Visit Website Visit Website
Contact Contact
Phone Number 800-642-8207
Location Charleston, West Virginia

The Disability Determination Section, by agreement with the Social Security Administration, determines medical eligibility for Social Security Disability for West Virginians. These benefits include claims for Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Administered in West Virginia by the state Division of Rehabilitation Services, DDS is federally regulated and funded entirely through the Social Security Administration. The volume of claims is substantial, yet DDS staff take pride in providing individualized, accurate services to all who apply for assistance. Their mission is to process SSDI and SSI disability claims in a manner that is accurate, timely, compassionate, and cost-effective.

Qualifying for benefits
There are two SSA 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.

The Social Security Administration looks at medical and non-medical factors to determine if someone is eligible for benefits. While non-medical factors like personal income and resources are assessed differently for SSDI and SSI, the medical factors and the basic process are the same. To obtain benefits under either program, the applicant must be found unable to perform any type of work for at least 12 months due to physical, mental, or combined physical and mental impairment.