If you have a disability that interferes with your ability to work, it’s natural to feel concerned about the financial impact of this significant challenge in your life. The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a financial safety net for some of our country’s most vulnerable individuals so that they can receive assistance when a disability prevents them from earning a steady paycheck. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) allows qualifying individuals to access monthly benefits to help them cover essential living expenses. The SSDI application process can seem confusing and daunting, which is why the dedicated legal advocates at Schott Law are ready to help you understand how to apply for SSDI benefits in Washington state.
At Schott Law, we believe in providing every client we serve with the customized and effective legal support they deserve and empowering them to navigate the SSDI claim process with greater clarity and confidence. This page is designed to serve as a “How To” guide for anyone who is looking for SSDI application help in the greater Spokane area and highlight some of the key steps to apply for SSDI benefits in Washington state. For more personalized legal guidance, we invite you to contact our office at your earliest convenience so that we can determine the most strategic path forward.
During your working life, your paystub likely included a Social Security tax. These deductions funded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a program that provides financial assistance to workers who suffer or develop a disability that prevents them from working. Should you become unable to work because of an illness, medical condition, or other qualifying disability, you can apply for SSDI benefits to access the financial assistance you need. However, you will need to meet the SSDI eligibility requirements and have enough SSDI work credits in order for your application to be accepted. Low-income individuals in Washington state may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a similar government assistance program that may be worth exploring. You can learn more about the differences between SSDI and SSI benefits by reaching out to Schott Law to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you will need to show that you meet the eligibility requirements. First, you must have worked in employment sectors or jobs in which you contributed to Social Security through the wages you earned. During the years of your employment, you would have accumulated a specific number of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Generally speaking, those who have worked for at least five of the last ten years have enough work credits to move forward with an SSDI application. However, younger workers may be able to qualify for SSDI benefits with fewer work credits. Next, you must be suffering from a medical condition or illness that has caused you to become disabled (according to the SSA’s definition of disabled). For the most part, qualifying disabilities are either long-term or permanent in nature and interfere with your ability to perform your assigned duties or any other potential reassignments for at least one year. If you have questions about whether you meet the SSDI medical qualifications or the SSDI work credits requirements, please contact our office for the customized information you need to make informed decisions with greater certainty.
The SSDI application process involves a few specific steps to ensure that your application is complete and accurate. The SSA allows you to apply for SSDI online, as the required documents are provided on its website. You can also file an SSDI application by phone or in person, depending on your preference. As you complete the application, you will also need to gather supporting documents, such as your medical records, employment history, previous paychecks, etc.) to show that you meet the SSDI eligibility requirements. Although working with an SSDI attorney is not required, those who seek out SSDI lawyer assistance tend to feel more secure and confident as they move through the application process. If you’re looking for trusted and effective legal support during the SSDI application process, we at Schott Law are ready to assist you.
Learning that the SSA has denied your SSDI application can be devastating. However, it’s essential to understand that you still have options—a denial is not the end of the road. In fact, many SSDI applications are denied the first time, which can be frustrating and discouraging for those who need their hard-earned financial assistance. Although the SSDI appeal process may seem daunting, working with an experienced and caring SSDI attorney is the best way to ensure that you can secure the benefits you deserve. If your SSDI application has been denied, reach out to Schott Law to discuss your options for filing an appeal. Together, we can identify the most strategic course of action that maximizes your chances of securing the SSDI benefits you need to move forward.
For SSDI application help, you can trust the dedicated and experienced legal team at Schott Law. Our boutique law firm focuses exclusively on SSDI and SSI matters, which means that we have the extensive knowledge and expertise necessary to advocate vocally on your behalf. We encourage you to contact our Spokane office to learn more about our SSDI application services and to access additional SSDI resources that can help you understand your legal rights and options. Together, we will identify the most strategic path forward that allows you to access the financial assistance you need and deserve.
Contact us today if you have a potential SSDI Where to Start case.
"*" indicates required fields
