What Florida Disability information Services Does

Florida Disability information Services (DDS) is the state agency that decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) claims. It does not run the programs themselves—the Social Security Administration does—but it conducts the medical and vocational review that determines the outcome of your case.

When you file for SSDI or SSI with Social Security, your claim is sent to Florida DDS. The agency orders medical records, sometimes requests a consultative examination, and evaluates whether your condition prevents you from working. Florida DDS then sends a recommendation to Social Security, which makes the final decision. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal, and Florida DDS may review your case again at the reconsideration stage.

Florida DDS is part of a nationwide network of state agencies that handle disability determinations under a federal contract. The agency is located in Tallahassee but processes claims from residents across the entire state. Understanding how it works and what it needs from you can speed up your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida DDS reviews medical evidence and work history to decide if you meet Social Security's disability standard, but Social Security makes the final decision on your claim.
  • You do not contact Florida DDS directly; Social Security sends your claim to the agency automatically after you file.
  • Florida DDS may order medical records from your doctors, request a consultative exam at no cost to you, or ask you to complete a detailed work history form.
  • If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, and Florida DDS will review your case again if you submit new medical evidence or correct factual errors.
  • The agency typically takes 30 to 90 days to complete an initial review, though cases with complex medical histories or missing records take longer.

How Your Claim Moves Through Florida DDS

After you file for SSDI or SSI, Social Security's local office sends your claim to Florida DDS within a few days. The agency assigns a disability examiner to your case. That examiner reviews the medical records you provided, requests additional records from your doctors and hospitals, and evaluates your work history and age.

The examiner uses a five-step sequential evaluation process set by federal law. The steps are: whether you are working and earning substantial income; whether your condition is severe enough to limit work; whether your condition matches or equals a condition in Social Security's List of Impairments; whether you can do your past work; and whether you can do any other work. Most denials happen at steps three, four, or five—meaning the condition is real but Social Security does not believe it prevents all work.

Once the examiner completes the review, Florida DDS sends a written decision to Social Security. Social Security then notifies you by mail. The entire process at Florida DDS usually takes 30 to 90 days for straightforward cases, but cases involving multiple conditions, missing records, or the need for a consultative exam can take four to six months.

What Florida DDS Needs From You

You provide most information when you file with Social Security, not directly to Florida DDS. However, the agency may contact you if information is missing or unclear. The most common request is a detailed work history form called the Work History Report, which asks about every job you have held in the past 15 years, including job duties, hours, pay, and why you left.

Florida DDS also relies on medical records. If you have not given Social Security the names and addresses of all your doctors, hospitals, and clinics, the agency may send you a form asking you to list them. You can speed up your case by providing this information upfront when you file. Do not wait for Florida DDS to ask.

If your medical records do not fully document your condition, Florida DDS may schedule a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor or psychologist it contracts with. The exam is free, and Florida DDS pays the provider. You are expected to attend. If you cannot make the appointment, contact Social Security's local office when ready to reschedule; missing the exam without notice can result in a denial.

When Florida DDS Orders a Consultative Examination

A consultative examination happens when your own doctors have not provided enough detail about your condition, or when there is a gap in your medical treatment. For example, if you claim a back injury but have not seen a doctor in two years, Florida DDS may order an exam to document your current condition. If you have mental health symptoms but no recent psychiatric evaluation, the agency may request a psychological exam.

The exam is not a second opinion on whether you are disabled—it is a factual record of what a neutral doctor observes. The provider completes a report and sends it to Florida DDS. You receive a copy. If the report is inaccurate or incomplete, you can submit a written response or ask your own doctor to write a letter correcting the findings.

Consultative exams typically take two to four weeks to schedule and complete. If you are waiting for an exam, do not assume your case is stalled; the agency is gathering information it needs to make a fair decision.

Understanding a Denial and the Reconsideration Process

If Florida DDS recommends denial, Social Security will deny your claim and send you a written notice explaining the reason. The notice will say whether you were denied because your condition does not meet the severity standard, because it does not match the List of Impairments, or because the agency believes you can still work.

You have the right to request reconsideration, which means Florida DDS will review your case a second time. You must request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. At reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence, correct factual errors in the file, or provide additional information about your work history. If you do not submit anything new, Florida DDS will likely reach the same conclusion.

Reconsideration takes another 30 to 90 days. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, which is a different process handled by Social Security's Office of Hearings and Appeals, not by Florida DDS. At a hearing, you can present testimony and evidence in person or by video.

How to Track Your Claim Status

You cannot contact Florida DDS directly to check on your claim. Instead, contact Social Security's local office or call the national SSDI/SSI helpline at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security can tell you whether your claim is still at Florida DDS or has been returned with a decision. You can also create an account on ssa.gov and check your status online if you have filed recently.

If your case has been at Florida DDS for longer than 90 days and you have not heard anything, ask Social Security to contact the agency. Delays sometimes happen when records are missing or when the agency is backlogged. Social Security can often push for a status update on your behalf.

Keep copies of everything you submit to Social Security, including medical records, work history forms, and any letters you write. If your case goes to reconsideration or a hearing, you will need to reference what you already provided.

What Happens If You Disagree With Florida DDS's Decision

Disagreeing with Florida DDS's decision does not mean the agency made an error—it means you believe the medical or vocational evidence supports a different conclusion. The first step is reconsideration, as described above. At reconsideration, focus on submitting new evidence rather than arguing about the first decision. New medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors carry more weight than a written argument.

If you are denied at reconsideration, you can request a hearing. At a hearing, you can testify about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. You can also bring a representative—a lawyer, advocate, or family member—to speak on your behalf. Many people find that a hearing is their best chance to present their case because they can answer questions directly and respond to evidence in real time.

Hiring a disability lawyer is common at the hearing stage. Lawyers are paid only if you win, and the fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can work with a non-lawyer representative, such as a disability advocate, for a lower fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call Florida DDS to ask about my claim?

No. Florida DDS does not have a public phone line. You must contact Social Security's local office or call 1-800-772-1213 to check on your claim status. Social Security can see whether your case is still being reviewed or has been decided.

What if Florida DDS asks for records from a doctor I no longer see?

You are responsible for providing the doctor's name and last known address. If you do not have current contact information, tell Social Security or Florida DDS what you know, and the agency will attempt to locate the records. If records cannot be found, Florida DDS will make a decision based on what is available. You can always submit records later if you find them.

Does Florida DDS make the final decision on my claim?

No. Florida DDS makes a recommendation, and Social Security makes the final decision. However, Social Security follows Florida DDS's recommendation in the vast majority of cases. If you disagree with the outcome, you appeal to Social Security, not to Florida DDS, though Florida DDS may review your case again at reconsideration.

How long does a consultative exam take, and will it hurt?

The exam itself usually takes 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the type. It is not painful. The provider will ask questions, perform basic physical or mental health tests, and review your medical history. You will receive a copy of the report afterward.

What if I miss my consultative exam appointment?

Contact Social Security's local office when ready to reschedule. Missing an exam without notice can result in a denial of your claim because Florida DDS cannot complete its review without the medical information. If you have a legitimate reason for missing the appointment, explain it to Social Security and ask to reschedule as soon as possible.