After I apply for disability, who determines whether I am disabled?
March 13th, 2010
Some claimants do not understand that the initial stage of a Social Security disability claim includes the process of determining if a person is disabled. There is a state agency that actually determines whether or not a person is classified as disabled. It’s not the Social Security Administration. Every state in the U.S. has an agency referred to as the “disability determination service” that makes the determination if a person qualifies for Multiple Sclerosis Disability benefits. For example, in the State of Georgia, we call the disability determination service DDS which is known as the Georgia Department of Labor, Disability Adjudication Section. Every state may have a different name for their DDS; however, the federal rules still apply. Once a decision is made, the Social Security Administration will send you their decision in the mail. So, who makes the final decision? The disability examiner along with a medical consultant makes the decision. If you are denied at first, don’t worry, approximately 75% of applicants are denied the first time. Luckily you can appeal a denied decision.
Entry Filed under: Reference and Education