Department of social services disability determination service division phone number

MRC Disability Determination Services (DDS) is a division of the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), which is 100% funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Who we are and what we do

MRC DDS disability examiners and medical consultants determine eligibility of Massachusetts applicants for 2 disability programs:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), ages 18 - 65
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ages birth - 65

If you think you may be eligible for payments, call (800) 772-1213 to file a claim or contact your local Social Security Office . You must contact the Social Security Administration to apply for benefits. If you are looking for an online application for either SSDI or SSI visit ssa.gov. For an update on case status call the Vocational Disability Examiner (VDE) as identified in your introductory claimant letter.

  • Looking for an overview of annual benefits for their case

ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213

The claims processed by the Massachusetts DDS include:

  • Initial applications
  • Reconsideration applications — First appeal of a denied initial application
  • Continuing Disability Reviews — Periodic reviews to determine if you should continue receiving benefits
  • Disability Hearings — Face-to-face informal hearing as a part of the appeal of a Continuing Disability Review cessation determination
  • Special outreach efforts are made to homeless shelters and individuals diagnosed with HIV

The DDS has offices in Boston and Worcester.

Consultants at DDS

We employ more than 70 medical and psychological consultants in-house and more than 300 medical and psychological consultants throughout the state to assist us in determining claimants' eligibility for disability benefits under Social Security.

Department of social services disability determination service division phone number

  • “From the first moment I contacted Mr. Fleming’s office I was treated with utmost respect. Mr. Fleming contacted me from his car phone when he received my voice mail. Within a week a representative from his office came to my home to ask and answer questions. I was told to immediately make an appointment with Social Security to get the process started…” Learn More

  • “I have had the best experience dealing with Mr. Fleming and his staff. From the minute the professional gentleman came to my home to sign up my case, up until my hearing date everyone I have come to contact with at this office is AWESOME! I was very nervous while waiting for a hearing date but the paralegal that was handling my file, Stephanie spoke to me monthly to give me updates on the status of my case…” Learn More

  • “I highly recommend Fred Fleming to anyone who needs social security benefits legal help. He has over 40 years of experience and in all my interactions, he has proven to be a very passionate, caring lawyer. when I call Fred, he is either immediately available to speak, or calls me back within a day. He always makes time to speak and go through everything with me thoroughly. I know Fred and his staff to be thorough, available, caring and knowledgeable.”

  • “My law firm has referred Fred J. Fleming Social Security cases for years. Their results have been terrific and well appreciated by our clients. Mr. Fleming and his law firm are extremely competent, trustworthy and efficient. They truly understand what it takes to help a client get through some tough and difficult times in order to win their case. Fred J. Fleming & Associates deserve the highest praise and recommendation for their service to their clients.”

  • “I have first hand knowledge of how Mr. Fleming treats his clients. They are treated with care, respect and professionalism. I have referred some of my closest friends and family members to Mr. Fleming knowing he will take good care of them. I currently work with a law firm who refers Social Security cases to Mr. Fleming and I will continue to do so even if I leave this firm. I have seen first hand how much he does care for his clients. The staff is very professional and courteous.”

  • “I’ve been a customer of Fred Fleming Attorney at Law’s services for the past two years and I really like them a lot. I recently had a social security disability claim that was becoming quite a pain in the neck. The staff over at Fred Fleming Attorney at Law made my life and the process so much easier. The company consist of an overall wonderful group of individuals to work with.”

What does it mean when it says disability determination decision under review?

Once you have filed an appeal, you may receive a letter stating that you have an “appeal under review.” This is a point in the SSA's decision-making process that is neither good nor bad, but rather it means that your case is being reviewed to ensure that the decision on your eligibility for benefits was made correctly.

How do I check the status of my disability review?

You can check the status of your application online using your personal my Social Security account. If you are unable to check your status online, you can call us 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How can I speak to someone at my local Social Security office?

You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator. You can call our National 800 Number at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How long does it take to get a decision on Social Security disability?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.