TN 3 (11-13)
DI 23001.001 Disability Determination Services (DDS) Capability Opinion
The DDS is responsible for providing an opinion regarding a claimant’s capability
to manage his or her disability benefits when the field office (FO) identifies a case
where it is likely that a claimant may be incapable or where DDS medical development
indicates the claimant may be incapable. While the DDS may provide an opinion regarding
the evidence of capability, the FO is responsible for the final determination of capability.
The FO is also responsible for determining whether the claimant will receive benefits
directly or through a representative payee.
NOTE: In cases involving children, the child’s parent or guardian may not be the proper
payee. The DDS completes item 34 of the SSA-831 (Disability Determination and Transmittal)
or item 24 of the SSA-832 or SSA-833 (Cessation or Continuance of Disability or Blindness
Determination and Transmittal) to alert the FO in the following situations:
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evidence of prenatal maternal substance abuse; or
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evidence of substance abuse in the household; or
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See also:
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GN 00502.137 DDS Notification of Allegations that could Cast Doubt on Payee Suitability
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DI 27015.001 Completing Form SSA-831-U3 for Reconsideration Cases
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