Principal Attorney
After you file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your application to determine whether you meet the program’s requirements. Your claim may then be sent for a medical disability determination, and you could be asked to provide additional information or attend a medical examination before receiving a decision.
Knowing what comes next can help you respond to requests from SSA and keep your claim moving through the process.
What Does SSA Review After You Submit an SSDI Application?
The first stage generally focuses on whether you meet the non-medical requirements for SSDI. SSA may review your work history, whether you have sufficient work credits, and other eligibility factors.
If you meet the applicable non-medical requirements, your claim is generally sent to your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS). DDS evaluates whether your medical condition meets SSA’s definition of disability.
The information provided when applying for SSDI benefits can play an important role during this review. Missing or incomplete information may require additional follow-up before a decision can be made.
How Does SSA Evaluate Your Medical Evidence?
DDS generally begins by requesting evidence from the doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other medical sources identified in your application. The reviewer considers your medical records along with information about how your condition affects your ability to function and work.
This review may include information about your:
- Diagnoses, symptoms, and medical test results
- Treatment history and response to treatment
- Physical or mental limitations
- Ability to perform work-related activities
- Past jobs and the duties they required
Continuing medical treatment while your application is pending can help create an up-to-date record of your condition and limitations.
Can SSA Ask for More Information After You Apply?
Yes. You may receive requests for additional forms, medical information, or details about your work history and daily activities. DDS may also contact your medical providers directly to obtain records or clarify information needed to evaluate your claim.
Respond to these requests as promptly and completely as possible. You should also keep your contact information current with SSA so that important correspondence reaches you.
If you receive a letter or form that you do not understand, getting help early can reduce the risk of missing a request or deadline.
Will You Have to Attend a Medical Exam?
Sometimes. If DDS cannot obtain enough evidence from your existing medical sources, it may arrange a consultative examination with a medical professional. SSA pays for an examination that it requests.
Attending a scheduled exam is important. The examination gives DDS additional information to use when deciding your claim, and failing to attend without a valid reason could affect the decision.
How Will You Find Out Whether Your SSDI Claim Was Approved?
After DDS completes its review, the case returns to SSA for further action. If DDS determines that you meet the medical requirements, SSA completes any remaining non-medical review, calculates your benefit amount, and begins the process of paying benefits.
If your claim is denied, SSA will send you a notice explaining the decision and your right to appeal. A denial does not necessarily end your claim. The next step may be requesting reconsideration and, if necessary, pursuing additional levels of the SSDI appeals process.
You generally have 60 days after receiving a denial notice to request reconsideration. SSA usually assumes you received the notice five days after the date printed on it unless you can show that you received it later. Missing the deadline could affect your ability to continue the claim, so it is important to act promptly.
What Should You Do While Your SSDI Application Is Pending?
Waiting for a decision does not mean you should simply wait for SSA to contact you. Continue attending medical appointments and following prescribed treatment when possible. Keep records of changes in your condition, new providers, hospitalizations, tests, or other developments that could affect your claim.
You should also review SSA correspondence when it arrives and respond within any stated deadline. Staying organized can make it easier to provide information when SSA requests it.
Get Help With the Next Stage of Your SSDI Claim
What happens after filing can affect whether SSA has the information it needs to make a decision. If you have questions about a pending application, receive a request you are unsure how to handle, or are denied benefits, Disability Advocates Group can help you determine your next steps.
Contact Disability Advocates Group for a free consultation about your SSDI claim. We can review where your application stands, help address issues that arise during the review process, and represent you if an appeal becomes necessary.
