how to get disability benefits in washington state

^{File for Disability in Washington}

• Telephone: An individual can apply over the phone by calling the SSA’s toll-free customer service line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
• In-person: An individual can apply in-person at your local Social Security field office. Find your local office here.
• Online: An individual can apply online at ssa.gov.

How do you apply for disability in Washington State?

• Request for DDA Eligibility Determination (14-151)
• Consent (14-012)
• Notice of Privacy Practices for Client Confidential Information (03-387)
• Washington State Voter Registration for applicants age 18 or older

More items...

Will I qualify for disability benefits in Washington?

You must be found to be disabled to qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Washington State and nationwide. Social Security law has its own definition of disabled. Different government programs have different definitions of disability.

What are the disability benefits in Washington State?

Washington Veteran Recreation Benefits

• Disabled Veteran Hunting & Fishing Licenses. Discounted hunting and fishing licenses are available to 30% and greater disabled veterans resident or non-resident.
• Active Duty Hunting & Fishing Licenses. Active duty members stationed in Washington can buy hunting & fishing licenses at the resident rate.
• State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass. ...

How do I apply for FMLA in Washington State?

• Proof of identification. All applications require proof of identity, like a copy of your driver’s license or passport. ...
• Certification of a Serious Health Condition (if applicable). Download forms.
• Certification of Birth form (if applicable). Download form.
• Documentation for child placement (if applicable).
• Military family leave documents (if applicable).

How do you qualify for disability in Washington state?

To receive SSDI, you need at least 40 work credits, with 20 of them from the last ten years. A disabled person in Washington will also need to provide medical evidence of their disability.

How much money do you get for disability in Washington State?

SSDI payments range on average between $800 and $1,800 per month. The maximum benefit you could receive in 2020 is $3,011 per month.

What qualifies you for state disability?

Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days. Have lost wages because of your disability. Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability begins. Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period.

How does disability work in Washington state?

Most individuals can apply for short-term disability benefits via the Washington State government-run program called Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML). The PFML provides partial income replacement payments when a covered person is unable to work because of a severe injury or illness that is non-occupational.

What is the most approved disability?

1. Arthritis. Arthritis and other musculoskeletal disabilities are the most commonly approved conditions for disability benefits. If you are unable to walk due to arthritis, or unable to perform dexterous movements like typing or writing, you will qualify.

How long does it take to get disability in Washington state?

Generally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

Can you work while on disability?

Can You Work While on SSDI? Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you're working and making more than $1,350 per month in 2022 (or $2,260 if you're blind).

How do you get disability benefits?

You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Our representatives can make an appointment for you to apply.

How long can you be on state disability?

52 weeksHow long can I collect Disability Insurance benefits? You can collect up to 52 weeks of full Disability Insurance (DI) benefits, or the amount of wages in your base period, whichever is less.

How hard is it to get disability in Washington state?

The disability hearing appeal is the most winning level of the Social Security Disability process. This means more people are likely to qualify for Social Security Disability at this level than any other level. Administrative law judges in Washington have an average approval rate of about 61%.

How long does Washington state disability last?

Eligible workers in Washington can take up to 12 weeks of medical leave or family leave, or up to 16 to 18 weeks of combined medical and family leave in a year.

Can you work while on disability Washington State?

Yes, as long as your earnings do not exceed $1,180 you will keep all of your SSDI payment, although SSI will reduce your cash benefit by the amount of the SSDI check.

How to apply for short term disability in Washington?

First, you must buy a policy before you have a pre-existing condition. Only then can you file an off-the-job claim for benefits after the state program runs out after week thirteen.

How long do you have to be out of work to get permanent disability in Washington State?

Here, permanent means you expect to be out of work for at least one year, or the medical condition will result in death.

How long does it take to get temporary disability in Washington?

Applying for Temporary Disability. People in Washington State have three options when applying for short-term disability benefits resulting from an off-the-job accident or illness. Temporary means you expect to return to work in more than one week but less than one year. A public program that pays claims for twelve weeks after a one week ...

What is occupational work comp?

Occupational. Worker’s Compensation is a state-mandated disability insurance program that covers occupational (off-the-job) accidents and illness. The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries [3] and self-insured employers can process claims for a variety of possible benefits. Medical care.

How long does it take for disability to run out in Washington State?

First, the public plan covering temporary disabilities runs out after twelve weeks. People who remain unable to work are out of luck. Second, two government-required plans for permanent disabilities ...

What is a long term disability?

Public Social Security disability that covers non-occupational impairments that prevent you from performing any work. Private long-term disability plans which address off-the-job impairments that stop you from pursuing your previous job duties.

How long does a temporary disability check last?

The claim checks can continue for up to 12 weeks in a year – after meeting a one week elimination period.

What is Citizens Disability?

Since 2010, Citizens Disability has been America’s premier Social Security Disability institution. Our services include helping people in applying for SSDI benefits, managing the process through Reconsideration, and representing people in person at their Hearing, and if necessary, bringing their case to the Appeals Council. Our mission is to give a voice to the millions of Americans who are disabled and unable to work, helping them receive the Social Security Disability benefits to which they may be entitled. Learn more about us and disability benefits like SSDI & SSI or give us a call (800)492-3260.

How many stages are there in the application process for disability?

There are generally three stages in the application process for Social Security Disability benefits: initial application, reconsideration, and the hearing. In this table, you can see how Washington compares to the national average (all states in America) when it comes to approval rates at each of those stages.

Is everyone's disability unique?

Everyone’s experience applying for Social Security Disability benefits will be unique. Part of this is because everyone’s individual medical and work history is different. But, potential applicants should also know that each state – like Washington – has its own story to tell in terms of social security disability benefit approval rates at each stage of the process, as well as waiting times at the hearing stage.

What to do if denied on disability in Washington?

Individuals who ared denied on a disability claim in Washington will have the option of utilizing an appeal process that involves several steps, including: 1. A request for reconsideration (like the disability application stage, the decision is made by a disability examiner). 2.

What is a period of disability?

A period of disability award usually defines a specific period of time for which the judge determined that the severity of your disabling condition or conditions met the requirements for Social Security Disability benefits.

What happens if a judge denies a disability claim?

If the administrative law judge denies your disability claim, you can appeal their decision to the Appeal Council and wait for that decision or you can file a new disability claim. For some, filing a new disability claim may cause them to lose the chance for Social Security Disability.

What is disability hearing?

2. A disability hearing before a federal administrative law judge. 3. An appeals council review (for those individuals who are denied by an ALJ at a disability hearing). For most individuals who are initially denied, of course, the best opportunity for winning benefits will present itself at the hearing level.

What is the biggest delay on a disability claim?

The importance of doing this cannot be understated: in most cases, the single largest delay on a disability claim is the time required to obtain medical records. The medical treatment history should also include all diagnosed conditions, all date ranges for treatment, and the names of all treating physicians.

How old do you have to be to file for disability?

Social Security can only make a disability determination with evidence that is no more than 90 days old.

Can I start over with a disability?

Starting over with a new disability application will not be helpful for most claimants since a second disability application will likely be denied for the same reasons as the first application. Also, starting over with a new filing date may potentially result in the claimant being eligible for less back pay.

What is the average approval rate for Social Security disability in Washington?

Administrative law judges in Washington have an average approval rate of about 61%. This means that approximately 40 percent of claims are still denied by judges.

What is a disability in SSA?

The SSA definition of disability is unique to SSA and differs considerably from the criteria for VA disability, long term disability, or workman's compensation. It stipulates that a person must have one or more medical conditions (physical or mental, or a combination of both) that are severe in nature. The severity level must exist ...

Why is Social Security disability approved?

The only reasons for an approval at this level of the Social Security Disability process are: an error on the part of the disability examiner who made the initial disability determination, or that there is new and compelling evidence to support a finding of disability.

How to appeal a disability denial?

You should appeal the denial by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge. Unlike initial disability claims and reconsideration appeals, disability hearing decisions are not made by DDS or disability examiners. They are made by administrative law judges at a Social Security hearing offices.

What does a medical expert do at a disability hearing?

At disability hearings, for example, a judge may elect to have a medical expert appear to lend expert opinion to the process of determining in what ways, and to what extent, the claimant is physically or mentally limited. By the same token, the judge may have a vocational expert appear to give expert testimony regarding the claimant's chances ...

Where is the DDS office in Washington?

Washington has three regional DDS offices located in Olympia, Seattle, and Spokane. Once your disability claim reaches a Washington DDS regional office, disability examiners, staff physicians, and psychologists determine ...

Where are the hearings for Social Security disability?

They are made by administrative law judges at a Social Security hearing offices. Washington has hearing offices in Tacoma, Spokane, and Seattle. The disability hearing appeal is the most winning level of the Social Security Disability process.

How to file for disability in Washington?

To file for disability in Washington, first, make sure you qualify by checking the eligibility requirements. For example, you won't qualify unless your disability is severe enough to prevent you from doing any kind of work.

How long does disability last?

Your disability is expected to last at least a year or result in your death. You have earned enough work credits (if you apply for SSDI). You can find out by looking at your Social Security statement. You can demonstrate low income if you plan to file for SSI.

What is the blue book for SSDI?

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) impairment listing manual, also called their blue book, lists a number of impairments, both physical and mental, that will automatically qualify an individual for SSDI or SSI.

How to demonstrate low income for SSI?

You can demonstrate low income if you plan to file for SSI. Collect your medical information. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will need to review your medical history to see if your disability is serious enough to qualify. If you have copies of medical records or tests, you can provide them.

Does the SSA pay for medical tests?

Take required medical tests or exams. SSA might need more medical information before they can make a decision. For this reason, they might ask you to take medical tests or have another doctor look at you. SSA will pay for these tests and reimburse you for travel.

How much is SSI in Washington?

In 2019, certain SSI recipients who live independently, in someone else's household, or in a group home can receive $46.00 per month. SSI recipients residing in a Medicaid facility receive $27.28. In certain "special needs circumstances," the state of Washington will also pay for an SSI recipient's utilities, meals, or other services.

How long does it take to get a disability appeal in Washington?

It will take an average of one to two months for your reconsideration decision to be made. In Washington, just 14% of disability claims are approved upon reconsideration.

How much is SSI Supplement?

The amount of this SSI supplement varies depending on your living arrangements. In 2019, certain SSI recipients who live independently, in someone else's household, or in a group home can receive $46.00 per month. SSI recipients residing in a Medicaid facility receive $27.28.

How long does it take to get notified of SSDI?

Approximately three to four months after you apply for disability, you'll be notified via mail whether your claim has been approved or denied. If you are among those who are denied SSDI benefits, you are able to appeal this decision.

How to contact the Washington DVR?

The Washington DVR can be reached at 877-501-2233, or you can obtain more information on the DVR's website.

Does Washington pay for SSI?

In certain "special needs circumstances," the state of Washington will also pay for an SSI recipient's utilities, meals, or other services.

Where are the disability hearings held in Washington?

The court cases are held at designated offices known as disability hearing offices (also known as ODAR) and there are currently 3 within Washington. When the applicant shows up to the hearing, one of the 34 disability judges in Washington known as administrative law judges (ALJs) will attend the hearing and will make a decision based on the evidence provided.

Do I need VR if I have SSDI?

If you are not already receiving either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you will need to apply for VR assistance so they can verify that you are truly disabled and need help.