Social Security Disability Lawyers

Disabilities can disrupt your ability to work and earn a living. Without assistance, you could find yourself in a difficult financial situation that puts strain on you and your family. If you’re struggling to secure Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a Central Washington Social Security Disability lawyer who can guide you through the process. This is where Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC can help. Since 1954, our Social Security Disability lawyers have consistently fought for the little guy in our part of the state. Our lawyers will actually listen to you, but more importantly, we’ll advocate for you and make sure your voice is heard.

Don’t be afraid to reach out with your questions. We’re here to help. To request a free consultation with our SSD attorneys, contact our law firm today.

What Is the Purpose of Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability benefits are designed to assist individuals who have become disabled and cannot work for at least a year or more. Those who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness may also be able to apply for Social Security Disability benefits. SSD/SSDI benefits are primarily for those who are facing long-term disabilities.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have worked for a certain period of time before you became disabled. To be “insured” for Social Security benefits, you must have accrued credits while you were able to work.

The 20/40 Rule

In general, workers earn a credit for every quarter they work in a year. If you are a worker who is 31 years old or older, you need at least 40 credits to be eligible for disability benefits, 20 of which must be earned within the last 10 years before the onset of disability.

Workers who are 30 years old or younger may be eligible for SSD with fewer credits.

The Social Security Administration will evaluate your age, your time in the workforce, and the nature of your disability to determine if you meet the minimum requirements to receive SSDI benefits.

A consistent work history can positively impact your insured coverage and help your ability to pursue Social Security Disability benefits. A disability must also have occurred during a period when you were insured for benefits.

Applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you are not eligible for SSDI under these requirements we mentioned above, you may be able to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits instead. SSI provides financial assistance to people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no regular income or other resources.

Navigating SSDI and SSI eligibility can be confusing. The attorneys at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC can answer any questions you might have about SSDI and SSI.

Why Choose Our Social Security Disability Lawyers for Your SSD/SSDI Case?

If you’re struggling to get your SSDI benefits or are overwhelmed by all the requirements, we understand. A lot of our clients don’t know where to start with the process, if they qualify, or what’s needed of them. Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC is here to help.

Our Central Washington SSD lawyers will give you all of the info you need to feel centered and assured. We can simplify and streamline the process while providing advice that considers everything about your situation. Our attorneys can also assist with the necessary paperwork, ensure you have the proper documentation and evidence of your disability, and help you keep track to hit key deadlines.

• Se Habla Español: Our law firm is proud to help injured Spanish speakers throughout Central Washington. We have Spanish-speaking staff at all of our office locations in the state of Washington. This means we can answer all of your SSDI questions in a language you can understand.
• We Can Accommodate Your Disability and Schedule: Accessibility is extremely important to us, and we know how a disability affects mobility and transportation options. Our Social Security Disability lawyers can travel to see you for consultations and meetings. We can also schedule any meetings during mornings, evenings, and weekends to accommodate your schedule.
• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: Many people avoid seeking legal help for SSDI benefits because they’re worried that it’s too expensive. In addition to free case reviews, our law firm also works on a contingency fee basis. That means clients don’t pay us unless and until we resolve. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. This is just another way we fight for the little guy here in Central Washington.

If you need help seeking SSDI benefits, we’re here to listen and to offer our assistance. Contact Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC for a free case review from attorneys who care about our neighbors in Central Washington.

What Documents Do I Need When Applying for SSD/SSDI in Washington?

To prevent delays or denials in your claim for Social Security Disability benefits, it is important to gather all the appropriate evidence ahead of time and ensure it is accessible while you are completing your application.

When filing for disability benefits, provide as much of the following information as possible:

• Contact information of healthcare providers who were involved in identifying or treating your condition, and the dates of all appointments and treatments
• Medication information
• Test results and other applicable medical records
• Information about your previous work and a recent W-2 or tax return

The above information will be used to verify your disability, gather additional information, and allow open communication between the Social Security Administration and your employer, medical professionals, and other relevant parties.

How Long Does It Take to Process an Application for Social Security Disability?

It depends. SSD applications can take more than six months to process in some cases.

Generally speaking, the more information you can provide when you submit your application, the quicker you are likely to start receiving your Social Security Disability benefits.

Potential to Fast-Track Your Application for SSD/SSDI Benefits

While some conditions must be fully processed and evaluated to verify that they meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability, other conditions undeniably meet the requirements. Your application may be eligible for the fast-track process if you have a severe medical condition.

Depending on our situation, you may be able to speed up the process through either:

• Quick Disability Determinations (QDD)
• Compassionate Allowances (CAL)

While discussing your health during a free consultation, our Central Washington Social Security Disability lawyers will let you know if are qualify for QDD or CAL fast-track options.

Social Security Disability Insurance and Taxes

In general, you likely will not have to pay taxes on Social Security Disability Insurance income. However, there are some instances where your benefits will be taxed. If you receive income from another source, such as dividends or income from a spouse, a tax threshold may apply to your SSDI benefits.

If the combined total of half of your disability benefits and any other income sources exceeds the IRS thresholds, then you must pay taxes on Social Security Disability income. There are different income thresholds based on whether you are filing as a single person/head of household, married and filing jointly, or married but filing separately.

These income thresholds are adjusted frequently, and where you fall may not be clear. This is another reason to speak with the SSDI lawyers at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC about your claim. Our attorneys keep up with these changes so that our clients don’t have to.

Social Security Disability and Other Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits help you meet a variety of needs that are applicable to your situation. If you are approved to receive benefits, you will receive a monthly allowance to help provide financial assistance in lieu of lost income.

Along with your disability payments, you may also be able to recover other benefits as well. These can include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicare and Medicaid
• Food and energy assistance
• Benefits from private disability insurance policies or workers’ compensation
• Tax credits

Receiving these benefits along with your SSDI can help ensure that you have the security and resources you need to alleviate your financial burden and receive medical care for your condition.

Many clients may not realize that they qualify for additional financial assistance. Our lawyers will help you consider all of your options so you can live your life with dignity.

Recovering SSD/SSDI Benefits Retroactively

In certain circumstances, you may be able to receive Social Security Disability benefits retroactively. When applicable, these types of payments may be issued upon first issuance of your benefits or after winning an appeal.

When to Seek Retroactive Social Security Disability Benefits

When requesting retroactive Social Security Disability payments, there are a couple of factors that apply.

First, you must estimate the onset of your disability to the best of your ability to determine how far back it started. You may also have to undergo a five-month waiting period to ensure your disability is not a short-term condition. If you have lived with a disability for a while before you applied for benefits, then you may be able to collect up to 12 months of retroactive payments.

During your consultation with our lawyers, we can let you know if you may be able to receive retroactive Social Security Disability benefits and what steps you need to take.

Reasons Why Social Security Disability Claims May Be Denied

There are many requirements to meet when filing for Social Security Disability benefits. Some common reasons that an SSD/SSDI claim may be denied include:

• Insufficient work credits
• Insufficient medical records or other documentation
• Incomplete or incorrect application information
• Earning more income than what is allowed
• Short-term condition or does not have a disability
• Lack of cooperation
• Failing to receive proper treatment
• Previous denials for benefits
• Criminal history

If you are denied for any of these reasons, you may take further action to try to secure benefits. In some instances, you may also need to reapply.

Rather than reapplying for benefits on your own, our SSD/SSDI lawyers in Central Washington can help you identify issues and avoid another potential denial. We’ll be your advocates as you seek SSDI benefits.

Options for Appealing a Denied Claim for Social Security Disability Benefits

Depending on the progress of your SSDI appeal, there are four ways to have the decision overturned: reconsideration, hearing, hearing review, and federal district court action. Let’s briefly explain each below.

• Reconsideration: Reconsideration is the first option available to you after receiving a denial for benefits. A reconsideration request must be submitted within 60 days of when the denial was issued. Reconsiderations are filed with the state of Washington and are reviewed by a Disability Determination Services examiner. You may also request a reconsideration of non-disability claims.
• Hearing: If you continue receiving denials after pursuing decision reconsiderations, you may request a hearing with an administrative law judge. A hearing must be requested within 60 days of your reconsideration decision for either disability or non-disability claims. Our Central Washington Social Security Disability lawyers can help you take the appropriate steps and prepare for your hearing. As your advocates, we’ll speak on your behalf and make sure your side of the story is heard.
• Hearing Review: If you still receive a denial after your claim has been evaluated and heard by a judge, the next step is to request a review of the hearing decision. Like the other steps in the process, a review request must be filed within 60 days. Hearing reviews are handled by the Appeals Council, which will evaluate the judge’s decision. The Appeals Council will either approve or deny your claim, or submit your claim for further review by a judge.
• Federal District Court Action: This is the last step available to you if the Appeals Council issues you another denial. This action must be taken within 60 days of the hearing review decision. Filing a federal district court review gives you the opportunity to file a civil suit to have your case heard at the federal level. This is when it’s imperative to have our SSD/SSDI lawyers in your corner.

Contact Our Experienced SSD/SSDI Lawyers in Central Washington

During a challenging situation, knowing your rights and that you have someone who cares on your side can make a big difference. The team at Calbom & Schwab Law Group, PLLC is here to make sure you have an experienced SSDI advocate who knows how a disability can shape your life. To learn more about your options during a free consultation, contact our Central Washington Social Security Disability lawyers today.