When you submit a request for reconsideration of your disability claim, you may have the option to participate in the Disability Determination Ready Claim (DDRC) process.
To participate in the DDRC process, you must complete the necessary forms (see below) and give us any evidence we do not already have that relates to whether you are blind or disabled. If you choose to participate in the DDRC process, we may be able to decide your claim faster.
Find out below how to participate in the DDRC process and learn what evidence you’ll need to submit along with your appeal.
Where is the DDRC process available?
Currently, we are testing the DDRC process in Arkansas, Idaho, and Missouri. DDRC is not available in other States, Washington, D.C., or U.S. Territories now but may in the future.
Who does this process apply to?
The DDRC process is available to adults and children filing a request for reconsideration after:
- you received an initial medical determination that you are not disabled based on medical considerations, or
- you have received a partially favorable allowance.
This process does not apply to denials such as those that are based on income, resources, or other technical reasons not related to a disability.
What forms and evidence do I need to participate in the DDRC process?
To participate in the DDRC process, you’ll need to submit the following information:
- Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561-U2), and
- Disability Report – Appeal (SSA-3441-BK), and
- Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration (SSA-827), and
- Disability Determination Ready Claim Certification Form (SSA-295), and
- Any evidence that we do not already have which relates to whether you are blind or disabled.
What are the advantages and the risks to using the DDRC process?
- Advantage – If your claim qualifies for DDRC processing, you might get a quicker determination.
- Risk – If we determine your claim does not qualify for DDRC, we will still process your claim following our normal policies and procedures.
However, be careful not to miss the deadline for filing a request for reconsideration.
What additional forms should I submit along with my request for reconsideration?
If you applied for benefits as an adult:
- The Function Report – Adult (SSA-3373-BK-), if you have experienced a change in your functioning and/or abilities since last completing the report, or if you did not provide this information at the initial level, and
- The Work History Report (SSA-3369-BK), if you have worked since your initial determination, or if you did not provide this information at the initial level.
If you applied for benefits for a child:
- A Teacher Questionnaire (SSA-5665) (if school aged), if there have been any changes since the initial determination, or if this information was not submitted at the initial level.
What evidence do I need to submit with my request for reconsideration?
If you applied for benefits as an adult:
- All medical records and other sources you know of, without redaction, that we do not already have and that relates to whether you are blind or disabled.
If you applied for benefits for a child:
- All medical records and other sources of evidence you know of, without redaction, that we do not already have and that relates to whether the claimant is blind or disabled, and
- All school records (if school aged), if there have been any changes since the initial determination, or if school records were not submitted at the initial level, and
- All information about accommodations or other individualized education plans provided by the school or facility for the benefit of the child (if school aged), if there have been any changes since the initial determination, or if this information was not submitted at the initial level.
For all claims, what medical evidence you need to submit depends on specific circumstances, but here are some helpful guidelines:
- Review the initial level notice for a list of doctors and other healthcare providers, and other sources of evidence (for example, a school or vocational rehabilitation agency), and the dates they provided us with the evidence for the initial claim.
- Submit: (1) medical records we did not receive at the initial level, unredacted; and (2) medical records for any treatment you, or the claimant, received after the date we last received records from each healthcare provider.
- Complete the Disability Report – Appeal (SSA-3441-BK). Since you last told us about your medical treatment, have you, or the claimant, seen any doctors or other health care provider or received treatment at a hospital or clinic? If so, we will need complete records of those visits and treatment.
Will Social Security contact me if additional information is needed for my DDRC appeal?
Yes. When we review your claim, if additional information is needed, we will contact you and give you the opportunity to submit that information. If you submit the information within the time we allow (generally, 10 calendar days), your claim will remain in the DDRC process.
If you submitted all known evidence but the medical documentation is not enough for us to decide whether you, or the claimant, are blind or have a disability, we may schedule a consultative examination to get the information we need. The need to schedule a consultative examination will not exclude your claim from the DDRC process.
When should I submit my evidence?
You need to submit your evidence at the same time you file your appeal.
- If file your appeal online, upload your medical evidence and forms listed in the questions above online.
- If you file your appeal in person, or if you are talking to a Social Security employee on the phone, the employee will provide further information about how to submit your medical and other evidence.
Overview of participating in the DDRC process:
Before you file your appeal:
- Be sure to have all the required medical and other evidence.
- Be sure to complete these forms: SSA-561-U2, SSA-3441-BK, SSA-827, and SSA-295.
Submit Your Documents:
- Submit the required documentation online or contact us for a telephone or in-person appointment.
- Be sure to submit the DDRC Certification (SSA-295), along with the other forms and medical/non-medical evidence.
Local Social Security Office:
- A representative at the local Social Security office will check that all documents are received. If there are missing or incomplete forms, your claim does not meet the DDRC process requirement, but we will still process your claim following our normal policies and procedures.
- If we received all documentation, and it is complete, we will transfer your DDRC claim to the Disability Determination Service.
Disability Determination Service
- After received, the Disability Determination Service will review your claim. If there is more information needed, they may contact you and/or order a consultative examination.
- Once any required development is completed, a determination will be made.
How do I submit a DDRC?
Submit Your Claim in 3 Easy Steps:
- Fill out the Necessary Forms: Ensure all forms are completed.
- Gather Supporting Documents: Include medical records and any other evidence.
- File within 60 days:
- Online, or
- Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., or
- Contact your local Social Security Field Office.