Disability Determination Process

The Social Security Administration (SSA) receives all submitted applications for Social Security disability benefits (both SSDI and SSI). Having mandated that each state process its own disability claims, SSA sends Ohioans’ claims to Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities' Division of Disability Determination (DDD). DDD follows the rules and regulations set by Congress to assess whether applicants meet the medical requirements for Disability.

Apply for Disability

Ohioans can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). This can be done in one of three ways:

• Find information online at www.ssa.gov;
• By telephone at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778);
• In person at a local SSA office.

NOTE: Applications must be submitted through SSA. Please do not submit disability benefits applications to OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD).

• Before applying for disability (adult)
• Before applying for disability (child)

Check Application Status

Check Application Status on the SSA site.

Expedited Claim Processing

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has developed “fast-track” determination processes to reduce decision times for disability applicants who have the most severe disabilities.

Quick Disability Determination Process

Under SSA’s Quick Disability Determination (QDD),a predictive computer model analyzes specific data within electronic claim files to identify cases where there is a high potential that the individual is disabled and where Social Security can quickly obtain evidence of the person’s allegations.

Compassionate Allowance (CAL)

The Compassionate Allowances (CAL) initiative speeds the disability application process for individuals whose disabilities are so severe that they clearly meet established medical criteria. There are 113 specific conditions, which include certain cancers, adult brain disorders, a number of rare genetic disorders of children, early-onset Alzheimer's disease, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other disorders.

Military Veterans

If a military service member is seriously injured or disabled while on active duty (on or after Oct. 1, 2001), SSA expedites the processing of disability claims regardless of where their disability occurred. Special protocol is applied to ensure expeditious review.

Contact a Professional Relations Officer (PRO) with questions about expedited claims. Call 800-282-2695 extension 1499.

Division of Disability Benefits

The Ohio OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. Benefits include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to an individual and certain family members if the individual is "insured" (has worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes);
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) pays benefits based on financial need.

Disability, under the SSA, is based on an individual’s inability to work. SSA uses the same definition for both benefit types. Unlike workers' compensation or veteran’s benefits, SSA has no partial disability category. DDD is a federally regulated division of OOD. It receives 100 percent of its funding from SSA.

Assist someone filing for Social Security disability benefits.

Appeal Process

If you are determined ineligible for Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income, you can request an appeal. An appeal can be initiated by contacting SSA. Per SSA guidelines, the appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the written notice of the decision.

How to appeal:

• Find information online at www.ssa.gov
• Call 1. 800. 772. 1213 (TTY 1. 800. 325. 0778)
• Visit a local SSA office

NOTE: An appeal cannot be initiated by contacting the Ohio OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD).

Link to the Disability Determination Appeals Process.

Reporting Fraud

SSA developed the Cooperative Disability Investigations (CDI) Program to prevent fraud in its disability programs and related federal and state programs. SSA Office of Operations and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) manage the program.

Contact:

Social Security Administration

Fraud Hotline

P.O. Box 17768
Baltimore, MD 21235
Phone: 1-800-269-0271 or 1-866-501-2101 (TTY)

Report Fraud to SSA

Contact a Professional Relations Officer

DDD's Professional Relations Officers&nbs serve as points of contact regarding Social Security disability programs in Ohio. They provide presentations to health professionals about how medical information is used to evaluate disabilities, recruit health professionals to become consultative examination providers, assist consultants in using SSA’s Electronic Records Express (ERE) and much more.

Contact Information

Kristen Alexander, Medical Administration Manager

614-438-1996
1-800-282-2695, ext. 1996
Kristen.Alexander@ssa.gov

Elizabeth Baker

614-438-1812
800-282-2695, ext. 1812
Elizabeth.Baker@ssa.gov

Mark Labuda

614-438-1555
800-282-2695, ext. 1555
Mark.Labuda@ssa.gov

David Larosa

614-438-1603
800-282-2695, ext. 1603
David.Larosa@ssa.gov

Michael Johnson

614-438-1835
800-282-2695, ext. 1835
Michael.Johnson@ssa.gov

Matt Woods

614-438-1991
800-282-2695, ext. 1991
Matthew.Woods@ssa.gov

Courtney Yoho

614-438-1603
800-282-2695, ext. 1603
Courtney.Yoho@ssa.gov