Visit the Social Security Administration's Web site by clicking here.

The Bureau of Disability Determination, in agreement with the Social Security Administration, is responsible for determining medical eligibility for Ohioans. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims. Although BDD is part of the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission, it's federally regulated and receives 100 percent of its funding from the Social Security Administration.

Definitions

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monetary and medical benefits for people who are found to be disabled and who have also met the non-disability requirements of contributing to the Social  Security Trust Fund through tax on their earnings.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monetary and medical benefits to people who are aged, blind and disabled, and who have also  met the non-disability income and resources test.

Qualifications

To qualify for disability benefits under either SSDI or SSI, a person must have a medically determinable impairment which is expected to  prevent the performance of substantial work for at least one full year, or which  will result in death. Separate criteria and regulations are used to establish disability for children under age 18 (SSI program only).

Many BDD claimants are also eligible for vocational rehabilitation and job training services provided by the Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission. For information about Ohio's vocational rehabilitation program, click here.

How to Apply for Benefits

To learn how to apply for Social Security disability benefits or for additional information and brochures about SSDI or SSI, call the  Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 voice or 1-800-325-0778 TTY, or visit SSA's website by clicking here.

Get Online Help with Disability Report Form

If you're planning to apply for Social Security monthly disability benefits, online help is now available for completion of the required Disability Report Form for Adults. This form helps the Social Security Administration obtain information about your condition and medical records. Although an SSA claims rep will help you complete the form, it's best for you to have as much of the information as possible assembled before your disability interview. Doing so will make the claims process much smoother, according to SSA officials. The Web site offers plain-language explanations of the type of information SSA needs, why it's needed and how your answers will help in the disability decision-making process.
For assistance with the Disability Report, click here.

Thousands of Ohioans Served Annually

During Federal Fiscal Year 2007 (Oct. 1, 2006 - Sept. 30, 2007), BDD processed 169,392 claims - 5,554 more than its goal.

To Contact BDD

For more information contact:
Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission
Bureau of Disability Determination
Kathleen M. Johnson, director
P.O. Box 359001
Columbus, OH 43235-9001

You can also contact BDD by e-mail.  This is not a confidential site - please limit your e-mail communications to general information only.  Do not include any medical information or specific details about a claim or claimant.

To contact BDD by e-mail, click here.
To return to the VR Services-SSI/SSDI home page, click here.

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