Disability Determination Services (DDS) are the state agencies that make initial and reconsideration determinations for Social Security disability and SSI claims. That is where the medical records are ordered, and the claim is evaluated by a disability adjudicator.
I wrote
I had a video hearing Monday morning, 4 days ago. I felt good about the hearing and the claim overall. Now, Friday morning before 8:00 AM, a Fully Favorable decision has already been issued.
Waiting for a decision is hard
The addition of initial and Reconsideration status reports to Social Security’s Electronic Records Express (ERE) platform has been a real benefit for my practice. I have a number of claims at the initial and reconsideration levels, and it is much
I have had several claims this year granted on the record. An “on the record” (OTR) request asks Social Security to grant your case on the record without a hearing. This request is for claims pending at the hearing level at the Office of Hearings
The latest waterfall chart has been released. I love this chart, and have been posting annually on this blog for years.
This Appeals Council Order came across my desk today. The AC remanded the claim for lack of compliance with Ruling 24-3p, using this language:
The vocational expert did not comply with the requirements of Social Security Ruling 24- 3p,
Disability Determination Services (DDS) are the state agencies that make initial and reconsideration determinations for Social Security disability and SSI claims. That is where the medical records are ordered, and the claim is evaluated by a disability adjudicator.
We are
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the amount of money that one can earn monthly and still qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The amount is adjusted each year for cost of living, as shown by this table. In 2025,
Social Security field offices, hearing offices, and the Appeals Council are all operating during the shutdown. Those staffing Social Security offices are not receiving their paychecks during the shutdown. However, they continue to stoically go about their duties.
DDS offices
I deal with the folks at Social Security field offices all the time. They are understaffed and under stress.
The New York Times reports on this today (gift article):
A Diminished Social Security Work Force, and Its Customers, Feel the
