SSDI: STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

STEP-BY-STEP SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSDI) PROCESS.

Here are the steps in the life of the Social Security disability claim:

1)  You file an application on line, at the Social Security office, or through a qualified lawyer or advocate.

2)  Your local Social Security field office will assemble an administrative folder that contains all your personal contact information, a signed copy of your application, and the required medical release forms.  This often takes 2 to 4 weeks.

3)  Your case will be sent out to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) in Birmingham.  This is the agency that will investigate your claim to see if "you meet our rules for disability."  The DDS will order medical records from each doctor or medical provider you listed on the application (on a document called "Disability Report - Adult").  They order records only from doctors or entities that you list.  DDS will review your medical records, your job history, education and age.  They may order a special medical or psychological examination by one of the doctors under contract to Social Security, though this only happens in about 20 percent of claims.  An in-house doctor at DDS will review your claim to "sign off" on the decision of the disability specialist who did your review.  This whole process takes about 4 months.  You will get a decision letter in the mail.  In Alabama, almost 70 percent of claims will be denied at this level.

4)  If approved, your claim goes to a payment processing center and they will begin another slow process of setting your claim up to be paid.  This can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days.  SSI (Supplemental Security Income) claims will take even longer.

5)  If you were denied, you must file an appeal and request a hearing before an administrative law judge.  This must be filed within 60 days or you lose the right to appeal.  The appeal process typically takes 2 years or longer before the next decision can be made.