Step 4: What the Social Security Administration Does With Your process

After you mail or file your SSDI process, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sends it to a state agency called Disability information Services (DDS). This agency is not part of Social Security itself — it is a separate office in your state that makes the actual decision about whether you meet the medical requirements for SSDI. You will not hear from Social Security directly during this part. Instead, DDS will contact you if they need more information.

The entire review process typically takes three to six months, though some cases take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if DDS needs to order new medical tests. During this time, your process is in what SSA calls "pending" status. You can check the status of your case by logging into your my Social Security account online, calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213, or visiting a local Social Security office in person.

Key Takeaways

  • Your process goes to your state's Disability information Services office, not to Social Security directly, and they decide whether you meet the medical requirements.
  • DDS will contact you by phone or mail if they need additional medical records, test results, or clarification about your work history.
  • The review process usually takes three to six months, and you can check your case status anytime through your my Social Security account online.
  • If DDS denies your process, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal receive a hearing before a judge.

What DDS Does During the Review

Disability information Services has two main jobs: they gather your complete medical records and they compare your medical condition to the SSA's list of conditions that automatically may have access to for SSDI. This list is called the Blue Book, and it includes conditions like severe arthritis, certain cancers, heart disease, and mental health disorders that meet a specific level of severity.

DDS will request medical records from every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider you listed on your process. If you saw a doctor recently, DDS will ask for those records. If you have not seen a doctor in months or years, DDS may order a consultative examination — a medical exam paid for by Social Security so they can evaluate your condition themselves. You will receive a letter telling you where and when to go for this exam.

DDS also reviews your work history to understand what jobs you have held and what physical or mental demands those jobs required. They use this information to decide whether your condition prevents you from doing any work at all, not just your previous job.

When DDS Asks for More Information

During the review, DDS may contact you by phone or mail asking for clarification about your medical history, your work history, or your daily activities. They might ask you to sign a form authorizing them to get records from a specific doctor, or they might ask you to describe how your condition affects your ability to work. These requests are normal and do not mean your process is being denied.

If you receive a letter from DDS asking for information, respond as quickly as you can — usually within 10 days. If you cannot meet the important date, call the number on the letter and ask for an extension. Delays in responding can slow down your case or, in rare cases, result in a dismissal if DDS cannot reach you after multiple attempts.

Keep copies of everything you send to DDS. If you have medical records at home, gather them now and send them along with your response. The more complete your medical file, the faster DDS can make a decision.

Understanding the Two Possible Decisions

When DDS finishes reviewing your case, they send their decision to Social Security, which then sends you a letter. The letter will say either "approved" or "denied." If you are approved, the letter will tell you when your benefits start and how much your monthly payment will be. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason — usually that DDS found your condition does not meet the Blue Book criteria or that you still have the ability to work.

An approval means you have met the medical requirements for SSDI. You will begin receiving monthly payments, and you will also become covered by Medicare after a two-year waiting period. A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means DDS decided your case did not meet their criteria at that moment. Many people are denied on their first process and approved after they appeal.

What to Do if Your process Is Denied

If you receive a denial letter, you have the right to appeal. You must request an appeal within 60 days of the date on the denial letter. The appeal process has four stages: reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Most people who appeal go to the hearing stage, where a judge reviews your case and your medical records in person or by video.

You do not need a lawyer to appeal, but many people find it helpful to have one. Some lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win, and their fee is taken from your back pay (the money owed to you from the date you became disabled). You can find SSDI lawyers through your state bar association or through organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives.

During the appeal process, you can submit new medical records, new test results, or statements from doctors who have treated you. Many people are approved on appeal because they have additional medical evidence that was not available during the first review.

Keeping Track of Your Case

Create a folder — either physical or digital — to store copies of your process, any letters from DDS or Social Security, medical records you have submitted, and notes about any phone calls you have made. Write down the date, time, and name of anyone you speak with at DDS or Social Security. If you call and reach a representative, ask for their name and a case reference number.

Check your my Social Security account regularly to see if your case status has changed. The account will show you whether your case is still pending, whether DDS has requested additional information, or whether a decision has been made. If you do not have a my Social Security account, you can create one at ssa.gov — you will need an email address and a phone number.

What Happens While You Wait

While your case is pending, you can continue working if you are able to. There is no rule that says you must stop working while waiting for a decision. However, if you are working and earning more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may use your current work activity as evidence that you can still work. The amount changes each year, so check ssa.gov for the current limit.

If your condition gets worse during the review period, gather new medical records documenting the change and send them to DDS. You can also write a letter explaining how your condition has worsened and how it affects your daily life. This new information can be important if your case is initially denied and you appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it really take to get a decision?

Most decisions come within three to six months, but some take longer. Cases involving mental health conditions or those requiring a consultative examination often take closer to six months. You can ask DDS for an estimate when you call to check your status.

What if I move during the review process?

Notify Social Security when ready of your new address. You can update your address through your my Social Security account, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local office. If DDS cannot reach you at your address on file, they may dismiss your case.

Can I work while my process is pending?

Yes, you can work while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than the monthly limit (currently $1,550 in 2024), Social Security may view your work as evidence that you can still work. The limit changes yearly, so verify the current amount on ssa.gov.

Do I need a lawyer during the initial review?

No, you do not need a lawyer for the initial process review. Many people handle this stage on their own. However, if your case is denied and you appeal, having a lawyer can significantly improve your chances of approval at the hearing stage.

What if DDS orders a consultative exam and I cannot attend?

Call the number on the letter when ready and explain why you cannot attend. DDS can usually reschedule the exam. If you miss the exam without contacting them, it may delay your case or result in a denial.