Traumatic Brain Injury Benefits in Kentucky

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].

• Check if you meet federal SSI/SSDI criteria for traumatic brain injury.
• Gather medical records and work history.
• Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department for Medicaid Services.
• For ABLE accounts, visit kyable.org.
• Report any changes to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Review eligibility for SSI/SSDI. You need a severe medical condition that limits work or daily activities for at least 12 months [7].
• Step 2: Collect medical records, work history, and proof of income.
• Step 3: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You can also get help from WellCare of Kentucky or Disability Benefits 101-Kentucky [1][8].
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local Department for Medicaid Services or visit healthcare.gov to apply for health coverage. Medicaid waivers may require a separate application and assessment of your needs [2].
• Step 5: If you want to open an ABLE account, visit kyable.org and follow the instructions [internal_links].
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, work, or living situation to Social Security and Medicaid to avoid overpayments [internal_links].
• Step 7: If you have questions, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or Kentucky’s Medicaid office for help.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefits for people with enough work credits and a qualifying disability [7].
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefits for people with low income and limited resources, regardless of work history [1].
• Medicare: Health coverage for people who get SSDI after a 24-month waiting period [internal_links].
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with low income, including those with disabilities [internal_links].
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses [internal_links].

• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Kentucky offers waivers for home and community-based services, such as personal care, therapy, and supported living for people with traumatic brain injury [2].
• Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (K-TAP): Monthly cash benefits for families with children, including those with disabilities [8].
• Disability Retirement Benefits: For public employees with disabilities, managed by Kentucky Public Pensions Authority (KPPA) [4].
• Health Insurance: Young adults with disabilities can stay on parents’ health insurance until age 26, and sometimes longer [2].
• Work Incentives: Programs to help people with disabilities work while keeping benefits [internal_links].

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].

• SSI: For 2025, the federal SSI payment is up to $914 per month for an individual. Income and resource limits apply [1].
• Medicaid: Income and asset limits vary by program. For Medicaid waivers, limits depend on the specific waiver and your needs [2].
• SSDI: No strict income limit, but earnings above the SGA level ($1,620/month in 2025) may affect benefits [6].

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].

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 days a week, 24 hours a day

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• Kentucky Department for Medicaid Services
  Phone: 1-855-306-8959

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  Website

  For Medicaid and waiver questions.

• Can I get SSI or SSDI for traumatic brain injury in Kentucky?

  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].

• How do I apply for Medicaid waivers in Kentucky?

  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].

• What is an ABLE account and how do I open one in Kentucky?

  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].

• Can I work while getting SSI or SSDI in Kentucky?

  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].

• What happens if I don’t report changes to Social Security or Medicaid?

  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].

• Are there special programs for children with traumatic brain injury in Kentucky?

  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].