Once you have completed your application for Social Security Disability Insurance, who reviews your case and decides if you are disabled?

The Social Security Administration reviews your application with the help of the Disability Determination Services Office to decide if you are disabled.

When reviewing your application, the SSA fist makes sure you meet the basic requirements for disability benefits. For example, the SSA will see if you have worked enough years to qualify for SSDI. The SSA will also review your current work activities (if application). If you meet the basic requirements, the SSA sends your application to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.

What is the Disability Determination Services Office?

The Disability Determination Services Office (DDS) is a state agency that uses medical evidence from your doctors and the hospitals, clinics or institutions where you have been treated to determine if you are disabled. The DDS will ask your doctors for information regarding your medical condition.

The DDS will ask your doctors:
- What your medical condition is
- When your medical condition started
- How your medical condition affects your activities
- What your medical tests have shown
- What treatment you have received

What is a Consultative Examination?

The DDS may require additional information to determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. For example, the state agency may ask you to go for a special examination, often called a consultative examination.

If the DDS requires that you undergo a consultative examination, they will pay for the exam.

Does the DDS Consider My Age or Other Factors When Reviewing My Claim?

In addition to speaking with your doctor and reviewing your medical records, the DDS will consider your medical condition(s) and how it affects your ability to perform previous work. The DDS will also consider your level of education and your age.

Debilitating factors like chronic pain, physical limitations, mental limitations and medications are also considered by the DDA.

When Can I Expect to Hear a Decision from the DDS?

It can take the DDS up to six months, or longer, to determine if you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits.

Once the DDS has determined if you are eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits, they will send you a letter in the mail. If your claim is approved, the letter will indicate the amount of benefits you will receive. If your claim was denied, the letter will explain why you were denied Social Security Disability benefits and provide you with a method of appeal.

I Was Denied Social Security Disability Benefits. What Can I Do?

If your claim was denied, don't get discouraged. Less than 40% of self-filed claims are approved by the Social Security Administration.

It is highly recommended that you work with a Social Security advocate or attorney to improve your chances of receiving Social Security Disability benefits during the appeals process. An advocate or a lawyer who specializes in Social Security Disability claims will be able to help you win your case at an administrative hearing with an Administration Law judge.

Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

A Social Security Disability lawyer can significantly increase the chances of receiving Social Security Disability benefits. For example, 90% of claims filed with legal representation were won within 3 months. In contrast, only 35% of self-filed claims were approved initially and the total potential time to receive benefits ranged from 2.5 to 5 years!

Hiring a Social Security Disability advocate not only improves your likelihood of gaining Social Security Disability benefits, it also reduces the amount of time it will take you to receive your first check in the mail by the Social Security Administration.

Backlog of Claims in the Social Security Administration:

Have you heard about people waiting more than 80 days to hear the SSA's decision on a Social Security claim? The SSA has become backlogged with claims over the past few years. If your claim is denied and you appeal the decision, expect a delay of up to 500 days for a hearing before an administrative law judge.

To prevent waiting to hear the SSA's decision on your Social Security Disability claim, consider hiring an attorney or an advocate.