Your Kentucky social security disability case may be difficult to win. In the state of Kentucky, only 25.3% of initial SSD claims are awarded and that is lower than the national average of 32.2%. Applicants with claims that are denied can submit a request to have their case reconsidered, but first appeals are awarded less than 10% of the time. It is in your best interest if you are pursuing a social security disability case in Kentucky, to expect to not only apply for benefits but to be prepared to appeal the decision twice if necessary as your chances of being awarded benefits increases substantially at the hearing level. Disability claims that are denied during reconsideration can be sent for review by an administrative law judge (ALJ) at the local ODAR or hearing office. There are four hearing offices in the state of Kentucky located in Paducah, Lexington, Middlesboro and Louisville.
At the hearing level, your chances of winning your Kentucky social security disability case increases significantly. The table below provides approval rates and processing times for each of the four hearing offices in Kentucky. But notice that while the average approval rate for social security disability claims in Kentucky jumps to 58.3% at the hearing level, it will take, on average 315 days to actually have your hearing processed. The amount of days to process a hearing is 349 days nationally.
| Hearing Office | Approval Rate | Processing Time in Days |
| Paducah | 60.9% | 303 |
| Lexington | 53.4% | 290 |
| Middlesboro | 47.7% | 303 |
| Louisville | 45.0% | 364 |
| Kentucky | 58.3% | 315 |
Thirty-four administrative law judges work between the four local hearing offices. The Paducah office has five ALJs deciding on cases, Lexington has thirteen judges serving, Middlesboro has six judges and Louisville has ten. Kentucky SSD attorneys who regularly attend hearings and present cases at the local hearing offices will often be able to present stronger disability cases because they get the opportunity to learn the preferences and requirements of the different ALJs at a given hearing office.
Fill out the free evaluation form on this site to schedule your initial consultation with a local Kentucky social security disability attorney. Initial consultations are free and you will not be required to pay any fees unless your attorney wins your Kentucky social security disability case for you. Click on the city closest to you for more info on hiring a disability attorney in your area:
Further Reading: How to Qualify For Social Security Disability in Kentucky
