Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSI in Kentucky, you must meet the following key criteria:

Limited Income and Resources

• Income: SSI benefits are intended for individuals with limited income. This includes wages, social security benefits, pensions, and other sources of income. For 2025, the income limits are:
• Individual: $2,000 or less in countable resources.
• Couple: $3,000 or less in countable resources.
• Resources: Your resources must not exceed $2,000 if you are an individual, or $3,000 for a couple. Resources include things like savings accounts, real estate, vehicles, and other assets. Certain resources, like your home or a single car, may not count toward this limit.

Disability or Age Requirement

• Disability: To qualify, you must have a medical condition that significantly limits your ability to work or perform daily activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as an impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
• Age: Individuals 65 or older who meet the income and resource limits may also qualify for SSI.

U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency

You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified alien to receive SSI benefits. This includes U.S. nationals, legal permanent residents, and certain other non-citizens with specific immigration status.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Before applying for SSI, make sure to collect the necessary documentation. This includes:

• Proof of Identity: A birth certificate, passport, or state-issued ID.
• Medical Records: Detailed records from your doctors, hospitals, and other medical professionals that show how your condition limits your ability to work.
• Income Information: Pay stubs, tax returns, or other documentation showing your income and resources.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: This could include a U.S. passport, green card, or other immigration documents.

Step 3: Complete the SSI Application

You can apply for SSI benefits in Kentucky in several ways:

• Online: Visit the Social Security Administration’s website at www.ssa.gov to apply online.
• Phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to start your application.
• In-Person: You can apply at your local SSA office in Kentucky. Be sure to check the office hours and make an appointment if necessary.

Ensure you fill out the application accurately and include all necessary documentation. Mistakes or missing information could delay the processing of your claim.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your case. The decision-making process can take several months. The SSA will evaluate:

• Your disability: Whether your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
• Your income and resources: Whether you meet the financial eligibility requirements for SSI.

If approved, you will begin receiving monthly SSI benefits to help cover your living expenses. If denied, you can appeal the decision.

Step 5: Appeal if Denied

If your application for SSI benefits is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process typically includes:

1. Request for Reconsideration: You can ask for the SSA to review your claim again.
2. Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to present your case.
3. Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the decision.
4. Federal Court: As a last resort, you can take your case to federal district court.