Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Kansas. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Kansas)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Kansas SHIP)
Kansas calls its SHIP program SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas), administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). Trained, certified volunteer counselors provide free, unbiased help with all Medicare questions statewide.
- Toll-free state line: 1-800-860-5260
- Website: kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging/medicare-programs/senior-health-insurance-counseling-for-kansas-shick
- Appointments available in person, by phone, or via video
SHICK counselors do not work for any insurance company and do not sell products. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) through KDADS handles Medicare fraud reporting.
Medicaid in Kansas
Kansas Medicaid is called KanCare, administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and KDADS. Seniors 65 and older may qualify for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) Medicaid category or long-term care programs.
- How to apply: kancare.ks.gov/apply-now or visit your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC)
- For long-term care questions, contact your local ADRC through KDADS at kdads.ks.gov
- HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver provides home and community-based services (adult day care, assisted living, personal emergency response systems) as an alternative to nursing home placement
- Standard ABD income limit for single person: approximately $994/month (tied to SSI rate, verify with KDHE as limits adjust annually)
Prescription help
Kansas does not operate a state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) that wraps around Medicare Part D. Seniors should apply for the federal Extra Help program.
- Apply for Extra Help: Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov
- NeedyMeds.org: lists manufacturer patient-assistance programs by drug name
- SHICK counselors can help with Part D plan comparisons: 1-800-860-5260
Energy and utility help
Kansas calls its LIHEAP program LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program), administered by the Department for Children and Families (DCF).
- Apply at: dcf.ks.gov (click "Apply for Services") or dcfapp.kees.ks.gov
- Phone: 1-833-765-2003 (TTY: 1-785-296-1491)
- 2026 application period: January 20 through March 31, 2026 (closed for the current winter cycle; check dcf.ks.gov for next year's opening date)
- Eligibility: household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level
- One-time annual benefit paid directly to the energy provider
Property tax relief (Kansas)
Kansas offers three overlapping senior and low-income homeowner refund programs, all administered by the Kansas Department of Revenue. Filing one application at kansas.gov/webfile automatically determines the largest refund you qualify for.
1. SAFESR (K-40PT): Property Tax Relief for Low Income Seniors
- Age: 65 or older for all of 2025 (born before January 1, 1960)
- Income: household income of $25,380 or less (2025 income, filed in 2026)
- Home value: appraised value cannot exceed $350,000
- Refund: 75% of the 2025 general property taxes actually paid
- No dollar cap on the refund amount
- Deadline: April 15, 2026 for the 2025 tax year claim
2. Homestead Refund (K-40H)
- Age: 55 or older, or blind, or disabled, or has a dependent child under 18
- Income: household income of $43,389 or less
- Maximum refund: $700
3. Property Tax Relief for Seniors and Disabled Veterans (K-40SVR)
- Available to qualifying seniors and veterans with a service-connected disability
Seniors who qualify for more than one program should file at kansas.gov/webfile, which automatically calculates eligibility for all three and selects the largest refund. File only one claim. Contact: Kansas Department of Revenue at ksrevenue.gov or 1-785-368-8222.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
- Kansas Area Agencies on Aging (meals, transportation, caregiver support): kdads.ks.gov or Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116
- Kansas Legal Services (free civil legal help for seniors): kansaslegalservices.org or 1-800-723-6953
- Kansas Meals on Wheels programs: contact your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 211
- SNAP (food assistance): apply at dcf.ks.gov
Frequently asked questions
What is Kansas's SHIP program? Kansas calls it SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas). Free volunteer counselors help with all Medicare questions, including plan comparisons, Part D drug coverage, and supplement insurance. Call 1-800-860-5260 or visit kdads.ks.gov.
Does Kansas offer senior property tax relief? Yes. The SAFESR program (K-40PT) gives Kansas seniors who are 65 or older and have household income of $25,380 or less a refund of 75% of their property taxes paid, with no cap on the refund amount (home must be valued under $350,000). File by April 15 at kansas.gov/webfile, which also checks for the larger Homestead Refund and the K-40SVR program automatically.
How do Kansas seniors get help with energy bills? Through LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) at dcf.ks.gov. Call 1-833-765-2003. The 2026 application window ran January 20 through March 31. Check dcf.ks.gov for the 2027 opening date each December.
How do I apply for KanCare Medicaid in Kansas? Apply online at kancare.ks.gov/apply-now or contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Seniors 65 and older with limited income and assets may qualify for long-term care coverage including the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver for home and community-based services.
Sources
- Kansas SHICK (KDADS official): https://www.kdads.ks.gov/services-programs/aging/medicare-programs/senior-health-insurance-counseling-for-kansas-shick (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Kansas SAFESR official page: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/safesenior.html (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Kansas Homestead Refund programs: https://www.ksrevenue.gov/perstaxtypeshs.html (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Kansas LIEAP DCF: https://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/Pages/EnergyAssistance.aspx (Verified June 10, 2026)
- LIEAP 2026 announcement: https://www.dcf.ks.gov/Newsroom/Pages/LIeap2026.aspx (Verified June 10, 2026)
- KanCare eligibility: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/apply-now/eligibility (Verified June 10, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.