SSDI Applications Attorney — Washington

Hire an Experienced SSDI Attorney in Washington State and Northern Idaho

If you have experienced a disabling condition, you may want to consider applying for Social Security benefits or SSDI. This process can feel quite confusing if you don’t know what types of benefits you may qualify for, which is why it can be helpful to hire an SSDI attorney.

Before you begin the application process for Social Security benefits, it is critical that you understand what program you qualify for and the information you need when applying.

What is SSDI?

Social Security disability insurance or SSDI is a type of Social Security benefit that you may be able to qualify for. SSDI is available to those who have a disability or health condition and have a history of working and paying their taxes. Because of this, the longer you have worked and the more taxes you have paid, the more likely it is that you qualify for SSDI benefits.

For your medical condition to qualify for SSDI, the following must be true:

• It prevents you from engaging in work or other forms of gainful activity.
• It prevents you from doing the work you used to do.
• It prevents you from pursuing another form of work.
• It is likely to last at least a year or result in death.

Another thing to understand about SSDI is that it is a federal program, so none of the requirements are specific to Washington or Idaho residents.

Applying For SSDI in Washington State and Northern Idaho

If you believe you qualify for SSDI benefits, it is wise to apply for SSDI as soon as possible. Social Security disability insurance benefits will not start immediately even if you are approved quickly, as these benefits have a five-month wait period before they commence.

You can apply online or by phone, but before you start the application process, there are three categories of information you will need to provide to the SSA.

Personal Information

The more basic type of information you will need to provide when you apply for SSDI is information that establishes your identity. This will include information and documents, such as:

• Your date and place of birth.
• Social Security number.
• Name, address, and phone number of two people who know about your medical condition who aren’t medical providers.
• Information regarding other disability benefits or workers’ compensation you’re receiving, if applicable.
• A savings or checking account number with the routing transit number for SSDI payments.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or a lawful alien status.
• W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns for the prior year.
• U.S. military discharge papers, if applicable.

You will also need to provide information about your spouse or former spouse, such as their date of birth, place of birth, and Social Security number.

Medical information

Before you begin applying for Social Security disability, it is crucial that you have documentation of your medical condition. It may take some time to gather this information, so you should begin doing it long before you start the application process if you can. Here are some types of information the SSA will need:

• Medical records regarding your medical condition.
• The medicine you take, why you take it, and who prescribed it.
• Names and dates of medical tests and who ordered them.
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of healthcare providers who treated your medical condition.

It can be extremely helpful to have an SSDI attorney on your side as you are gathering medical information, as they can help you source things like critical medical records. It can be challenging to communicate with doctors and healthcare providers, and your attorney can do this on your behalf.

Education and Job Information

Because one of the major qualifying factors for SSDI is your work history, you will need to provide information regarding your education and profession. Here are some of the types of information you will need to provide:

• A list of jobs you have had within the last 5 years with additional details such as the dates you worked these jobs, how much you earned, and how many hours you worked per day or week.
• A list of trade, vocational, or specialized training you have received and when you received it.
• Information about your highest level of education and where it was completed, as well as any special education you received.

How Long is the SSDI Application Process?

Although the process for applying for SSDI benefits may seem overwhelming, it is quite straightforward once you have the information you need. In fact, it only takes one hour on average to complete the SSDI application from start to finish.

However, it can take a significant amount of time to get ready to start your application as you are gathering information. You need to make sure you are thorough and have everything that the SSA requires so that your application is not rejected or runs into issues after you have submitted it. The average approval time is around seven to eight months.

Get the Help of an Experienced SSDI Attorney in Washington State and Northern Idaho

At Schott Law, we are dedicated to ensuring Washington State and Northern Idaho residents understand how to apply for SSDI so that they can proceed confidently and have the best possible chance of a successful outcome. 

For experienced, compassionate legal representation from an SSDI attorney, contact Schott Law today at 509-328-5789 for a consultation.