The DDS agencies are responsible for developing medical evidence and rendering the initial determination on whether the claimant is or is not disabled or blind. DDS also determines continuing disability/blindness when a medical review is required

DHS Eligibility Determination
DHS clients who receive State Disability Assistance and disability-related Medicaid (e.g., MA-P) must apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) through the Social Security Administration. Other DHS cash programs may also require a client claiming disability to apply for SSI as an alternative source of income based on their inability to participate with work requirements. If an SSI application is denied, the client must pursue his appeal rights in order to remain eligible for SDA.

Your DHS specialist will work with you to obtain obtain medical evidence from your current doctor first. If that evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, the DDS may request and authorize a consultative examination in order to obtain the additional information needed either from your doctor or from a recommended doctor.

After completing the initial development of information, the DDS makes the disability determination. The determination is made by a two-person team consisting of a medical or psychological consultant (physician or psychologist) and a disability examiner. If this team finds that additional evidence is still needed, your DHS specialist will contact you and ask for more medical information.

After the DDS makes the disability determination, the documentation is returned to the local DHS office for appropriate action depending on whether the claim is allowed or denied.