Where to Start Your process in Washington

To explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Washington State, you must contact Social Security directly—not the state. Washington does not run its own disability program; it uses the federal Social Security system. You can start your process online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.

The online process at ssa.gov is the fastest route. You create an account, fill out the form, and submit it without waiting for an appointment. If you prefer to speak with someone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are shortest early in the morning. You can also walk into any Social Security office in Washington; find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to Social Security, not to Washington State, and can start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local office.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, medical records from your doctors, and a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years.
  • The process process takes 3 to 6 months for an initial decision, and most first applications are denied; you can request reconsideration or a hearing if yours is.
  • Washington State offers a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project that helps you understand how work affects your benefits, at no cost.
  • If you are denied, you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration or appeal to a hearing.

Documents You Need Before You explore

Gather these documents before you start your process. Social Security will ask for them during the process, and having them ready speeds things up. You need your Social Security number, birth certificate (or a certified copy), and proof you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. A passport, naturalization certificate, or permanent resident card all work.

Bring medical records from every doctor who has treated you for your condition. This includes hospital discharge summaries, lab results, imaging reports (X-rays, MRIs, CT scans), and notes from your treating physicians. If you have seen a mental health provider, include those records too. Social Security will request records directly from your doctors, but having copies yourself means you can spot gaps early.

You will also need a list of all jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are explore for SSI (the income-based program), bring proof of your income, assets, and living situation—recent pay stubs, bank statements, and a lease or mortgage statement.

The Online process Process

Go to ssa.gov/applyfordisability and click "explore for Disability." You will create a Social Security account using your email address. Social Security will send you a verification code; enter it to confirm your email. Then log in and start the process form.

The form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about your condition. You do not need to write a long explanation—answer the questions as they appear. The form saves automatically, so you can close it and come back later. Most people finish in one sitting, but there is no time limit.

When you reach the end, review your answers for accuracy. Submit the form. Social Security will send you a confirmation number by email and mail. Keep this number; you will use it to check the status of your process.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Social Security sends your process to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Washington. This office is part of the state but works under federal rules. A team of a doctor and a disability examiner will review your medical records and work history.

This review takes 3 to 6 months on average. During this time, Social Security may request additional medical records from your doctors or ask you to have a consultative exam—a one-time appointment with a doctor Social Security pays for. You will receive a letter if this happens; the letter tells you where and when to go.

You can check your process status online at ssa.gov/myaccount using your Social Security account. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 and give the representative your confirmation number. Do not call repeatedly; the status does not change daily, and calling does not speed up the review.

Understanding the Decision Letter

When Social Security makes a decision, you receive a letter in the mail. The letter states whether you were approved or denied and explains why. Read the entire letter, not just the approval or denial line, because it contains important information about your next steps and your rights.

If you are approved, the letter tells you when your benefits begin. SSDI benefits usually start the month after you are approved, though there is a 5-month waiting period from the date your disability began. SSI benefits can start the month you are approved. The letter also explains how much you will receive and when payments begin.

If you are denied, the letter explains the reason. Common reasons include: your condition is not severe enough, your condition is expected to improve, you are still able to work, or your medical evidence does not match the Social Security definition of disability. The letter also tells you that you have 60 days to request reconsideration or file an appeal.

What to Do If Your process Is Denied

You have three options after a denial: request reconsideration, request a hearing before an administrative law judge, or do nothing. Most people request reconsideration first. This means a different examiner reviews your case, usually with new medical evidence you provide.

To request reconsideration, contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 within 60 days of the denial letter. Tell them you want to request reconsideration. They will send you a form to sign. You can submit new medical records, letters from your doctors, or other evidence that supports your claim. Reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for a hearing; they work on contingency and take a percentage of your back pay if you win. You have 60 days from the reconsideration denial to request a hearing.

Washington State Resources for Disability Applicants

Washington State runs a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project through the Department of Social and Health Services. WIPA counselors explain how working affects your SSDI or SSI benefits—how much you can earn, what happens to your benefits, and what work incentives are available. This service is free and confidential. Find your local WIPA project at wipa.org or call 1-866-968-9472.

The state also has a Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program that helps people understand their rights and resolve problems with Social Security. If you believe Social Security made an error or treated you unfairly, PABSS can investigate and advocate on your behalf. Contact them through the Washington Protection and Advocacy System at wpas.org or 1-206-324-1521.

If you need help understanding your process or have questions about your case, the Social Security office in your area can answer them. Offices are located in Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, Vancouver, and other cities. Call ahead to ask about wait times, or use the online locator at ssa.gov/locator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability while I am still working?

Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working to explore. However, if you are earning more than $1,550 per month (as of 2024; this amount changes yearly), Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your claim. The amount varies, so ask Social Security what the current limit is when you explore.

How long does it take to get a decision?

The initial decision takes 3 to 6 months on average. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another 3 to 6 months. If you request a hearing, add 6 to 18 months depending on how busy the hearing office is. Washington State hearing offices typically have longer wait times than other states.

What if I do not have all my medical records?

Social Security will request records directly from your doctors and hospitals. However, if you know a doctor has closed their practice or records have been lost, tell Social Security this when you explore. You can also ask your current doctor to write a statement summarizing your medical history and current condition, which Social Security will accept.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own. However, if your process is denied and you request a hearing, many people find it helpful to work with a disability representative or attorney who knows Social Security law. They can be paid only if you win, and only from your back pay.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is based on financial need and is available to people with low income and assets, regardless of work history. You may be able to receive both. Social Security will determine which program you may have access to for when you explore.