Although Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs, it is an agency in each state which makes the determination about whether a person is considered to be "disabled" as defined by those programs. The agencies are known as Disability Determination Services. They are generally referred to as "DDS".
The decision about "disability" is based on the following:
- Statutory criteria.
- Medical criteria.
- Medical evidence, including psychological evidence.
- Vocational criteria.
- Consultative examinations.
- Continuing disability reviews.
To Learn More
Get Your Personal Guide