SSDI Claim Approval Attorney — Washington

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to workers who have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from performing their assigned job duties. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), which administers the SSDI program, “We pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year (12 consecutive months) or because of a disability.” In order to qualify for SSDI assistance, you will need to complete and file an application and submit supporting documentation that shows how your medical condition or disability prevents you from working. You will also need to meet the SSDI eligibility requirements, such as having enough of a work history (referred to as work credits) and proving that you have a qualifying disability that entitles you to receive monthly SSDI benefits. 

As you approach the SSDI claim filing process, it’s often worth enlisting the guidance of a knowledgeable and experienced Spokane SSDI attorney to support you along the way. Although you are not required to hire an attorney in order to file an SSDI application, doing so carries several advantages. At Schott Law, our experienced and caring legal team is ready to guide you through the SSDI application process to ensure that your claim is as strong and complete as possible. We recognize that the SSA often denies many first-time SSDI applications, which is why we are prepared to help you avoid some of the most common mistakes while maximizing your chances of securing the benefits you need. If you are ready to learn more about the SSDI application process in Eastern Washington state, please reach out to our Spokane office to get started with a dedicated and understanding SSDI attorney. 

Understanding the Key Elements of a Successful SSDI Application in Washington State

In an effort to remove as many barriers as possible to potential SSDI applicants, the SSA allows you to file the necessary forms and supporting documentation online. Applicants may also set up an appointment with an agent to complete an SSDI application if they would prefer this option. Let’s take a look at some of the essential components of a compelling SSDI application so that you can improve your chances of having your claim approved on the first try.

Showing a Sufficient Work History

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must demonstrate that you have worked long enough (and recently enough) to be eligible for this form of government assistance. According to the SSA, “Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to 4 credits each year.” Over time, you can accumulate enough work credits that entitle you to financial assistance in the event that you become unable to work because of a disability or medical condition. Generally speaking, applicants need 40 credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits, with 20 of these work credits occurring within the last ten years. However, it’s often possible for younger workers who develop a medical condition or disability to qualify with fewer work credits. When you enlist the guidance of Schott Law, one of our knowledgeable SSDI lawyers will work with you to ensure that you meet these work history requirements so that you can proceed with confidence. 

Proving You Have a Qualifying Disability or Medical Condition

Another critical aspect of compiling a strong SSDI application is showing that your disability or medical condition is recognized by the SSA as a qualifying disability. The SSA uses a five-step process to determine an applicant’s eligibility, such as determining whether the applicant exceeds the earnings threshold, has a disability or medical condition that significantly interferes with their ability to perform job-related duties, and other considerations. As you complete the SSDI application, it’s essential that you provide accurate and complete information. The more details you can provide about the nature, extent, and prognosis of your condition, the less risk you have of having the SSA question your eligibility or deny your claim. The highly qualified SSDI lawyers at Schott Law are ready to help you access medical records and other supporting documents that strengthen your SSDI application, so please reach out to our office today to get started.

Demonstrating the Impact of Your Condition or Disability Outside of Work

A successful SSDI application paints a clear and consistent picture of how the disability or medical condition has impacted both your work capabilities and your daily activities. For instance, the SSA expects to see that a disability that keeps you from working also prevents you from participating in extreme sporting activities, so it’s important to present a coherent narrative that shows how profoundly this condition has affected you. Moreover, the SSA wants to see that you are following the recommendations of your doctor or medical provider, which means taking any prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up visits, and working through physical therapy treatment recommendations. 

Get Started With a Caring and Dedicated Spokane SSDI Attorney Today

Before you begin the SSDI application process, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements and the supporting documentation that you will need to submit with your claim. At Schott Law, we focus exclusively on SSDI and SSI claims, which means that we know these systems and processes inside and out. We’re ready to guide you through every step of the application process to ensure that you can receive the benefits you need and deserve. 

At Schott Law, we believe in working closely with every client we serve to understand their specific concerns and goals. If you are interested in learning more about how to file an SSDI claim in the greater Spokane, Washington area, please call us today at (509) 257-3398 to get started with a dedicated and caring SSDI claim approval attorney.