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Kentucky • Neurological/Developmental
If you or a loved one has Tourette Syndrome in Kentucky, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, health coverage, and work support programs. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs—including SSI, SSDI, Kentucky Medicaid, and ABLE accounts—in clear, actionable steps.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) with Tourette Syndrome, your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death[1][5]. For SSI, you must also have limited income and resources. For SSDI, you generally need enough work credits based on your age; most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years[5][7]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates how your symptoms—such as frequent tics, vocalizations, or related conditions—affect your daily life and ability to work. Even if Tourette Syndrome alone doesn’t qualify you, combined with other mental or physical health conditions, you may still be eligible[1].
Kentucky follows federal guidelines for SSI and SSDI but offers additional state programs. There is no separate state disability cash benefit for adults, but Kentucky Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income residents, including those with disabilities like Tourette Syndrome[1]. Kentucky’s Medicaid Waivers (Home and Community Based Services, or HCBS) may cover extra supports not included in regular Medicaid, but availability can be limited. Young adults with disabilities, including Tourette Syndrome, can stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26—coverage may extend beyond 26 if the disability began before age 26[2]. State-specific information about Tourette Syndrome is limited; start with Kentucky’s Department for Medicaid Services and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services for the most current programs and waivers.
Start by gathering your medical records, proof of income, and work history. Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at your local Social Security office. For Kentucky Medicaid, apply online at healthcare.gov or contact your local Department for Community Based Services. Check eligibility for Medicaid Waivers (HCBS) through Kentucky’s Medicaid office. Consider setting up an ABLE account if you qualify[1][2].
Collect Documentation: Gather medical records that show your Tourette Syndrome diagnosis and how it affects your daily life and ability to work. Include letters from doctors, therapists, or teachers, especially if tics or related conditions limit focus, communication, or physical activities.
Apply for Federal Benefits:
Apply for Kentucky Medicaid: Go to healthcare.gov to apply online, or call for help. If you get SSI, you may qualify for automatic Medicaid enrollment in Kentucky[2].
Explore Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Contact Kentucky’s Department for Medicaid Services to ask about waiver programs that offer extra supports for people with disabilities. Waitlists may apply.
Consider Work Incentives: If you want to work, learn about SSI & SSDI work incentives and how earnings affect your benefits[6]. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments.
Set Up an ABLE Account: If eligible, an ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. Learn more at the Kentucky STABLE website.
Follow Up: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Check your mail and online accounts for updates or requests for more information.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly cash payments (up to $914 per month in 2025) to adults and children with disabilities who have limited income and resources[1]. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to adults who have worked and paid into Social Security, with payment amounts based on work history[5][7]. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration.
Medicare provides health coverage if you get SSDI (after a 24-month waiting period) and are under 65. Medicaid offers health coverage to low-income individuals, including many SSI recipients. ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI or Medicaid.
Work Incentives help you try working without immediately losing benefits. Expedited Reinstatement lets you restart SSDI quickly if you must stop working due to your disability[6].
Kentucky does not offer a separate state disability cash benefit for adults with Tourette Syndrome, but you can access federal SSI and SSDI, as well as Kentucky Medicaid for health coverage[1]. Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) provides temporary cash assistance to families with children, but not specifically for adult disability[8].
Kentucky Medicaid covers doctor visits, medications, therapies (including habilitative services like speech and occupational therapy), and some home and community-based supports[2]. HCBS Waivers may provide additional services, but availability varies and waitlists are common. Young adults with disabilities can stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26 (and beyond 26 if the disability began before 26)[2].
For help navigating benefits, contact the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services or your local Department for Community Based Services. The Kentucky Disability Resource Guide is a helpful starting point for finding local programs and supports[2].
KY STABLE accounts (Kentucky’s ABLE program) let people with disabilities save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other means-tested benefits. Funds can pay for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, transportation, and healthcare. You must have a condition that began before age 26 to qualify.
To open an account, visit the KY STABLE website. These accounts are a powerful tool for financial independence and planning.
For SSI in 2025, countable income must be very low—generally under $914/month for an individual. SSDI does not have strict income limits, but if you work, you must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,620/month in 2025 for non-blind individuals)[3][6]. Medicaid income limits in Kentucky vary by program and household size.
Always report income changes to Social Security and Kentucky Medicaid to avoid overpayments or loss of benefits.
You must report changes in income, living situation, or work status to the Social Security Administration and Kentucky Medicaid. If you don’t, you may receive benefits you aren’t eligible for and have to pay them back. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or at your local office. For Medicaid, contact your local Department for Community Based Services.
Keep records of all reports and correspondence. If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options.
Local nonprofits, the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, and your county’s Department for Community Based Services can help you apply for benefits and understand your options. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance—many organizations offer free help in person, by phone, or online.
You may be able to work part-time and still receive some disability benefits, but you must report your earnings. Kentucky and the SSA offer work incentives and programs like Expedited Reinstatement to support your financial independence while protecting your benefits[6].
If you’re under 26, you can stay on a parent’s health plan, even with Tourette Syndrome. If your disability started before age 26, you may stay on that plan longer[2]. Kentucky Medicaid and HCBS waivers also offer supports for children and young adults with disabilities.
Tourette Syndrome may qualify you for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. The SSA will review your medical records and how your symptoms impact your life. If you have other related conditions, these may also be considered in your application[1][5].
SSI is based on financial need and provides cash assistance to those with limited income and resources. SSDI is based on work history and pays benefits to those who have paid into Social Security. Both require a disability that prevents substantial work. See <a href="/guides/ssi-ssdi">SSI vs SSDI</a> for more.
Yes, if you meet income and disability requirements. Many SSI recipients are automatically enrolled in Kentucky Medicaid. You can also apply separately at healthcare.gov or through your local Department for Community Based Services[2].
Kentucky does not offer a state disability cash benefit for adults. Adults with Tourette Syndrome should apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits[1][8].
You can work and receive benefits, but your earnings must stay below certain limits. SSI and SSDI have work incentives and programs like Expedited Reinstatement to help you return to work safely. Always report income changes to avoid overpayments. Learn more at <a href="/guides/work-incentives">SSI & SSDI Work Incentives</a>[6].
Disclaimer: This is a guide, not legal advice. Benefits and rules change. For the latest information, contact official agencies directly.
Kentucky’s Medicaid Waivers provide extra services, such as personal care or respite, not covered by regular Medicaid. Availability and services vary, and there may be a waitlist. Contact Kentucky’s Department for Medicaid Services to learn more and apply.
Yes, if you are under 26. If your disability began before age 26, you may stay on your parents’ plan even after turning 26[2].
An ABLE account lets you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You must have a disability that began before age 26. In Kentucky, visit the KY STABLE website to learn more.
Report changes in income, work, or living situation to the Social Security Administration (for SSI/SSDI) and your local Department for Community Based Services (for Medicaid). See <a href="/guides/overpayments-and-reporting">Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> for details.
You can apply online at ssa.gov or healthcare.gov, by phone, or at your local Social Security or Department for Community Based Services office. Nonprofits and local agencies may also offer application help[1][2].
