People in Kentucky with a spinal cord injury can get help from federal and state programs. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and work incentives. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that stops you from working and have paid enough Social Security taxes. For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people (or $2,700 if blind) [3]. You need 40 Social Security credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began [7].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps people with low income and few resources who are disabled, blind, or over 65. SSI is not based on work history. For 2025, the federal SSI payment is up to $914 per month for an individual [1].
Both SSDI and SSI require a medical review to confirm your disability. Spinal cord injuries are often considered severe enough to qualify if they stop you from working [1].
In Kentucky, people with spinal cord injuries may qualify for Medicaid, which covers medical care and some long-term services. Kentucky also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities. These waivers can help pay for personal care, therapy, and other supports [2].
Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) offers disability retirement benefits for public employees. If you get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation, your KPPA benefits may be reduced if your total income is more than your final pay [4].
Kentucky’s health insurance marketplace lets young adults with disabilities stay on their parents’ plan until age 26, and sometimes longer if the disability continues [2].
Kentucky offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use the funds for disability-related expenses like therapy, equipment, or education [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can lead to fines or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other agencies as soon as possible [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
Centauri Health Solutions offers free help for WellCare members applying for SSI or SSDI. Call 1-866-454-0411 for support.
Yes, you may qualify for both SSDI and SSI if your income and resources are low enough. SSDI is based on work history, while SSI is for people with low income and few resources [1].
You can apply for Medicaid online at healthcare.gov, by phone at 1-800-318-2596, or in person at your local Department for Community Based Services [2].
The SGA limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people, or $2,700 if you are blind. If you earn more than this, you may lose SSDI benefits [3].
Yes, SSDI has a Trial Work Period and work incentives. You can work and keep benefits if your earnings are below the SGA limit [6].
Medicaid waivers in Kentucky help pay for home and community-based services for people with disabilities. These can include personal care, therapy, and other supports [2].
Centauri Health Solutions offers free help for WellCare members. Call 1-866-454-0411 for support with SSI or SSDI applications [1].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
Join thousands of families who trust Purple to protect their benefits
Purple is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by OMB Bank, Member FDIC.
Yes, young adults with disabilities can stay on their parents’ health plan until age 26, and sometimes longer if the disability continues [2].
KPPA offers disability retirement benefits for public employees. Benefits may be reduced if you also get Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation [4].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses [internal_link: ABLE Accounts].
Report changes to Social Security, Medicaid, and other agencies as soon as possible to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits [internal_link: Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes].
