What Disability information Services does

Disability information Services (DDS) is the state agency that decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. When you file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability, your claim goes to DDS, not directly to Social Security. DDS reviews your medical records, orders tests if needed, and sends Social Security a recommendation about whether you are disabled under their rules.

Each state has its own DDS office. Social Security forwards your claim there within a few days of receiving it. DDS does not decide how much money you get or when payments start — that is Social Security's job. DDS answers one question only: do you have a medical condition severe enough to prevent substantial work?

The process usually takes three to six months, though it can be faster or slower depending on how complete your medical records are and how busy your state's office is. You do not interact with DDS directly in most cases. Social Security tells you what is happening, and DDS works behind the scenes.

Key Takeaways

  • DDS is a state office that reviews medical evidence and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's disability definition.
  • Your claim automatically goes to DDS after you file with Social Security — you do not choose this step or contact DDS yourself.
  • DDS may order medical exams or tests at no cost to you if your records do not show enough about your condition.
  • A decision from DDS usually arrives within three to six months, though timing varies by state and case complexity.
  • If DDS denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, and a different DDS examiner will review it again.

How DDS reviews your medical evidence

When your claim reaches DDS, a disability examiner and a medical or psychological consultant review everything in your file. They look at your doctors' notes, test results, hospital records, and any other medical documents Social Security collected. They are looking for objective evidence — things like imaging results, lab work, or a doctor's documented observations — not just what you report about your symptoms.

DDS compares your medical condition against Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to as disabling, called the Blue Book. If your condition matches one of these listings exactly, the decision is usually approval. If it does not match a listing, DDS looks at whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from doing any work, even work different from what you did before.

If your medical records do not show enough detail about your condition, DDS orders a consultative exam (CE). Social Security pays for this exam, and you receive a notice telling you where and when to go. The doctor or psychologist who does the exam sends their findings back to DDS. You do not pay anything for a consultative exam.

What happens if DDS needs more information

DDS may contact your doctors directly to ask specific questions about your condition, your medications, your limitations, or how long your condition is expected to last. Your doctors are required to respond within a set time frame. This usually happens without you knowing about it, though Social Security may tell you that they are gathering more records.

Sometimes DDS asks you to go to a medical exam even though you have recent records from your own doctors. This happens when the records are old, when they do not describe your current condition clearly, or when DDS needs a specialist's opinion. You will receive a notice in the mail with the exam location, date, and time. If you cannot make that appointment, you can ask for a different date.

If you do not show up for a scheduled exam without a good reason, DDS may deny your claim. If you have a legitimate reason you could not attend — a medical emergency, transportation failure, or a serious family situation — contact Social Security right away and explain what happened.

The difference between initial and reconsideration decisions

Your first DDS decision is called the initial information. If DDS denies your claim, you have the right to ask for reconsideration. This means a different examiner and medical consultant at DDS will review your entire case from the beginning. You can submit new medical records with your reconsideration request, and DDS will consider them.

Reconsideration takes another three to six months. You must request it within 60 days of receiving the denial letter, though Social Security can extend this important date if you have a good reason for missing it. If DDS denies you again at reconsideration, you can then request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is a different process run by Social Security's Office of Hearings and Appeals.

Many people are denied at initial information but approved at reconsideration, especially if they submit new medical evidence. Do not assume a first denial is final.

How DDS uses the Blue Book

Social Security publishes the Blue Book, a detailed list of medical conditions that are considered disabling. Each condition has specific requirements — for example, a listing for diabetes might require certain blood sugar levels, evidence of kidney damage, and documentation of treatment. If your condition and your medical evidence match a listing exactly, DDS must approve your claim.

The Blue Book covers conditions in body systems: musculoskeletal, special senses, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, endocrine, neurological, mental disorders, and cancer. You can read the Blue Book yourself on Social Security's website, though it uses medical language and can be hard to follow.

If your condition does not match a Blue Book listing, DDS does not automatically deny you. Instead, they assess whether your condition is severe enough to prevent substantial work, even if it does not fit a specific listing. This is called a medical-vocational allowance. DDS considers your age, education, work history, and what your condition prevents you from doing.

State differences in DDS processing

Each state runs its own DDS office, and processing times, staffing levels, and backlogs vary significantly. Some states process claims in two to three months; others take six months or longer. You cannot choose which state office handles your claim — it depends on which state you live in when you file.

If you move to a different state during the process, your claim may transfer to the new state's DDS office. This can cause delays. If you are planning to move, it is worth asking Social Security whether waiting until after the move would be better, though this is not always possible.

You can find your state's DDS office contact information on Social Security's website, though you typically do not need to contact them directly. If you have questions about your claim's status, call Social Security instead — they can check with DDS on your behalf.

What DDS does not decide

DDS decides only whether you are disabled. They do not decide how much money you receive, when your payments start, or whether you are a widow, child, or other family member may have access to to benefits. Social Security handles all of those decisions after DDS sends their recommendation.

DDS also does not decide whether you can work part-time or earn a small amount of money. Social Security has separate rules about work and earnings called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). DDS focuses on whether your condition prevents you from working at the SGA level, which changes each year.

If you are approved and later earn too much money, Social Security — not DDS — will stop your benefits. DDS's job ends once they send their decision to Social Security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact DDS directly to check on my claim?

You can contact your state's DDS office, but Social Security is usually faster. Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they can check your claim status and contact DDS if needed. DDS offices are often very busy and may not answer phones quickly.

What if I disagree with the DDS decision?

You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. A different examiner will review your case. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. You do not have to accept the first or second decision.

Will DDS order an exam even if I have recent records from my doctor?

Yes, sometimes. DDS may order a consultative exam if your records are incomplete, outdated, or do not address specific questions about your condition. You do not pay for this exam — Social Security covers the cost. If you cannot attend, contact Social Security to reschedule.

How long does DDS take to make a decision?

Most decisions take three to six months from the time your claim reaches DDS. Some states are faster; others slower. If you need your decision sooner, there is no way to speed up DDS, but you can make sure your medical records are complete and current when you file.

Does DDS approve most claims on the first try?

No. About one-third of initial claims are approved, one-third are denied, and one-third are sent back for more information. Many people who are denied at initial information are approved at reconsideration, especially if they submit new medical evidence.