Social Security Disability FAQs
Who decides if I'm disabled?
After you file your application, the case is sent to a disability examiner at DDS.
DDS stands for Disability Determination Services, and is a state-run agency that works on disability claims for the Social Security Administration.
Government bureaucrats decide
if you're disabled.
The disability examiner, working with a doctor hired by DDS, makes the initial decision on your claim. These people are extremely overworked, and not always well-trained in what they do.
If your claim is denied, which most are (currently about 70% are denied in Colorado), the next step is to request a hearing.
Your case is then sent to the hearing office (Office of Disability Adjudication and Review).
Your case will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge who works for Social Security. The Administrative Law Judge makes his or her own decision on your claim.
DISCLAIMER-These FAQs are a public resource for general information. These questions and answers have been prepared by Spencer & Spencer for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. No client or other reader should rely on, act on, or refrain from acting based on information contained in this website without seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice.
Our law firm handles all types of claims for Social Security Disability - Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, children's Supplemental Security Income. We also handle appeals - to the Appeals Council and Federal Court.
If you want to speak to a lawyer in Colorado Springs about your disability case, you have several options-you can fill out our online case evaluation form, call us, or e-mail us, and a Colorado Springs attorney will evaluate your case for FREE.
We have many clients from around Southern Colorado and the Western Slope including Alamosa, Buena Vista, Denver, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs, Durango, Grand Junction, Salida, La Junta, Lamar, Monument, Pueblo, and Walsenburg.
Our attorney has helped thousands of people get the benefits they deserve. We look forward to serving you!
