1. Application Receipt and Processing

• Confirmation: After submitting your application, you’ll receive a confirmation letter from SSA acknowledging receipt.
• Initial review: SSA verifies your basic eligibility, such as work credits for SSDI or financial eligibility for SSI.

2. Disability Determination Services (DDS) Review

Your case is forwarded to Kansas Disability Determination Services (DDS), which evaluates your medical eligibility.

• Medical evidence review: DDS reviews the medical records, test results, and treatment notes you submitted.
• Additional information: If needed, DDS requests more records from your doctors or clinics.
• Consultative exam: You may be scheduled for a consultative examination (CE) with an SSA-approved doctor if there isn’t enough evidence to make a decision. Attend this appointment, as missing it can lead to denial.

3. Decision Timeline

• Initial decision: Typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on case complexity and SSA workload.
• Possible outcomes:
• Approval: You will receive an award letter with your benefit amount and payment start date.
• Denial: You will receive a letter explaining the reason for denial and how to appeal.

4. If Approved

• SSDI: Payments begin after a five-month waiting period from your disability onset date. Back pay may cover months between approval and the waiting period completion.
• SSI: Payments start the month after approval. Back pay for SSI is calculated from your application date.

5. If Denied

If your application is denied:

• Review the denial letter carefully to understand why
• You have 60 days to file an appeal (Request for Reconsideration is the first appeal step)
• Many applicants are denied initially but win their case on appeal with stronger medical evidence and legal representation

6. Continuing Contact With SSA

• SSA may contact you for updates or additional information while your application is under review
• Respond to requests promptly to avoid delays

7. Monitoring Your Claim

• Online account: Create a mySSA online account to track your claim status and updates
• Phone updates: You can also call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 for application status

8. Prepare for the Long Process

The disability application and appeal process can take months to years depending on whether appeals are needed. Staying organized, gathering thorough medical documentation, and responding quickly to SSA can help keep your case moving forward.