Social Security Disability Lawyer Serving Cle Elum, WA

When an injury, illness, or other conditon causes a long-term disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can help cover living expenses while you’re unable to work. Yet many people have their legitimate claims denied. When this happens, you need a lawyer who can take on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and answer all your questions about the appeals process.

Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC has your back. Our lawyers have fought for working families throughout Washington since 1954. We often represent the little guy in communities like Kittitas County. You deserve dignity and to be heard. Our law firm makes sure you don’t feel ignored or pushed around.

To discuss your claim with our Social Security Disability lawyers serving Cle Elum, WA, contact our Washington law offices today. Consultations are free, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Why Did My SSD/SSDI Claim Get Denied?

There are many reasons why the Social Security Administration may deny your SSDI claim. Common causes of denied claims include:

Lack of Work Credits: The SSA may deny your claim because you have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI benefits.
Condition Not Severe Enough: The SSA may claim that your condition does not last at least 12 months or significantly limit your ability to perform work duties.
Insufficient Medical Evidence: The SSA may cite missing medical records, inconsistent treatment, or a lack of treatment documentation as a reason to deny your claim.
Inconsistent or Incorrect Information: Missing deadlines, failing to include documentation, and inaccuracies in work history can result in a denial.
Earning Too Much Income: If you are able to work yet pass the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, you can be denied SSDI benefits.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: Missing appointments, skipping medication, or avoiding doctors’ orders could all be grounds for a denied claim.

Why You Need to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

When you hire an SSDI attorney serving Cle Elum, you gain a number of benefits for any issues you’re facing with the Social Security Administration:

An Attorney Knows How the SSA Evaluates Conditions: Your lawyer will be familiar with SSA guidelines and the information they review when they look at claims.
A Lawyer Can Translate Your Injury Into Occupational Limitations: Your attorney can show how your condition affects your ability to work.
An Attorney Can Help You Compile the Necessary Medical Evidence: A lawyer will help you get all the key information you need for the initial filing or appeal.
A Lawyer Can Help with Critical Filing Deadlines and Paperwork: Your attorney can help you avoid major mistakes, which includes missing key deadlines.
An Attorney Can Improve Your Odds During the Appeal Process: Appeals can be complex, and having a qualified lawyer on your side can boost your chances of success.

How the Disability Appeals Process Works in Washington: Timelines, Monthly Benefits, and Back Pay

Below is a general overview of timelines and expectations during the SSDI appeals process. The team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC can provide more information during the consultation process.

How Long Does an SSD/SSDI Claim Take in Washington?

The length of an SSDI claim can vary. This depends on whether your claim is immediately approved or has to go through the appeal process. For most people, the process takes more than six months.

You may be able to speed up the claim process through either of the following:

How Many Times Can I Appeal If I Am Denied?

You can appeal a denied SSDI claim up to four times. These are your escalating options for seeking your SSDI benefits after an initial denial:

Reconsideration: Reconsideration requests must be submitted within 60 days of the initial denial and are reviewed by a Disability Determination Services examiner.
Hearing: A hearing with an administrative law judge must be requested within 60 days of your reconsideration decision following another denial.
Hearing Review: A hearing review must be requested within 60 days of the initial hearing following another denial. This is handled by the Appeals Council.
Federal District Court Action: If the Appeals Council issues you another denial, you have 60 days to file a Federal District Court review. This is your last opportunity to secure benefits.

Five-Month Waiting Period with One Exception

There is a five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits that starts the first full month after the SSA decides your disability began. Payments will start during the sixth month of disability.

However, there is no waiting period if your disability is caused by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you get approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020.

How Much Back Pay Can I Receive?

You may be eligible to receive up to 12 months of SSDI back pay, though this depends on when your disability started. This retroactive lump-sum payment is separate from monthly SSDI benefits.

The Evidence That Matters Most for Securing Disability Benefits

Our SSDI lawyers serving Cle Elum will help you gather the right evidence to support your claim.

Medical documentation, including test results, X-rays, diagnoses, and your treatment compliance history
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, which measures what you can do mentally and physically despite your medical diagnosis
A statement from your doctor assessing your health condition
A personal statement that outlines changes in daily activities, levels of pain, and feelings of fatigue
Evidence that you attempted to get back to work but were unable to do so
Supporting statements from family, friends, co-workers, and supervisors

How Our SSD/SSDI Lawyers Help the People of Cle Elum

Don’t try to take on the Social Security Administration alone. You need someone who can guide you through the appeal process and advocate for you. That’s why Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC is here. We always fight for the underdog.

Our SSDI lawyers serving Cle Elum understand what you’re going through and want to be good neighbors. While we’re capable attorneys, we always remind clients that we’re just normal people who live and work here just like you.

Se Habla Español: Legal Help in Spanish

Our law office includes lawyers and staff members who speak Spanish. This allows us to best serve the Spanish-speaking community in Kittitas County. We can also translate for any family members who need to get looped in.

Our Lawyers Can Accommodate Your Disability and Schedule

Travel can be difficult after an injury or illness. Don’t sweat it. Our lawyers can come to your home, hospital, or wherever is most convenient. We want to make sure you can speak with an attorney and get the answers you need.

If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay

Money can be tight when you’re unable to work. That’s why Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC offers free case evaluations and representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you only pay legal fees if we win for you.

Contact Our Cle Elum SSD/SSDI Attorneys Near You

If your SSDI claim was denied and you need help with the SSA, Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC is here for you. We’re proud to assist our neighbors in Kittitas County and other nearby communities. For a free consultation with our Social Security Disability lawyers serving Cle Elum, contact our law firm today.