Support Services Success Stories

A claimant called our IL DDS 800 number asking if there was any way his case could be expedited due to the severity of his medical condition.  He was told that his case would not be assigned for several more months as there were hundreds of claims already ahead of him. Upon talking to the claimant, we were able to quickly determine he had cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes. 

We were able to review our listing criteria for his specific cancer while he was on the phone and determine that his condition met our criteria for disability.  We also did a quick review of the case and determined that he had unresolved work activity that needed to be clarified for onset purposes, which is part of policy and procedure. 

BDDS was able to obtain all details regarding his current medical care for his stage IV cancer and resolve his work activity details for potential onset purposes on one phone call.  All necessary medical records were already in the electronic file.  We quickly reviewed medical records, prepared an assessment form, obtained a doctor's signature, and finalized the claim the following day. 

The claimant and his wife called back in the following weeks and were extremely appreciative of the expediency and care that this claim was handled.  Extraordinary teamwork of multiple BDDS staff (operator, section chief, and medical contractor) made this one-day case processing time possible.  These moments that we can see and hear what a difference we make in the lives of those we serve makes me very proud to be part of IL DDS.