People in Kentucky with traumatic brain injury (TBI) may qualify for federal and state benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key resources.
To qualify for federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from doing substantial work. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need enough work credits—usually 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began [7]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history [1]. Both programs cover conditions like traumatic brain injury if they are severe and expected to last at least 12 months or result in death [7].
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. They look at your medical records, work history, and how your injury affects your ability to work and do daily activities [7].
For 2025, the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits [6].
In Kentucky, people with traumatic brain injury may qualify for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services (HCBS), such as personal care, therapy, and supported living [2]. These waivers help people live independently and avoid institutional care. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and functional needs.
Kentucky also offers the Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP) for families with children, which provides cash help and support for parents to find work [8]. If you have a disability and are under 26, you may stay on your parents’ health insurance plan. For those with disabilities, coverage can sometimes be extended beyond age 26 [2].
If you receive disability retirement benefits from Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA), applying for Social Security disability or Workers’ Compensation may reduce your KPPA benefits if your total income exceeds 100% of your final pay [4].
Kentucky ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can open an account at kyable.org. There are annual and lifetime contribution limits, and funds can be used for things like housing, education, and transportation [internal_links].
It’s important to report changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid. Failing to report changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Use the reporting tools on ssa.gov or contact your local Medicaid office for help [internal_links].
Contact WellCare of Kentucky or Disability Benefits 101-Kentucky for help with SSI/SSDI applications and Medicaid waivers.
Yes, if your traumatic brain injury is severe and prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSI or SSDI. SSI is for people with low income, while SSDI requires work credits [1][7].
Contact your local Department for Medicaid Services or visit healthcare.gov to apply for Medicaid. Medicaid waivers may require a separate application and assessment of your needs [2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. You can open one at kyable.org [internal_links].
Yes, there are work incentives that let you work and keep some benefits. If your earnings are below the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025), you can usually keep your benefits [6].
Not reporting changes can lead to overpayments, which you may have to repay. Always report changes in income, work, or living situation to avoid problems [internal_links].
Yes, children with traumatic brain injury may qualify for Medicaid waivers, K-TAP, and other programs. Contact your local Department for Medicaid Services for more information [2][8].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The process can take several months. It’s important to apply as soon as possible and provide all required documents to avoid delays [7].
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs, you can receive both SSI and SSDI benefits [1][7].
For 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earning above this may affect your benefits [6].
No, but you must report changes and may need to complete periodic reviews to continue receiving benefits [internal_links].
