Social security disability determination services phone number

MRC Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a division of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), which is 100% funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Who we are and what we do

MRC DDS disability examiners and medical consultants determine eligibility of Massachusetts applicants for 2 disability programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), ages 18 - 65
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ages birth - 65

If you think you may be eligible for payments, call (800) 772-1213 to file a claim or contact your local Social Security Office . You must contact the Social Security Administration to apply for benefits. If you are looking for an online application for either SSDI or SSI visit ssa.gov. For an update on case status call the Vocational Disability Examiner (VDE) as identified in your introductory claimant letter.

  • Looking for an overview of annual benefits for their case

ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213

The claims processed by the Massachusetts DDS include:

  • Initial applications
  • Reconsideration applications — First appeal of a denied initial application
  • Continuing Disability Reviews — Periodic reviews to determine if you should continue receiving benefits
  • Disability Hearings — Face-to-face informal hearing as a part of the appeal of a Continuing Disability Review cessation determination
  • Special outreach efforts are made to homeless shelters and individuals diagnosed with HIV

The DDS has offices in Boston and Worcester.

Consultants at DDS

We employ more than 70 medical and psychological consultants in-house and more than 300 medical and psychological consultants throughout the state to assist us in determining claimants' eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security.

Bureau of Disability Determination Services

Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency that determines the medical eligibility of Connecticut residents who have applied for cash benefits under the disability programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  In accordance with Social Security rules and regulations, DDS determines eligibility for two disability programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Applying for Benefits

 All applications must be submitted through the Social Security Administration.  There are several ways to apply for benefits:

  • Visit the SSA website at www.ssa.gov to apply online.
  • Call or visit any Social Security office to schedule an appointment. You can locate the SSA field office closest to you via this link, https://secure.ssa.gov/ICON/main.jsp
  • Contact SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Contact Information 

  •  If you think you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or www.ssa.gov to file a claim or for more information.
  • If you have already filed a disability claim with Social Security, you may contact DDS at 1-800-842-8320 about the processing of your claim. 

The Social Security Act provides benefits to disabled individuals under Title II (Disability Insurance Benefits) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income). Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency responsible for determining if individuals are disabled within the Title II/XVI requirements. All disability benefits, as well as the administrative costs of operating the DDS Program, are 100% federally funded.

The Social Security Act provides benefits to disabled individuals under Title II (Disability Insurance Benefits) and Title XVI (Supplemental Security Income-SSI).

Under Title II there are three basic categories of individuals who can qualify for benefits on the basis of disability:

  •  A disabled insured worker under 65. 
  •  A person disabled since childhood (before age 22) who is a dependent of a deceased insured parent or parent entitled to Title II disability or retirement benefits. 
  •  A disabled widow or widower age 50-60 if the deceased spouse was insured under Social Security.

Under Title XVI (or SSI) there are two basic categories under which a financially needy person with limited income and resources can get payments on the basis of disability:

  •  An adult age 18 or over who is disabled. 
  •  A child under 18 who is disabled.

The law defines disability as the inability to perform in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which is expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

A medically determinable physical or mental impairment is an impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings -- not only by the individual's statement of symptoms.

Most disability claims are initially processed through the network of local Social Security field offices and State agencies. In Louisiana, the state agency is called Disability Determination Services (DDS). Subsequent appeals of unfavorable determinations may be decided by Hearing Officers in the DDS's Hearing Units or Administrative Law Judges in SSA's Office of Hearings and Appeals.

Most questions can be answered by visiting the Social Security Web Site at www.ssa.gov. If you do not have access to the internet, you may call the toll free number at 1-800-772-1213.  Operators at this number are available from 7 AM to 7 PM on business days.

  • Baton Rouge area - call 1-800-256-2288
  • Shreveport area - call 1-800-256-2266
  • New Orleans - call 1-800-256-2299

  • Baton Rouge area - call 1-800-732-8921
  • Shreveport area - call 1-800-732-8919
  • New Orleans area - call 1-800-732-8920

As of December 2002, the annual payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to disabled Louisiana citizens and their dependents total $5.0 billion.  The average monthly benefit amount for disabled workers was $834.  Under the SSI Disability program, the average monthly benefit was $398.

The Disability Determination Services Program was established in 1954 by Congress enacting Section 211 of the Social Security Act. It was the intent of Congress that each state administers its own Disability Determination Program following the guidelines established by Congress and the SSA.  Applications for disability are taken 1) in person at local Social Security offices located throughout the state or 2) via the internet at www.ssa.gov  or 3) by calling 1-800-772-1213. The claims are forwarded to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) Area offices located in Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Metairie for the medical determination.  Upon completion of the medical decision, the claim is routed back to the appropriate Social Security Office for final processing of the decision. 

Usually, the DDS tries to obtain evidence from the individual’s own medical sources.  If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS will arrange for a consultative examination (CE) in order to obtain the necessary medical evidence.  After completing its initial development, the DDS makes the disability determination.  If the DDS finds that additional evidence is still needed, the consultant or examiner may re-contact a medical source(s) and ask for supplemental information.

If you disagree with your decision, you may request a hearing by an Administrative Law Judge

If a claimant is receiving benefits and a continuing disability review (CDR) finds the impairments are no longer disabling the claimant may request for a face to face hearings with a Disability Determination Services (DDS) Hearing Officer. DDS has Disability Hearings Units located in Shreveport, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge.

Social Security rules make it possible for people to test their ability to work without losing their rights to cash benefits and Medicare/Medicaid. These rules (called "work incentives") are different for Title II and XVI recipients but they both may provide:

  •  Continued cash benefits
  •  Continued help with medical bills
  •  Help with work expenses
  •  Vocational training

Social Security Administration

How can I speak to someone at my local Social Security office?

You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator. You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How long does it take to get approved for disability in NC?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

How much is a disability check in KY?

In 2022, SGA is $1,350 per month ($2,260 for people who are blind).

What qualifies you for disability in KY?

To be considered disabled, you must have a medical condition that falls under Social Security's disability definition. You must also be unable to work for at least one year, or your condition is expected to end in death.