Disability Determination Division

The Disability Determination Division makes medical eligibility determination on applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for the Social Security Administration (SSA). These determinations are based on federal rules and regulations. All applications for benefits must be submitted through the SSA office.

SSDI pays disability benefits to individuals who are insured due to contributions to the Social Security trust fund through Social Security tax on their earnings. SSDI also makes payments to certain people with disabilities who are dependents of insured individuals.

SSI provides for payments to persons, including children under the age of 18, who have disabilities and limited income and resources.

The SSA, which makes decisions about eligibility for disability benefits, defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity because of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Disability Determination Division operations are fully funded by the SSA.

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For more information on Social Security topics:

• Social Security Disability Benefits Overview
• Eligibility and Application
• Ticket to Work
• Adult Disability Starter Kit
• Child Disability Starter Kit