To be approved for Social Security Disability Benefits in Seattle, Washington, you must be able to prove to the Social Security Administration (SSA) that you are unable to work for at least 12 months due to a disabling condition (or conditions.) The first step in applying Seattle disability benefits is to file your initial claim for disability. Unfortunately, over 70% of initial Seattle disability claims are denied. If this happens, you will then be able to file a Request for Reconsideration – but only around 10% of denials are reversed upon reconsideration. Your greatest chance of being approved for benefits is at your Seattle disability hearing in front of an Administrative Law Judge. On average, Seattle disability applicants are awarded benefits over 60% of the time at their local WA disability hearing office. Unfortunately, this could take place two years or more from the date of your initial application.
Seattle Health Resources
The best way to show your inability to sustain full-time employment is by obtaining the necessary medical documentation through regular doctor’s visits. A representative at the Washington Disability Determination Services (DDS) will review the medical records that you have on file and determine whether or not you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. If you are denied due to a lack of medical documentation, you can still submit any missing medical information at the later stages in the appeals process.
If you cannot afford to go to a doctor it can be next to impossible to prove your disability. Luckily, the city of Seattle has numerous reduced cost health clinics where you can obtain the necessary medical proof in order to be approved for benefits. Listed below are some Seattle health resources.
Public Health Seattle
2124 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 296-4755
Rota Care North
12707 30th Avenue Northeast
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 417-9660
Sea Mar Community Health Centers
1040 South Henderson Street
Seattle, WA 98108
(206) 764-8051
Neighborcare Health Clinic
1629 North 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98103
(206) 633-3350
Rota Care Lake City
12736 33rd Avenue NE, #200
Seattle, WA 98125
(206) 417-9660
Harborview Medical Center
325 9th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 731-3000
Pioneer Square Clinic
206 3rd Avenue South
Seattle, WA  98104
(206) 744-1500
Seattle Mental Health Resources
If a mental illness impacts your ability to work, and you need to see a physiatrist or therapist in order to prove your disability, it is a good idea to contact Sound Mental Health at (206) 302-2300 or info@smh.org.
Seattle Supplemental Benefits
If you are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the state of Washington will give you an additional $25-$28 per month if you live independently or in the home of another.
In the state of Washington, if you are receiving Social Security Disability Benefits, you will likely qualify for free medical assistance though Medicaid. For more information visit their website or call Medicaid Customer Service at 1-800-562-3022.
Your Seattle Social Security Disability Claim
Even if you are able to obtain the appropriate medical proof to supplement your disability claim, it is still a smart idea to hire a Seattle disability attorney to help you with your case. A Seattle Social Security attorney will be to relieve the stress associated with applying for benefits as he or she can file all necessary paperwork on your behalf and help you throughout the disability application process.
Seattle Social Security lawyers are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they are not paid unless your disability claim is approved. If you are approved, your Washington SSD Attorney will receive either 25% of the back pay you are awarded or $6,000, whichever is lower.
