Disability Determination Services

The Social Security Disability program provides benefits to persons with severe disabilities whose impairments prevent them from performing gainful work. In each of the six states within the Chicago Region, claims for the federal disability program are administered through the State. These State Disability Determination Services (DDS) agencies are 100% federally funded and make their decisions according to SSA rules and regulations.

Illinois

Persons wishing to obtain information on behalf of a claimant must submit the inquiry in writing along with a release form signed by the claimant. (Exception is made for US Senators and Representatives.)

Disability determination is the only Social Security program handled by a state government office. Inquiries concerning other aspects of Social Security programs should be directed to SSA field offices.

For more information on these programs and other services for persons with disabilities, visit the Disability Determination Services website

Bureau staff members are available to provide presentations on the disability determination process to interested groups. Requests for additional information may be directed to:

Julie Potter
Deputy Director, Bureau of Disability Determination Services
Department of Human Services
PO Box 19250
Springfield, IL 62794-9250
1-800-225-3607

Indiana

In Indiana, disability determinations are made by the Disability Determination Bureau (DDB).

Michigan

The Michigan Disability Determination Service adjudicates Social Security Disability and Social Supplemental Income claims for Michigan citizens. Our parent agency in Michigan is the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Michigan Disability Determination Service is a decentralized agency with offices in four locations:

Tracey Fountain, Acting Director
Michigan Disability Determination Service
P.O. Box 30011
Lansing, MI 48909
1-800-366-3404

Dave Ludington, Area Administrator
Disability Determination Service
P.O. Box 30011
Lansing, MI 48909
1-800-366-3404

Kristen Lund, Area Administrator
Disability Determination Service
P.O. Box 1200
Traverse City, MI 49685
1-800-632-1097

Julie Mavis, Area Administrator
Disability Determination Service
P.O. Box 4020
Kalamazoo, MI 49003
1-800-829-7763

Aaron Pringle, Area Administrator
Disability Determination Service
P.O. Box 345
Detroit, MI 48231
1-800-383-7155

Minnesota

In Minnesota, disability determinations are made by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) / Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Ohio

In Ohio, disability determinations are made by the Opportunities for Ohioans With Disabilities Agency

Ohio Division of Disability
Determination (DDD)
150 E Campus View Blvd
Columbus, OH 43235
Ph: 614. 438. 1644
Fax: 614. 438. 1504
TF: 800. 282. 4536

Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, disability determinations for Social Security Administration disability claims are done by the staff of the:

Disability Determination Bureau
Division of Medicaid Services
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
P.O. Box 7886
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7886

Reach our Customer Service Unit

  • by telephone at 608-266-1565 (Madison area) 800-423-1938 (toll-free)
  • or through our TTY numbers:711
  • or email us at: WI.DD.MADISON@ssa.gov
  • The Disability Determination Bureau also processes disability applications for Wisconsin Medical Assistance and the Medicaid Purchase Plan. For more information on these programs and other services for persons with disabilities, visit the  Wisconsin Disability Determination Bureau | Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

If you have an application or appeal pending with us, you can assist us by letting us know if things change after you have spoken with the Social Security Administration field office. Contact us if:

  • your address or phone number has changed
  • you go to a different doctor or are hospitalized
  • or if you develop a new and serious medical condition
Also, contact us if you are:

  • seeking employment in a challenging state/federal program meeting the needs of Wisconsin residents by signing up for an account and saving a search for “DDB” at Pages - Welcome (wisc.jobs)
  • a medical provider wishing to assist us in the disability determination process
  • a member of a community service group that would like a presentation on the disability determination process