Kentucky disability benefit programs.
Resources available across Kentucky can help the disabled. Any benefits provided by these programs is in addition to other local, state, or federal government low income assistance programs. A number of agencies, departments, and government organizations in Kentucky administer financial assistance as well as other benefits for the mentally or physically disabled. Find how to apply below to a wide range of free resources, healthcare programs, disability grant money and more.
The state will try to ensure that those with a disability, their immediate family members and also care givers get the support they need. The priority is usually on satisfying basic needs first, such as food, housing, and health care. Then other programs can help them obtain employment and self-sufficiency.
How to apply for disability assistance programs in Kentucky
For people applying for benefits, the state’s Disability Determination Services will make determinations on their application. They do this on behalf of, and in partnership with, the federal government Social Security bureau. The state will follow all federal regulations and laws in an effort to determine if someone qualified for either Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Note that Kentucky does not accept applications and people still need to apply at a local Social Security office, which are located across the state.
The state will also review the candidates eligibility for other public benefits and grant programs. This will include the following.
- The disabled can receive help from KTAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program).
- SNAP food stamps can help meet nutritional needs.
- Rental assistance may be offered for those that meet income limits and they can also include housing vouchers.
- Health care may be offered by Family and Adult Medicaid.
- The disabled are also given priority to free federal government qualified health or dental clinics. They can address medical or oral care needs. Find free clinics in Kentucky.
- Other low income programs include energy assistance/LIHEAP, prescription medications, and more.
- Medicaid, of federal government Medical Assistance, provides health care benefits for people and children with disabilities who meet the programs' financial requirements and income levels.
Non-profits across the state also work to get the disabled low cost, or free items. This may be equipment such as a wheelchair or CPAP machine. Or free hot meals or food can be delivered by non-profits to the homebound in Kentucky from Meals on Wheels. Many other resources may be provided as well. Find more on, and find how to get free stuff near you.
Health and Family Services’ Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs works to enhance the quality of life for Kentucky's children with disabilities and special health care needs. The organization coordinates benefits, quality service, leadership, advocacy, education and collaboration with other non-profits. Those with the following medical conditions may get help. It includes, but is not limited to, Asthma, Cerebral Palsy, Craniofacial, Cystic Fibrosis, Hemophilia (Pediatric and Adult), Reconstructive Surgery, Scoliosis, Seizure, and Spina Bifida. Income limits need to be met in order to receive medical assistance. Toll-free (800) 232-1160
Department for Aging and Independent Living, or DAIL, also offers disability assistance. After all, this non-profit organization also oversees the Disability Resource Center Program.
Some of the services provided include nutrition counseling, health screening and education services. They also offer those with a disability and others mental health screenings, benefits counseling, and prescription medication management.
The Kentucky Aging and Disability Resource Center Program will help presidents get any needed long-term care. There are locations across the state. Some of the benefits offered are below.
- Alzheimer's Disease Respite and Adult Day Care is for physically disabled or frail people 60. Care can be provided in the person’s home or a nursing facility. In some cases a resident can use an assisted Living Community.
- Chronic Disease Self-Management Program can assist individuals with chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other disabilities to better manage their conditions to live healthier lives.
- Guardianship is available across Kentucky. A court-appointed party assumes the responsibility of guardian for a person declared legally disabled.
- The Hart-Supported Living can offer financial aid and funding to disabled Kentuckians. The benefits offered will promote independence and help them live at home and function within the community. The state can help pay for personal care services, home modifications for accessibility, homemaker services, adaptive and therapeutic equipment, transportation and in-home care.
- Health Promotion includes screening, medication management, nutrition counseling, mental health screenings and education services.
- Homecare is for disabled individuals. It can assist those who are at-risk for requiring long-term, institutional care. The state and the Disability Resource Center may provide for management, personal care, home-delivered meals, home repair, respite, and case management.
- Food assistance offered by DAIL may include free food and congregate meals at local senior centers.
- The Personal Care Attendant Program can help severely physically disabled adults who otherwise may be at risk for institutional care. The goal is to help them to continue to live where they want, whether that is at home or somewhere else in the local community.
KTAP, or cash assistance, is a short term TANF or welfare type program. The disabled often combine it with SSI and charitable aid to help them pay the bills. The Kentucky cash assistance program can be used for paying any number of bills, ranging from homecare to supportive housing, home modifications for the disabled, medical or food and more. It is a low very low income benefits, and read more on KTAP emergency cash..
To learn more on these or other programs, call Department for Aging and Independent Living. The main number is (502) 564-6930.
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Division of Behavioral Health’s Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities administers services for those that qualify. They may receive case management, consumer and family support, housing, and behavioral health treatment. Some rehabilitation services are offered for the disabled as well. The agency relies on family involvement and support in order for these benefits to be provided to the individual in question. Call (502) 564-4527.
Free employment resources
Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation help those with disabilities to gain suitable employment and independence. Seniors with a disability can also reply on this. The Division of Program Services runs a wide range of vocational rehabilitation services. Everything offered is intended to help people reach their vocational goal(s).
Some of the benefits provided by Vocational Rehabilitation are as follows. Clients can gain assessment for determining eligibility and vocational rehabilitation needs. There is also personal assistance, general counseling and guidance, training services, Telecommunications, sensory, and other technological aids and devices, both for the disabled as well as elderly. There is also free employment follow up from specialists. More on jobs for disabled seniors.
Staff from the vocational rehabilitation services can help with assessment for determining eligibility and their exact vocational rehabilitation needs. They will counsel applicants, offer information on government job training, and provide, if needed, technological aids and devices. Toll-free (800) 372-7172
Additional Kentucky non-profits and government resources
In addition to the assistance programs above for the disabled, there are other non-profits and government agencies in Kentucky to try for help. A list of places to try for resources is below.
Autism Society of the Bluegrass
Main address is 453 Rookwood Parkway
Lexington, KY 40505
(859) 299-9000
Brain Injury Alliance of Kentucky
Office location is 7410 New LaGrange Road, Suite 100
Louisville, KY 40222
Toll-free 1-800-592-1117
Greater Louisville Metro Arc
3713 Fallen Timber Drive
Louisville, KY 40241
Telephone number is (502) 339-8690
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services operates several resources from different offices and departments. The services for the disabled are noted below.
- Department for Aging and Independent Living, Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Office of the Secretary, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621, Call (502) 564-6930 ext. 3045
- Department for Medicaid Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, K40621, Toll-free (800) 372-2973
- Department for Medicaid Services, Division of Community Alternatives, Acquired Brain Injury Branch, 275 East Main Street, 6W-B, Frankfort, KY 40621, Toll-free (866) 878-2626
- Seniors Services, Office of the Secretary, 275 East Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40621, Toll-free 1-800-372-2973
Agency Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Main address is 632 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 573-2604
Kentucky Council of the Blind
148 Vernon Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
For information, call (502) 895-4598
Kentucky Council on Developmental Disabilities
Address is 100 Fair Oaks Lane, 4E-F
Frankfort, KY 40601
Toll-free (877) 367-5332
Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Division of Mental Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities
100 Fair Oaks Lane 4E-B
Frankfort, KY 40621
(502) 564-4527
Kentucky Department of Education
500 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
For details on services, dial (502) 564-4770
Kentucky’s Agencies in Developmental Disabilities Protection and Advocacy
100 Fair Oaks Lane, Third Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
Toll-free (800) 372-2988
Kentucky-Indiana Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America
1030 Goss Avenue
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 635-6539
Kentucky Office for the Blind
Location is 275 East Main Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
Toll-free 1-800-321-6668 or 1-877-592-5463
Kentucky School for the Blind
Address: 1867 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
(502) 897-1583
Kentucky School for the Deaf
Main address is 303 South Second Street
Danville, KY 40422
Call (859) 239-7017
Kentucky-Southeast Indiana Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
11700 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 500
Louisville, KY 40299
Telephone - (502) 451-0014
Learning Disabilities Association of Kentucky, Inc.
Location is 2210 Goldsmith Lane #118
Louisville, KY 40218
(502) 473-1256
Toll-free 877-587-1256
Spina Bifida Association of Kentucky
Kosair Charities Centre, 982 Eastern Parkway, Box 18
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 637-7363
Toll-free 866-340-7225
University of Kentucky Interdisciplinary Human Development Institute
126 Mineral Industries Building
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 257-1714
University of Louisville’s Living Well Workshops: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program
Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine
501 East Broadway, Suite 270
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 852-1804
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