For Kentuckians with long-term disabilities, disability benefits are available through Social Security's programs or their employer's worker's compensation insurance. In some cases, disabled workers may be able to obtain benefits through long-term group disability insurance.
There are two SSA programs available to those seeking disability benefits. The eligibility requirements for these programs differ slightly, but some applicants may, in fact, qualify for both.
You can submit the applications forms to the SSA either through a Kentucky field office (there are 26), over a toll-free phone line (800-772-1213), or online at www.ssa.org. After Social Security screens the application for initial eligibility requirements, Kentucky's Disability Determination Service (DDS), which is managed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), reviews the application for medical eligibility.
Here is the contact information for Kentucky's DDS (there are two locations):
Louisville
P.O. Box 1061
Louisville, Kentucky 40201
Phone: (800) 928-3202
Frankfurt
P.O. Box 1000
275 East Main Street
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601
Phone: 502-564-8050
DDS also determines eligibility for two Kentucky state programs: KTAP (Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program) and Medicaid. (Disabled SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid.) For more information visit the DDS section of the CHFS website.
The federal government funds a large portion of the SSI payment (up to $771 a month in 2019), but the State of Kentucky supplements the federal SSI payment for those living in a home or needing care at home. The amount of the state supplement depends on the recipient's living situation.
Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), Department of Community Based Services, administers the state SSI supplement. You can visit the CHFS website for more information on the supplement.
All employers in Kentucky are required to carry worker's compensation insurance for their employees, except for certain agricultural employers. Anyone who is disabled due to a work accident or illness should file a claim with their employer for workers' comp benefits first. After that, if they remain disabled for at least a year, they may be able to obtain Social Security benefits as well.
For problems not related to cash benefits for disability, you can contact this state agency, which provides advocacy and assistance to those who have specials needs.
Office for Public Advocacy, P&A Division
100 Fair Oaks Lane, Third Floor
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-564-2967
800-372-2988 Voice/TDD (Toll Free)
Disabled persons often require a disability lawyer or authorized representative to help file their disability claim and then appeal the initial denial (only 25% of Kentucky applicants are approved at the initial application stage). Disability lawyers have the experience to help them obtain the proper medical data needed for a compelling claim and the skills to present that case to the Social Security judge. Visit our Kentucky disability lawyers' page if you decide to hire an attorney to help win your claim.
Updated August 1, 2019
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