Social Security Administration (SSA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is the federal agency responsible for managing and overseeing SSDI and SSI programs. The SSA is the primary entity that processes your disability claim, makes determinations, and ultimately decides whether you are eligible for benefits. The SSA's role includes:

• Reviewing Applications: The SSA is responsible for receiving and reviewing your initial disability application.
• Making Initial Decisions: After reviewing your application, the SSA determines whether you meet the criteria for disability benefits.
• Sending Notification: Once a decision is made, the SSA will notify you of the outcome, whether your claim is approved or denied.

You can apply for disability benefits directly through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Once your application is submitted, it is sent to a state-level agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS is responsible for reviewing the medical evidence in your application and making a determination about whether you meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Here’s what the DDS does:

• Medical Review: DDS evaluates your medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and any other relevant documentation.
• Consulting with Medical Experts: In some cases, DDS may consult with doctors or specialists to review your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
• Making Recommendations: Based on the evidence, DDS recommends whether you should be approved or denied for disability benefits.

If DDS needs more information to make a decision, they may ask you to provide additional documents or undergo a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor selected by the SSA.

Administrative Law Judges (ALJ)

If your claim is denied by the SSA and you decide to appeal the decision, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) will handle your case during the hearing process. ALJs are independent judges who have the authority to make decisions in disability cases after reviewing all available evidence.

What an ALJ does:

• Conducts a Hearing: If your claim is denied and you request a hearing, the ALJ will review your case and listen to your testimony and that of any witnesses you bring.
• Reviews New Evidence: The ALJ can consider new evidence that wasn’t part of your original application and make a fresh decision based on the full picture of your case.
• Makes a Decision: After the hearing, the ALJ will make a final ruling on whether you qualify for disability benefits.

Disability Lawyers or Advocates

While not part of the official SSA or DDS process, a disability lawyer or advocate can play an important role in helping you navigate the claims process. These professionals are experts in Social Security disability law and can assist you at various stages of your claim.

How a disability lawyer or advocate can help:

• Assist with the Application: They can help ensure that your initial application is complete and accurate, reducing the chances of delays or denials.
• Gather Medical Evidence: A lawyer or advocate can help gather medical records, letters from doctors, and other important evidence to support your claim.
• Help with Appeals: If your claim is denied, a lawyer or advocate can help you with the appeals process, including preparing your case for a hearing before an ALJ.

While hiring a lawyer is not required to apply for disability benefits, many people find that working with a lawyer increases their chances of approval and can speed up the process.

State Disability Agencies (for State-Specific Programs)

In some states, there are state-run disability programs that provide assistance to people who cannot work due to a disability. These programs are separate from SSDI and SSI, but may have similar application processes. Some states may also have additional programs that complement federal benefits.

For example:

• State Disability Insurance (SDI): Some states, like California, offer state-run disability insurance programs that provide benefits to individuals who are temporarily disabled and unable to work due to illness or injury. The state disability agency handles these claims.

You should check your state’s disability agency if you are applying for state-based benefits in addition to federal benefits.