Arthritis Benefits in Kentucky: How to Apply & What You Qualify For

To qualify for federal disability benefits with arthritis, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, and arthritis is included if it causes severe pain, swelling, or joint damage that limits your ability to walk, stand, or use your hands. You must also meet work and income requirements:

• For SSDI: You need enough work credits (usually 20 in the last 10 years) and must have paid Social Security taxes. The amount of work needed depends on your age when you became disabled[5][7].
• For SSI: Your income and resources must be low. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $914 for an individual[1].

Both programs require medical proof of your disability, such as doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment records[5][7].

In Kentucky, arthritis may qualify you for Medicaid, food assistance, and other state programs if your income is low. Kentucky Medicaid covers doctor visits, medications, and therapy for arthritis. You may also qualify for Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) if you have children and limited income. Some state programs, like Medicaid waivers, can help with home care or assistive devices if your arthritis limits your daily activities[2].

Kentucky also offers support for young adults with disabilities to stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, and sometimes beyond if the disability continues[2]. If you are a public employee receiving disability retirement, your benefits may be reduced if you also get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation[4].

Always check with your local Department for Community Based Services or the Kentucky Disability Resource Guide for the latest eligibility rules and help with applications[2].

• Gather medical records showing your arthritis diagnosis and how it limits your work.
• Check if you meet income and work requirements for SSI or SSDI.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• For state benefits, apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange or your local Department for Community Based Services.
• Ask for help from a benefits counselor or local agency if you need support[1][2].

• Step 1: Get medical documentation from your doctor. This should include your diagnosis, treatment history, and how arthritis affects your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSI or SSDI. SSDI requires work credits; SSI is for those with low income and resources[5][7].
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also apply for state benefits at healthcare.gov or through your local Department for Community Based Services[2].
• Step 4: Submit all required documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 5: Follow up on your application. You may be asked for more information or to attend a medical exam.
• Step 6: If approved, you will receive benefits. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
• Step 7: Report any changes in your income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments[1][2][6].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash payments for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. In 2025, the average SSDI payment is about $1,500 per month, but the exact amount depends on your work history[3].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for people with low income and resources. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $914 per month[1].
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who get SSDI after 24 months of disability[5].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those who get SSI[1].

• Kentucky Medicaid: Covers doctor visits, medications, therapy, and assistive devices for people with arthritis. You may qualify if your income is low and you have a disability[2].
• Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP): Monthly cash benefits for families with children who have low income. Parents must work or participate in job training[8].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities live at home or in the community. These can cover home care, therapy, and assistive devices[2].
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA): Disability retirement benefits for public employees. Benefits may be reduced if you also get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation[4].
• Health Insurance for Young Adults: People with disabilities can stay on their parents’ health insurance until age 26, and sometimes beyond if the disability continues[2].

An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In Kentucky, you can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses like medical care, housing, and education. The account grows tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed[internal_link: /guides/able-accounts].

• SSI: In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $914 for an individual. Your income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify[1].
• SSDI: There is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if you are blind)[6].
• Medicaid: Income limits vary by program, but generally, you must have low income and resources to qualify[2].

If your income, work, or medical condition changes, you must report it to Social Security and state agencies. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Always keep records of your benefits and report changes promptly to avoid problems[internal_link: /guides/overpayments-and-reporting].

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI, get help with benefits
• Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
  Phone: 1-855-306-8959

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid, food assistance, and other state programs

• Can arthritis qualify me for disability benefits in Kentucky?

  Yes, if your arthritis is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You need medical proof and must meet income or work requirements[5][7].

• How much money can I get from SSI or SSDI in Kentucky?

  In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $914 per month. SSDI payments depend on your work history, but the average is about $1,500 per month[1][3].

• What medical proof do I need for arthritis disability?

  You need doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment records that show your arthritis diagnosis and how it limits your ability to work or do daily activities[5][7].

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for arthritis?

  Yes, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for most people[6].

• How do I apply for arthritis disability benefits in Kentucky?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person. For state benefits, apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange or your local Department for Community Based Services[2].

• What state programs help people with arthritis in Kentucky?

  Kentucky offers Medicaid, food assistance, Medicaid waivers, and K-TAP for families with children. These programs can help with healthcare, cash, and support[2][8].