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To receive an initial disability determination, there are a series of consideration steps/questions involved in the process. When an examiner receives your case from the DDS, they will use the information provided in the application to determine if an applicant meets predetermined criteria for receiving benefits.
In some cases, more medical information is needed and you may be asked to do a Consultative Exam (CE). This option allows for new or missing information to be obtained through a SSA contracted physician to assist the examiner ultimately in making a determination on the application.
A CE exam is paid for by the SSA and can be critical to a final determination. When enough medical information is obtained your application will be approved or denied. After the last step the application is returned to the SSA to proceed with the action required. For applicants who are approved, the SSA will then calculate the appropriate benefits to be paid out and will begin paying that amount. Applicants who are rejected will have the opportunity for appeal.