Social Security Disability Lawyer Serving Ephrata, WA

When a serious injury or illness results in a long-term disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can offer dignity as you recover and plan for the future. Yet many people get their claim denied. Filing an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA) can be intimidating, which is why you need an attorney by your side.

Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC has represented working households throughout Grant County since 1954. We always advocate for the little guy. You deserve to be heard, and you deserve to be treated with respect. We can help you secure the benefits you worked so hard for.

If you need to discuss your situation with skilled Social Security Disability lawyers serving Ephrata, WA, contact our Washington law offices today. Consultations are free, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Why Was My SSD/SSDI Claim Denied?

While there are many reasons why the Social Security Administration denied your SSDI claim, here are some of the most common reasons claims get denied.

Lack of Work Credits: Some people have their SSDI claim denied because they do not have enough work credits/work history.
Condition Not Severe Enough: To qualify for SSDI, your injury must prevent you from working and last a minimum of 12 months.
Insufficient Medical Evidence: Medical documentation may fail to demonstrate that you have a serious medical condition, or there may be gaps in your treatment history.
Inconsistent or Incorrect Information: Missing filing deadlines, submitting inaccurate or incorrect work history, and other errors can lead to a claim denial.
Earning Too Much Income: If you receive income that surpasses the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, you will not be eligible for SSDI.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: Claims may be denied if you miss doctor’s appointments, don’t take prescribed medications, or don’t adhere to your doctor’s orders.

Why You Need to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

When issues arise with the Social Security Administration, hiring an Ephrata SSDI attorney is your best option. Here’s why:

An Attorney Knows How the SSA Evaluates Conditions: Your lawyer will understand the rules, regulations, and framework the SSA uses when reviewing claims.
A Lawyer Can Translate Your Injury Into Occupational Limitations: Your attorney can frame your symptoms and limitations in terms of your work duties.
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 hit those crucial filing deadlines and avoid major setbacks and mistakes.
An Attorney Can Improve Your Odds During the Appeal Process: Appeals can be complicated, and having a strong lawyer on your side can increase your chances of success.

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

This is a broad overview of what to expect during the SSDI appeals process. The attorneys at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC can offer more details on this process when we work together on your claim.

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

This really varies from person to person. The timeline depends on the health condition and whether you need to appeal a denied claim. Typically, it 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 have four chances to appeal a denied SSDI claim. Here are the escalating options you have to seek benefits that have been denied.

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

For SSDI benefits, there is a five-month waiting period that begins the first full month after the SSA decides the disability began. Benefit 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 for up to 12 months of SSDI back pay depending on medical documentation and when your disability started. This lump-sum payment is separate from ongoing SSDI payments.

The Evidence That Matters Most for Securing Disability Benefits

Our SSDI attorneys serving Ephrata can help you compile compelling evidence to assist with your claim or appeal. This includes:

Detailed medical documentation, including X-rays, test results, 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 regarding your health condition
A personal statement that goes over changes in your daily activities, feelings of fatigue, and levels of pain
Evidence that you attempted to return 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 Ephrata

Our SSDI lawyers near Ephrata are here to offer guidance for any issues you encounter with the Social Security Administration. At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, we know these cases can be complicated, which is why we’re here to help and offer guidance.

Even though we’re attorneys, we want you to remember that we’re also your neighbors. Take away the suits, and we’re regular working people just like you.

Se Habla Español: Legal Services in Spanish

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, our offices have lawyers and team members who speak Spanish. This allows us to serve the Spanish-speaking workers and families who live in Grant County.

Our Lawyers Can Accommodate Your Disability and Schedule

If you’re seriously hurt, you may not be able to travel. That’s not a problem. Our lawyers can meet you wherever is most convenient and comfortable. We want to make sure you get sound legal guidance.

If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay

When you can’t work, the last thing you want to see is another bill. That’s why Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC offers free consultations and representation on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees unless we win.

Contact Our Ephrata SSD/SSDI Attorneys Near You

If your claim was denied by the SSA, get in touch with the team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC. We’re always here to help our neighbors and listen when no one else will. For a free consultation with our Social Security Disability lawyers serving Ephrata, contact our law firm today.