When you have just acquired a disability or your condition has worsened to the point that you are unable to work anymore, it is important that you conduct research to find out if you are eligible for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

If you wish to make an initial claim for disability benefits, you can do so through your local Indianapolis SSA network. You can make an application for disability in several ways: by applying on the telephone, online, through the mail or in person. Many applications are not successful after the first application, and the SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review is responsible for managing all appeals through a Disability Determination Service.

What are the responsibilities of my local Indianapolis SSA field office?

All local SSA field offices have the responsibility to verify information and answer general questions that applicants or potential applicants might have. These might be questions about requirements that do not relate to medical issues, such as age and income.

What is the Disability Determination Service responsible for?

The Disability Determination Service has the responsibility to investigate and develop medical evidence that support cases. They must determine whether a person with a certain condition is eligible for disability benefits under the SSA. They do this by taking evidence from the claimant’s own application, and then supplementing this information with consultative examinations.

If you are struggling to make a successful disability benefits claim under the SSA, it is important that you conduct thorough research on the application criteria, as well as understanding what information you should provide. An experienced attorney can provide advice and guidance.

Source: SSA, “Disability Determination Process,” accessed April 05, 2018