530+ Google Reviews
North Carolina Disability Determination Services is the state agency tasked with evaluating disability claims. They play a key role in approving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. This agency determines eligibility based on medical evidence and other critical factors.
Whether you are filing for disability benefits or need to challenge a denial, understanding how this agency works can make a difference. If you have additional questions about your options or need help, a North Carolina Social Security Disability lawyer from our team can help.
What is North Carolina Disability Determination Services?
North Carolina Disability Determination Services is an agency that is part of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). It is responsible for reviewing applications for Social Security Disability benefits and determining who qualifies based on rules set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA ultimately determines final eligibility and approves the claimant for benefits. However, most claims pass through Disability Determination Services (DDS) first.
The primary function of this agency is to assess if a claimant’s disability meets the medical criteria for SSDI or SSI. It considers the individual’s medical records, consultative examination, and vocational details to make this determination.
What Does Disability Determination Services (DDS) Do in the SSD Application Process?
In North Carolina, the disability determination process begins when you submit a claim for SSDI or SSI benefits. After receiving the application, Disability Determination Services steps in to evaluate if your condition meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. This process includes a number of steps:
- Step One: NC Disability Determination Services uses the information provided in your claim to request medical records and other information from your doctors.
- Step Two: If your medical records do not provide enough information, they may request that you attend a Consultative Examination (CE). This is a medical assessment performed by a doctor DDS chooses.
- Step Three: The agency will take the information it has about your condition and residual functional capacity to assess if you might be eligible for disability benefits.
- Step Four: DDS reviews all your evidence and applies the SSA’s guidelines to determine if it can approve your disability claim.
- Step Five: If it approves your claim, the agency will forward its decision to the SSA to process your benefits. If it denies your claim, it will notify you in a written notice that explains the reason why.
Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me 828.286.3866
What Factors Influence the Outcome of Your North Carolina Disability Claim?
A number of factors can affect if your claim for disability benefits is approved or denied by North Carolina Disability Determination Services. Some common factors that can change the outcome of your claim include:
The Information You Provide in Your Claim
One of the most critical parts of filing a successful disability claim is providing complete and correct information about your medical history, work history, and medical care providers. Mistakes or failure to provide complete information could lead to denial.
The Strength of Your Medical Documentation
You need strong, objective evidence to show your condition is severe and persistent, preventing you from working and earning a living. If your medical records are inconsistent or do not clearly show how your condition affects your daily life, you might receive a denial.
Documentation of Your Inability to Work
In addition to medical evidence, Disability Determination Services will also look at your education, training, and work history. If your condition prevents you from working any job you might qualify for, you are more likely to receive approval.
What Should I Do if DDS Denies My Disability Claim?
Unfortunately, North Carolina Disability Determination Services denies many claims for SSD benefits. However, you still have a right to appeal this decision. Your best option if this occurs is to hire a Social Security Disability lawyer to help you navigate the appeals process.
In North Carolina, this process includes four possible steps:
- Reconsideration: The first step in the appeals process is reconsideration. This occurs when the team from North Carolina Disability Determination Services reviews the original claim, evidence, and decision. If it finds a mistake was made, it could approve you for benefits.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: If reconsideration is ineffective, you can request an ALJ hearing. During this hearing, the ALJ may consider additional evidence that supports your claim.
- Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council.
- Federal Court: Your final option, if you do not have approval for SSD benefits, is to file a lawsuit in federal court.
Each of these steps is required for every appeal. If you received a denial, you must begin with reconsideration and navigate the steps in order until you receive approval. Our Social Security Disability attorneys represent clients in each of these steps, fighting for the benefits they need.
Talk to Our Team About Your North Carolina Social Security Disability Claim
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we provide free consultations for those hoping to receive approval for SSDI or SSI. If you received a denial or need help navigating the claims process, we are here to help. We know how North Carolina Disability Determination Services works and how to give your claim the best chance at approval. We have multiple offices in North Carolina to serve you. This includes:
- Rutherfordton, NC
- Morganton, NC
- Shelby, NC
- Hendersonville, NC
Call us today to learn more about how our Social Security Disability lawyers can help you with your claim. We have someone to take your call now.
