What Happens After You Submit Your SSDI process
After you send in your SSDI process, Social Security assigns your claim to a Disability information Services (DDS) office in your state. This office is not part of your local Social Security office — it is a separate state agency that works under contract with Social Security to make the medical decision on your claim. The DDS will request your medical records, review them against the rules for disability, and send Social Security a written decision: approved, denied, or approved for a different program.
You do not need to do anything while DDS works on your case, but you should expect the process to take time. The DDS office handles hundreds of claims and must gather records from doctors, hospitals, and treatment providers. If your medical evidence is incomplete or unclear, they will ask you or your doctors for more information, which adds weeks to the timeline.
Key Takeaways
- Your state's Disability information Services office, not Social Security directly, makes the medical decision on whether you meet the disability rules.
- The DDS will request your medical records from all your doctors and hospitals, so make sure Social Security has your correct contact information for each provider.
- The entire information process typically takes three to six months, though cases with incomplete medical evidence take longer.
- You will receive a written decision in the mail that explains whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program like SSI.
- If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days from the date on the letter to file an appeal.
How DDS Gathers Your Medical Records
When DDS receives your claim, one of the first steps is sending requests to every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider you listed on your process. Social Security asks you to name these providers so DDS knows where to look. If you did not list a provider or if your information was incomplete, DDS may not find those records, and your case could be decided without them.
Providers are required by law to send records when DDS requests them, but they do not always respond quickly. A busy hospital records department might take four to eight weeks to gather and mail your file. If a provider does not respond after 30 days, DDS will usually send a second request. If records still do not arrive, DDS may make a decision based on what they have, which could hurt your case if those missing records would have supported your claim.
You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices yourself and asking them to send your records to DDS. Ask for the fax number or mailing address of your state's DDS office — Social Security can provide this — and request that records be sent there. Keep a list of which providers you contacted and when, so you know which ones to follow up with if records are still missing after three weeks.
The Medical Review and Disability Rules
Once DDS has your medical records, a disability examiner and a medical consultant (usually a doctor or psychologist) review them together. They are not looking for whether you feel sick or whether your condition is real. They are checking whether your medical condition meets one of Social Security's specific rules for disability, called the Blue Book. The Blue Book lists medical conditions and the test results, symptoms, and treatment history that must be present for each condition to count as disabling.
For example, if you have diabetes, DDS does not approve you just because you have diabetes. They check whether your diabetes has caused complications — like kidney failure or vision loss — that meet the specific standard in the Blue Book for endocrine disorders. If your records show you have the complications listed, you are approved. If they do not, DDS may deny you even though you have diabetes.
If your condition does not match a Blue Book listing exactly, DDS can still approve you under a process called medical-vocational allowance. This means your condition, combined with your age, education, and work history, makes it unlikely you could work at any job. This path is harder to win and takes longer because it requires more detailed analysis of your medical records and your background.
Timeline: What to Expect Month by Month
| Timeframe | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Week 1–2 after process | Social Security sends your claim to your state's DDS office and begins requesting medical records from providers you listed. |
| Week 3–8 | DDS waits for medical records to arrive. Providers may take four to eight weeks to respond. DDS sends follow-up requests if records do not arrive. |
| Week 9–16 | Once records are complete, the disability examiner and medical consultant review your file against the Blue Book rules. This review typically takes two to four weeks. |
| Week 17–26 | DDS makes a decision and sends it to Social Security. Social Security mails you a written notice explaining the decision. |
This timeline assumes your medical records are complete and your case is straightforward. Cases with missing records, conflicting medical evidence, or conditions that do not fit a Blue Book listing exactly can take six to nine months or longer. Some cases are sent back to DDS for additional review, which adds another two to four months.
When DDS Asks for More Information
If your medical records do not clearly show whether you meet the disability rules, DDS may order a consultative examination (CE). This is a medical exam paid for by Social Security, performed by a doctor or psychologist DDS chooses. The CE is not your regular doctor — it is a one-time appointment to gather specific medical information DDS needs to make a decision.
If DDS orders a CE, they will mail you a notice telling you where and when to go. You must attend the appointment. If you miss it without a good reason, DDS may deny your claim. The exam itself is free, but you are responsible for getting there. If you cannot attend on the scheduled date, call the CE provider right away and ask to reschedule.
DDS may also send you a form asking you to describe your daily activities, your symptoms, or how your condition affects your ability to work. These forms are called Function Reports. Answer them as completely as you can, describing what you actually do each day and what you cannot do because of your condition. Be specific: instead of "I cannot work," write "I can sit for 20 minutes before my back pain forces me to stand, and I cannot lift anything heavier than five pounds."
What the Decision Letter Means
When DDS finishes reviewing your case, Social Security mails you a written decision. The letter will say one of three things: approved for SSDI, approved for SSI (a different program for people with low income), or denied.
If you are approved, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. SSDI benefits usually start the month after you are approved, though the exact date depends on when your disability began. If you are approved for SSI instead of SSDI, the letter explains the difference and what you need to do next.
If you are denied, the letter explains which Blue Book rules DDS checked and why your medical records did not meet them. The letter also tells you that you have the right to appeal. Read the denial letter carefully and save it — you will need it if you decide to appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the information process usually take?
Most cases take three to six months from the time DDS receives your claim until you get a decision letter. Cases with incomplete medical records or complex medical conditions can take longer — sometimes nine months or more. You can call your state's DDS office to ask about the current average wait time in your area.
Can I check the status of my information while DDS is reviewing it?
You can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to check the status of your claim. They can tell you whether DDS has received your file and whether they are still waiting for medical records. You cannot check the status online through your Social Security account.
What if DDS orders a consultative exam and I cannot attend?
Call the exam provider when ready and explain why you cannot go on that date. Ask to reschedule. If you miss the exam without contacting them first, DDS may deny your claim. If you have a legitimate reason for missing it — such as a medical emergency or transportation that fell through — explain this to Social Security in writing as soon as possible.
What happens if DDS denies my claim?
You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. The first level of appeal is called reconsideration, where a different examiner and medical consultant review your entire case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records with your reconsideration request if your condition has worsened or if you have new treatment.
Can I work while DDS is determining my claim?
Yes. Working does not hurt your claim as long as your earnings stay below the substantial gainful activity limit, which is $1,550 per month in 2024 (this amount changes each year). If you earn more than this amount, DDS may conclude you are able to work and deny your claim. Tell Social Security about any work you do, even part-time or occasional work.