1. Understand Why Your Claim Was Denied

Before starting your appeal, carefully read the SSA’s denial letter. It explains the specific reasons your claim was denied — such as lack of medical evidence, insufficient work credits, or your condition not being considered severe enough.

Common reasons for SSDI denials include:

• Missing or incomplete medical documentation
• Earning too much income above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit
• Not following prescribed medical treatment
• SSA determining you can still perform your past or other work

Knowing why your claim was denied helps you focus your appeal on addressing those issues.

2. File a Reconsideration Request

The first step in the appeal process is Reconsideration. You must file this request within 60 days of receiving your denial notice. During reconsideration, your claim is reviewed by a different SSA examiner who was not involved in the initial decision.

To strengthen your reconsideration:

• Submit new medical records or test results obtained after your initial application.
• Provide detailed statements from your doctors about your functional limitations.
• Clarify any information the SSA may have misunderstood or missed the first time.

You can file your reconsideration request online through the SSA website or at your local Kentucky SSA office.

3. Request a Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

If your reconsideration is also denied, the next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

This is often the most important stage of the SSDI appeal process — and where many Kentucky applicants finally win their case.

At this hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Present updated medical evidence.
• Explain how your disability prevents you from working.
• Bring witnesses or experts (such as your doctor or vocational expert).

The ALJ will review all the evidence and question you about your daily limitations, symptoms, and work history before making a decision. In Kentucky, these hearings are often held virtually or in person at local Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) locations such as Lexington, Louisville, or Paducah.

4. Appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. The Council reviews your case to determine if the ALJ made any legal or procedural errors.

They may:

• Approve your claim,
• Send it back for another hearing, or
• Uphold the ALJ’s decision.

You must file this appeal within 60 days of the ALJ decision.

5. File a Federal Court Appeal

If the Appeals Council also denies your claim, your last option is to file a lawsuit in federal district court.

This is a civil action against the SSA, and it focuses on whether the agency’s decision was supported by law and evidence. Federal appeals can be complex and time-consuming, so having professional legal guidance at this stage is highly recommended.

6. Strengthen Your Case for a Successful Appeal

To increase your chances of success during appeal:

• Keep getting medical treatment — consistent medical records help prove ongoing disability.
• Update your records with new test results, treatments, or diagnoses.
• Provide detailed descriptions of how your disability limits your ability to perform daily activities or work.
• Submit forms on time — missing deadlines can lead to automatic denial.

Even though the process can feel long and stressful, many Kentuckians are approved after appeal, especially at the hearing stage.