Step 1: Determine Which Program You Qualify For

Before you apply, it’s important to know whether you should apply for SSDI or SSI:

• SSDI: This program is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for a sufficient amount of time. If you’ve worked long enough and have earned enough work credits, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
• SSI: This program is for individuals who have limited income and resources, and it does not require a work history. SSI is designed to help those with financial need, regardless of their work history.

Once you’ve determined which program you’re eligible for, you can proceed with the application.

Step 2: Prepare Your Medical and Personal Information

To apply for Social Security Disability, you’ll need to gather several important documents and pieces of information, including:

• Your medical records: Provide detailed records from your healthcare providers that document your disability. This can include doctor’s notes, lab results, and any relevant medical tests.
• Work history: You’ll need to provide information about your past jobs, including your job title, employer name, and the dates you worked. You’ll also need information about the type of work you did and how long you worked at each job.
• Income and financial information: If you’re applying for SSI, you’ll need to show proof of your income, including any wages, benefits, or other sources of financial support.
• Social Security number and birth certificate: You’ll need to provide proof of identity and citizenship.

Step 3: Apply for Disability Benefits

Once you have gathered your information, you can apply for Social Security Disability through several methods:

• Online: The fastest and easiest way to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits is through the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. Go to www.ssa.gov and use the online application tool. This is available for most SSDI and SSI applicants.
• Phone: If you prefer not to apply online, you can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You can complete your application over the phone, and the SSA will help guide you through the process.
• In-Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit a local Social Security office in Kentucky. To find the nearest office, you can use the SSA’s office locator tool.

Step 4: Understand the Disability Determination Process

Once you’ve submitted your application, your case will be sent to the Kentucky Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, which is responsible for evaluating your claim. The DDS will review your medical records, work history, and other supporting documentation to determine whether your condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability.

Here’s how the evaluation works:

• The DDS will determine whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.
• They will check whether your disability is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• They will assess whether you can perform any of your past work or other types of work.

Step 5: The Five-Step Process for Determining Disability

The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) – If you are currently working and earning more than the SGA limit (in 2025, $1,470/month for non-blind individuals), you may not qualify for benefits.
• Step 2: Severe Condition – Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work. The SSA looks at how your condition affects your daily activities.
• Step 3: Meet a Listed Impairment – If your condition matches one of the SSA’s Listed Impairments, you may automatically qualify for benefits. The SSA has a list of medical conditions that are considered severe enough to meet the criteria for disability.
• Step 4: Past Work – The SSA will evaluate whether you can perform your past job(s) despite your condition. If you can still do your previous work, you may not qualify for benefits.
• Step 5: Other Work – If you cannot perform your past job, the SSA will determine if there are other types of work you can do, based on your education, skills, and experience. If the SSA determines you can do other work, your claim may be denied.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision on Your Application

The decision process typically takes 3 to 5 months. During this time, the SSA will review your case and determine whether you qualify for benefits. If additional information or medical exams are needed, the process may take longer.

Step 7: What to Do if Your Claim is Denied

If your application is denied (which happens often), you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process includes:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in appealing a denial. You ask the SSA to review your claim again. This can take another 3 to 5 months.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This process may take 12 to 18 months.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the Appeals Council, which may take 6 to 12 months.