Social Security processes SSDI claims through field offices, a national processing center, and an appeals system

Your SSDI claim does not go to one place. It starts at a Social Security field office in your area, moves to a Disability information Services (DDS) office run by your state, and if you disagree with the decision, goes to federal appeals courts. Understanding which office handles what—and when—helps you know where to follow up, what to expect, and how long each step takes.

The path your claim takes depends on whether you are filing for the first time, appealing a denial, or requesting a continuing disability review. Each stage has a different office in charge, different rules about timing, and different people making the decision.

Key Takeaways

  • Your local Social Security field office takes your claim and sends it to your state's Disability information Services office, which makes the medical decision within 60 to 90 days.
  • If DDS denies your claim, you can request reconsideration (handled by a different DDS examiner), a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, or appeal to the Appeals Council.
  • The Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review runs the hearing and appeals process, separate from the initial claim office.
  • You can contact your local field office by phone, in person, or through your online Social Security account; DDS does not take calls from the public.
  • Processing times vary by state and by how complete your medical records are, so calling your field office to confirm receipt is worth doing after two weeks.

Your local Social Security field office: where claims begin

When you file for SSDI, you go to the Social Security field office serving your zip code. This is where you sign the process, provide your Social Security number, work history, and contact information. The field office staff do not make the medical decision—they collect your information and send it forward. You can find your local office at ssa.gov/locator or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

The field office creates a file with your process (Form SSA-16), your work history, and any medical records you bring. They also note whether you are already receiving other benefits (like Supplemental Security Income, or SSI) or have a representative payee. This file then goes to your state's DDS office. The field office does not track the medical review—that happens elsewhere—but they can tell you whether your claim was received and forwarded.

If you file online through ssa.gov, you still need to visit a field office or call to complete the process. Online filing starts the process but does not finish it. After you submit online, Social Security will contact you to schedule an appointment or phone interview to verify your identity and sign the process.

Disability information Services: where the medical decision is made

Disability information Services (DDS) is a state agency that contracts with Social Security to review medical evidence and decide whether you meet the definition of disability. Every state has a DDS office (sometimes called the "Disability information Bureau" or similar). DDS is where your claim sits while it is being reviewed—not at Social Security headquarters, and not at your local field office.

A DDS examiner (not a doctor) and a medical or psychological consultant review your medical records, work history, and age. They compare your condition to Social Security's list of disabling conditions (called the "Blue Book") and decide whether you are disabled. This process takes 60 to 90 days on average, though it can take longer if your medical records are incomplete or if DDS needs to order additional tests. DDS does not accept phone calls from the public; all communication goes through your local field office or your representative.

DDS sends its decision to Social Security, which mails it to you. The letter will say "approved," "denied," or "approved at a different age" (if you do not yet meet the age requirement for retirement benefits but do meet the disability standard). If you are approved, DDS also determines your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is the monthly benefit amount Social Security will pay you.

The Appeals Council and Administrative Law Judges: handling disagreements

If DDS denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process has three levels, and each is handled by a different office within the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR).

Reconsideration is the first appeal step. A different DDS examiner (not the one who denied you) reviews your entire file plus any new medical evidence you submit. This takes 60 to 90 days. You request reconsideration by filing Form SSA-561 within 60 days of receiving the denial letter.

Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is the second level. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing. An ALJ is a federal judge who works for Social Security but is independent of the DDS office that denied you. The ALJ reviews your medical records, may order new medical evidence, and can call you and your witnesses to testify. Hearings are held in person, by video, or by phone. Wait times for a hearing vary by region—some offices have waits of 6 to 12 months. The ALJ's decision is mailed to you within 30 days of the hearing.

Appeals Council review is the third level. If the ALJ denies you, you can ask the Appeals Council (also part of ODAR) to review the ALJ's decision. The Appeals Council does not hold a new hearing; they review the written record. This step takes 3 to 6 months. If the Appeals Council denies you or does not change the ALJ's decision, you can then file a civil lawsuit in federal district court.

How to track your claim and contact the right office

To check the status of your claim, start with your local field office. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Have your Social Security number ready. The field office can tell you whether your claim was received, whether it has been sent to DDS, and whether a decision has been made. They cannot tell you what DDS is thinking or speed up the medical review.

You can also check your status online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. Log in or create an account, and select "Benefit process Status" to see where your claim stands. This shows the same information the field office has—whether it is pending, approved, or denied.

If you are in the appeals process (reconsideration, hearing, or Appeals Council), contact ODAR directly. ODAR has regional offices, and you can find yours at ssa.gov/appeals. ODAR can tell you the status of your hearing request and the date of your hearing if one has been scheduled.

If you have a representative (a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate), they can contact the field office, DDS, and ODAR on your behalf. Your representative has access to your file and can request updates more quickly than you can.

Why processing times vary by state and what affects speed

DDS offices are state agencies, and they have different staffing levels, case volumes, and backlogs. Some states process claims in 60 days; others take 120 days or more. Factors that slow down your claim include incomplete medical records, gaps in your work history, or a condition that does not clearly fit Social Security's rules. If your medical records are missing, DDS will contact your doctors' offices to request them, which adds weeks.

The completeness of your process also matters. If you do not list all your doctors, DDS has to search for records. If you have not worked in several years, DDS may need to verify your work history through Social Security's earnings records. These steps add time.

After DDS makes a decision, Social Security's field office mails the decision letter to you. Mail delivery adds another week or two. If you do not receive a decision letter within 120 days of filing, call your field office to confirm that DDS received your claim and to ask for an update.

What to do if your claim goes missing or stalls

If you have not heard anything after 90 days, call your field office and ask whether your claim was received and forwarded to DDS. Ask for the date it was sent to DDS. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date of the call.

If your field office says the claim was sent to DDS but you have not received a decision after 120 days, ask the field office to contact DDS on your behalf to check status. The field office can do this; you cannot call DDS directly. If the field office is unresponsive, you can file a complaint with Social Security's Office of Inspector General at oig.ssa.gov.

If you are missing medical records or test results that you know DDS needs, contact your doctors' offices and ask them to send records directly to DDS. Ask for confirmation that the records were sent. You can also submit records yourself by mailing them to your local field office with a cover letter that includes your name, Social Security number, and the date you filed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call DDS directly to ask about my claim?

No. DDS does not accept calls from the public. All communication with DDS goes through your local Social Security field office. Call the field office and ask them to contact DDS on your behalf, or have your representative call DDS directly if you have hired one.

What is the difference between my field office and DDS?

Your field office takes your process and sends it forward; DDS reviews your medical records and makes the disability decision. The field office handles paperwork and status updates. DDS handles the medical review. They are separate offices in different locations.

How long does a hearing with an ALJ usually take?

Wait times vary by region. Some areas have hearings within 6 months; others take 12 to 18 months. The hearing itself usually lasts 30 minutes to an hour. After the hearing, the ALJ has 30 days to mail you a written decision. Ask ODAR for an estimate of wait time in your region when you request a hearing.

Can I change my representative during the appeals process?

Yes. You can hire a lawyer or advocate at any stage—initial claim, reconsideration, hearing, or Appeals Council. If you already have a representative, you can replace them by filing Form SSA-1696 with the new representative's information. The old representative's authority ends when Social Security receives the new form.

What happens if I move during my claim process?

Notify your field office when ready. Give them your new address in writing or by phone. Your claim file will follow you, but mail delays can happen if Social Security does not have your correct address. Confirm your address in your my Social Security account as well.