About 12% of Washington’s 7.7 million residents identify with some kind of disability. Of these, approximately 37.4% are able to find work that both suits their skills and is possible to do with their condition.
However, for the remaining 62.6%, life can be much more difficult. Whether their disabilities prevent them from doing their normal work or taking care of themselves at home, it can be overwhelming to imagine how one will find the means to make ends meet.
If your severe disability prevents you from living your normal life, then disability benefits may be for you.
Continue below to learn more about local Social Security resources in the Seattle area as well as tips for your disability application process.
How To Apply For Disability In Seattle, Washington
You can apply for Seattle Social Security disability 3 different ways:
- Online at SSA.gov
- Over the phone by calling 1-800-772-1213
- At a Seattle Social Security office
Social Security Office In Seattle, Washington
Address: 915 2nd Ave. #901, Seattle, WA 98174
Phone: (800) 772-1213
Office Hours:
MON: 09:00 AM — 04:00 PM
TUES: 09:00 AM — 04:00 PM
WED: 09:00 AM—12:00 PM
THUR: 09:00 AM — 04:00 PM
FRI: 09:00 AM — 04:00 PM
SAT & SUN: CLOSED
Directions:
By car: Seattle’s main Social Security office is closest to both the I-5 and the US-99 freeways. From either road, take the exit toward Seneca Street.
Make a left turn (or right turn, if coming from the US-99) onto 2nd Ave, where the Social Security building will be a block ahead on your right.
By public transit: A myriad of public transportation options are available to this office from any location in Seattle.
The 5, 21, 24, 26, 28, 40, 124, 131, 132, and 522 buses all stop downtown, directly in front of this Social Security office at the 2nd @ Marion stop.
number above to discuss your options.
Seattle’s Social Security ODAR Office
It is unfortunately common for applicants to have their initial disability claims denied — in fact, around 65-70% of applicants are not awarded benefits on their first try.
For those who wish to appeal, the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) allows disability applicants to try again.
This is done by scheduling a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ) who can overturn the decision on your disability claim.
Address: 701 5th Avenue, M/S 904 Suite 2900, Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: (206) 615-2236
Average Hearing Wait Time: 17.00 months
Average Processing Time: 601 days
Average Dispositions Per Day Per ALJ: 1.18
Congressional and Senatorial Offices in Seattle
Most disability applicants are unaware that there are a few ways you can try and speed up the decision process. One of the easiest ways is to contact your local congressional or senatorial offices to get an update on your application status.
This can be done by calling the numbers listed below, which pertain to the Seattle area. Other methods, such as speaking with a disability attorney, can also be used to help speed up the process.
Benefits of Disability Attorneys
Disability attorneys provide a level of service and attention to detail that can mean all the difference in getting you benefits. From the beginning of the application process to potential representation in court, disability attorneys are statistically shown to improve your chances at having your claim approved.
Even more important, disability attorneys are federally regulated to only take payment if they help you win your case.
Before moving onto the next step in your disability process, consider a free consultation with a disability attorney near you.
