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Disability Determination Services
Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency responsible for determining if individuals are disabled according to federal criteria through the Social Security Administration (SSA). Although DDS makes the medical disability determination for SSA, only SSA can determine who is eligible to receive benefits. Benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and afford disabled citizens of Louisiana a better quality of life. Please note that the DDS does not issue social security checks or accept Social Security disability applications from the public.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the basics about disability benefits?
Basics about Disability Benefits: Disability Benefits | SSA
How do I apply for benefits and check the status of my application?
Apply for Social Security benefits in person at a local SSA field office, by telephone or by filing online. All Social Security Disability claims are initially processed at local SSA field offices.
Apply for disability: Disability Benefits | SSA
Check the status of your application: my Social Security account
SSA National Toll Free Number: 1-800-772-1213
How do I find my local SSA Office?
Find your Local SSA Office: Social Security Office Locator, SSA Office Locator Social Security Office Locator, Social Security
Can I submit medical and school records electronically?
Submit medical and school records electronically via Electronic Records Express: Social Security Administration: Electronic Records Express (ssa.gov)
What is the “disability determination process”?
Social Security Program Rules: Social Security Program Rules (ssa.gov)
Disability Determinations Process: Disability Claims Process Flow Chart.pdf (sharepoint.com)
How do I contact DDS? (TOLL-FREE)
Baton Rouge – 1-800-256-2288
New Orleans – 1-800-256-2299
Shreveport – 1-800-256-2266
What is a Professional Relations Officer (PRO), and how do I contact them?
The Professional Relations Office (PRO) serves as the link between DDS, SSA and the medical community. The office works to foster relationships with medical entities and maintains oversight of their activities, ensuring SSA and the DDS staff have the resources available to adjudicate disability claims for the Social Security program and Medicaid.
The PRO serves as a liaison with physicians, other professionals and interested organizations to inform and educate about SSA’s disability program requirements. The PRO enlists the cooperation and support of disability organizations, medical organizations and individuals on policies and operations affecting them.
Contact the Louisiana DDS Professional Relations Officer (PRO) Group
Consultative Exam (CE) Providers
The Professional Relations Office is responsible for managing and monitoring the Consultative Examination (CE) process. DDS maintains and utilizes a panel of physicians, psychologists and other health professionals to perform a Consultative Examination (CE) for patients when evidence is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination.
CE providers are paid on a fee-for-service basis by DDS and the exams are conducted at no charge to the patient. The providers performing the CEs are not responsible for making a decision as to whether an individual is disabled or not, but rather collecting information to assist DDS.
Highlights of becoming a CE provider include:
- Providers perform one-time exams in their own office
- Increased patient referrals and exposure of practice
- Flexible schedules based on the provider’s availability Monday through Saturday
- No treatment involved
- Prompt and efficient payment process
- Free teledictation service
- Electronic options for submitting reports
All CE providers must be currently licensed in the state in which they are performing examinations and have the training and experience to perform the type of examination or test SSA requires. CE providers must not be barred from participation in any federally-funded program.
All CE providers must be currently licensed in the state in which they are performing examinations and have the training and experience to perform the type of examination or test SSA requires. CE providers must not be barred from participation in any federally-funded program.
Contact the Louisiana DDS Professional Relations Officer (PRO) Group
Career Opportunities at DDS
Disability Determination Services (DDS) offers meaningful work, excellent training, flexible hours and good benefits. DDS is committed to creating a work environment that attracts and retains talented and enthusiastic professionals.
How do I apply to work for DDS?
Apply Here: Louisiana Jobs - Home (la.gov)
Click here to download DDS hiring flyer
DDS also employs a team of contracted Medical Consultants and Psychological Consultants. For information on positions and availability, contact your local DDS.