What We Do
The Disability Determination Services is an agency of the state of Washington. Under Social Security regulations, the DDS disability specialists, staff physicians and psychologists determine eligibility of Washington applicants for three disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Non-Grant Medical Assistance
The Washington DDS has three branch offices located in Olympia, Federal Way and Spokane to serve disability applicants of Washington state. The DDS employs about 250 people and receives nearly 1,700 new claims each week. The following claims are processed in the Washington DDS:
- Initial applications
- Reconsiderations: First appeal of denial
- Continuing disability reviews: Periodic reviews to determine whether those who are receiving benefits still qualify
- Disability hearings: Face-to-face informal hearings as part of the appeal of continuing disability review cessation.
- DSHS Non-Grant Medical Assistance