How does the Social Security Administration determine if I’m disabled?

After you file a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income benefits, your application will be processed by your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office. Your application will include a description of your medical condition, supporting medical records, and your doctors’ contact information. A state agency called the Disability Determination Services (DDS) will then evaluation your medical condition based on the evidence provided.

The SSA has compiled an extensive list of more than all possible medical conditions which qualify for Social Security benefits, as well as the evidence a person needs to prove each condition. The Disability Determination Services will determine if a person’s medical evidence is sufficient to meet the standards of a disability under federal law. If the Disability Determination Services needs additional information, they may request documents from your doctors, or have you come in for an evaluation. Based on all available evidence, the Disability Determination Services will then determine if you are disabled or not. If the Disability Determination Services finds you are not disabled, you may appeal this decision or provide additional information supporting your disability claim. If your disability benefits claim has been denied, call (800)525-7111 or use our case evaluation form.