Each state is responsible for providing an in-depth and substantive review of adjudicated
claims for Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Disability Income
benefits. This subchapter provides state DDSs with discretionary guidelines for designing
a Quality Assurance (QA) function to ensure that disability determinations are made
accurately and promptly.
While end-of-line reviews help DDSs measure the effectiveness of procedures, practices,
and training, a more comprehensive in-line review approach is needed to fully evaluate
and maintain the quality of a DDS’s product. Experience has shown that a QA system
involving the full range of QA activities is a valuable tool for ensuring accurate
and timely disability determinations. To be most effective, QA should form a total
system that includes review, analysis, and action.