Erik Williamson BDD Director
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"Quality Work Equals Quality Service"
The Bureau of Disability Determination, in agreement with the Social Security Administration, determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits for Ohioans. These benefits include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Although part of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, we are federally regulated and receive 100 percent of our funding from the Social Security Administration. Ours is the fourth-largest agency of its type in the nation, and we processed claims for over 160,000 Ohioans in 2006 alone! While the volume of claims we handle is substantial, our staff takes pride in providing individualized, accurate services to all who apply for assistance. Hence our slogan - "Quality Work Equals Quality Service. |
The Disability Process
Introduction
The Social Security Administration mandates that each state process their own disability applications, with some exceptions. As such, the Ohio Bureau of Disability Determination will generally process claims for residents of Ohio only. While each state processes claims independently, all must follow the same rules and regulations set forth by Congress. As such, the rules will not be different for a person filing a claim in Nevada than they are for a person filing in Florida.
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Getting Started
Whether filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the process begins by contacting the Social Security Administration in one of these ways:
The Role of the Bureau of Disability Determination
Once the application for disability benefits, or case is taken at the local office, it is forwarded to the Bureau of Disability Determination to assess whether the medical requirements are met for disability. Under the rules of Social Security, a person must be found unable to perform any type of work for a period of at least 12 months due to a physical, mental, or combination of impairments.
Under the Social Security Disability Program, an applicant cannot be found "25 percent" disabled as may be the case under the rules for worker's compensation or Veteran's benefits. The Social Security Administration uses a "Listing of Impairments" to guide disability assessment. This set of criteria is based on common types of medical conditions, such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer. While every medical condition is not covered in the Listings, it does provide general guidance to assess them.
When the case is received by the Bureau of Disability Determination, it is assigned to a Disability Claims Adjudicator. This person reviews the application materials and may contact the applicant, or claimant, to clarify issues and obtain further information regarding treatment and limitations due to his or her impairments. The adjudicator then contacts relevant medical sources in order to obtain documentation regarding the impairments. At times, it is necessary to schedule consultative exams for claimants. This examination provides functional information to help determine what limitations may result from an individual's impairment(s), and is not for purposes of providing treatment. Once sufficient medical evidence is obtained the adjudicator, using the Listings as a guide, will determine if the individual qualifies for disability.
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Medical Assessment
Some impairments are so severe that they meet the requirements of the Listings, and further processing and assessment is not needed. Others will require the adjudicator to assess the limitations of the impairment(s), vocational experience, age, and education to determine if the person is eligible for disability. Adjudicators receive assistance in assessing physical or mental impairments by having the case reviewed by a medical or psychological consultant, who is a licensed doctor contracted by our agency. A medical or psychological consultant must review any claim involving a medical decision.
Informing the Claimant of the Decision
When a medical determination is made on the claim, a written notice is prepared advising the individual of the decision. If a person does not meet the requirements, he will be provided a detailed explanation in writing summarizing our decision.
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Appeal Rights
If we determine that an individual is not eligible for benefits, an appeal, or reconsideration, can be requested. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the written notice of our decision. As with the initial application process, this is initiated by contacting the Social Security Administration as follows:
Please note that an appeal cannot begin by contacting the Bureau of Disability Determination.
Upon receipt of the requested appeal, we will attempt to obtain updated information, and the claim will be reviewed by a different adjudicator and medical/psychological consultant. If the claim is not approved at this point, the applicant can file an appeal to have the case heard by an SSA Administrative Law Judge, and follow the process through the legal system if warranted. A summary of this process can also be found at the following link: How do I appeal a Social Security decision?
Qualifying for Benefits
The Social Security Administration has both medical and non-medical factors that are examined to determine if someone is eligible for benefits. There are two programs of disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)-This program pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security Taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)-This program pays benefits to disabled children and adults who have limited income and resources.
While the non-medical factors (e.g. income and resources) are different for SSDI and SSI, the medical factors and basic process are the same. That is, to obtain benefits under either program, the applicant must be found unable to perform any type of work for a period of at least 12 months due to a physical, mental, or combination of impairments. For further information on qualifying for disability benefits, please click Social Security Disability.
Apply for Benefits
Individuals have three methods to apply for Social Security Disability benefits:
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Partnership Opportunities
The Ohio Bureau of Disability Determination utilizes hospitals, clinics, mental health facilities, physicians, psychologist, speech/language pathologists, physical therapists, teachers, and other professionals to make disability determinations for Ohioans.
Awards and Recognition
The Ohio Bureau of Disability Determination is proud of the service it provides to all of its customers for the Social Security Administration. This is perhaps best-exemplified by the numerous awards given to the agency and its staff in recognition of meeting and exceeding the high standards of our customers. Details on recent awards and recipients click: Awards and Recognition.
Employment Opportunities
The Ohio Bureau of Disability Determination is often hiring for the Disability Claims Adjudicators I position through the civil service examination process.
These positions are located in Columbus, Ohio and are filled through a civil service examination process that is administered only in Columbus. The civil service examination for these positions is unique to these positions; there is no study guide nor will any other civil service examination substitute for the Disability Claims Adjudicator examination administered by the Bureau.
For more information, please visit the RSC HR page or contact our recruiter, Barb Kiefer, toll free at 1-877-447-3546 ext. 1413 or Barbara Kiefer.
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Contact Us
We welcome your comments, questions, and suggestions regarding the information on this site. Please direct inquiries to:
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
Bureau of Disability Determination
Erik Williamson, Director
P.O. Box 359001
Columbus, OH 43235-9001
614-438-1500
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