The United States Social Security Administration is an agency of the United States federal government. They provide insurance programs to American citizens consisting of disability, retirement, and survivor benefits. The most common claim among these three is the disability benefits. Disability is a physical, developmental, or mental condition that impairs and limits a person’s ability to do certain tasks and engage in social activities. It may be any form of injuries or illnesses that can be acquired from birth or a work-related accident. Any form of disability can change your life forever. During this situation, disabled people need to prepare and fill out the paperwork and requirements to start the application process for Social Security disability claims.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two disability programs for citizens that need disability benefits. There are differences in the qualifications for these two programs, but some citizens might be granted both.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) offers benefits to citizens who became disabled after they obtain adequate work credits in Social Security Administration Trust Fund. These credits are acquired by continuously working within a certain period. The number of credits you need will depend on your age when you become unable to work due to your disability. Individuals who are qualified for Social Security Retirement benefits are also eligible to receive Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI benefits).
On the other hand, the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) offers monthly benefits to citizens who have insufficient resources and low monthly income. Qualified applicants may also be granted other forms of benefits including food stamps, health care in the form of Medicaid, and housing assistance. The administrators of the SSI supplement of Kentucky are the Department of Community Based Services and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS).
To qualify for these programs, a claimant must meet certain requirements, such as inability to work, the disability is expected to last for at least one year, or may result in death, or any impairment included in the medical conditions list from the Social Security office. The medical conditions of disabled individuals will be thoroughly evaluated before considering it as a “disability”. Short-term or partial disabilities are not eligible for disability benefits provided by the SSA.
In Kentucky, a disabled person is eligible for disability benefits provided by the worker’s compensation insurance or by the Social Security program.Â
You may submit your disability application forms to one of the twenty-six accredited Social Security Administration (SSA) offices in Kentucky. You may contact them through their online website www.ssa.org, or their toll-free line (800-772-1213). The SSA is responsible for the screening of your application.
After the screening process, the Disability Determination Service (DDS) of Kentucky State will evaluate it for medical eligibility. They check the applicant’s eligibility for Kentucky programs, namely Kentucky Transitional Assistance Program (KTAP) and Medicaid. All disabled SSI beneficiaries are automatically considered eligible for Medicaid. Kentucky’s Disability Determination Services have branches located in Louisville and Frankfurt.
In 2019, a large part of the Supplemental Security Income program fund, which is approximately $771 per month, came from the federal government. Furthermore, Kentucky has allotted additional funds for the neediest beneficiaries. There is an allowance allotted worth $520 to citizens who are staying in a personal care facility. Those individuals who are residing at family homecare are given $172 each. For people who are living at home with a caretaker, the compensation is around $62 for individuals and $115 for couples.
In Kentucky, all business owners and employers are obliged to provide worker’s compensation insurance for all employees. If one of the employees got injured while at work, he or she has the right to file a worker’s compensation benefits claim. If the accident that occurred caused long-term disability to the employee, then he or she may also apply for Social Security benefits.
Individuals with disabilities who are planning to apply for a disability claim may seek legal help from a disability attorney. An application guided by a lawyer has a 25% chance of getting approved at the first application screening. A skilled Kentucky disability lawyer helps their clients obtain proper medical records, legal documentation, valid evidence, and medical information that will support the claim. They are the ones who will present the case to the court.
Filing for disability may take a lot of time and effort; however, you need to do whatever it takes to receive the disability benefits due for you. For legal representation and inquiries on social security disability filing, do not hesitate to consult with our experienced lawyers at Farmer and Wright, PLLC. We are willing to help you achieve the successful disability claim that you deserve.
