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Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Disability determination are made by the Iowa Disability Determination Services (DDS), part of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD)

DDS works with those who apply for and receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Those benefits include: 

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and, or 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Building Successful Futures for Iowans with Disabilities

Our DDS staff have been recognized by the SSA for processing more than 41,000 claims a year while maintaining an impressive 95.7% accuracy rate!

Due to the effort of DDS staff, more Iowans with disabilities who are eligible receive Social Security benefits today.

Applying for Benefits

Iowans with physical or mental impairments apply for benefits directly to the SSA. Your application is then forwarded to DDS by the SSA.

You can apply for SSDI or SSI benefits through Social Security in one of three ways:

Note: You must submit your application through SSA. Please do not submit disability benefits application to DDS Division.

Check my Application Status

The Determination Process

We obtain evidence from your medical sources.

If needed, our staff arranges for a consultative medical examination to obtain additional information to make a medical determination.

A medical or psychological consultant and a DDS disability specialist make the disability determination.

DDS returns the claim to the SSA office for appropriate action and communication with you.

Although DDS makes the disability determination for SSA, only SSA can determine who is eligible to receive benefits. 

DDS determines if an applicant is disabled according to federal criteria. The rules and regulations are set by Congress to assess the requirements for disability.

See Disability Determination Process Flow Chart
Disability Determination Process Flow Chart Text Version 

Expedited Claim Processing for Severe Disabilities

SSA has developed a "fast-track" determination process to reduce decision times for those who have the most severe disabilities:

Contact a Professional Relations Officer (PRO) with questions about expedited claims. Call (800) 532-1223.

Appeal a Decision

If you are determined ineligible for SSI or SSDI benefits, you can request an appeal.

An appeal can be initiated by contacting SSA.

Per SSA guidelines, the appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the written notice of the decision.

View the Disability Determination Appeals Process

Ways In Which You Can Appeal:

Note: An appeal cannot be initiated by contacting DDS.

Appeal a Decision

Contact DDS

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