Hard of Hearing Benefits in Kentucky: 2025 Guide

To qualify for federal disability benefits in Kentucky, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be limited, and you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Both programs cover people who are hard of hearing if their hearing loss is severe enough to affect their ability to work or live independently [7].

In Kentucky, residents who are hard of hearing may qualify for Medicaid, which covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible individuals. Children and adults with hearing loss may also qualify for state programs that provide assistive devices, vocational rehabilitation, and support services. Kentucky does not have a separate state disability program, so most benefits come from federal programs like SSI and SSDI. However, state agencies can help with applications and appeals, and some local programs may offer additional support for people with sensory disabilities [2].

• Gather medical records showing your hearing loss.
• Check your eligibility for SSI or SSDI using the SSA website.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Submit proof of income and resources.
• Follow up on your application status and respond to requests for more information.

• Step 1: Get a medical evaluation from an audiologist or doctor to document your hearing loss. This should include audiograms and a statement about how your hearing affects your daily life.
• Step 2: Review the eligibility requirements for SSI and SSDI on the Social Security Administration website. Make sure you meet the work credit and income limits for the program you want to apply for [7].
• Step 3: Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide your medical records, proof of income, and other personal information.
• Step 4: If you are applying for Medicaid, you can do so through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange at healthcare.gov or by contacting your local Department for Community Based Services office.
• Step 5: Respond promptly to any requests for more information from the Social Security Administration or Medicaid. Keep copies of all documents and correspondence.
• Step 6: If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision. Kentucky agencies and nonprofits can help you with the appeals process [2].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to a disability, including severe hearing loss.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, including those who are hard of hearing.
• Medicaid: Covers hearing aids, audiology services, and other medical needs for eligible individuals in Kentucky.
• Medicare: Available to some SSDI recipients after a waiting period, covering hearing exams and some hearing aids.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Ticket to Work help people with disabilities find jobs while keeping their benefits [7].

• Kentucky Medicaid: Covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible children and adults. You can apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange or your local Department for Community Based Services office.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services: Helps people with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing, find jobs and get training.
• Assistive Technology Programs: Some local agencies provide devices and services to help people with hearing loss communicate and live independently.
• Children's Services: Programs for children with hearing loss may include early intervention, special education, and family support.
• State Agencies and Nonprofits: Offer help with applications, appeals, and finding local resources for people with sensory disabilities [2].

ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Kentucky residents who are hard of hearing can open an ABLE account if their hearing loss meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, including hearing aids and communication devices [3].

For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024 and is expected to increase slightly in 2025. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors [1][3].

If you receive SSI or SSDI, you must report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation. Failing to report changes can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Kentucky agencies can help you understand your reporting requirements and avoid overpayments [4].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7am–7pm, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• Kentucky Department for Community Based Services
  Phone: 1-855-306-8959

  Hours: 8am–4:30pm, Monday–Friday

  Website

  For Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI if I am hard of hearing?

  Yes, if your hearing loss is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. You will need medical documentation from an audiologist or doctor to prove your disability [7].

• Does Kentucky Medicaid cover hearing aids?

  Yes, Kentucky Medicaid covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible children and adults. You can apply through the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange or your local Department for Community Based Services office [2].

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI in Kentucky?

  You can apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, proof of income, and other personal information [7].

• What is the income limit for SSI in Kentucky?

  The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $914 per month for an individual. Medicaid income limits vary based on household size and other factors [1].

• Can I work while receiving SSI or SSDI?

  Yes, there are work incentives that allow you to work and keep your benefits. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2024 and is expected to increase slightly in 2025 [3].

• What is an ABLE account and can I open one in Kentucky?

  An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, and other benefits. Kentucky residents who are hard of hearing can open an ABLE account if their hearing loss meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability [3].