The Disability Evaluation under the Social Security Administration (SSA) is the process which may allow benefits to be provided to persons with severe disabilities whose impairments prevent them from performing gainful work. In each of the five states within the Chicago Region, claims for the federal disability program are administered through the State. These State Disability Determination Services (DDS) are 100% federally funded and make their decisions according to SSA rules and regulations. In Michigan, the Department of Human Services (DHS) is the parent agency for the DDS agencies.

The DDS agencies are responsible for developing medical evidence and rendering the initial determination on whether the claimant is or is not disabled or blind.  DDS also determines continuing disability/blindness when a medical review is required

DHS Eligibility Determination

DHS clients who receive State Disability Assistance (SDA) and disability-related Medicaid (e.g., MA-P) must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the SSA.  Other DHS cash programs may also require a client claiming disability to apply for SSI as an alternative source of income based on their inability to participate with work requirements. If an SSI application is denied, the client must pursue his appeal rights in order to remain eligible for SDA.

Your DHS specialist will work with you to obtain obtain medical evidence from your current doctor first. If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS may request and authorize a consultative examination (CE) in order to obtain the additional information needed either from your doctor or from a recommended doctor.

After completing the initial development of information, the DDS makes the disability determination. The determination is made by a two-person team consisting of a medical or psychological consultant (physician or psychologist) and a disability examiner. If this team finds that additional evidence is still needed, your specialist will contact you and ask for more medical information.

The DDS also determines if you are a candidate for Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) through the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG). If so, the DDS will request your specialist to make a referral to the MRS.

After the DDS makes the disability determination, the documentation is returned to the local DHS office for appropriate action depending on whether the claim is allowed or denied.