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Applying for SSDI or SSI and Disability Determination Services in Texas
Once the Texas DDS receives the completed application, it can act as the SSA's agent to determine whether the applicant is disabled.
September 29, 2011 /Law Enforcement PR News/ -- Whether a Texan wants to make a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the application process begins and ends with the Social Security Administration (SSA). However, after a Texan applies for benefits, their claim is forwarded to an intermediate governmental body. The Division for Disability Determination Services (DDS), part of the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), makes disability determinations for all SSDI or SSI applicants in Texas.
SSDI and SSI Benefits
When Texans have physical or mental disabilities severe enough to hinder regular work activities, they can apply for federal SSA benefits to help restore a portion of lost income. The SSDI program covers disabled workers, and sometimes their family members, who have earned benefits by paying Social Security taxes during their employment. The SSI program considers an applicant's means and resources when determining coverage. Lower income adults and children typically qualify, but some people may be eligible for both programs.
Application Process
The application process, and how a person is determined as disabled, is the same in all U.S. states. Applicants fill out forms, either in person at a local Social Security office or online, providing information about their medical conditions, treatment and why working is difficult. They must also explain their work duties before the injury or disability and agree to release their medical records to the SSA and DDS. Once the Texas DDS receives the completed application, it can act as the SSA's agent to determine whether the applicant is disabled.
Role of DDS
The main role of DDS is to gather and assess medical evidence that an SSDI or SSI applicant is disabled. Trained disability examiners review all SSA forms and contact the listed medical authorities to discuss an applicant's condition, including how it limits work, what tests have shown and which treatments were prescribed. Both the assigned disability examiner and a medical consultant evaluate the evidence to decide whether an applicant is disabled under the SSA definition of disability, but the SSA delivers the final determination.
The SSA bases the determination of whether applicants are disabled on their inability to do the work they did previously and their difficulty in adjusting to other work because of their medical conditions. The disabilities must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.
Help for Texans
The initial SSDI or SSI application process can take several months from start to finish until you receive the first decision. For SSDI recipients, there is an additional five-month waiting period before monthly benefit payments start. For SSI beneficiaries, both monthly payments and Medicaid benefits start upon approval of the application. While some applicants may be rendered ineligible under the SSA's strict definition of disability for both SSA programs, an appeal is possible within 60 days of the decision.
If you are a Texan who may qualify for SSDI or SSI benefits, or you want to appeal a decision about your disability, contact a Texas disability attorney for help with the application, disability determination and appeals process.
Article provided by The Law Offices of Coats & Todd
Visit us at www.getdisability.org
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