State Disability Determination Division Ranks In Top Four In U.S. For Decision Accuracy

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma agency responsible for determining medical eligibility for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits is the only Disability Determination Division (DDD) in the U.S to earn national recognition for accuracy in four critical categories.

In 2008, Disability Determination staff processed and cleared 54,185 cases for Oklahomans who applied for disability payments from two federal programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

Disability Determination Division, which is 100% federally funded by SSA, is a division of the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

“In spite of our heavy workload, the accuracy of claims decisions earned national honors,” Disability Determination Administrator Noel Tyler said. “This means we made the right decisions about applicants’ allowance or denial for benefits – something that is critically important to them.”

• Oklahoma Disability Determination Division achieved an accuracy rate of 96.5% on initial claims for disability benefits, which was fourth highest in the nation.
• Oklahoma’s accuracy rate was second in the nation at 98.3% for their reconsideration workload, which requires a complete review of evidence by different staff than those who did the original review.
• The Division was third in the nation with 99.4% accuracy for cases that are periodically reviewed to determine any change in status of disability.
• Overall, Disability Determination Division achieved net accuracy of 97.8%, compared to a nationwide average of 96.6%.

DRS Director Mike O’Brien, Ed.D. credits a dedicated and innovative staff for the division’s frequent recognition for accuracy and other accomplishments.

“Disability Determination employees are top in the nation on speed and accuracy,” O’Brien said. “They are honored every year by the Social Security Administration for outstanding production. Here in Oklahoma, we are very proud of them because their dedication to serving citizens makes a positive difference in thousands of Oklahomans’ lives every year.”

SSDI is a disability insurance program funded by a portion of the FICA tax a worker and employer pay on the worker’s earnings over a qualifying period of time. Certain family members can also receive benefits based on a worker’s contributions.

SSI is an income support program with payments based on financial need. Children may be eligible for SSI if they are unable to do age-appropriate activities and their families have limited income and resources.

For adults, disability payments under the Social Security system are based on inability to work. Individuals are considered “disabled” if they are unable to do any kind of work for which they are suited and their disabilities are expected to last for at least a year or to result in death.

During the medical review process, Disability Determination examiners and consulting physicians or psychologists review applicants’ medical and vocational information and work records to decide whether or not applicants qualify as disabled or blind according to federal guidelines.

The team evaluates applications for children based on medical evidence and their ability to perform age-appropriate activities and their medical evidence.

Oklahomans may apply for disability benefits by phone, by mail, over the Internet or by visiting a Social Security office. To locate the nearest office, see the blue government pages of the telephone book or visit the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov. Social Security’s toll free number is 1-800-772-1213.

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