According to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, the mission of the Disability Determinations Services department is to confirm your medical eligibility for state-run assistance programs such as Family Medicaid, Kentucky Transitional Assistance program and Adult Medicaid. Although the DDS acts on behalf of Social Security Administration, it does not accept applications, nor does it determine the technical eligibility for Kentucky residents.
There are several state and federal disability programs; each one has its particular requirements. While some may pay for short-term or partial disability, others do not. Social Security is one of the programs that do not. When you apply for Medicaid, SSD or SSDI benefits, your claim is reviewed by the SSA. It will be forwarded to the DDS if you meet the nondisability eligibility conditions.
In addition to asking you to provide more information, the DDS also collects data about your condition from your health care providers. A medical exam may be requested to help the adjudicators determine whether you meet the SSA disability requirements and definition of disabled. In the event you are unable or do not provide the information requested, or if you do not complete the examination, your application may be denied.
The application for the SSA is more than paperwork. It includes a series of events that have deadlines and requires that you demonstrate a disability that qualifies you for support. If your claim is denied, it can be contested and potentially reversed if you have a strong case. Visit our webpage for more information on this topic.