Disability Determination Services | Get help from DDS centers

Program Overview

Disability Determination Services. Get information on Disability Determination Services, including details on the application process, phone numbers and centers near you. People who apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) due to a disability must have their cases evaluated by DDS to determine eligibility.

Learn about the Disability Determination Services process below and how to get the status in your state. Disability Determination Service centers are located in every state with the phone number for application status below. When someone applies for a disability (whether due to mental or physical needs), the application and claim goes through a multiple month review process that is led by a local DDS office.

Disability Determination Services in your state operate in partnership with the federal government Social Security Administration field offices near you. Initial review for disability is done by SSA office: The centers operate in a number of ways. The staff work closely with applicants that are filing for SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Even if your application was denied and needs to be appealed, the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, which is a part of DDS, plays a key role in that process too. When filing an initial claim, what generally happens is that representatives from a Social Security (SSA) office will obtain someone’s application for disability benefits.

They receive this by telephone, from the person filing at the office, in person, or online. So applications for disability benefits need to go to the social security office first , and this is where people should begin the process when applying for financial assistance.

It is also possible to get legal help when filing or dealing with DSS, and locate pro bono SSI lawyers near you So the first review of an application is done by a representative that will work at a SSA field office, and this person is responsible for verifying non-medical eligibility requirements.

They will review information such as employment status, age, Social Security coverage, income, or the applicants marital status. The SSA field office then sends the case to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) center in your region near that will be in your state for evaluation of the disability claim.

Steps of Disability Determination Services: After that first step above is complete, then what happens is the: DDS will take the application for disabled it from there . These are state agencies that are responsible for developing and reviewing medical evidence. The staff will also make the initial determination on whether or not a claimant is qualified as disabled and/or if they are found to be blind under the law.

There are many activities undertaken at the DDS center near you and applicants can learn what step their disability application is by calling an office near them at the phone numbers listed below. Medical evidence gathering is done by: Disability Determination Services. The local centers request medical records from the sources provided by the applicant.

This may include doctors, hospitals, clinics, an employer, or other healthcare providers. Sometimes, if the existing medical records are insufficient to make a determination, DDS may arrange for a consultative examination (CE) at their expense. The centers, including a Medical Relations Officer near you, will do their best to obtain evidence from the applicant’s doctors or medical sources first.

If that doesn’t work out, and say the information is insufficient or unavailable, then the Disability Determination Service will set up a more thorough consultative examination. They may use doctors, independent sources, trained medical staff, or others as part of this process. DDS will hold a review by disability examiners and medical consultants.

To make the decision, a number of factors are assessed. They will review extensive information, medical records and variables. The final decision as to whether to approve SSI or SSDI benefits is made by your Disability Determination Services office. It really comes down to whether the applicant is able to work based on what their experience and training would dictate.

Disability examiners and medical consultants at DDS review the gathered evidence. They assess the medical condition, how it impacts the individual’s ability to work, and whether it meets the SSA's definition of disability. They will also strongly consider whether the person can work in the future and find future employment when considering the person’s disability.

So the process is very unique, and no two cases are the same. This is why an advocate can help in the process, as they will ensure you are treated fairly and no discrimination or bias occurs.

The next step is making the determination . Based on the evidence, as noted above, the DDS case worker will determine if the applicant is disabled according to SSA standards. This decision is based on medical criteria and, in some cases, vocational criteria. In some cases, the local disability examiner will contact you directly.

This may occur by mail, phone, or in some cases an appointment at the office. They may request additional information, need to clarify your application, or ask questions. The staff from the center will ensure the application is closely reviewed. They closely focus on the employment issue as well, as this should be the deciding factor in whether approving or denying the application.

For example, even if someone is able to communicate, walk, and manage their own life, they may in fact be considered disabled if there is no employment or work available given their abilities. Learn more on work program for disabled adults However someone with diminished mental capacity or mobility may not qualify for SSDI disability benefits if there is plentiful employment in their field that is available given their abilities.

Another twist is that in some cases, an applicant may found to be qualified by Disability Determination Services based on their symptoms alone. Notifications to the applicant originate from Disability Determination Services . After this comprehensive process is completed, the DDS centers returns the case file to the Social Security field office for appropriate action, notification and further review or sign off.

Whether the application for SSI or SSDI was approved or denied, the claim is then returned to the originating SSA office to finish processing. If the case manager at your state’s DDS office found that the claimant is disabled, the federal government SSA completes the process from that point going forward.

They will decide the cash benefit amount to pay out from Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). .Note, if your application was denied, both SSA and the Disability Determination keep this on record for any possible appeal or lawsuit from an attorney. If the claim is denied, the applicant has the right to appeal the decision, which involves several levels of review.

If an individual is approved for disability benefits, their case may periodically be reviewed by DDS to determine if they continue to be disabled. How long is disability application review process by DDS: When applying, many people want to know how long will their case file be at the local DDS office.

Unfortunately there is no official timeline. It general, the application will be reviewed, analyzed, and at the office for as long as it takes to make a decision. While timeframes vary, the DDS review process may be anywhere from 3-6 months , or even longer. If you appeal and it needs to be reviewed again, then that will add a few more months to the process.

But it is possible to get financial help, money from the government and more while waiting, and locate how to get cash assistance while waiting for disability Some disability cases are more complex than others.

For example, claims involving multiple medical conditions or rare diseases may require more extensive review from Disability Determination Services and gathering of medical evidence. Approval time frames also depends on volume of applications, accuracy of application, state rules and other factors. Phone number for Disability Determination Services near you: If you want to call the Disability Determination Services center, you can do this.

Find DDS phone numbers that will be near you for your state below. Medical or Professional Relations Officers will provide the status of a disability application as well as what step it is in. While there are security protocols in place, in rare cases an applicant may visit their local office in order to speak directly to the examiner who is processing your claim or to bring additional documentation or evidence.

In addition, the main Social Security Administration phone number is 1-800-772-1213, and they also have information on disability approvals. Alabama: Disability Determination Service - Birmingham call 800-292-8106 or in Mobile dial 800-292-6743 Alaska: DDS center is based in Anchorage at 907-777-8100.

Or call 800-577-3334. Arizona: Disability Determination Services Administration in Phoenix dial 800-352-0409 or in Tucson call 800-362-6368 for the Medical Relations Officer. They are both involved in collecting medical and employment data from people filing for SSI or SSDI. Arkansas: Disability Determination for Social Security Administration based in Little Rock is at 501-682-3030.

California: There are multiple Disability Determination Service C

Who Can Apply

• Low-income individuals and families meeting income guidelines
• Participants in government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI)
• Recipients of federal housing assistance
• Those experiencing financial hardship or crisis situations

Application Process

Applications can typically be submitted online, by phone, or in person. You will need to provide documentation of your income, household size, and proof of participation in qualifying programs if applicable.

Benefits Available

This program provides various forms of financial assistance depending on your specific circumstances and needs. Benefits may include bill payment assistance, emergency aid, or ongoing support services.

Contact & Apply

For more information about this program, including application deadlines and specific requirements, visit the official resource link below or contact the administering organization directly.