First: Understand Why You Were Denied

Before reapplying, it’s important to understand the reason behind the denial. Common reasons include:

• Insufficient medical evidence
• Earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
• Not meeting the SSA’s definition of disability
• Incomplete or inconsistent information in the application

Review the denial letter carefully—it will outline the SSA’s reasoning and help you decide your next steps.

Option 1: File an Appeal

In most cases, appealing your denial is better than starting over. The appeal process gives you a chance to provide new evidence or clarify issues with your original claim. You have 60 days from the date of your denial to request an appeal.

The SSDI appeals process in Kentucky includes:

1. Reconsideration – A different SSA examiner reviews your case
2. Hearing – You present your case to an administrative law judge
3. Appeals Council Review – If denied again, you can escalate your case
4. Federal Court – As a final option, you can take your case to court

Appealing preserves your original application date, which may be important for receiving back pay.

Option 2: Reapply for SSDI

If your appeal deadline has passed or your circumstances have changed significantly, you can submit a new SSDI application. This is called a new initial claim. You may want to reapply if:

• You missed the 60-day appeal deadline
• Your condition has worsened
• You have new medical documentation that wasn’t available earlier

Keep in mind that starting over resets your application date, which may affect your eligibility for retroactive benefits.

Tips for a Stronger Reapplication

If you decide to reapply:

• Submit updated medical records and doctor’s statements
• Clearly explain how your condition has progressed
• Be consistent and thorough in your new application
• Correct any errors or omissions from the previous filing

Being detailed and organized helps avoid another denial.