Will the Nebraska Disability Determination Services Grant Your Benefits?

You sent your application for disability benefits to the Social Security office, and now there is nothing left to do but wait for the decision. It is nerve-wracking to think that someone who has never met you can have such a huge impact on your life, financially speaking.

State Disability Determination Services in Lincoln

If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits in Nebraska, your claim will be sent to the Nebraska Office of Disability Determination Services (DDS) in Lincoln. Although the Social Security Administration (SSA) is a federal body, most disability claims are processed through local Social Security field offices. These offices are where initial applications and reconsiderations are approved or denied and appeals are filed.

How the Nebraska Office of Disability Determination Services Processes Claims

The DDS has two functions: to collect sufficient medical evidence to make a decision and to offer a determination on the applicant’s disability according to the law. This process may include:

• Evaluating medical evidence. The DDS will typically begin by examining evidence provided by the applicant’s own doctor—x-rays, test results, and other medical records.
• Developing evidence. If the applicant has not provided enough medical information, the DDS will request a consultative examination (CE) in order to collect additional evidence. If the DDS cannot get the required information from your doctors, the agency may contact an independent medical professional.
• Disability decision. Two people are involved in the determination: a medical consultant and a disability examiner. After it has gathered enough evidence, the DDS will make a decision on whether you qualify for disability payments.
• SSA action. The DDS then sends its decision to the local SSA field office for further action. If you have been found disabled, the SSA will compute your benefit amount and begin sending payments. If you have not been found disabled, you will receive notice. The notice will provide a deadline to appeal an unfavorable decision.

If your application is denied, do not despair! Download our free guide, Give Yourself the Best Chance of Winning Your Social Security Disability Case, to find out how to appeal the decision or email us for more information at [email protected].