As part of an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you may be asked to be examined by Disability Determination Services (DDS). This critical part of the application process may determine whether you get the disability benefits you deserve. But what exactly is DDS, and how can you prepare for a DDS examination?
What is Disability Determination Services?
Put simply, DDS is a state-run government agency that works alongside the Social Security Administration to examine people applying for disability benefits. The agency performs medical and psychological testing on behalf of the SSA to determine the nature and extent of their disability. Anyone who gets through the initial application process for SSDI or SSI will potentially need to undergo a DDS examination, with a handful of exceptions.
Why Do You Need to Go to a DDS Examination?
A common question that people have is why they need to be examined by DDS in the first place. After all, in order to even qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, they will typically need to have a diagnosis from a licensed professional, along with medical evidence related to treating their disability. However, there is always the risk that a private physician or therapist may lie for the benefit of their patients, so DDS acts as an independent examiner that can confirm medical information about the applicant.
What is Involved in a DDS Examination?
An examination by DDS typically consists of two parts: an interview, and a medical examination. During the interview, the applicant is asked questions about their physical or psychological issues, to give them a better idea of what to expect. They then perform an examination, and compare the applicant’s symptoms to a list of known medical conditions. If it is determined that the applicant is disabled to the extent that they cannot work or take care of themselves, they will be approved to receive disability benefits.
What Should You Do?
If you are looking to apply for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling Social Security disability applications. They can not only give you the best chance at successfully getting through the application process, they can also argue on your behalf if your application is rejected and needs to be appealed. The sooner you call, the sooner they can get to work for you.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
