Muscular Dystrophy Benefits in Kentucky

To get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year. You also need enough work credits. For most adults, this means working 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled [7].

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and few resources. You must be blind, disabled, or age 65 or older. Muscular Dystrophy can qualify if it severely limits your activities [1].

Both programs require a medical review. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of conditions, including Muscular Dystrophy, to decide if you qualify [5].

In Kentucky, people with Muscular Dystrophy may get Medicaid, even if they get SSI or SSDI. Medicaid can cover therapy, home care, and medical equipment. Kentucky also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with physical disabilities [2].

If you get disability retirement from Kentucky Public Pensions Authority, your benefits may be reduced if you also get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation. Always report changes to avoid overpayments [4].

Kentucky’s Medicaid and disability programs do not change if you get SSI or SSDI. You can get both at the same time [1].

• Check if you qualify for SSI or SSDI using the SSA website.
• Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• For Medicaid, apply at healthcare.gov or your local Department for Community Based Services office.
• Ask for help from a benefits counselor if you need support.

• Step 1: Gather medical records that show your Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis and how it limits your activities.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help [7].
• Step 3: If you need Medicaid, apply at healthcare.gov or your local Department for Community Based Services office. You can also get help from an insurance agent or assister [2].
• Step 4: If you want a Medicaid waiver for home care, ask your caseworker or contact the Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services.
• Step 5: Report any changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office [6].
• Step 6: If you want to save money without losing benefits, open an ABLE account through the Kentucky ABLE program [internal_links].

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes. Amounts depend on your work history [7].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash for people with low income and few resources. In 2025, the maximum is $914 per month [1].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after 24 months [7].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with Muscular Dystrophy [1].

• Kentucky Medicaid: Covers therapy, home care, and medical equipment for people with Muscular Dystrophy. You can apply online or at your local office [2].
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Help people with physical disabilities get home care and support services. Ask your caseworker for details [2].
• Kentucky Public Pensions Authority: Disability retirement for state workers. Benefits may be reduced if you get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation [4].
• Kentucky ABLE Program: Lets people with disabilities save money without losing benefits [internal_links].
• Habilitation Services: Includes speech, physical, and occupational therapy for children and adults with disabilities [2].

Kentucky’s ABLE program lets people with Muscular Dystrophy save up to $17,000 per year without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, and medical costs. Learn more and apply at the Kentucky ABLE website [internal_links].

• SSI: In 2025, the maximum monthly payment is $914 for an individual. Your income and resources must be below certain limits [1].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, this is $1,620 per month for most people [6].
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary. Check with your local office for current rules [2].

If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to Social Security and Medicaid. Not reporting can cause overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office to report changes [6].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

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

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm

  Website

  Apply for Medicaid and other state benefits.

• Can I get SSI and SSDI for Muscular Dystrophy in Kentucky?

  Yes, if your Muscular Dystrophy stops you from working and you meet the income and work history rules. You can get both SSI and SSDI at the same time [1][7].

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

  In 2025, the maximum SSI payment is $914 per month. The actual amount depends on your income and resources [1].

• What Medicaid benefits are available for Muscular Dystrophy in Kentucky?

  Kentucky Medicaid covers therapy, home care, and medical equipment. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for extra support at home [2].

• Can I work and still get disability benefits in Kentucky?

  Yes, there are work incentives that let you try work without losing benefits. If your income drops, you may get benefits restarted quickly [6].

• How do I apply for Medicaid in Kentucky?

  You can apply online at healthcare.gov or at your local Department for Community Based Services office. You can also get help from an insurance agent or assister [2].

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me?

  An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for housing, education, and medical costs [internal_links].

• Do I need to report changes to my benefits?

  Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or health to avoid overpayments and penalties. Use the SSA’s online portal or call your local office [6].