What Disability information Services Does in Florida

Disability information Services (DDS) is the state agency that reviews Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability claims on behalf of the Social Security Administration. In Florida, this work happens through the Florida Department of Children and Families, Division of Disability information. When you file for SSDI or SSI based on disability, your claim does not go directly to Social Security — it goes to DDS first.

DDS makes the medical decision about whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability. They request your medical records, may order a consultative exam, and write the decision letter that tells you whether Social Security will pay your claim. This is true whether you explore online, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. The Social Security office takes your process; DDS makes the information.

Understanding how DDS works matters because the timeline, the evidence they need, and how to respond to a denial all depend on knowing this is a separate step from filing. Many people think they are waiting for Social Security; they are actually waiting for DDS to finish its review.

Key Takeaways

  • Florida's DDS reviews the medical evidence for every SSDI and SSI disability claim filed in the state, regardless of where you submitted your process.
  • DDS will request medical records from your doctors and may schedule a consultative exam at no cost to you if they need more information about your condition.
  • The initial information usually takes 60 to 90 days, but can take longer if your medical history is complex or records are hard to obtain.
  • If DDS denies your claim, you have 60 days to file a reconsideration request, which sends your case to a different DDS examiner for a fresh review.
  • You can contact Florida DDS directly to check on your claim status, request that they obtain specific medical records, or ask questions about what they need from you.

How to Contact Florida Disability information Services

Florida DDS does not have a single phone number for all claims. Instead, you reach them through the Social Security Administration's main line: 1-800-772-1213. When you call, tell the representative you want to check on a disability information claim in Florida. They can transfer you to the DDS unit handling your case or provide you with a direct number.

You can also visit a local Social Security office in person and ask to speak with someone about your DDS claim status. The Social Security office has access to your file and can contact DDS on your behalf. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator.

If you have a case number from your process, have it ready when you call. If you applied online or by phone and do not have a case number yet, have your Social Security number and the date you applied available instead.

What Happens During the DDS Review Process

After you file for SSDI or SSI, Social Security sends your process to Florida DDS within a few days. A DDS examiner is assigned to your case. The examiner's first step is to request medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed on your process. This is why it matters that you list every provider who has treated your condition — if you leave someone out, DDS may not see important evidence.

DDS gives your providers 10 to 14 days to send records. If records do not arrive, DDS sends a follow-up request. This process can add weeks to your timeline, especially if a provider's office is slow or if you saw providers in multiple states. You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices yourself and asking them to send records to DDS directly.

Once DDS has medical records, the examiner reviews them against Social Security's rules for disability. If the records clearly show you cannot work, DDS approves your claim. If the records are unclear or do not show a severe condition, DDS may order a consultative exam — a medical appointment DDS pays for, usually with a doctor in your area. This exam is not a second opinion on your doctors' work; it is DDS gathering information they feel is missing.

Understanding the DDS Decision and Timeline

DDS sends you a decision letter in the mail. The letter explains whether your claim was approved or denied and why. If approved, it tells you when your benefits start and how much you will receive. If denied, it explains which Social Security rules your condition did not meet and what evidence DDS reviewed.

The initial information usually takes 60 to 90 days from the date you filed. However, this is not a may provide. Cases with complex medical histories, multiple providers, or records that are hard to obtain can take 120 days or longer. Cases with straightforward medical evidence — for example, a recent amputation or terminal cancer diagnosis with clear documentation — can be decided in 30 to 45 days.

You can check your claim status by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and asking about your DDS information. They can tell you whether DDS has received all records, whether a consultative exam has been scheduled, or whether a decision has been made. If your case has been pending longer than 90 days and you have not heard anything, ask Social Security to contact DDS and find out what is holding up the review.

What to Do If DDS Denies Your Claim

A denial from DDS is not final. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter. A reconsideration sends your entire case to a different DDS examiner, who reviews all the evidence again and makes a new decision. You can submit new medical evidence with your reconsideration request — for example, test results or a doctor's statement that arrived after your initial denial.

To request reconsideration, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You must request it within 60 days of the denial letter date. If you miss the 60-day window, you can still appeal, but you will have to explain to Social Security why you missed the important date. Social Security can grant an extension if you have good cause — for example, you did not receive the letter, or you were hospitalized.

If DDS denies reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testimony. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for a hearing. The ALJ is not part of DDS; they work for Social Security's Appeals Council and make independent decisions.

How to Help DDS Process Your Claim Faster

You cannot speed up DDS's medical review, but you can remove delays caused by missing records. When you file, list every doctor, hospital, clinic, and mental health provider who has treated your condition in the past three years. Include their full names, addresses, and phone numbers if you have them.

After you file, call your providers' offices yourself and tell them DDS will be requesting records. Ask them to prioritize the request and confirm they have DDS's fax number or mailing address. Providers' offices are often slow to respond to government requests, and a call from you can push your records to the front of the queue.

If DDS schedules a consultative exam, attend it. Missing the appointment can delay your decision by 30 to 60 days or result in a denial. If you cannot make the appointment, call DDS when ready through Social Security and ask to reschedule.

Do not submit medical records directly to DDS yourself. DDS has a specific process for requesting and organizing records, and records you send on your own may not be added to your file. Instead, tell Social Security or your local Social Security office which records you think are important, and they will ask DDS to request them.

How DDS Decisions Affect Medicare and Medicaid

If DDS approves your SSDI claim, you become may have access to to Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI payments. This is automatic — you do not have to explore. Medicare begins in month 25 of your SSDI may be able to access, even if you are still working under a work incentive.

If DDS approves your SSI claim, you may be may have access to to Medicaid when ready, depending on your income and resources. Florida's Medicaid program for SSI recipients is called SSI-Related Medicaid. DDS does not determine Medicaid; that is handled by the Florida Department of Children and Families, Economic Self-Sufficiency Program. However, once DDS approves your SSI, the Medicaid information usually follows within a few weeks.

If DDS denies your claim, you do not receive Medicare or Medicaid through these programs. You may still be able to purchase Medicaid through the marketplace or through Florida's Medicaid program if you meet income limits for a different category, but that is a separate process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I talk to the DDS examiner reviewing my case?

No. DDS examiners do not speak directly with applicants. All communication goes through Social Security. If you have a question about what DDS needs or why they are requesting something, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and they will contact DDS on your behalf or explain the process to you.

What if I disagree with the medical evidence DDS used to deny me?

You can submit a written statement with your reconsideration request explaining why you disagree with their findings. You can also submit new medical evidence — for example, a letter from your doctor stating that your condition has worsened, or recent test results. The new examiner will consider everything you submit.

Does DDS make decisions about whether I can work?

DDS makes decisions about whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability, which is based on medical evidence. They do not interview you about your work history or job skills. Social Security's rules focus on whether your medical condition prevents you from doing any work, not whether you can do your old job.

How long does reconsideration take?

Reconsideration usually takes 60 to 90 days, the same as an initial information. The timeline depends on how quickly your providers send records and whether a new consultative exam is needed. You can check your reconsideration status the same way you checked your initial claim status — by calling Social Security.

What if I move out of Florida before my claim is decided?

Your claim stays with Florida DDS. You do not have to reapply or transfer your case. DDS will mail your decision letter to your new address. If you move, update your address with Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office so mail reaches you.