Social Security Disability Resource Center

About the Author

SSDRC is authored and published by Tim Moore, a former DDS Claims Examiner in North Carolina. DDS, or Disability Determination Services, is the state-level agency that make decisions on both Social Security Disability and SSI claims for the Social Security Administration. To learn more about the author: Tim Moore.

Purpose of the Site

The goal of SSDRC is to inform readers as to how the disability process works. This includes discussion of the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, the medical and non-medical criteria that is considered to evaluate claims, and the actual process that is employed when cases are approved or denied at different levels levels of the disability system.

The levels of the system include the Initial Claim, or Disability Application, followed by the first appeal, the Request for Reconsideration, followed by the second appeal, the Request for Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. There are two additional levels that follow the disability hearing; namely, the Appeals Council which reviews the decisions of federal ALJs (administrative law judges) and Federal District Court. However, most cases do not involve these levels and most claimants who win disability benefits will do so by the time of a hearing, if not beforehand.

Though SSDRC is primarily focused on the Social Security Disability and SSI programs, resource information is also made available on the topics of social security retirement and medicare:

A). Social Security Retirement Questions
B). Medicare resources
C). Disability Blog
D). Ask a question, get an answer





Filing for Disability

Filing an Application for Disability Benefits under SSD or SSI

More on the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI

What Forms will I need to Complete when I apply for disability?

How long does it take to get benefits after applying for disability?

What Happens If You Miss Your Social Security Disability Application Appointment?




Additional Questions regarding Applying for Disability

What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI?

Can You File For Disability While Receiving Unemployment?

Does social security contact your former work employers when you file for disability?

How long does it take for an examiner to review a disability case?

What determines how long I can keep my Disability Benefits?

How does Social Security view your work and medical records

What Happens When You File an SSI or Social Security Disability Application?

After a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim has been taken and is Pending

Filing for Disability - Can you speed up the Social Security Disability process?






Eligibility and Determinations

When does social security consider you eligible for disability benefits?

How will Social Security Determine if you get Disability Benefits?

Can I Get Disability If I Was Paid Under the Table?

Can You Get Disability Benefits If You Were Self-Employed and had Self-employment Earnings?

The Time Involved on a Social Security Disability Decision

To qualify for Social Security disability or SSI, how severe must a condition be?

How Important is the Treating Physician to a Social Security Disability or SSI case?

The tools used by a Social Security Disability Examiner to Make a Claim Decision

Can You Get Approved For Social Security Disability If You Do Not Take Medication Or Go To a Doctor?

Can You Receive Social Security Disability Or SSI Benefits At the Same Time As VA or Veterans’ Benefits?




Medical Records and Evidence

Medical Evidence Used on a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim

Does Social Security Disability prefer Current Medical Records for SSDI and SSI claims?

Can you be denied for SSDI or SSI disability if social security cannot find your medical records?

What happens if the Social Security disability examiner cannot find all the needed medical records?

Can a Disability Examiner or Judge make a Social Security Approval with Old Medical Records?




Denials and the Appeal Process

What is a Social Security Disability Denial based on?

If you get denied on a disability application do you have to file a new application?

Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

What to do (forms to complete) if you receive a Denial on a Social Security Disability or SSI Case

What If you intended an appeal of your Social Security Disability claim but missed the deadline?

Reasons for Good Cause on a Late Social Security Disability or SSI Appeal




Disability Hearings

Social Security Disability Hearing - How Do I Request One?

Can a disability attorney speed up my disability hearing? By What Methods?

Will a Social Security Judge give You an Immediate Decision at the Disability Hearing?

What are Medical Experts at Social Security disability hearings?

Can you present evidence at a social security disability or SSI hearing?




Back Pay and Benefits

How much does Social Security Disability or SSI pay?

Social Security Disability Back pay and How Long it Takes to Qualify for it

Social Security Disability SSI - Retroactive Benefits Vs Back Pay Benefits

Will the income of a Spouse Affect My Disability Benefits?

Does Social Security Hold Back The First five Months Of Back Pay?

Are Social Security Disability Benefits Taxable?

Can you get temporary Social Security disability or SSI benefits?

Do You Get Cost Of Living Increases If You Receive Social Security Disability Or SSI?




Health Coverage

Social Security Disability, SSI, and Health Coverage

Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I'm approved for disability benefits?

Does Social Security disability pay for medicine prescriptions?

Do you get medical health care coverage with SSI?




Tips and Advice

Proving Functional Limitations and why this is Important on a Disability Case

How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability?

Can a Congressional Inquiry Really Help Your Disability Case?

Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI

Tips for Getting Disability Approved

Should you get a Statement from a Personal Physician for your SSD or SSI Disability Case?




Disability Claims based on Mental Conditions and Impairments

Social Security Disability, SSI, Mental Disorders, and Functional Limitations

How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?




Disability Benefits and Children

If I get disability will my children receive benefits?

How to apply for Social Security Disability SSI benefits for children




Work Activity and Disability Benefits

Inability to Work and Eligibility for Social Security Disability and SSI Benefits

If You Are Currently Working Are You Eligible To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Is there a Maximum I can Work and Make if I am on SSD or SSI Disability Benefits?




Questions about Disability Representation

If You Are Represented For Social Security Disability or SSI, When Do You Pay The Fee?

Do I need an attorney for Social Security disability?

Should you get a Non-Attorney Disability Representative for a Social Security or SSI case?

What is the Role of a Social Security Disability Representative?

Social Security Disability Attorney Qualifications and Expenses

Why does Representation increase the win ratio at a Social Security Disability or SSI Hearing?




Commonly Asked Questions

The rate of approval for Social Security disability and SSI decisions

How does a Medical Source Statement (RFC Form) help win a Social Security Disability or SSI Claim?

What is the Purpose of the Social Security Disability SSI Medical Exam, or CE?

How does the Social Security Disability Review work?

How do I check the status of my Social Security disability claim?

How do you apply for disability for your child or your children?

Applying for Disability - What are the Rules and Guidelines when you Apply?























* SSDRC is published and edited by Tim Moore, a resident of the Raleigh, North Carolina area, and a former North Carolina Social Security Disability Claims Examiner. In addition to being a former disability claims examiner, he is also a former caseworker in a variety of programs, and has been involved in the representation of disability claims.