How to apply for Kentucky State Supplementation

Who it's for

Kentucky State Supplementation is a state cash payment, on top of federal SSI, for aged, blind, or disabled Kentuckians in certain living arrangements. It is tied to where you live: a licensed personal care home, a licensed family care home, a home where a caretaker provides supervision and care, or a private residence for a person with a serious mental illness. The payment fills the gap between your countable income and a state-set standard of need for your living arrangement (for example, the monthly standard is higher for a personal care home than for a caretaker arrangement), so it is most valuable for low-income seniors in supported or congregate-care settings. There is no benefit for an aged/blind/disabled senior who lives fully independently without one of these arrangements. It is administered by the Department for Community Based Services and the countable-resource limit is $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a couple).

What you'll need

• Proof of age 65+, or documentation of blindness or disability
• Proof of Kentucky residency
• Documentation of your living arrangement (personal care home or family care home admission, caretaker arrangement, or serious-mental-illness status in a private residence)
• Proof of income and countable resources
• Social Security number (or proof of application for one)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about Kentucky State Supplementation. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need proof of age 65+, or documentation of blindness or disability, proof of kentucky residency, documentation of your living arrangement (personal care home or family care home admission, caretaker arrangement, or serious-mental-illness status in a private residence) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that your living arrangement qualifies — you must live in a licensed personal care home, a licensed family care home, a home where a caretaker provides supervision and care, or a private residence (if you have a serious mental illness). There is no payment for someone who lives fully independently. Call the Department for Community Based Services at 1-855-306-8959 if you are unsure.
2. Gather proof of age (65 or older), or documentation of blindness or disability.
3. Gather proof of Kentucky residency.
4. Gather documentation of your qualifying living arrangement, such as a personal care home or family care home admission record, a caretaker arrangement agreement, or serious-mental-illness status documentation.
5. Gather proof of your income and countable resources. An individual must have $2,000 or less in countable resources ($3,000 for a couple).
6. Have your Social Security number ready, or bring proof that you have applied for one.
7. Apply online or by phone at 1-855-306-8959. A Department for Community Based Services worker will review your documents and living arrangement with you.

What to expect: After you apply, a Department for Community Based Services worker will review your information and verify your living arrangement, income, and resources. Processing times vary, so ask the worker for an estimate when you apply. If approved, the state cash payment fills the gap between your countable income and the state-set standard of need for your living arrangement. Your benefit amount depends on where you live — for example, the standard is higher for a personal care home than for a caretaker arrangement. This benefit has no set end date, but you will go through periodic redeterminations to confirm you still qualify, and the payment standards are adjusted annually. Be sure to report any changes in your living arrangement, income, or resources to DCBS right away.

Renewals

ongoing (standards adjusted annually; periodic redetermination)