Step 1: Meeting the Basic Federal Requirements

Before the state even begins reviewing your case, you must meet the initial federal SSDI requirements, which include:

• You have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working
• Your disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• You’ve worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient work credits
• You are not engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)—in 2025, this means earning more than $1,550/month (or $2,590 if you're blind)

Step 2: Review by North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS)

Once your application passes the initial SSA screening, it is forwarded to North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS). This state agency evaluates the medical and functional aspects of your claim.

They will:

• Review your medical records from doctors, hospitals, and clinics
• Ask your healthcare providers for more details, if needed
• Schedule a consultative exam (CE) if your existing records are insufficient
• Assess your ability to perform work-related tasks despite your medical condition

The goal is to determine whether your impairment prevents you from working—not only your previous job, but any job in the national economy.

Step 3: The Five-Step Evaluation Process

DDS uses a standard 5-step process to evaluate SSDI claims:

1. Are you working above the SGA level?
2. Is your condition “severe”?
3. Is your condition listed in the SSA Blue Book of impairments?
4. Can you return to your past work?
5. Can you do any other type of work?

If the answer is "no" at any step, the process moves forward. If it’s "yes," your claim may be denied.

Important North Carolina Considerations

• Medical records from local providers are essential. The more detailed your documentation, the better your chance of approval.
• North Carolina DDS operates out of Raleigh, and you can expect the decision process to take 3–5 months on average.
• If denied, you can request reconsideration and move forward with the appeals process.