Disability Determination Services

Program Description

ORS administers the Disability Determination Services (DDS) for the Social Security Administration (SSA). This unit determines the medical eligibility of children and adults with disabilities applying for cash benefits who are Rhode Island residents and are applying for cash benefits via Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)(Title II) and/or the Supplementary Security Income (SSI)(Title XVI). Although the DDS is fully funded by the Federal Government, the state agency is responsible for developing medical evidence and determining whether the claimant is or is not disabled or blind under the law.

Title II provides for payment of disability benefits to individuals who are "insured" under the Act by virtue of their contributions to the Social Security trust fund through the Social Security tax on their earnings, as well as to certain disabled dependents of insured individuals. Title XVI provides for SSI payments to individuals (including children under age 18) who are disabled and have limited income and resources.

The Act and SSA's implementing regulations prescribe rules for deciding if an individual is "disabled". SSA's criteria for deciding if someone is disabled are not necessarily the same as the criteria applied in other Government and private disability programs.

Definition of a Disability

For all individuals applying for disability benefits under Title II, and for adults applying under Title XVI, the definition of a disability is the same. The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

Disability in Children

Under Title XVI, a child under age 18 will be considered disabled if he or she has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments that causes marked and severe functional limitations, kand that can be expected to cause death or that has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.

What Is A "Medically Determinable Impairment"?

A medically determinable physical or mental impairment is an impairment that results from anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities which can be shown by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques. A physical or mental impairment must be established by medical evidence consisting of signs, symptoms, and laboratory findings, not only by the individual's statement of symptoms.

The Disability Determination Process

Most disability claims are initially processed through a network of local determination services, or DDSs. Subsequent appeals of unfavorable determinations may be decided in the DDSs or by administrative law judges in SSA's Office of Hearings and Appeals.

Application

You must file for disability benefits at your local federal Social Security Office. You may either call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office listed below.

Social Security Field Offices

SSA representatives in the field offices usually obtain applications for disability benefits, either in person, by telephone, or by mail. The application and related forms ask for a description of the claimant's impairment(s), names, addresses and telephone numbers of treatment sources, and other information that relates to the alleged disability. (The "claimant" is the person who is requesting disability benefits)

The field office is responsible for verify non-medical eligibility requirements, which may include age, employment, marital status, or Social Security coverage information. The field office sends the case to the DDS for an evaluation of the claimant's disability.

Offices

380 Westminster Mall, Room 318
Providence, RI 02903
401.528.4501

30 Quaker Lane, 1st Floor
Warwick, RI 02886-0111
401.822.1463

55 Broad Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
401.724.9611

Post Office Building
127 Social Street
Woonsocket, RI 02895
401.766.8423

130 Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI 02840
401.849.3487

2 Shaws Cove, Room 203
New London, CT 06320
860.443.8455

Related Benefits/Appeals

If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, you will receive Medicare after 24 months. If you are eligible for SSI benefits, you will receive Medicaid immediately.

If you are found ineligible for disability benefits, you have 60 days to file an appeal at the Social Security Office where you applied.

If you benefits cease, you have the right to a face-to-face hearing.

You may be referred for vocational rehabilitation within the Office of Rehabilitation Services.

If Further Information Is Required Regarding Disability Determination,
Please Contact:
Deborah Cannon - 401.222.3182 x259 - Deborah.A.Cannon@ssa.gov