Where to Start: Social Security or State Programs

Washington State has two separate disability systems, and which one you use depends on your work history. If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, you explore to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the federal Social Security Administration. If you have never worked much or your work history is too recent, you may instead explore for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is also federal but based on financial need rather than work credits.

Washington State itself does not run its own disability program. The state does administer Medicaid and other support services for people approved through federal programs, but the initial disability information comes from Social Security. You cannot explore to the state first — you must go through Social Security.

A small number of people also receive benefits through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries if their disability resulted from a work injury covered by workers' compensation. That is a separate system with its own rules and is not covered here.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for SSDI or SSI through the Social Security Administration, not through Washington State, by visiting your local Social Security office, calling 1-800-772-1213, or explore online at ssa.gov.
  • SSDI requires a work history and payment of Social Security taxes; SSI is for people with little or no work history and limited income and resources.
  • The process asks for medical records, work history, and details about your condition; you can submit documents by mail, in person, or through your Social Security account.
  • Initial decisions typically take three to six months; if denied, you have the right to request reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge.
  • Washington State's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation can help you prepare for work while your claim is pending, at no cost.

explore for SSDI: The Work-Based Path

To explore for SSDI in Washington, you need to have worked long enough and recently enough to have earned sufficient Social Security credits. Generally, you need 40 credits total, with at least 20 earned in the 10 years before you became disabled. One credit is earned for each $1,640 of wages in 2023 (the amount changes yearly), and you can earn up to four credits per year.

You can explore in three ways: visit your local Social Security office in person, call the national helpline at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time), or create an account at ssa.gov and explore online. The online process is often the fastest route because you can submit documents directly and track your case.

When you explore, have ready your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records related to your condition, a list of doctors and hospitals you have visited, dates you stopped working, and information about any medications you take. If you are explore based on a condition that began before age 22, bring documentation of that condition as well.

explore for SSI: The Need-Based Path

SSI does not require work history. Instead, it is based on your current income and resources. To may have access to, your monthly income must be below a certain limit (in 2024, generally $943 for an individual, though this changes yearly) and your countable resources must not exceed $2,000 (or $3,000 if you are married). Your home and one vehicle are not counted as resources.

The process process is the same as SSDI — you can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office. However, SSI applications often take longer because Social Security must verify your income and resources in addition to your medical condition. Bring recent pay stubs, bank statements, proof of rent or mortgage, and documentation of any other income or support you receive.

If you are approved for SSI, you automatically become covered by Medicaid in Washington State. This is one major difference from SSDI, which requires a separate Medicaid process in most cases.

What Documents You Will Need

Social Security will ask for medical evidence of your condition. This means records from doctors, hospitals, mental health providers, or other medical professionals who have treated you. You do not need to gather all of these yourself — you can authorize Social Security to request them directly from your providers by signing a release form. However, if you have recent records at home, submitting them with your process can speed up the process.

You will also need to list all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the dates you worked, your job title, and the type of work you did. If you are still working part-time or have tried to work since becoming disabled, include that information too.

If you have been treated by a mental health provider, bring records of diagnoses, treatment dates, and any hospitalizations. If your condition is physical, bring imaging results, lab work, and notes from specialists. Social Security uses these records to determine whether your condition meets their definition of disability, which is strict — you must be unable to do any substantial work for at least 12 months or have a condition expected to result in death.

The Timeline and What Happens After You explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Washington State Division of Disability information Services (DDS), which is the state agency that makes the actual medical decision. DDS will review your medical records, may request additional information from your doctors, and will issue an initial decision. This process typically takes 30 to 90 days, though complex cases can take longer.

You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the notice will state your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If denied, the notice will explain the reason and tell you how to request reconsideration within 60 days.

While you wait, you can continue to work if you are able. If you are approved for SSDI, you have a nine-month trial work period during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After that, your benefits are reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above a monthly limit (in 2024, $1,550 for non-blind individuals).

If Your process Is Denied: The Appeal Process

If Social Security denies your claim, you have four levels of appeal. The first is reconsideration, where a different examiner at DDS reviews your case. You must request this within 60 days of the denial notice. You can submit new medical evidence at this stage, which is often helpful if your condition has worsened or if you have new treatment records.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is the stage where many people succeed, because you can present evidence in person and the judge can ask questions. You have 60 days to request a hearing. Many people hire a disability lawyer or representative at this stage; they typically charge 25 percent of back pay (the amount owed from the date you became disabled to the date you were approved), up to a maximum set by Social Security.

If the ALJ denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and if that is denied, you can file a lawsuit in federal court. These later stages are rare and usually require a lawyer.

Washington State Support While Your Claim Is Pending

While you wait for a decision, Washington State's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can help you explore work options, training, or education at no cost. DVR is not the same as Social Security — it is a state program designed to help people with disabilities work. You can explore to DVR even while your disability claim is pending, and approval from DVR does not affect your Social Security case.

DVR can pay for vocational training, assistive technology, job coaching, or education if it will help you return to work. If you are interested, contact DVR at 1-800-637-7487 or visit their website at dshs.wa.gov/dvr.

You may also be may be able to access for emergency information through Washington State's Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) if you are in when ready financial hardship while waiting for your disability decision. This is separate from disability benefits and has its own process process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. If you have some work history but not enough for SSDI, Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI on the same process. If you have enough work history for SSDI, you will receive SSDI; SSI is not paid to people who may have access to for SSDI, though you may receive a small SSI payment if your SSDI benefit is very low.

What if I am still working part-time while I explore?

You can work and explore at the same time. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may decide you are not disabled because you are doing substantial work. The key is whether the work is regular and consistent. Part-time work that is sporadic or at minimum wage is usually not considered substantial.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own and many people are approved without representation. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing before an administrative law judge, having a lawyer or representative increases your chances of approval. You only pay them if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay.

How long does it take to get my first payment after approval?

SSDI payments typically begin the month after you are approved, though the exact timing depends on when your disability began. SSI payments may take longer because Social Security must verify your income and resources. You will receive a notice explaining your payment start date.

What happens to my health insurance if I am approved?

If you are approved for SSDI, you become covered by Medicare after 24 months of receiving benefits. If you are approved for SSI, you are automatically covered by Washington State Medicaid. Both programs cover medical care, though the specific services covered differ.