The Disability Application Process - The Five Stages

Who decides whether or not I am disabled?

All Initial and Reconsideration filings are reviewed by Disability Examiners. Disability Examiners work for state agencies collectively referred to as Disability Determination Services (DDS). These examiners must determine the medical eligibility of disability claimants. DDS examiners are not federal employees, but since they are government workers, it is not surprising that they deny the majority of claims at the Initial and Reconsideration stages. By contacting DDS, you can speak to the Disability Examiner who is assigned to your case.

What is reconsideration and who makes the reconsideration determination?

After an initial claim is received by the local Disability Determination Service (DDS), the DDS will make a determination based on the information in the file. In most cases, the initial claim for disability benefits will be denied. Once the initial denial happens, the claim moves into an area called Reconsideration if the claimant appeals the decision.

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!