, eggs, cereal, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and infant formula and baby food. The specific approved items are set by Kansas's WIC food list.
Can I get WIC if I have a job?
Yes. Many working families qualify. WIC's income limits are higher than people expect, and being on KanCare or SNAP usually qualifies you automatically.
Does WIC cover baby formula?
Yes. WIC provides infant formula for babies who need it, and it also supports breastfeeding with counseling and ongoing help.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
LIEAP in Kansas
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
LIEAP in Kansas
Assistance that helps cover your home energy bills and prevents shutoffs.
Kansas's Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) helps qualifying households pay their heating bills, with payments made directly to the utility company. The program is federally funded and administered by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). Kansas has a short application window each winter, so timing matters.
INCOME LIMIT
150% FPL
Households at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify for heating help
Kansas DCF / LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026
BENEFIT RANGE
Up to $4,301
Benefits range from a $130 minimum to a $4,301 maximum, based on household need
LIHEAP Clearinghouse, FY2026
APPLY BETWEEN
Jan 20 -- Mar 31
The 2026 application window runs January 20 through March 31, so apply early
Kansas DCF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Kansas households with income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Renters and homeowners responsible for paying home heating costs
- Households where an adult is legally responsible for the energy bill
- Priority given to households with older adults, young children, or people with disabilities
How to apply
Apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcf.ks.gov during the application window, which for 2026 runs January 20 through March 31. Have a recent energy bill, photo ID, and proof of income ready. The DCF help line is 1-888-369-4777. If approved, the benefit is paid directly to your utility company.
Frequently asked questions
When can I apply for LIEAP in Kansas?
Kansas opens LIEAP for a limited window each winter. For 2026 the window runs January 20 through March 31. Applications outside that window are generally not accepted, so mark the dates.
How is the benefit paid? Do I get a check?
No. LIEAP payments go directly to your utility company. The benefit is credited to your account, reducing what you owe. You will not receive cash.
Can renters apply, or only homeowners?
Both renters and homeowners can apply, as long as you are responsible for paying the heating cost. Your local DCF office can confirm how the benefit applies if utilities are included in your rent.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
ACA Subsidies in Kansas
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Kansans.
ACA Subsidies in Kansas
Federal subsidies that reduce the cost of health insurance for qualifying Kansans.
ACA subsidies are federal tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of a health insurance plan bought through HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace. Kansas uses the federal marketplace rather than running its own. Because Kansas has not expanded Medicaid, the marketplace is often the only coverage option for adults who do not fit a narrow KanCare category.
HOW MANY ARE COVERED
200K+
Kansans who selected an ACA marketplace plan for 2026 (approximate)
CMS / KFF, 2026 (approx.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR SUBSIDIES
9 in 10
Most Kansas marketplace enrollees receive premium tax credits that lower their monthly cost
CMS, 2026
WHEN TO ENROLL
Nov 1 -- Jan 15
Open enrollment for the plan year. Special enrollment is available year-round for qualifying life events
HealthCare.gov
Who qualifies
- Kansans without affordable employer coverage available
- Households earning at or above 100% of the federal poverty level
- Those not eligible for KanCare, CHIP, or Medicare
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens living in Kansas
How to apply
Apply online at HealthCare.gov. Enter household income, family size, and ZIP code to see your subsidy estimate and available plans, then compare by premium, deductible, and network. Enroll during open enrollment (Nov 1 to Jan 15) or after a qualifying life event like job loss, marriage, or the birth of a child. Free local enrollment help is available.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas run its own marketplace?
No. Kansas uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov, not a state-run exchange. You apply and enroll there.
What if my income is too low for ACA subsidies?
Apply anyway. HealthCare.gov screens for KanCare and CHIP. Because Kansas did not expand Medicaid, adults below 100 percent of the poverty level who do not fit a KanCare category may fall into a coverage gap with no subsidized option.
What if I missed open enrollment?
You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you lost coverage, got married, had a baby, or had another qualifying life event. You have 60 days from the event.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
TANF in Kansas (Successful Families Program)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
TANF in Kansas (Successful Families Program)
Monthly cash and support services for families with children.
The Successful Families Program is Kansas's version of TANF. It provides short-term cash to families with children who have very limited income. The cash is loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card and can be used for basic needs like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. The program is run by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) and comes with a work requirement and a lifetime limit that is shorter than the federal cap.
MAXIMUM MONTHLY BENEFIT
$386 -- $429
The maximum cash grant for a family of three with no income, depending on county and living arrangement. (This is the benefit paid, not the income limit)
Kansas DCF cash assistance chart, 2026
LIFETIME LIMIT
24 months
Kansas caps cash assistance at 24 months for adults, far shorter than the federal 60-month limit, with a possible 12-month hardship extension
Kansas DCF, 2026
INCOME ELIGIBILITY LIMIT
Under 30% FPL
To qualify, a family's income must fall below about 30% of the federal poverty level, one of the strictest tests in the country
Kansas DCF TANF State Plan, 2026
Who qualifies
- Kansas residents responsible for a child under 18 (or 19 and still in secondary school)
- Households with very low income (Kansas has one of the strictest TANF income limits in the country)
- Adults must take part in the work program unless deferred
- U.S. citizens or qualified non-citizens
How to apply
Apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcf.ks.gov, or in person at your local DCF office. Complete an interview to determine eligibility. Applying also screens you for food assistance. The DCF help line is 1-888-369-4777. If approved, benefits are loaded onto a Kansas Benefits Card.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between the Successful Families Program and TANF?
They are the same thing. Successful Families is simply Kansas's name for the federal TANF program, run by Kansas DCF.
How long can I receive cash assistance in Kansas?
Kansas limits adults to 24 months of cash assistance in their lifetime, much shorter than the federal 60-month cap. A 12-month hardship extension may be available in limited situations.
Can I receive cash assistance and food assistance at the same time?
Yes. Families in the Successful Families Program are generally categorically eligible for food assistance and KanCare. Applying at the DCF portal screens you for food assistance at the same time.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
EITC in Kansas (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
EITC in Kansas (Earned Income Tax Credit)
Up to $8,231 back for working individuals and families.
The Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC, is a tax break for people who work but earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal tax. The amount depends on your income and family size, and you have to file a tax return to claim it. Kansas also has its own state EITC on top of the federal one.
FEDERAL CREDIT WORTH UP TO
$8,231
The 2026 federal maximum for workers with three or more children, with smaller credits for fewer or no kids
IRS, 2026
KANSAS ADDS ON TOP
17% extra
Kansas pays a state EITC equal to 17% of your federal credit, and it is refundable
Kansas Dept. of Revenue, 2026
COMMONLY MISSED
1 in 5 skip it
About 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim the EITC, often just because they don't file a return
IRS
Who qualifies
- Workers with earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income within the federal limits for filing status and number of children
- Valid Social Security numbers for the worker, spouse, and any children
- And more, including limits on investment income
How to apply
You claim the EITC by filing a federal tax return, even if you don't normally have to file. When you file your Kansas return, the state EITC is calculated as 17 percent of your federal credit. Free filing help is available through IRS-certified VITA volunteers, and you can still file for past years you missed.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas have its own state EITC?
Yes. Kansas offers a state earned income tax credit equal to 17 percent of your federal EITC, and it is refundable. It is claimed on your Kansas state tax return.
Can I get EITC without kids?
No kids needed. Workers without children can still qualify for a smaller credit, and having children increases the amount.
Will getting EITC affect my other benefits?
Generally no. EITC refunds aren't counted as income for programs like SNAP or KanCare, and there are protections so a refund doesn't immediately count against asset limits.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Tax Credit in Kansas
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
Child Tax Credit in Kansas
Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17.
The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, available to Kansas families when they file their federal tax return. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, meaning lower-income families can receive it as a direct payment even when they owe no federal tax. Kansas does not have a separate state child tax credit, so the federal credit is what applies.
WHO IT'S FOR
Kids under 17
A federal tax credit for each qualifying child under 17 living at home
IRS
OWE LITTLE OR NO TAX?
Some comes back
Up to $1,700 per child is refundable, so you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax
IRS, 2026
WHO QUALIFIES
Most families
Most families with children qualify; the credit only phases out at higher incomes
IRS
Who qualifies
- Families with a qualifying child under 17 with a valid Social Security number
- Part of the credit comes back as a refund for families with at least $2,500 in earned income
- Full credit for incomes up to $200,000, or $400,000 for married couples
How to apply
You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file a federal tax return. You can claim it even if you don't normally file. Tax software and free filing help will walk you through it and fill in the right forms (Schedule 8812) for you.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kansas have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Kansas does not have a state-level Child Tax Credit. The federal credit is fully available to Kansas residents, but there is no additional state supplement on top of it. Kansas does offer a separate state child and dependent care credit for child care costs.
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes. Each qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the return due date. On a joint return, at least one spouse must also have a valid work-eligible Social Security number.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. For 2026, up to $1,700 per child is refundable. You need at least $2,500 in earned income and claim it on Schedule 8812.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
Child Care Assistance in Kansas
Subsidized child care for working Kansas families.
Child Care Assistance in Kansas
Subsidized child care for working Kansas families.
Kansas's Child Care Assistance Program helps working families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or complete job training. It is funded by the federal Child Care and Development Fund and run directly by the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF). The program pays providers on your behalf, with families paying a sliding-scale share based on income.
PARENT SHARE
Sliding scale
Families pay a share based on income and family size; lower-income families pay little to nothing
Kansas DCF, 2026
INCOME LIMIT
85% of state median
Families can qualify with income up to 85% of the state median income, about $8,000/mo for a family of four
Kansas DCF income schedule, 2026
WAITLIST
None
Kansas serves all eligible families, with no waiting list as of 2026
Kansas DCF, 2026
Who qualifies
- Kansas residents with a child under 13, or under 19 with a disability
- Parents who are working, attending school, or in job training
- Households with income up to 85% of the state median income
- Child is a U.S. citizen or has qualified immigration status
How to apply
Apply online through the DCF Self-Service Portal at dcf.ks.gov. You will need proof of income, identity for parent and child, and documentation of your work or training schedule. The DCF help line is 1-888-369-4777. Kansas has no waitlist, so eligible families are enrolled as soon as their application is approved.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a waitlist for child care assistance in Kansas?
No. Kansas serves all eligible families and does not keep a waiting list, so you can be enrolled as soon as your application is approved.
How much income can I have and still qualify?
Kansas uses 85 percent of the state median income as its limit, which is about $8,000 a month for a family of four. That is more generous than many states, so many working families qualify.
How much will I have to pay out of pocket?
A sliding-scale family share applies based on your income and family size. Lower-income families may pay little to nothing, while families near the income limit pay a larger share.
Government resources
Related Turnout resources
