DDS-Disability Determination Services

Most Social Security disability claims are initially processed through a network of local Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices and State agencies (usually called Disability Determination Services or DDSs). 

The field office is responsible for verifying non-medical eligibility requirements, which may include age, employment, marital status, or Social Security coverage information. The field office then sends the case to a DDS for evaluation of disability.

Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a State agency responsible for developing medical evidence and making the initial medical disability determination on whether a claimant is disabled or blind under Social Security law. The agency and its offices are fully funded by the federal government.

DDS usually tries to obtain medical evidence from the claimant’s own medical sources first. If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS will arrange for a consultative examination (CE) to obtain additional information about the applicant. This evaluation is also paid for by the federal government.

The claimant’s treating medical provider is the preferred source for the CE, but the agency may obtain the CE from an independent source. After completing its development of the evidence, trained staff at DDS makes the initial disability determination.

The Social Security office where you filed an application for disability benefits will often be unable to tell you much regarding the progress or status of your disability claim, unless it got stuck at that office. Generally, your claim will have been sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS) soon after you apply. Calling DDS to get an update from the claims examiner assigned to either your claim is typically the most effective way to gather information about what is happening on your SSDI or SSI claim, assuming you aren't waiting for an appeal. 

If you need help applying for Social Security Disability or SSI, please contact me at joshben99@gmail.com. I have over 22 year's experience with Social Security Disability cases. I handle cases all over the United States. 

Home - Allan W. Ben, PC (allanwbenpc.com)

Location: Michigan, USA

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