What is the Disability Determination Process?

When you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will need to meet two separate eligibility requirements as you go through the approval process: you will need to meet the medical requirement, and you will also need to meet the non-medical requirement, which is a requirement pertaining to your work history (and whether you have worked enough hours, and recently enough, to qualify for SSDI benefits). When you begin looking into the information and evidence for the application process, you may come across details about the disability determination process. What is this process, and how does it relate to the overall SSDI application process? Our national SSD claims process lawyer can explain in more detail below and can discuss your particular case and application with you today.

Understanding the Disability Determination Process

What is the disability determination process? When you apply for SSDI benefits, part of your application will involve providing detailed information and evidence that shows you meet the medical requirement to receive SSDI benefits or other government disability benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). In order to meet the medical requirement, you will need to prove that you have a “disability” as the SSA defines it.

When your application is received and processed by the SSA’s local field office or state agency, typically called Disability Determination Services (DDSs), your application will be reviewed to see if you meet the SSA’s medication requirement, meaning that you have a disability as the SSA defines it. This is the part of your application processing that is known as the “disability determination process.”

During the process, the DDS will examine the evidence you have provided, and seek evidence from your own medical sources, but the DDS can also arrange for you to go to a consultative examination if more information about your medical condition is necessary for the DDS to make a determination.

Are You Disabled According to the SSA?

In order to meet the medical requirement and to be considered disabled — and approved for SSDI benefits during the disability determination process — you must meet this definition:

You must have a medical condition that is expected to last for at least 12 months or to result in your death, and the condition must be severe enough that it prevents you from gainful employment (known as substantial gainful activity by the SSA).

Contact Our National SSDI Claims Process Lawyer for Help with the Disability Determination Process and Other SSD Questions 

The process for obtaining SSDI benefits can be complicated, and the process can feel very lengthy and time-consuming when you are dealing with a medical condition that prevents you from working and involves physical or mental symptoms. As we discussed above, an essential part of the SSDI approval process is the disability determination process, and it will be crucial to provide all relevant documentation and medical evidence to the SSA so that you can be approved for benefits on a medical basis. If you need assistance with your initial application, or if you have been denied and need help with your reconsideration or appeal, one of the experienced national SSD claims process attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can assist you. Contact our firm today.

Source:

ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm