What Texas Disability information Services Does

Texas Disability information Services (DDS) is the state agency that reviews disability claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When you file a claim with Social Security, your case is sent to Texas DDS, not handled directly by Social Security. Texas DDS decides whether your medical condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

Texas DDS does not make the final decision on your claim — Social Security does. But Texas DDS makes the medical information first. If Texas DDS says you are disabled, Social Security usually approves your claim. If Texas DDS says you are not disabled, Social Security denies your claim, though you can appeal and request a hearing before a judge.

The office is part of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. It operates separate from the Social Security Administration's field offices, though the two agencies work together on every claim filed in Texas.

Key Takeaways

  • Texas DDS reviews the medical evidence in your disability claim and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.
  • Your case goes to Texas DDS automatically when you file with Social Security — you do not choose this or contact Texas DDS directly to start the process.
  • The initial review usually takes 30 to 90 days, though cases involving medical records requests or vocational assessment can take longer.
  • If Texas DDS denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner at Texas DDS for a second review.
  • Texas DDS has regional offices in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, but most communication happens by mail or through your Social Security case.

How Your Claim Reaches Texas DDS

When you file for SSDI or SSI with Social Security, your process goes to a Social Security field office or is submitted online through Social Security's website. Social Security collects your basic information, work history, and medical records. Within days, Social Security sends your entire file to Texas DDS.

You do not need to contact Texas DDS or do anything special to route your claim there. The transfer is automatic. Social Security will send you a notice telling you that your claim has been received and that you should expect a decision within 30 to 90 days.

If you filed online or by phone, Social Security may ask you to sign additional forms or provide more medical records. These requests come from Social Security, not Texas DDS, but the documents you send will be included in the file Texas DDS reviews.

What Texas DDS Examines in Your Medical Records

Texas DDS assigns a disability examiner and a medical consultant (usually a doctor or psychologist) to your case. Together, they review your medical records to see whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from working.

They look for specific things: the date your condition started, what tests or imaging your doctor ordered, what the results showed, what treatment you received, how often you see a doctor, whether your condition is stable or getting worse, and what your doctor says about your ability to work. They also check whether your condition appears in Social Security's list of conditions that automatically may have access to as disabling — called the Blue Book.

If your medical records are incomplete, Texas DDS will request additional records from your doctors. This can add weeks to the review. If your doctors do not respond quickly, your case may be delayed. You can speed this up by contacting your doctors yourself and asking them to send records directly to Social Security.

Timelines for Initial Review and Decision

Social Security tells you to expect a decision within 30 to 90 days. In practice, most initial claims are decided within 60 to 90 days. Cases that require medical records requests, consultations with specialists, or vocational assessment (a review of whether you can do other work) often take the full 90 days or longer.

You will receive a written decision in the mail from Social Security, not from Texas DDS. The letter will say whether your claim was approved or denied. If it was denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration.

If you do not receive a decision within 90 days, you can contact your local Social Security office to ask about the status. Social Security can tell you whether Texas DDS is still reviewing your file or whether the decision has been made.

What Happens If Texas DDS Denies Your Claim

If Texas DDS determines that your condition does not meet Social Security's definition of disability, Social Security will deny your claim. The denial letter will include the reason — for example, that your condition is not severe enough, that you can still do your past work, or that you can do other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy.

You have the right to request reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner and medical consultant at Texas DDS. Reconsideration is a free second review. You must request it within 60 days of the denial letter, though Social Security may accept a late request if you have a good reason for the delay.

When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical records or other evidence that was not in your original file. This is your chance to address the reason for the denial. For example, if Texas DDS said your condition was not severe enough, you can submit recent test results or a letter from your doctor explaining why your condition has worsened.

Texas DDS Regional Offices and Contact Information

Texas DDS operates four regional offices, but you will not usually visit one in person. Most communication happens through the mail or through your Social Security case manager. If you need to speak with someone about your claim, contact your local Social Security office first — they can answer questions about the status of your case and explain the decision.

The regional offices are located in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. You can find the address and phone number for your local Social Security office on Social Security's website by entering your zip code. Social Security field offices handle all direct contact with claimants about disability cases.

If you have questions about a specific decision or want to understand why your claim was denied, Social Security can explain it. You do not need to contact Texas DDS directly — Social Security has access to the same file and can tell you what Texas DDS found.

Appeals After Reconsideration

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the next step in the appeal process and is handled by Social Security, not Texas DDS. At a hearing, you can present evidence, answer questions from the judge, and have a representative (such as a lawyer or advocate) speak on your behalf.

Hearings usually take place 12 to 18 months after you request one, though the wait varies by location. Many people are approved at the hearing stage, especially if they have new medical evidence or a representative who can present their case effectively.

You must request a hearing within 60 days of the reconsideration denial. After that, you can appeal to the Appeals Council and then to federal court, but these steps are less common and usually require a lawyer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact Texas DDS directly about my claim?

You can, but Social Security is the better first contact. Texas DDS does not manage claimant communication — Social Security does. Call your local Social Security office or check your case status online through Social Security's website. If you have specific questions about the medical review, Social Security can explain what Texas DDS found.

How long does Texas DDS take to make a decision?

Most initial claims are decided within 60 to 90 days. Cases that need medical records requests or vocational assessment can take longer. Social Security will tell you in your initial notice that you should expect a decision within 30 to 90 days. If you do not hear back within that window, contact Social Security to ask about the status.

What if my doctor says I am disabled but Texas DDS says I am not?

Disagreement between your doctor and Texas DDS happens often. You can request reconsideration and submit a detailed letter from your doctor explaining why you cannot work, along with recent medical records. At a hearing before a judge, your doctor's opinion carries significant weight, especially if your doctor has treated you for a long time.

Do I need a lawyer to deal with Texas DDS?

You do not need a lawyer for the initial claim or reconsideration, though having one can help. Many people represent themselves at these stages. If your case goes to a hearing, a lawyer or advocate can improve your chances, and you only pay them if you win — usually 25 percent of back pay, up to a legal maximum.

What if Texas DDS asks for more medical records?

Texas DDS will ask Social Security to request records from your doctors. You will receive a notice from Social Security asking you to have your doctors send records. You can speed this up by calling your doctors directly and asking them to send records to Social Security right away. Provide them with Social Security's address from the notice.