Step 1: Application Submission and Initial Review

Starting the process involves:

• Filing your SSDI application with the SSA online, by phone, or in person.
• An initial review to ensure eligibility based on work history and basic requirements.
• The application is then sent to the South Carolina DDS for detailed medical evaluation.

Step 2: Collecting Medical Evidence

Your disability claim relies on:

• Comprehensive medical records from doctors, hospitals, and treatment providers.
• The DDS may request additional exams or tests to confirm your condition.
• All evidence must demonstrate your disability’s impact on your ability to work.

Step 3: Evaluation of Your Disability

The DDS will:

• Assess medical information to match your condition with SSA’s Listings of Impairments.
• Determine your residual functional capacity (RFC) to see if you can perform any work.
• Decide whether your disability meets SSA’s standards for eligibility.

Step 4: Decision and Notification

After review:

• The SSA will approve or deny your claim based on the DDS’s findings.
• You will receive an official written decision explaining the outcome.
• If denied, you have the right to appeal within certain timeframes.

Common Challenges in the Process

Issues to watch for include:

• Incomplete medical documentation or gaps in treatment records.
• Difficulty meeting SSA’s strict disability criteria.
• Delays due to additional requests for tests or exams.