Seattle Social Security Disability Lawyer

The Social Security program is meant to help workers who get injured and need assistance. Although you are entitled to the money you have paid into the system, getting it out when you have a disability can be challenging without experienced guidance. Submitting and managing your claim is often frustrating, requiring advice from a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) lawyer.

At Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC, our compassionate legal professionals focus on helping people like you get through the application process as quickly as possible. We explain what you need to know about your benefits, and we are by your side for disability hearings so you do not have to face this alone. Contact us to arrange a free consultation with a Seattle Social Security Disability lawyer and learn how we can help you today.

We Offer Superior Representation in Social Security Disability Claims

At Calbom & Schwab, our team dedicates its time to helping people like you in times of need. We are not afraid to stand up to large insurance companies and even the government if we can help our clients get the help they deserve. The Social Security Administration fulfills a very important role, but it can sometimes seem too cautious when it comes to distributing the benefits you have earned.

No matter where you are in the disability claim process, we can help. We are happy to help you untangle the paperwork and application requirements, represent you during a claim denial, or prepare your claim for an appeal. When you have worked your whole life and need the assistance the government promised you, we take on the legal aspects so you can rest and recover.

We offer free case reviews so you can ask questions and discuss Social Security Disability basics. We then take action to speed up the claim process when possible and keep your benefits flowing to you. When you take time to talk to our Seattle Social Security Disability attorneys and read our client testimonials, we think you will have the confidence to choose our law firm for your needs.

We Help People Who Struggle to Get the Benefits They Deserve

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s most recent annual report, over 214,000 Washingtonians received disability benefits in 2022. That is about 4.4% of the state’s population. Although the process looks easy at first glance, there are many pitfalls and obstacles that can limit your success.

The unfortunate fact is that as many as one-third of first-time claims are denied. Once they correct the issues, only about 53% of applicants receive benefits after their initial denial. By working with a skilled Social Security Disability attorney, you can increase your probability of approval and get your benefits faster than if you tried to complete the process on your own.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Many people confuse Social Security retirement benefits with those from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). You can only receive retirement payments after you reach a certain age, but you are eligible for disability benefits at almost any age, as long as you have worked long enough.

When you meet with your Social Security Disability lawyers, they will help you determine the following:

Do you meet the Social Security Administration’s guidelines for working long enough?
Have you worked within the previous 10 years?
Do your physical or mental limitations keep you from returning to the job you had before you were injured or became ill?
Can you do any work, or does your condition prevent that?
Did you earn enough Social Security work credits in your work history?
How long have you been ill or injured, and how long does your doctor expect it to last?
Does your monthly income fall below the SSA’s requirements for the current year?

By examining these questions with your attorney, you are better prepared to answer them during your technical review with an SSA representative once you have applied. You get a chance to fix any issues and collect documentation to support your claim, and your lawyer can potentially remove any roadblocks in your claim you may have overlooked.

The Difference Between Security Disability Benefits Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is in place to provide monthly checks for those who are injured while working. Even if your employer provides workers’ compensation insurance, you are able to file a claim for both that coverage and SSDI. As long as you meet the requirements, you can obtain benefits.

Another program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), helps older individuals and those with very low incomes. You do not have to work or have a work history to qualify for SSI, although the eligibility limitations are very strict. In certain instances, you or a family member may qualify for SSI, so you should ask your Seattle Social Security Disability attorneys about this when you meet.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online, by phone, or through the mail. You should take action to begin your claim as soon as you are hurt or sick, since the average claim processing time is around six months. You cannot receive payments until after the SSA decides when your disability began.

Before you apply, you and your lawyer must determine whether you are eligible, based on the following age criteria:

If you are younger than 24: You must have six work credits earned in the three years prior to your disability.
If you are between 24 and 31: You must have worked at least half of the time between 21 and the start of your disability.
If you are older than 31: You must have at least 20 credits in the 10 years before your disability occurred.

If you worked for someone else, getting employment records to support your claim is usually simple. It can be more complicated if you did temporary work or were self-employed, but your Calbom & Schwab Social Security Disability attorney in Seattle, WA, will help you prepare the documentation you need.

Certain Conditions Allow You to Fast-Track Your SSDI Claim

Part of assessing your circumstances during our work is gathering medical records and other documentation to accompany your SSDI application. We compare your illness or injury to the SSA’s List of Impairments so we understand what to present and what your benefits could be.

There are also many conditions that could allow you to receive faster processing, such as:

Acute or advanced cancers
Being on a heart transplant waiting list
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Sensory damage that severely limits your speech, hearing, or vision

If you suffer from one of these conditions or any other illness on the Compassionate Allowance List (CAL), the SSA will approve your claim using advanced software to flag your application. You must present accurate diagnoses and material indicating your condition, such as scans, X-rays, specialist reports, and biopsy or surgical results. All documentation must come from approved doctors and providers using standard and accepted medical procedures.

We Work to Maximize Your Benefits Whenever Possible

You deserve to get every penny you paid into the SSDA program, but there are some limitations on what you can receive. Fortunately, the SSA examines the cost of living and other factors to adjust the maximum amount of SSDI benefits every year. By logging in to the SSA website and viewing your work history, you can see how much you’re eligible to receive.

Your disability benefits help with medical costs, housing, food, and other expenses you face when recovering from an injury or illness. If your condition is severe enough that you never return to work, you may find you are eligible for retroactive payments. Your attorney can also help you take advantage of other programs in Seattle and King County for those who need additional assistance.

The Seattle Social Security Disability lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC have a long history of helping injured workers in Washington. We have the knowledge, skills, and diligence to prepare, support, and appeal your benefits claim.

We Provide Clarity and Support When Your SSDI Claim Is Denied

Although many initial SSDI claims face denial, this does not mean it is the end of the road for your benefits. There are many reasons why the system or a reviewer may deny your application, and you will get a letter explaining what caused the problem. Some of the most frequent issues we see include:

Missing information
Too little medical documentation
Incorrectly spelled names or diagnoses
Incomplete explanations

It is important to complete the form in great detail and supply a large amount of documentation supporting your claim. If you have already gotten a denial letter, bring it to our offices during your free consultation. Our attorneys can help you resubmit your application with the right details and evidence.

You should also beware of getting SSDI benefits denied after you have begun receiving them. This often happens if you do not follow your doctor’s orders or show up for treatment and appointments. If the SSA feels you are not taking your recovery seriously, they may decide to withdraw your benefits for non-cooperation. Again, our lawyers will do their best to help in any situation.

Working While Receiving SSDI Benefits Can Lead to a Denial

Perhaps you got everything right on your application and submitted substantial materials to support your diagnosis. Even then, you could get a denial if you make too much money and exceed the Social Security Administration’s monthly income limits. You may have a passive income stream, a minimally demanding “side hustle,” or pick up a part-time job you can do with your disability.

This can spell trouble for your SSDI benefit approval if the SSA determines you do not need the benefits. In some instances, it could even result in them demanding you pay back your benefits if they discover you were working and exceeding the income limitations while receiving payments.

However, you do not have to choose one or the other. Through the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, you can have the option to be employed while also keeping your Social Security Disability benefits. Speak with our attorneys serving Seattle to learn more about how the program might work for you.

Got Denied? We Can Help You File Your SSDI Appeal

Denials do not mean you will never get your SSDI benefits. They just mean you need to regroup and prepare yourself for an appeal. This can seem overwhelming when you are already facing illness or injury, but your Seattle Social Security Disability lawyer will guide you through the process and help you file an appeal.

There are four levels of filing for a Social Security Disability benefits appeal:

Ask for a Reconsideration: Begin the process by asking the SSA to reconsider its decision.
Request a Hearing: If the reconsideration still denies your benefits, you can move to the next step, requesting a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
Ask for a Hearing Review: If the ALJ upholds the original decision and the reconsideration ruling, you can then request an SSA Appeals Council to review the ALJ decision.
File a Federal Action: The final step when every other option fails is to file a legal action with the U.S. District Court if you still believe you have the right to your benefits.

If you have no legal training, you can potentially complete the first three steps on your own. However, you will have a stronger chance of success if you work with an SSDI attorney from the start. Our Social Security Disability lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC have the experience and skill necessary to manage this process on your behalf to achieve the most satisfactory outcome available.

Contact Our Seattle Social Security Disability Lawyers

The team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC is ready to help you with your Social Security Disability claim. We focus on getting you the benefits you need as soon as possible, so you can get back to your life. To request a free consultation with an SSDI lawyer serving Seattle, WA, contact our law firm today.