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Social Security Disability Examiner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Job Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to support our Social Security Disability team. This role involves managing cases, communicating with clients, and ensuring all documentation ...

Be Seen First

Job Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented Paralegal to support our Social Security Disability team. This role involves managing cases, communicating with clients, and ensuring all documentation ...

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Social Security Disability Examiner information

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$38.5K

$81.6K

$132.5K

How much do social security disability examiner jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for social security disability examiner in the United States is $81,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,500.00 and $131,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Social Security Disability Examiner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Security Disability Examiner, you need a strong background in investigative research, medical terminology, and case analysis, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with case management systems, government databases, and documentation protocols is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for evaluating complex medical and legal information and interacting with claimants. These skills ensure accurate and fair disability determinations, which directly impact individuals’ access to benefits and uphold program integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by Social Security Disability Examiners in reviewing claims?

Social Security Disability Examiners often face challenges such as managing a high volume of complex cases and interpreting medical evidence that may be incomplete or inconsistent. They must balance thoroughness with efficiency to ensure timely decisions, all while adhering to strict federal guidelines. Additionally, examiners frequently collaborate with medical consultants and communicate with claimants and their healthcare providers to gather accurate information, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. These challenges make attention to detail and adaptability particularly important in this role.

What is the easiest PWD job to get?

For a Social Security Disability Examiner, entry-level positions often require minimal prior experience and focus on evaluating disability claims based on medical records and documentation. These roles typically require good communication skills and knowledge of disability policies but may have less competitive entry barriers compared to specialized or senior positions.

What are Social Security Disability Examiners?

Social Security Disability Examiners are professionals who review and evaluate disability claims for Social Security benefits. They analyze medical records, work history, and other evidence to determine whether an applicant meets the federal criteria for disability. Examiners work closely with medical and vocational experts to make informed decisions. Their role is crucial in ensuring that only eligible individuals receive disability benefits under Social Security programs.

What is a disability examiner for Social Security?

A Social Security Disability Examiner reviews medical evidence and application information to determine if applicants qualify for disability benefits under Social Security. They assess the severity of disabilities, often working with healthcare providers and using guidelines to make eligibility decisions. The role requires knowledge of medical conditions, disability policies, and strong analytical skills.

How to become a Social Security Disability examiner?

To become a Social Security Disability Examiner, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in a related field such as healthcare, social work, or psychology, along with relevant experience in medical or disability assessment. Certification or training in disability evaluation procedures is often required, and applicants must pass a background check and meet agency-specific requirements. The role involves reviewing medical evidence and making determinations about disability claims within a government agency setting.

How much do claims examiners make in the US?

Social Security Disability Examiners in the US typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced examiners or those in supervisory roles can earn higher salaries, often with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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What cities are hiring for Social Security Disability Examiner jobs? Cities with the most Social Security Disability Examiner job openings:
What states have the most Social Security Disability Examiner jobs? States with the most job openings for Social Security Disability Examiner jobs include:
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Infographic showing various Social Security Disability Examiner job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,613 per year, or $39.2 per hour.
Disability Determinations Examiner 1,2,3

Disability Determinations Examiner 1,2,3

State of Louisiana

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$3.0K - $5.4K/mo

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


State Of Louisiana rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 50 rated states


Job description

About this Job The mission of the Louisiana Department of Health is to protect and promote health and to ensure access to medical, preventive, and rehabilitative services for all residents of the State of Louisiana. Learn more about Louisiana Department of Health The Disability Determinations Examiner 1/2/3 job titles are responsible for adjudicating disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration (SSA), including but not limited to initial applications, reconsiderations, continuing disability reviews, reconsiderations, and special disability workload cases. This position requires knowledge of medical conditions, vocational factors, medical terminology, SSA policies, provisions, and procedures.

An ideal candidate should possess the following competencies: Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions. Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance. Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change. Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement. Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.

Displaying Professionalism: The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct, responsible communication, and consideration for others. Following Policies and Procedures: The ability to follow, reinforce, adapt, or develop policies and procedures to maintain compliance with federal and state legal requirements, State Civil Service rules, and organizational policies. Managing Time: The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate time to ensure the timely completion of work goals.

Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions. Minimum Qualifications Three years of social services experience; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field; OR A bachelor's degree. EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field.

The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field. Job Specification The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here. Job Duties and Other Information Job Duties: Adjudicates disability claims filed under the Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income programs of the Social Security Administration in accordance with the Social Security Act, state laws, federal regulations, and Social Security rulings.

Maintains a complex and diverse caseload of Social Security Disability claims and claims for Supplemental Security Income at various stages of development. Requests and analyzes medical evidence, nonmedical evidence, and reviews vocational factors to determine if additional evidence must be obtained, or if a decision can be made. Position-Specific Details: Location: Disability Determinations Services / Baton Rouge/East Baton Rouge Appointment type: This position may be filled as a Probationary appointment, Promotional appointment, Job appointment (temporary appointment that may last up to 48 months), or Detail to Special Duty.

Cost Center: 3071200102 Position numbers: 50689165, 50689652, 50689729 Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Disability Determinations Examiner 1, 2, or 3 determined by the qualifications of the candidate selected. This position provides the opportunity to advance within this job series. Compensation: These positions are eligible for the following Special Entrance Rate (SER): Disability Determinations Examiner 1 - $22.80 hr / $1824.00 bi-weekly Disability Determinations Examiner 2 - $24.40 hr / $1952.00 bi-weekly Disability Determinations Examiner 3 - $26.00 hr / $2088.80 bi-weekly Individuals selected for positions with the Disability Determination Service (DDS) will go through a complete federal background investigation

A suitability determination by the Social Security Administration is necessary to determine whether an employee can be issued credentials in order to have access to Social Security disability data, records, and systems. Your conditional job offer and access to the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) systems, data, information, and/or premises are contingent upon your passing the SSA suitability process. *Note: This covers the preliminary screening (pre-screen) and the final background adjudication stage of the suitability process.

How To Apply: No Civil Service test score is required in order to be considered for this vacancy. To apply for this vacancy, click on the "Apply" link above and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process.

Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page. *Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections

Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Contact Information: For information on how to check your application status and understand status updates, please click HERE. Contact Information: Jaymee Burleigh, HR Analyst jaymee.burleigh@ssa.gov LA Department of Health (LDH) Division of Human Resources PO Box 4818 Baton Rouge, LA 70821


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About State of Louisiana

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The State of Louisiana, based in Baton Rouge, LA, US, is not a traditional company per se, but a government body that oversees the administration of the state. As revealed on its official website, louisiana.gov, its wide range of services falls within public administration industry, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, environment conservation, and law enforcement. Founded in 1806, the State of Louisiana’s mission is to ensure a high quality of life for its residents by effectively managing public resources, enforcing laws, and fostering economic growth. Its most notable achievements include the successful implementation of its Coastal Master Plan, aimed at conserving Louisiana's extensive coastline, and the dramatic overhaul of its public education system.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1812

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