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Kentucky • Physical/Mobility
If you have a mobility impairment in Kentucky, you may qualify for Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Medicaid, and other resources. This guide explains federal and state programs, how to check eligibility, how to apply, and what to expect after approval. Many benefits can be combined to offer extra support.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition (like a mobility impairment) that severely limits your ability to work for at least one year or is expected to result in death[4].
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): For SSI, you must have limited income and resources. In 2025, the maximum monthly SSI payment is $914[1]. There is no work history requirement, but you must meet strict income and asset limits.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): For SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn enough Social Security credits. Most people need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years, but younger workers may qualify with fewer credits[4][7]. Your monthly benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings.
Medicare: You qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI. You must have enough work credits to qualify.
Kentucky Medicaid provides health coverage for people with disabilities, including those with mobility impairments. State rules for Medicaid eligibility often mirror federal SSI income and asset limits, but Kentucky also offers Medicaid waivers (like the Michelle P. Waiver) that provide additional home and community-based services for people who might not otherwise qualify[2].
Kentucky has programs to help young adults with disabilities stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26 (sometimes longer if the disability continues)[2]. The Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange (kynect) helps you apply for Medicaid and other insurance options. Medicaid may cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other therapies that support mobility[2].
State laws do not change SSI/SSDI eligibility, but Kentucky offers local resources and legal help to guide you through the process.
To get started with Kentucky disability benefits:
1. Prepare your information
2. Apply for SSI or SSDI
3. Apply for Kentucky Medicaid
4. Follow up
SSI: Provides monthly cash payments and automatic Medicaid eligibility. For 2025, the max benefit is $914/month[1]. SSI has strict income and asset limits.
SSDI: Pays monthly benefits based on your work history. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI. There are no income or asset limits for SSDI eligibility, but you must have enough work credits[4].
Medicare: Covers hospital, doctor, therapy, and equipment costs after a waiting period on SSDI. You do not have to be on SSDI to qualify—some people with certain disabilities (like ESRD or ALS) can get Medicare right away.
ABLE Accounts: A federal savings option that lets people with disabilities save up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility (higher limits for SSDI). Bonus: Kentucky offers its own ABLE program.
Social Security Work Incentives: Programs like Ticket to Work help you try employment without immediately losing benefits. Expedited Reinstatement can quickly restart SSDI if your earnings drop below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level[6].
Kentucky Medicaid: Provides health coverage for people with disabilities, including mobility impairments, with income and asset limits that match SSI rules. Medicaid covers therapies (physical, occupational, speech), durable medical equipment, and personal care services[2]. Kentucky also offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which can help you stay in your home with caregiver support, home modifications, and other services—ask about the Michelle P. Waiver and others[see internal_links].
Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange (kynect): The official portal for Medicaid applications. You can apply online, by phone, or with help from a local assister[2].
State Assistance: Some local nonprofits and agencies offer help with applications and appeals. Kentucky’s Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) administers Medicaid and some other assistance programs.
Young Adult Coverage: Kentucky allows young adults with disabilities to stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26—potentially longer if the disability continues[2].
Legal Aid: Kentucky has legal aid organizations that help with disability applications and appeals. If you need help with denied claims or complex situations, seek a local disability lawyer.
An ABLE account lets you save for disability expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Federal law covers all states; Kentucky also offers its own ABLE program. Funds can pay for housing, transportation, education, and more. ABLE accounts are a smart way to build financial independence while keeping your benefits.
SSI: In 2025, you can get up to $914/month in cash if you meet strict income and asset limits. Countable resources must be less than $2,000 for an individual, $3,000 for a couple. Not all income and resources count toward these limits—see SSI rules for details.
SSDI: There are no income or asset limits, but you must have enough work credits[4].
Medicaid: Kentucky’s income limits for Medicaid eligibility closely follow SSI rules for people with disabilities. Some waiver programs have higher limits.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or resources to the Social Security Administration and Kentucky Medicaid. Failure to report can lead to overpayments, which you must pay back. If you receive too much in benefits, contact Social Security immediately to arrange a repayment plan. Kentucky also has rules for reporting changes to Medicaid. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
If you need more than basic Medicaid, ask about Kentucky’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. These waivers can help pay for personal care, home modifications, and other supports so you can live at home, not in a facility. See our guide on Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) for details.
The application process can be complex, especially if you have a mobility impairment. Local disability organizations, legal aid, and the Kentucky Health Benefit Exchange can help. You do not have to do it alone—reach out for support.
If you want to try working, Social Security offers work incentives and Expedited Reinstatement to help you keep or regain benefits if your earnings change. See our guide on SSI & SSDI Work Incentives for details and examples.
In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $914 per month for individuals who meet income and resource limits. Your actual amount may be less if you have other income or live with others who help pay expenses[1].
You may qualify if your mobility impairment prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you’ve worked enough to earn the required Social Security credits, and you’re under full retirement age. Check your work history and apply if you think you’re eligible[4][7].
Yes, Kentucky Medicaid covers physical therapy and other habilitative services for people with mobility impairments, as long as the services are deemed medically necessary[2].
ABLE accounts let you save money for disability expenses without affecting your SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use funds for housing, education, transportation, health, and more.
Yes, Social Security has work incentives, including a Trial Work Period and Expedited Reinstatement, to help you try work without immediately losing benefits. In 2025, if you earn below $1,620/month (not blind), you can keep SSDI during your trial period[6].
Apply online at healthcare.gov (Kentucky’s official exchange), by phone, or with help from a local assister. You’ll need proof of income, residency, and disability[2].
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Rules and benefit amounts may change. Always check with official agencies for the latest details.
5. Explore other resources
You can appeal the decision. Many people are denied at first but win on appeal, especially with help from a disability lawyer or advocate.
Some people can get both if their SSDI payment is very low and they meet SSI income and resource limits. This is called “concurrent benefits.”
Yes, Kentucky offers Medicaid waivers (like the Michelle P. Waiver) that provide home and community-based services, such as personal care, respite, and home modifications, for people who might not otherwise qualify for institutional care.
Always report changes in income, living situation, or resources to both Social Security and Kentucky Medicaid. See our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for details.
