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Kentucky • Chronic Illness
People in Kentucky with kidney disease may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with kidney disease, you must have a condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions called the Blue Book. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is listed and may qualify for expedited approval. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your income and resources must be low. Both programs require medical proof of your disability. In 2025, the SSI payment is up to $914 per month for individuals. SSDI payments vary based on your work history. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for 2025 is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI.
Sources: SSA Disability Qualify, SSA Disability Benefits, Social Security Disability Changes for 2025
In Kentucky, people with kidney disease may also qualify for state-specific programs. Medicaid can help cover medical costs, including dialysis and transplant services. Kentucky Medicaid waivers may provide additional support for home and community-based services. Children with kidney disease may qualify for Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) or Medicaid. Young adults with disabilities can stay on their parents' health insurance until age 26, and sometimes longer if they have a disability. Kentucky also offers vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities find work. To qualify for state programs, you must meet income and resource limits. Some programs may require proof of disability and Kentucky residency.
Sources: Kentucky Disability Resource Guide, Kentucky Medicaid, Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange
Sources: WellCare KY Help Applying for SSI, Kentucky Disability Resource Guide, SSA Apply for Disability
Sources: SSA Disability Benefits, SSA Disability Qualify
Sources: Kentucky Disability Resource Guide, Kentucky Medicaid, Kentucky Public Pensions Authority
ABLE accounts let 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. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits. Withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are tax-free. For more information, visit the ABLE National Resource Center.
Sources: ABLE National Resource Center
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $914 per month for individuals. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but your earnings must be below the SGA limit ($1,620 per month for non-blind individuals). For Kentucky Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Check the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange for current limits.
Sources: WellCare KY SSI, Social Security Disability Changes for 2025
It is important to report any changes in your condition, income, or employment to avoid overpayments. If you receive too much in benefits, you may have to pay it back. Report changes to the SSA and Kentucky Medicaid as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications.
Sources: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes (internal link)
Centauri Health Solutions and local agencies can help you apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid. Contact them for support with paperwork and eligibility questions.
Yes, if your kidney disease is severe and prevents you from working, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is listed in the SSA Blue Book and may qualify for expedited approval. You must meet income and resource limits for SSI, and work history requirements for SSDI.
You can apply for Kentucky Medicaid online at kynect.ky.gov or by phone. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability. Medicaid can help cover medical costs, including dialysis and transplant services.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $914 per month for individuals. This limit may be lower if you have other income or resources. Check with the SSA or a local agency for the most current information.
Yes, you can work while receiving SSDI, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals. Work incentives let you keep some benefits while trying to return to work.
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. The account has annual and lifetime contribution limits. Withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current information and eligibility requirements.
You must report any changes in your condition, income, or employment to the SSA and Kentucky Medicaid as soon as possible. Keep records of all reports and communications to avoid overpayments.
Kentucky offers Medicaid, Medicaid waivers, KCHIP for children, vocational rehabilitation services, and state disability retirement benefits for public employees. These programs can help with medical costs, home and community-based services, and employment support.
Yes, you can get help from Centauri Health Solutions, local disability advocacy groups, or the Kentucky Disability Resource Guide. They can help you with applications and answer questions about eligibility.
SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both programs provide monthly payments for people with disabilities, including kidney disease. SSI has income and resource limits, while SSDI has work history requirements.
The approval process can take several months. It depends on the completeness of your application, the severity of your condition, and the backlog at the SSA. You can check the status of your application online or by phone.
