Understanding Supplemental Security Income
SSI Spotlight on Payment for Travel
to Medical Exams or Tests
2008 Edition

When you apply for disability and we ask you to go to a medical exam, can we pay your travel costs?

We may be able to pay your travel costs to and from this appointment. We do this through your State Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS makes the disability or blindness decisiondecision.

What do you need to do to get travel costs paid?

The DDS will send you a letter about the medical exam or test. This letter will tell you what you do after the exam so that your travel costs may be paid.

What if you have a special problem or need some travel money before you go to the exam or test?

Call or write the DDS person who sent you the letter about the medical exam or test. Explain what your special problem is or why you need money before the exam or test. For example, if you do not have a car, you may need to pay someone to drive you.

How do you get the money?

After the exam or test, you will need to fill out a form showing your travel costs. The DDS may be able to pay you the money based on the information on this form. They may also request receipts from the transportation provider.

	If you were paid before the exam or test and the money did not cover your travel costs, the DDS will pay you the rest of the money.
	If you were paid more money before the exam or test than you spent, you must repay the extra money.

What do you do if you need someone to help you to get to an exam or test?

Call or write the DDS person who sent you the letter about the exam or test. Explain why you need someone to help you. The DDS may be able to pay someone to go with you.

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THIS INFORMATION IS GENERAL.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL 1–800–772–1213 (TTY 1–800–325–0778),
VISIT OUR WEBSITE (www.socialsecurity.govwww.socialsecurity.gov) ON THE INTERNET,
OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE.