Basic SSDI Qualifications in Kentucky

To qualify for SSDI in Kentucky, you must meet the following federal criteria:

• Work History Requirements: You must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes through past employment. Typically, 40 credits are required, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10 years before your disability began.
• Severe Medical Condition: Your condition must significantly impair your ability to perform basic work activities, such as standing, walking, or concentrating.
• Duration Requirement: The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• SSA Blue Book Criteria: Your medical condition should match or equal one of the listed impairments in the SSA’s Blue Book, which includes both physical and mental disorders.

Medical Evidence Requirements

The SSA requires substantial medical documentation to prove the severity of your disability:

• Diagnoses from licensed medical professionals
• Treatment history and prescribed medications
• Laboratory test results, imaging scans, or other diagnostic data
• Detailed notes from doctors about your functional limitations

The more complete and consistent your records are, the better your chances of approval.

Functional Limitations and Ability to Work

Even if your condition isn’t listed in the Blue Book, you may still qualify if you can prove that:

• You can’t do your past work
• You can’t adjust to other types of work due to your condition, age, education, and work experience

This assessment is part of the SSA’s five-step evaluation process used for all SSDI claims.

Other SSDI Considerations for Kentuckians

• SSDI is a federal program, so the core qualifications are the same in every state, including Kentucky.
• However, your application will be reviewed by a Disability Determination Services (DDS) office located in Kentucky, which may contact your doctors or request a consultative exam.