After you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments, SSA may need you to have a special medical examination or test before making a decision on your claim.

The Disability Determination Services (DDS) reviews your disability claim and makes the disability decision for SSA. Sometimes, they need more information before they can decide if you have a disability under Social Security law. If so, they ask you to have a Consultative Evalutaion (CE) that they will pay for.

It’s your responsibility to take the exam or test and cooperate with the doctor examining you. If you can’t keep the appointment, let DDS know right away. The contact phone number and address are provided in the letter that you receive notifying you about the exam or test. If you don’t let DDS know that you can’t keep the appointment, DDS will make a decision based solely on the information already available in your case. You may be told that you do not have a disability as a result of this because DDS won’t have enough information to make a favorable decision.

The doctor who sees you will only conduct the exam or test and get specific information requested by DDS. The doctor will not take part in deciding whether you have a disability and will not prescribe treatment or medication to you. The doctor will send a report of the exam or test to DDS.

DDS will review the doctor’s report along with all of the other information in your case and make the decision on your case.

Things to remember:

• Confirm that you will attend the appointment. The exam or test requested is intended to provide additional information needed to help the state agency make a decision in your case.

• If you can’t keep the appointment, you must let the state agency know right away. If you don’t, the state agency may decide that you no longer have a disability.

If DDS asks you to attend a Consultative Evaluation, there are things that you do to prepare for your exam. We can help you get ready, know what questions to ask, and what you can expect during the exam. If you need help or have questions, call or text us at (407) 738-3718.