Social Security Disability Lawyer Serving Othello, WA

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can help you cover living expenses if you suffer a disabling injury or health condition. If your claim gets denied, you may wonder how to file an appeal with the Social Security Administration (SSA) and what that involves. You need an attorney for guidance during a potentially complex process.

Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC has your back. Since 1954, our law firm has supported working families all over Adams County and nearby communities. Whenever you feel unheard, underserved, or pushed around, we’re here to listen and to speak up for the underdog.

For a confidential case evaluation with Social Security Disability lawyers serving Othello, WA, contact our law firm today. Consultations are free, and you don’t pay unless we win.

Reasons Why SSD/SSDI Claims Get Denied

These are just some of the most common causes for SSDI denials by the Social Security Administration.

Lack of Work Credits: Your SSDI claim may be denied because you do not have enough work credits or a long enough work history.
Insufficient Medical Evidence: The medical evidence in your claim may not be enough to establish that you have a severe injury or condition.
Condition Not Severe Enough: Your illness or condition needs to last at least 12 months and prevent you from performing work duties to receive SSDI.
Earning Too Much Income: If you can still earn income and it passes the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, your claim can be denied.
Inconsistent or Incorrect Information: Issues with your stated work history, inaccuracies in medical documents, and missing deadlines can lead to a claim denial.
Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment: SSA can deny your claim if you miss appointments, fail to take medication, or do not follow the doctor’s orders.

Why You Need a Social Security Disability Lawyer on Your Side

An SSDI attorney serving Othello can offer numerous advantages when dealing with the Social Security Administration.

A Lawyer Understands How the SSA Evaluates Conditions: Your attorney can think about your injuries the way that the SSA does, noting rules and guidelines.
An Attorney Can Translate Your Injury Into Work Limitations: Your lawyer can translate symptoms and limitations into actual impact on your working life.
A Lawyer Can Help Compile the Necessary Medical Evidence: An attorney will help you get all the key information you need for the initial filing or appeal.
An Attorney Can Help with Filing Deadlines and Paperwork: Your lawyer will help keep you organized, meeting deadlines while avoiding costly mistakes.
A Lawyer Can Improve Your Chances During the Appeal Process: Appeals can be challenging, and having a reliable attorney on your side can boost your odds of success.

What to Expect During the Disability Appeals Process: Timelines, Monthly Benefits, and Back Pay

The following is a brief overview of the SSDI appeals process. When Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC works on your case, we will provide more detailed information and answer additional questions you may have.

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

There’s not one set answer, though the process often takes more than six months. The timeline can be much longer if you need to go through the appeal process.

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 claim. The escalating options in the appeals process are as follows:

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?

Up to 12 months of SSDI back pay may be issued as a lump-sum payment, though this depends on your medical documentation. The back pay is separate from any ongoing SSDI payments.

Important Evidence for Securing SSD/SSDI Benefits

Our Social Security Disability attorneys serving Othello will seek out crucial evidence for your claim or appeal, including:

Detailed medical documentation, including test results, X-rays, diagnoses, and 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 detailing your condition
A personal statement that notes changes in daily activities, feelings of fatigue, and levels of pain
Proof that you attempted to work but are unable to do so
Supporting statements from family, friends, co-workers, and supervisors

How Our SSD/SSDI Lawyers Help the People of Othello

Dealing with the SSA can be frustrating, especially when you’re counting on SSDI to help with your needs. That’s why you need Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC on your side. We live for representing the little guy and helping our neighbors.

Our Social Security disability lawyers near Othello can guide you through a complicated process. We’re experienced attorneys, but we’re also just regular folks, just like you.

Se Habla Español: Legal Services in Spanish

We have lawyers or team members who speak Spanish to better serve people in Adams County. We can provide services in Spanish or offer translation to your loved ones who want to be informed about these matters.

Our Team Can Accommodate Your Disability and Schedule

Injuries and illnesses can make travel difficult. That’s not a problem. Our attorneys can come see you. This allows you to meet with an SSDI attorney who can discuss the best path forward given your situation.

If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay

You’re unable to work, and you probably don’t want to see another bill. We understand. That’s why Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC offers free consultations and contingency fee representation. In other words, you only pay if we win.

Contact Our Othello SSD/SSDI Attorneys Near You

If you live in Adams County and have had a claim denied by the Social Security Administration, the team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC wants to hear from you. To request a free case review from our Social Security Disability lawyers serving Othello, contact our Washington law offices today.