ACRONYMS & TERMS
What does DDS stand for?
What does SGA mean?
Disability Determination Services
Substantial Gainful Activity
Which form is used when a client was employed while disabled?
Which form is specifically used when a client was self-employed while disabled?
SSA-821
SSA-820
How often should CM1 update clients?
What system stores SSA faxed documents before assignment?
At least once a month
Work Track
What does SSDI stand for?
What does SSI stand for?
Social Security Disability Insurance
Supplemental Security Income
What Attorney Review type would be used if a client is working over SGA?
What is the first level when a new application is filed?
Client Is Working (Over SGA)
Initial Application
What does CE stand for?
What does ERE stand for?
Consultative Examination
Electronic Records Express
Which form allows SSA to obtain wage and employment information from payroll providers?
Which form is completed by a third party to describe how the client functions daily?
SSA-8240
SSA-3380
What system must the 1696/Fee Agreement be added to for DDS access?
What system allows viewing SSA records online?
E-View
ERE
What is the 2026 SGA amount for non-blind individuals?
What is the 2026 SGA amount for blind individuals?
$1,690 before taxes
$2,830 before taxes
What level comes after a medical denial at Initial Application?
Which office handles medical decisions for Initial and Reconsideration claims?]
Reconsideration
DDS
What does PTR mean?
What does TERI mean?
Prior To Representation
Terminal Illness
Which document must be submitted before a favorable decision for SSA to approve representative fees?
Which form is used to revoke another attorney and list TDA/KD as the primary representative?
Fee Agreement / SSA-1693
SSA-1696-SUP1
What is the final stage before DDS makes a decision called?
Why does DDS order a CE?
Medical Review
Insufficient medical evidence
Can someone qualify for disability if working over SGA?
Which benefit program is based on work history?
No
SSDI
Which office handles non-medical issues?
How many days does a client usually have to appeal a denial?
Field Office (FO)
60 days plus 5 grace days
What does FR stand for?
What does SOP stand for?
Function Report
Substitution of Party
Which report helps DDS determine whether a client can perform past relevant work from the last 5 years?
Which form establishes a client’s Residual Functional Capacity through daily living activities?
SSA-3369 Work History Report
SSA-3373 Function Report
How many times can a missed CE usually be rescheduled?
What does a Medical Hold mean?
One time
DDS wants more time to monitor improvement or treatment
Which benefit program is based on low income and resources?
How long must a disability last to qualify under SSA rules?
SSI
At least 12 months or result in death
What happens if a client is denied at Reconsideration level?
Who makes medical decisions at DDS?
The case can move to a Hearing before an ALJ
Examiner/Adjudicator/Analyst
What does WH stand for?
What does FO stand for?
Work History Report
Field Office
Which document is considered the most important for the client to sign because it validates the filing process and non-medical information?
Which document is sent to DDS whenever new medical information is received from the client?
Application Summary / Attestation
Medical Update
What should a CM1 collect during a Medical Hold?
What is the most important document the client must sign after filing?
New treatment sources, appointments, and diagnoses
Application Summary / Attestation
What type of benefits can SSDI receive before the filing date?
How far back can SSDI retroactive benefits go?
Retroactive benefits
Up to 12 months before the application date
What is the Pre-Development Unit
Explain Quality Review Unit
This unit is responsible for ensuring a case is properly prepared with all required documents before it moves to an examiner
This unit reviews the DDS decision of a case to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance before it is finalized or progressed.