Initial Process

Applying for Disability Benefits – The Initial Process

There are certainly multiple steps to go through to complete a disability application.  For the process to move forward smoothly and accurately, you have to make sure that the information on the application is accurate and nothing is missing before you submit it.

There are a number of important questions that will be asked on the application including how you would describe your disability (physical or mental), current or previous medications, doctor information, and how the impairment affects work.

These questions are fundamental to the overall application and must be completed carefully and accurately. Even questions about as marital status and minors living in your household will be asked of you at this critical step in the process.  Considering consulting a Social Security Disability Attorney may be advisable.

After the application is submitted, it will be reviewed for completeness.

Any current work history will be reviewed, and it will be verified to make sure it meets basic requirements.  If your application meets all aforementioned requirements it will be sent to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) in your state of residence.

Next, the DDS office that receives your case will assign it to a DDS examiner for review.  The examiner will use information provided in the application to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form and determine whether you meet the disability criteria.

Once a determination is made by the examiner the case will then be sent back to the SSA.  At this point, if the application is approved and benefits are awarded, then the benefit amount will be determined and the benefits will be scheduled for release.

If the application is rejected and the applicant is not found to be disabled, the file is kept at the local office in case an appeal is filed.