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

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and meet work credit requirements. For Deafness, this means your hearing loss is severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period, depending on your age when you became disabled. For example, if you became disabled at age 31 or later, you need 5 years of work out of the last 10 years [5].

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and resources who are blind, disabled, or over 65. Deafness can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. There is no work history requirement for SSI, but there are strict income and asset limits [1].

Both SSI and SSDI require a medical determination of disability from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Deafness is listed in the SSA's Blue Book under Section 2.00, Special Senses and Speech [7].

In Kentucky, Deaf individuals may qualify for Medicaid, which can cover hearing aids, interpreters, and other services. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and resources, and Deafness can be a qualifying factor for certain waivers and programs [2].

Kentucky also offers vocational rehabilitation services through the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). OVR can help Deaf individuals find jobs, get training, and access assistive technology [2].

Children who are Deaf may qualify for early intervention services and special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services can include speech therapy, sign language instruction, and assistive devices [2].

Kentucky's public assistance programs, such as the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP), may provide cash benefits for families with Deaf children [8].

Step 1: Collect Documents

• Medical records showing your Deafness and how it affects your ability to work or do daily activities.
• Proof of income and resources (pay stubs, bank statements, etc.).
• Social Security number and proof of citizenship or legal residency.

Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI

• Call Centauri Health Solutions for free help: 1-866-454-0411 [1].
• Apply online at www.ssa.gov or in person at a local Social Security office.
• Answer all questions honestly and provide all requested documents.

Step 3: Apply for Medicaid

• Apply online at healthcare.gov or through your local DCBS office.
• Medicaid can cover hearing aids, interpreters, and other services for Deaf individuals [2].

Step 4: Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation

• Contact the Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for job training and support.
• OVR can help you find jobs, get training, and access assistive technology [2].

Step 5: Apply for Other Programs

• For families with Deaf children, apply for K-TAP and early intervention services through your local DCBS office [8].
• For special education, contact your local school district.

Step 6: Follow Up

• Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.
• Respond promptly to any requests for more information.
• Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to avoid overpayments [8].

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people who are Deaf and have a work history. The amount depends on your past earnings. In 2025, benefits will increase by 2.5% due to cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) [3].

Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people who are Deaf and have low income and resources. In 2025, the maximum federal SSI payment is $914 per month [1].

Medicare: After receiving SSDI for 24 months, you qualify for Medicare, which covers medical care, including hearing aids in some cases [7].

Medicaid: For those with low income, Medicaid can cover hearing aids, interpreters, and other services for Deaf individuals [7].

Kentucky Medicaid: Provides health coverage for Deaf individuals with low income. Medicaid can cover hearing aids, interpreters, and other services. Apply online at healthcare.gov or through your local DCBS office [2].

Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR): Helps Deaf individuals find jobs, get training, and access assistive technology. OVR can also help with job placement and workplace accommodations [2].

Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP): Monthly cash benefits for families with children, including those who are Deaf. K-TAP also helps parents find work [8].

Early Intervention Services: For children who are Deaf, early intervention services can include speech therapy, sign language instruction, and assistive devices. These services are available through local DCBS offices [2].

Special Education: Children who are Deaf are entitled to special education services under IDEA, including individualized education plans (IEPs) and related services [2].

For SSI in 2025, the maximum federal payment is $914 per month. Your income and resources must be below certain limits to qualify. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals [6].

For Medicaid in Kentucky, income limits vary based on household size and other factors. You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify [internal_link: /tools/ssi-income-estimator].

It is important to report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration and Medicaid to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much money, you may have to pay it back [internal_link: /guides/overpayments-and-reporting].

If you start working or your income increases, report it right away. There are work incentives that can help you keep your benefits while you work [internal_link: /guides/work-incentives].