Written by:
Linda Cosme-Vice President of DIsability Policy & Strategy, Citizen’s Disability
What are the Disability Determination Services?
Understanding the role of the Disability Determination Services (DDS) is essential for anyone applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). While the Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees the disability benefits program, it is the state-run DDS agencies that evaluate medical evidence and make the initial and reconsideration determinations on disability claims. Because each state’s DDS operates independently, the process, approval rates, and timelines for receiving benefits can vary significantly. This variation can make navigating the disability determination process challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the differences between SSA and state DDS agencies.
What is the Disability Determination Services (DDS)?
The DDSs, which are fully funded by the Federal Government, are the state agencies responsible for developing medical evidence and deciding the initial and reconsideration determinations on whether or not a claimant is disabled under Social Security law.
Why is the state DDS important?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) and the DDSs share responsibility for initial and reconsideration determinations for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The disability allowance rate and average processing time for your disability claim can vary widely from state to state. Not all states are created equal. Some states are more generous in awarding disability benefits than other states and some are faster at issuing disability determinations. The DDSs’ primary responsibility is to make medical determinations for SSA on claims filed by residents of the state or similar entity. However, states with heavy workloads might transfer cases to other state agencies or to a federal component, and states with available capacity may receive cases transferred from other state agencies.
Why are the DDSs different compared to SSA?
Congress created this joint SSA/DDS relationship in 1954, which makes navigating the disability application process slightly more daunting due to state differences. Although SSA is responsible for accurate and legally correct disability determinations, SSA does not control the state DDS operations, computer systems, or the state employees that render those determinations. Each DDS is also subject to the laws and regulations in its state, from employee qualification standards to accounting and fiscal requirements. Strategically, the disability benefits advocate considers these variances from state to state.
Why am I receiving DDS forms from a Disability Examiner?
The state DDS adjudicator is a Disability Examiner (DE). The DE works directly with the state agency Medical and Psychological Consultants (MC/PC) in making disability determinations. Usually the initial Disability Examiners have the least experience, and skills can vary from state to state. For example, in Texas, a Disability Examiner must have a four-year degree and some experience but in Tennessee, only a high school diploma is required to issue the determination.
Once the DDS makes an initial disability determination based on medical and other evidence in the record, the claimant receives notice of the determination. If the initial determination is an allowance, the notice will include the benefit amount and when payments will begin. If the initial determination is partially favorable, unfavorable or a dismissal, the notice will explain the determination and will explain how to appeal. When the DDS completes its initial determination, the electronic file is returned to the SSA FO to take any further action necessary.
The state-run DDS plays a crucial role in determining eligibility for disability benefits, impacting both the outcome and timeline of claims. While the SSA sets federal guidelines, the unique operations of each DDS can affect how disability cases are handled. Understanding these state-specific differences, including the qualifications of Disability Examiners and the process of medical evaluations, can help claimants better navigate their disability applications.
How Disability Advice Can Help
Navigating the DDS process can be overwhelming, especially with the variations in approval rates and processing times from state to state. Whether receiving an approval, denial, or reconsideration request, knowing what to expect from the DDS can make a significant difference in securing the benefits needed.
At Disability Advice, we help claimants understand their eligibility, prepare strong applications, and navigate appeals if their claims are denied. If you’ve received a denial or reconsideration request, we can guide you through the next steps, ensuring you submit the right medical evidence and documentation to support your case.
Don’t leave your benefits to chance—contact Disability Advice today to get the help you need.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
Written by:
Linda Cosme-Vice President of DIsability Policy & Strategy, Citizen’s Disability
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“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
Patrice I.