Social Security: Improving Hiring Processes at State Disability Determination Services

The Social Security Act requires state Disability Determination Services (DDSs) to determine medical eligibility for disability on behalf of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Entirely funded by SSA, the DDSs comply with SSA policies, procedures, and operational decisions, including the determination of when a DDS may hire. This issue brief seeks to examine the impacts of episodic hiring and make recommendations to inform SSA policy.

The Board recommends that SSA allow DDSs more latitude to manage their allocated budget to recruit and fill open positions. Specifically, once funding is allocated to the DDS and hiring numbers are agreed upon, allow the DDSs to use available resources to address staffing needs. The Board also recommends that SSA include the DDSs in the agency's human capital planning efforts as required under federal regulation.