Washington SSI/SSDI Benefits

The federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide monthly cash payments to individuals with disabilities who are unable to work and earn an income. Pursuing a disability claim can be a confusing and frustrating process though, especially if your initial application is denied, and claimants with legal representation ultimately have a better chance of having their disability application approved by the SSA. If you live in Washington, and you are unable to work because of a severe disability, you may be eligible for SSDI or SSI disability benefits. While SSI and SSDI are federal benefit programs, there is some information you should be aware of that is specific to Washington. Contact a knowledgeable Washington SSI/SSDI attorney today to discuss your right to collect disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal, payroll tax-funded program that pays monthly benefits to disabled individuals who worked long enough, and recently enough, and paid Social Security taxes before becoming disabled. In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, the claimant must have a severe physical or mental condition that prevents him or her from engaging in any “substantial gainful activity,” and that is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. A claimant’s eligibility for SSDI benefits also depends on work credits, which are based on his or her total yearly wages or self-employment income. Generally, the claimant must have accumulated 40 work credits (four per year) to qualify for SSDI, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10 years prior to the onset of the disability.

Supplemental Security Income

Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that pays monthly benefits to disabled, blind or elderly individuals and children who have limited income and resources. Whether you are eligible for SSI benefits depends on your income and resources, or the things you own, like cash, stocks, bonds, bank accounts and real estate, and in order to qualify for benefits, your resources must be worth $2,000 or less, or, if you are part of a couple, $3,000 or less. The maximum monthly payment for Supplemental Security Income increases with the cost-of-living increases that apply to Social Security benefits. For 2017, the monthly maximum federal amounts for SSI benefits are $735 for an eligible individual, $1,103 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $368 for an essential person.

State Supplement in Washington

Some states in the U.S. supplement the federal SSI benefit with additional monthly payments, which makes the total SSI benefit levels higher in those states. In Washington, the state pays and administers its own supplemental payments, and those who live in Washington and receive SSI benefits may be eligible for this state supplement, which is calculated based on the individual’s living situation. In certain “special needs circumstances,” the state of Washington may also pay for the SSI recipient’s utilities, meals and other services.

Contact an Experienced SSI/SSDI Lawyer Today

SSI and SSDI benefits can provide critical financial assistance to individuals in Washington who are unable to work because of a severe disability. However, a large percentage of disability claims in Washington are denied by the Social Security Administration during the initial application process, and only some are approved upon appeal. Even disability applicants who advance to the appeal hearing for reconsideration by an administrative law judge have to wait an average of 11 months for the hearing to actually occur. If you applied for SSI or SSDI benefits in Washington, and your claim was denied by the SSA, consult an experienced SSI/SSDI attorney today to discuss your legal options.