Disability Evaluation Services & SSI

The Supplemental Security Income program provides cash benefits to qualified elderly, blind or disabled individuals to help them meet their monthly living expenses. The Social Security Administration works with local disability determination services to evaluate each applicant's eligibility for benefits.

Application Process

• To apply for Supplemental Security Income benefits an individual must first fill out an application, either online or at a Social Security Administration field office. The field office verifies the applicant's nonmedical information, then sends the application packet to a local disability determination service.

Function

• The disability determination service is a state agency that evaluates the applicant's medical evidence, arranges for additional medical examinations and makes the initial determination as to whether the applicant qualifies for benefits. The determination is made by a team consisting of a state disability examiner and a medical or psychological professional.

Finalizing the Process

• The disability determination service forwards its decision to the Social Security field office, where the applicant is notified of the decision. If the applicant is approved for benefits the field office will calculate and begin paying benefits. If the applicant is not approved the field office will keep a copy of the applicant's file in the event an appeal is filed.