Disability Determination Services

Disability Determination Services, commonly called DDS, are state agencies, funded by the United States Federal Government. Their purpose is to make disability findings for the Social Security Administration.

Applicants for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) file applications for disability benefits at local Social Security field offices.

If the application is accepted it is sent to the DDS in the state where the applicant lives to have a person's claim of disability assessed.

The claim is either approved or denied at the DDS for disability qualification. The claim is then returned to the originating SSA office to finish processing.

The following methods are used in determining a disability:

The applicant is requested to provide his/her own information on his/her disability. During the application process, it is requested that the applicant list all conditions that contribute to his/her disability, and how they prevent him/her from working.

In addition to this information being requested during the application process, the applicant is mailed a questionnaire. The questionnaire contains questions pertaining to the applicant's activity before and after s/he became disabled, including what his/her daily activities are, and how the disability has affected his/her ability to perform them. Such activities include activities like dressing, bathing, grooming, food shopping, meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.

Approval is based on how the applicant's medical conditions impact his or her ability to earn an income. While an applicant's own words alone are usually not sufficient to qualify him/her for approval, they can play an important role.

Personal statements can be of questionable validity. If the applicant has expertise in the system, or can obtain help from an expert, they may be able to influence the decision by the use of particular words and phrases.

The applicant's medical records are obtained from physicians involved in the current treatment of the applicant. The physician(s) provide information on the condition(s) for which the applicant is being treated, and how they impede the applicant's ability to work.

In many cases, DDS will send the applicant to one or more physicians for a medical examination, paid by DDS. This most often occurs in the absence of a physician with an existing treating relationship with the applicant who can verify an impairment alleged by the applicant. The examination will be used to verify the information provided by other sources, and to provide a more up-to-date record in making a determination.

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