What Connecticut's Disability information Services Does

Disability information Services (DDS) is the Connecticut state agency that decides whether you meet the medical definition of disability under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). When you file a claim with Social Security, Social Security sends your case file to DDS. DDS doctors and disability examiners review your medical evidence, order any additional tests if needed, and write a decision saying whether you are disabled or not. Social Security then uses that decision to approve or deny your benefits.

DDS does not decide how much money you receive or whether you are otherwise may be able to access for SSDI or SSI—Social Security handles those parts. DDS only answers one question: does your medical condition meet the Social Security definition of disability? That definition requires that your condition prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Connecticut's DDS is located in Wethersfield and processes cases for Connecticut residents who have filed SSDI or SSI claims. The agency also handles reconsideration requests—the first level of appeal if Social Security denies your initial claim.

Key Takeaways

  • DDS reviews medical evidence to decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability; Social Security then uses that decision to approve or deny your claim.
  • You do not file directly with DDS—you file with Social Security, and Social Security sends your case to DDS for medical review.
  • DDS may order additional medical tests or records if the evidence in your file is incomplete, and you will be notified if that happens.
  • If DDS denies your claim, you can request reconsideration, which sends your case back to DDS for a fresh review by a different examiner.
  • The time from filing to a DDS decision typically ranges from two to four months, though complex cases or requests for more medical information can take longer.

How Your Case Moves from Social Security to DDS

When you file an SSDI or SSI claim with Social Security—either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office—Social Security creates your case file. A Social Security claims representative checks that you have provided basic information like your name, date of birth, work history, and the date your condition began.

Once Social Security confirms you have submitted enough information to open a case, the file is sent to Connecticut DDS. This transfer usually happens within one to two weeks of filing. You will receive a notice from Social Security saying your claim has been received and telling you what happens next. DDS then assigns your case to a disability examiner and a medical consultant (a doctor or psychologist who works for DDS).

You do not need to do anything at this point except wait. DDS will contact you if they need more information or medical records. If you have not heard from DDS within 30 days of filing, you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your case was transferred.

What DDS Reviews and How Long It Takes

The DDS examiner and medical consultant review all the medical evidence already in your file—hospital records, doctor's notes, test results, mental health treatment records, and any other documentation Social Security collected when you filed. They compare your medical condition against the Social Security Blue Book, which lists medical conditions that automatically meet the disability definition if certain criteria are met.

If your condition is in the Blue Book and your medical evidence shows you meet all the criteria, DDS approves your claim. If your condition is not in the Blue Book or your evidence does not fully match the criteria, DDS evaluates whether your condition is severe enough to prevent you from doing any substantial work, considering your age, education, and work history.

Most initial claims take two to four months from the date Social Security receives your file. If DDS needs additional medical records or test results, they will send you a letter asking you to have your doctor send those records. This can add two to six weeks to the timeline. Complex cases—especially those involving multiple conditions or unclear medical history—may take longer.

When DDS Requests Additional Medical Evidence

DDS may order a consultative examination (CE) if your medical file does not contain enough recent evidence to make a decision. A CE is a one-time medical appointment with a doctor or psychologist chosen by DDS, not your own doctor. DDS pays for the examination. You will receive a letter telling you where and when to go, and you must attend the appointment or your claim may be denied.

DDS may also request that your treating doctor provide more detailed information about your condition, limitations, and prognosis. Your doctor is not required to respond, but if they do not, DDS may make a decision based on incomplete information, which could result in a denial.

If you receive a letter from DDS requesting records or scheduling an examination, respond within the timeframe given in the letter. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, call the number on the letter when ready to reschedule. Missing an appointment without rescheduling is treated as a failure to cooperate and can result in a denial of your claim.

Understanding the DDS Decision Letter

When DDS completes their review, they send a decision letter to Social Security, which forwards it to you. The letter will say either "approved" or "denied." If approved, the letter explains which medical conditions DDS found to be disabling and when your disability is considered to have begun. If denied, the letter explains which conditions DDS reviewed and why they determined you do not meet the disability definition.

A denial letter includes information about your right to request reconsideration. You have 60 days from the date on the letter to request reconsideration. Reconsideration sends your case back to DDS for review by a different examiner and medical consultant, who will look at all the evidence again plus any new medical records you have obtained since the initial decision.

If you disagree with a reconsideration denial, your next step is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), not DDS. That request goes through Social Security, not DDS. The ALJ is an independent decision-maker who can overturn DDS's decision.

How to Request Reconsideration with DDS

To request reconsideration, you must file a written request with Social Security within 60 days of receiving your denial letter. You can file online at ssa.gov, by mail, or in person at your local Social Security office. Tell Social Security you want to request reconsideration of your SSDI or SSI claim.

When you request reconsideration, you can submit new medical evidence that was not in your file during the initial review. This is your opportunity to provide recent test results, updated doctor's statements, or records from new treatment. New evidence can change the outcome, especially if it shows your condition has worsened or provides clearer documentation of your limitations.

Reconsideration typically takes two to four months. DDS will assign a different examiner and medical consultant to review your case from the beginning. They will consider all the original evidence plus anything new you have submitted. The decision process is the same as the initial review.

Contacting Connecticut DDS

You cannot file a claim directly with DDS—all claims must go through Social Security. However, if you have a question about your case after you have filed, you can contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Social Security can tell you whether your case has been sent to DDS and provide a general timeline.

DDS does not have a public phone line for individual case inquiries. If you need to provide additional medical records or information to DDS, send it to Social Security with your name and Social Security number, and Social Security will forward it to DDS. You can also ask your doctor's office to send records directly to Social Security.

If you are working with a disability representative or attorney, they can contact DDS on your behalf to check on your case status or submit additional evidence. Representatives must have a signed authorization form from you before DDS will discuss your case with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call DDS to ask about my case?

No, DDS does not accept calls from individuals about their cases. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 instead. Social Security can tell you whether your file has been sent to DDS and provide an estimated timeline. If you have a disability representative, they may be able to contact DDS directly with your authorization.

What happens if I miss a medical appointment DDS scheduled?

Missing a consultative examination without rescheduling is considered a failure to cooperate with the claims process. DDS may deny your claim based on insufficient evidence. If you cannot make the appointment, call the number on the letter when ready to reschedule. If you have a legitimate reason for missing it, explain that reason in writing to Social Security as soon as possible.

Can DDS approve my claim even if my condition is not in the Blue Book?

Yes. The Blue Book lists conditions that automatically meet the disability definition, but DDS can approve claims for conditions not in the Blue Book if the medical evidence shows your condition prevents you from doing any substantial work. DDS evaluates your age, education, work history, and the severity of your condition to make this information.

How long do I have to request reconsideration after a denial?

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. If you miss this important date, you can still file a new claim, but you will start the process over from the beginning. If you are close to the important date and unsure, file the reconsideration request when ready to protect your rights.

What should I do if I get new medical evidence after DDS denies my claim?

Submit the new evidence with your reconsideration request. New medical records, test results, or updated doctor's statements can support your case, especially if they show your condition has worsened or provide clearer documentation of your limitations. Send the evidence to Social Security with your name and Social Security number, and they will forward it to DDS.