Qualifying for SSDI as a self-employed Washington resident can come with some challenges. Because of this, it’s helpful to know what to expect regarding self-employed SSDI eligibility and how this can alter the details of your claim. It’s also strongly recommended that anyone who is self-employed get representation from a Social Security disability lawyer, who can help you navigate the claims process. So, keep reading to find out how self-employed Washington residents can qualify for SSDI and how you can strengthen your claim.
How SSDI Eligibility Works for Self-Employed Individuals
The good news for those who are self-employed and living in Washington is that they can still qualify for SSDI. This is because the requirements don’t necessarily have anything to do with the specific type of work you do.
So, to qualify for SSDI in Washington, here are the core requirements according to the SSA:
- You must have earned enough work credits, which are outlined by the Self-Employed Contributions Act.
- You must have a significant physical or mental condition that prevents you from working, according to the Social Security Administration’s standards.
- Your current earnings must be below the substantial gainful activity limit.
If you still aren’t sure if you qualify for SSDI benefits as a self-employed worker, you should seek out a disability law firm in Washington. A disability attorney can help you better understand the requirements, comparing them to your situation to determine if you qualify.
How SSA Evaluates Self-Employment
Although the core eligibility standards are the same for all types of Washington workers, how the SSA evaluates self-employed workers does look a little different. The SSA won’t just evaluate your net profit; they will also evaluate the following:
If you run or manage the business independently, if applicable.
How the work that you do compares to those doing similar work in your community who aren’t disabled.
If the service that you provide is worth more than the substantial gainful activity limit, regardless of your current profit.
Additionally, the SSA may review other factors, such as how many hours you work, how physically demanding your duties are, your decision-making authority, etc.
How to Strengthen a Self-Employed SSDI Claim
To avoid running into issues with your self-employed disability claim, you need to file a strong claim from the very start. Here are some actionable tips that can help you file a strong SSDI claim when you’re self-employed:
- Keep detailed records of all self-employed work activity.
- Focus on collecting strong medical documentation.
- Collect evidence showing your reduced work responsibilities or abilities.
- Be transparent about the activity you can and cannot do.
- Provide extensive documentation to outline any irregular or inconsistent income.
- Get the help of an SSDI lawyer in Washington before filing your claim.
Get Started With an SSDI Washington Attorney Today
It’s very possible for self-employed workers to qualify for SSDI as long as they understand how this impacts their claim and the additional steps they need to take. At Schott Law, our SSDI lawyers in Washington are committed to helping our clients file successful claims so that they can get access to the benefits they are entitled to. Contact our Washington office today at 509-328-5789 to speak with a lawyer about your claim.
