Disability Determination Services (DDS) purpose is to make decisions on disability eligibility for the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Disability Determination Services (commonly referred to as DDS) is a state agency funded by the United States Federal Government. Their purpose is to make decisions on disability eligibility for the Social Security Administration (SSA).
DDS is the state agency responsible for examining claims for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These claims are administered by the Social Security Administration; however, they are sent to the state DDS office for the disability to be assessed. DDS will assign each claim to one of their examiners. The DDS examiner will request the medical records from the sources listed in the claimant’s SSDI or SSI application. If the examiner feels that the medical records are not recent, or if the medical records do not address all the symptoms listed on the application, then DDS might send the claimant to one or more physicians (Often from a pool of physicians, contracted by DDS) for a medical evaluation. The DDS will pay for these medical visits. If the claimant clearly has a disability that is listed in the official List of Impairments, then the application might be approved fairly quickly. However, most disabilities require further investigation work. The DDS will fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form. And will make a decision on the claimant’s ability to work. After thoroughly reviewing the application, medical records, and RFC forms, the DDS examiner will either approve or deny the disability claim and then return the results back to the Social Security Administration for final processing.
The DDS is used to evaluate the disability for all SSDI and SSI initial applications and reconsideration appeals. For judicial hearing appeals, the DDS does not make the decision on disability; instead, this decision is made by a Social Security administrative law judge.
If you wish to follow up on the status of your SSDI or SSI application or reconsideration appeal, you can contact DDS and ask to speak with the examiner assigned to your case. If you are unsure which DDS office is handling your case, you can contact your local Social Security Office and ask.
Schedule a Free Consultation
For experienced legal representation and an aggressive pursuit of your SSDI or SSI claims, contact Jorgensen Law with offices in San Diego, Los Angeles or Riverside, California. For assistance, schedule a free consultation at our office by calling 1-888-855-2948.
Below is a list of DDS offices in California:
DDS Covina Branch
P.O. Box 6118
Covina, CA 91722-6118
Professional Relations Officer
626-732-8100
DDS Central Valley Branch
P.O. Box 28931
Fresno, CA 93729-9835
Professional Relations Officer
559-440-5000
DDS Sierra Branch
P.O. Box 28937
Fresno, CA 93720-8937
Professional Relations Officer
559-440-5200
DDS Los Angeles North Branch
P.O. Box 54800
Los Angeles, CA 90054-0800
Professional Relations Officer
213-736-7000
DDS Los Angeles West Branch
P.O. Box 60999
Los Angeles, CA 90060-0999
Professional Relations Officer
213-736-7500
DDS Oakland Branch
P.O. Box 24225
Oakland, CA 94623-1225
Professional Relations Officer
510-622-3506
DDS Roseville Branch
P.O. Box 619020
Roseville, CA 95678-9861
Professional Relations Officer
916-774-4100
DDS Sacramento Branch
P.O. Box 997120
Sacramento, CA 95899-7120
Professional Relations Officer
916-263-5000
DDS La Jolla Branch
P.O. Box 85501
San Diego, CA 92186-5501
Professional Relations Officer
619-278-4550
DDS San Diego Branch
P.O. Box 85326
San Diego, CA 92186-5326
Professional Relations Officer
619-278-4300