What Disability information Services Does and How to Call

Disability information Services (DDS) is the state agency that decides whether you meet Social Security's medical definition of disability. When you file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability, your case goes to DDS in your state, not to Social Security directly. DDS orders your medical records, may schedule a consultative exam, and sends Social Security a recommendation on whether you are disabled under the law.

You do not call DDS to file for benefits or to check your process status. You call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to do those things. But if you have a specific question about your DDS case — such as what medical records they are requesting, why they scheduled an exam, or what happens after they make a decision — you can reach your state DDS office by phone. The number varies by state.

To find your state DDS phone number, visit www.ssa.gov/apra/ (the SSA's Applicant Process and Representation page) or call Social Security and ask them to transfer you or provide the number. You can also search "[your state] Disability information Services phone" online — most state DDS offices list their number on their website.

Key Takeaways

  • Disability information Services is your state agency, not a federal office, and handles the medical review of your SSDI or SSI disability case.
  • Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to file for benefits or check your process status; call your state DDS office only for questions about medical records, exams, or case details.
  • Your state DDS phone number is listed on the SSA website at www.ssa.gov/apra/ or you can ask Social Security to provide it.
  • DDS staff can tell you what documents they are waiting for, when an exam is scheduled, and what the next step in your case is.

When to Call Your State DDS Office

Call DDS when you have a question about the medical review process itself — not about whether you were approved or denied. For example, call if you received a letter asking you to attend a medical exam and you want to know why, or if you want to confirm that DDS received your doctor's records. Call if you submitted additional medical evidence and want to know whether it arrived.

Do not call DDS to report a change in your address, work status, or living situation. Those changes go to Social Security, not to DDS. Do not call DDS to ask whether you will be approved — DDS staff cannot tell you that, and the decision is not final until Social Security sends you a letter.

If you have a representative — a lawyer or non-lawyer advocate — they can call DDS on your behalf and often get faster responses than you would. DDS is required to speak with your representative if you have signed a fee agreement with them.

What Information You Need Before You Call

Have your Social Security number ready. DDS will ask for it to pull up your file. If you are calling on behalf of someone else, have their Social Security number and be prepared to explain your relationship or provide a power of attorney document.

Have the letter or notice you received from DDS or Social Security in front of you. The letter usually includes a case number or reference number that helps the staff member locate your file faster. If you are calling about a specific medical record or exam, have the date or the doctor's name available.

Know what you are calling about before you dial. DDS phone lines are often busy, and calls may be routed to a voicemail system. Being specific in your message — "I received a request for medical records dated [date] and I want to confirm you received my doctor's response" — makes it more likely someone will call you back with an answer rather than a transfer.

How Long DDS Takes to Make a Decision

DDS typically takes 3 to 6 months to review your case and send a recommendation to Social Security. The timeline depends on how quickly your doctors send records, whether DDS needs to order a consultative exam, and how busy your state office is. Some states are faster; others slower.

If your case is taking longer than 6 months, you can call DDS to ask where it stands. They can tell you whether they are still waiting for medical records, whether an exam has been scheduled, or whether the case is in the final review stage. If records are missing, DDS staff can tell you which doctor or hospital has not yet sent them, and you can follow up directly.

After DDS sends their recommendation to Social Security, Social Security takes another 1 to 2 weeks to issue a formal decision letter. You will not hear the decision from DDS — you will hear it from Social Security by mail.

What Happens If DDS Denies Your Case

If DDS recommends denial, Social Security will send you a notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request reconsideration, which means a different DDS examiner will review your case from the start. You can submit new medical evidence with your reconsideration request.

You do not file the reconsideration request with DDS. You file it with Social Security within 60 days of the denial letter. Social Security will then send your case back to DDS (usually to a different office or examiner) for a fresh review. This second review also takes 3 to 6 months.

If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). That is a separate process from DDS and is handled by the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR). At a hearing, you can present evidence and testify, and the judge makes the final decision on your case.

Working With a Representative and DDS

If you hire a lawyer or non-lawyer representative to handle your case, they will communicate with DDS on your behalf. Your representative can call DDS to ask about missing records, request that an exam be scheduled, and discuss the medical evidence in your file. DDS is required to speak with your representative once you have signed a fee agreement.

You should still be aware of what is happening in your case, even if your representative is handling the calls. Ask your representative to keep you informed about what DDS is requesting and when you need to provide additional medical evidence. If you disagree with something DDS is doing — for example, if you think an exam is unnecessary — tell your representative so they can raise it with DDS.

If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to find a non-lawyer representative through a disability advocacy organization in your state. Many charge no upfront fee and take a portion of your back pay if you win.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can DDS tell me over the phone whether I will be approved?

No. DDS staff cannot predict the outcome of your case or tell you whether the recommendation will be approval or denial. They can only tell you what stage your case is in, what medical records they are waiting for, and when an exam is scheduled. The final decision comes from Social Security in a written letter.

What if I call DDS and get a voicemail?

Leave a detailed message with your Social Security number, the date of the letter you are calling about, and exactly what you need to know. Include a phone number where you can be reached and the best time to call back. DDS staff usually return calls within 1 to 3 business days, though it may take longer during busy periods.

Can I call DDS to ask them to hurry up my case?

You can ask what stage your case is in and whether anything is holding it up, but DDS cannot speed up the timeline. If records are missing, you can follow up with your doctor's office directly. If you believe there is an error in your file or that DDS is not following procedure, you can file a complaint with the Social Security Office of Inspector General.

Should I call DDS or Social Security if I moved and need to update my address?

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Address changes go to Social Security, not to DDS. Social Security will update your file and make sure DDS has your current address for any notices or exam appointments.

What if DDS scheduled an exam and I cannot make the appointment?

Call DDS as soon as possible to reschedule. Bring the exam notice with you so you have the case number and exam date. DDS can usually reschedule you for a different date. If you do not show up and do not call to reschedule, DDS may recommend denial based on failure to cooperate.