Department of health division of disability determinations

The Disability Determination Services - DDS is an agency of the State of Washington. Under Social Security regulations, the DDS disability specialists, staff physicians, and psychologists determine eligibility of Washington applicants for three disability programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance - SSDI
  • Supplemental Security Income - SSI
  • Non-Grant Medical Assistance - NGMA

The Washington DDS has three branch offices located in Olympia, Federal Way and Spokane to serve disability applicants of Washington state. The DDS employs about 250 people and receives nearly 1700 new claims each week. The following claims are processed in the Washington DDS:

  • Initial Applications
  • Reconsiderations - 1st appeal of denial
  • Continuing Disability Reviews - periodic reviews to determine if those who are on benefits still qualify.
  • Disability Hearings - face to face informal hearing as part of the appeal of Continuing Disability Review cessation.
  • DSHS Non-Grant Medical Assistance

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Department of health division of disability determinations

Director: Jacki Russell

Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a division of the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Funded primarily by the federal government’s Social Security Administration (SSA), DDS makes medical determinations for Social Security and state Medicaid Disability claims.  

People can apply for Social Security disability benefits in person at a local SSA field office, by telephone or by filing online. Social Security Disability claims are initially processed at local SSA field offices.

The application and related forms ask for a description of the person’s impairment(s), treatment sources and other information that relate to the disability that is being claimed.

The field office is responsible for verifying non-medical eligibility requirements, which may include age, employment, marital status or Social Security coverage information. The field office then sends the case to DDS to evaluate the disability. DDS is responsible for obtaining medical evidence and making the initial determination on whether that person, or a claimant, is disabled or blind under the law.

DDS works to obtain evidence from the claimant's own health care providers first. If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, DDS will arrange for a consultative examination (CE) to obtain additional information. The claimant's treatment provider is the preferred source for the CE, but DDS may obtain the CE from an independent source. Trained staff at DDS then makes the disability determination.

After a determination is made, DDS returns the case to the field office for appropriate action. If DDS finds the claimant is disabled, SSA completes any outstanding non-disability development (such as current income and resources), computes the benefit amount, and begins paying benefits to the claimant. If the claimant was found not to be disabled, the file is kept in the field office in the event of an appeal. The local SSA field office will assist claimants with completing paperwork to begin an appeal if applicable.

DDS also processes Medicaid disability claims for the state of North Carolina. Medicaid disability claims can be filed by contacting a county Department of Social Services office. Once a Medicaid disability application is received, DDS will develop medical evidence and make a determination on disability using the same protocols as outlined for Social Security Disability benefits.

General Information: 1-844-259-8985
Disability Claim Status: 1-866-542-8113

Additional ResourcesCareer OpportunitiesFrequently Asked QuestionsProfessional Relations Office

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income Disability Resources

For information on applications, eligibility requirements, and benefits for the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs visit the Social Security Website. You can also find Frequently Asked Questions and the Social Security Office Locator tool.

Medical Decisions

While applications for Social Security disability are taken in the local Social Security Administration field offices, the medical decisions are made in each state by a disability determination service.

Social Security decisions which are appealed to the Office of Hearings and Appeals for a decision before an Administrative Law Judge are held in the following locations:

Office of Hearings and Appeals
One Portland Square
Suite 600
Portland, ME 04101-4092

How do I check the status of my disability review?

You can check the status of your application online using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What does it mean when it says disability determination decision under review?

Once you have filed an appeal, you may receive a letter stating that you have an “appeal under review.” This is a point in the SSA's decision-making process that is neither good nor bad, but rather it means that your case is being reviewed to ensure that the decision on your eligibility for benefits was made correctly.

What is the most approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What should you not say in a disability interview?

5 Things Not to Say in a Disability Interview.
No one will hire me; I can't find work. ... .
I am not under medical treatment for my disability. ... .
I have a history of drug abuse or criminal activity. ... .
I do household chores and go for walks. ... .
My pain is severe and unbearable. ... .
Legal Guidance When SSDI Benefits Are Denied..