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Kentucky • Physical/Mobility
Kentucky offers a range of benefits for people with Spina Bifida, including Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains federal and state options, eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.
Federal disability benefits (SSI and SSDI) are available to people with Spina Bifida who meet medical, work, and income requirements. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. SSDI requires enough work credits—generally, 40 credits, 20 earned in the last 10 years before the disability starts[5][7]. For SSI, adults and children with conditions that severely limit daily activities—like Spina Bifida—may qualify, especially if they have trouble sitting, standing, lifting, or walking[1]. The federal government adjusts SSI and SSDI payments yearly for cost of living; in 2025, benefits will increase by 2.5%[3]. For both, your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Kentucky uses federal rules for SSI and SSDI eligibility, but also offers state-specific Medicaid waivers for people with physical disabilities like Spina Bifida. Kentucky Medicaid may cover habilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy[2]. Young adults with Spina Bifida can stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26, and coverage may continue longer if the adult child has a disability[2]. Kentucky does not have a state supplement to federal SSI, so payment amounts follow federal guidelines. Kentucky also has ABLE accounts to help people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. Always report income, work, or health changes to avoid overpayments.
Start by gathering medical records, work history, and financial info. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. For Kentucky Medicaid, apply online at healthcare.gov or through a local assister. For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department for Medicaid Services office. For ABLE accounts, visit the Kentucky state ABLE website.
Step 1: Collect Documents
Step 2: Apply for Federal Benefits
Step 3: Apply for Kentucky Medicaid
Step 4: Explore Medicaid Waivers
Step 5: Stay Organized
Step 6: Get Help If Needed
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Monthly cash benefit for people with low income and resources who are blind, disabled, or over 65. Spina Bifida often qualifies if it limits daily activities. The maximum federal benefit in 2025 is about $914/month[1].
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Monthly cash benefit for workers who have paid enough Social Security taxes. Spina Bifida must prevent work. Payment amounts depend on earnings history[5][7].
ABLE Accounts – Federal law allows people with disabilities to save up to $18,000/year in a tax-advantaged account without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits.
Medicaid and Medicare Work Incentives – Incentives let you work and keep some benefits. For SSDI, the Subsantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620/month (2025); for SSI, the income limit is much lower[3][6].
Kentucky Medicaid – Covers doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and therapies for eligible Kentuckians with Spina Bifida. Apply online at healthcare.gov or with help from a local assister[2]. Benefits include habilitation services like physical, occupational, and speech therapy[2].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) – Kentucky offers Home and Community-Based Services waivers for people with disabilities who would otherwise need institutional care. These waivers may pay for personal care, respite, home modifications, and therapies not covered by regular Medicaid. Eligibility is based on need and level of disability.
Kentucky ABLE Account – State-approved savings accounts for people with disabilities. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for disability expenses do not count as income for benefits.
Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) – Temporary cash assistance for families with children, but not disability-specific.
Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) Disability – For state employees who become disabled, but this is not specific to Spina Bifida and includes offset rules if you also get SSDI or Workers’ Compensation[4].
State-specific information is limited; start here:
Kentucky ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits. Earnings are tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified disability expenses are not taxed. You must have a disability onset before age 26 to open an account. For details, visit the Kentucky state ABLE website.
For SSI in Kentucky, income and resource limits are strict. You can have up to $914/month (2025) in countable income for an individual, but many expenses are excluded. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,620/month (2025) before your benefits are affected; higher if you are blind[3][6]. Medicaid income limits vary by household size and program; Kentucky expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, raising income limits for most adults[2].
If your income, work, or health changes, you must report it to the Social Security Administration, Kentucky Medicaid, or your ABLE account manager. Not reporting can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay[4]. For help, see our guide on Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Local organizations and Medicaid managed care plans like WellCare of Kentucky can help you apply for SSI, SSDI, and Medicaid at no cost. Contact your local Department for Medicaid Services or a nonprofit for free help with paperwork and appeals.
Always report changes in income, work, or health to Social Security and Kentucky Medicaid. Not reporting can cause overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep records of your communications.
SSI is for people with low income/resources, regardless of work history. SSDI requires enough work credits, usually at least 5 years of work in the last 10 years for most adults. Both pay monthly cash if Spina Bifida severely limits work or daily activities. See [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) for details.
Yes, but there are strict income limits. For SSDI in 2025, you can earn up to $1,620/month (higher if blind) before benefits stop. SSI has much lower limits. Work incentives and special rules may let you keep some benefits and health coverage. See [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives).
Kentucky does not have a state supplement to SSI, so cash benefits follow federal rules. Some families may qualify for K-TAP, but this is temporary and not disability-specific.
Kentucky Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and therapies. Waivers may pay for personal care, home modifications, respite, and other supports. Eligibility depends on need and income. Contact your local Medicaid office for details.
Waivers fund home and community-based services—like personal care, therapies, and equipment—so you can live at home instead of in an institution. You must meet certain medical and financial criteria. See [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)](/guides/medicaid-waivers).
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only. Benefit rules and amounts can change. For official decisions, always contact the Social Security Administration, Kentucky Medicaid, or a qualified benefits counselor.
Yes, Kentucky allows young adults to stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26. If your adult child has a disability, coverage may continue beyond age 26. Contact your insurance provider for details[2].
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities and their families save money tax-free, up to $18,000/year, without losing eligibility for SSI or Medicaid. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses. Learn more at the Kentucky ABLE website.
You must report changes to Social Security, Kentucky Medicaid, and your ABLE account manager right away. Failing to report can lead to overpayments and penalties. See [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting).
You can get free help from the Social Security Administration, local Medicaid assisters, and organizations like WellCare of Kentucky. Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or Kentucky Medicaid at 1-800-318-2596[1][2].
You can appeal the decision. The process involves several steps, and you can get free legal help from disability advocacy groups. Contact your local Social Security office or a disability attorney for guidance.
