How are Social Security decide Disability cases decided in Pennsylvania?   The decision process in Pennsylvania used to decide Social Security Disability and ssi cases is a bit complex but you can boil it down this way---when you file for disability benefits, the social security administration will (via the disability examiner at DDS, disability determination services or the bureau of disability determination): 1. Request your medical records. 2. Determine, after receipt of your medical records, whether or not you are disabled according the criteria set aside for Certain specificied illnesses (in the social security administration's impairment listing manual, a.k.a. the blue book) 3. Determine, if you do not meet or equal the requirements of a listing, whether or not you are disabled according to the sequential evaluation process. What is the sequential evaluation process? It is the decision process by which most claims are decided. Basically, a claimant must have an impairment that A. is considered to be severe, and B. either has prevented, or will prevent, them from working (one of their past jobs or any "other" form of work) for at least 12 months. Resources: 1. How are Social Security Disability cases decided? - the Process 2. How does Social Security decide if you are disabled? 3. Who will decide my Social Security Disability claim? 4. The Social Security Disability SSI decision process This is a very simplified and watered down explanation for the process, of course, but this is basically how it works. Obviously, in all cases, a claimant's medical records will be of the utmost importance. And for individuals who do not meet or equal a specified listing, the nature and requirements of their former jobs will be important as well. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Filing for disability in Pennsylvania Applying for disability in Pennsylvania Filing for disability or SSI in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania SSI disability benefits Qualifying, will I qualify for disability in Pennsylvania? Social Security Disability SSI and being permanently disabled in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania disability claim staus Why a disability case in Pennsylvania takes so long Disability decisions and denials in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Social Security Disability SSI decisions If you get denied for disability in Pennsylvania After being denied for disability in Pennsylvania Pennsylvania disability appeals and hearings Filing a disability appeal in Pennsylvania Chances of winning disability on an appeal in Pennsylvania? How can you improve the chance of winning disability in Pennsylvania? How long does it take to get a disability hearing in Pennsylvania? Winning a disability hearing in Pennsylvania Hiring a disability lawyer in Pennsylvania Getting a disability lawyer in Pennsylvania How will a Pennsylvania disability lawyer help my claim? The cost to hire a disability attorney in Pennsylvania When should you get a disability attorney in Pennsylvania? How can a Pennsylvania disability lawyer win a disability case?