Social Security Lawyers
Seattle, Washington
The Social Security Lawyers at our Seattle, Washington office will stop at nothing to get you the benefits that you deserve. We have helped thousands of clients - You only pay if we win your claim and recover your back pay.
We are more than your Social Security Disability Lawyers
If you or a loved one are considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits or appealing a denial of benefits in the Seattle Area, our experienced team of Social Security Lawyers at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll will provide the support and expertise you need to help achieve the best possible result.
When you become disabled, it may feel like your world has turned upside down. You can no longer exert the same energy and activity as before, limiting your everyday routines and potentially costing you your employment. In addition, when you can no longer work due to a disability, you may find yourself at odds with how you can support your household. However, you are not alone, and help is available to you and your family.
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we’ve seen the remarkable difference receiving disability benefits has made in our clients’ lives firsthand. That is why our practice has one mission: maximizing benefits for every client.
SEATTLE SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYERS
Seattle WA 98101
P (206) 207-2377
Seattle Community Resources
To some, the lengthy wait for disability benefits can leave them in a state of desperation. However, if you are or have recently become disabled and are in a time of immediate need, there are resources in Seattle ready to serve you. Remember that if you are struggling, there is no shame in accepting the available aid. Help in the Seattle community includes:
Provides
Food Banks and Food Access Services
Provides
Infant, Child, Youth & Family Education, Supplies and Services
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Health Services, Survival Services, Emergency Shelter, Affordable Housing, Career Services, Clothing, Advocacy, Crisis Response, Social Events
What will our Social Security Lawyers do for you?
We will guide you throughout the process. These steps include:
- Determining the programs that you qualify for
- Securing the documentation that will support your claim
- Filing the necessary paperwork
- Meet important deadlines
- Appeal a claim that was denied
- Represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge
Frequently Asked Questions
We accept Social Security Disability cases at all stages of the process, no matter how challenging. Our Seattle Social Security Lawyers have handled thousands of disability cases throughout the Pacific Northwest. There are no upfront costs and you only pay us if we win your case.
What are my chances of getting SSD Benefits?
There are few guarantees in life. No one can promise an outcome in a Social Security case. Some factors help your chances significantly. It helps to:
- Be at least 50 years old as of the date you became disabled.
- Have strong evidence of your physical and mental health conditions and limitations.
- Have a strong work history or well-documented attempts to work despite your conditions and restrictions
While these factors do help, we understand they might not be present in many cases. We win all types of cases, including those for younger clients who've never been able to work and have had limited access to health care.
How Does the Social Security Administration Evaluate Disabilities?
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits, the SSA uses the information in your application to obtain evidence from your physicians, as well as former employers, acquaintances, and family members. The SSA then uses a five-step procedure for assessing whether a claimant is disabled. As part of the procedure, the Social Security Administration asks the following questions:
- Are you performing substantial gainful activity?
- Is your impairment severe?
- Does your impairment meet or equal the Social Security Listing of Impairments?
- Is it possible for you to return to your prior work?
- Are you able to do other work?
Why Does Social Security Consider My Age in Determining My Eligibility?
In general, benefits are often easier to get for workers over the age of 50. The Social Security Act has various standards for different ages to meet the additional challenges that older employees experience when applying for new roles. The Social Security Act and regulations view younger workers as having an easier transition to a new field of employment than older workers. We serve clients of all ages, and no one should believe that they will not be eligible for disability benefits because of their age.
I Have A Child That Is Disabled. Can They Get Social Security Benefits?
Children's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for children under 18 who are disabled. SSI is a public assistance program, and there are strict income and resource requirements that can reduce or eliminate an individual's eligibility.
Disabled Adult Child's Benefits (often referred to as CDB or Childhood Disability Benefits) are available to unmarried individuals who became disabled before age 22, and who have at least one parent who is receiving SSD; who is receiving Social Security Retirement (SSR) benefits; or who is deceased and had been eligible to receive SSD or SSR benefits. Payments are based on the earnings record of the parent.
How Much Can I Expect to Receive if I Am Awarded Benefits?
SSD, DWB, and CDB benefits are calculated monthly depending on the worker's wage history. They are calculated using a complex method that considers the worker's lifetime wages, the date the claimant became disabled, and the date the claimant last worked. Because SSI is a public assistance program, any assets or earnings may lower your monthly payment. (This applies to whatever SSD, DWB, or CDB is awarded.)
If I Get Approved, How Far Back Will My Benefits Go?
The amount of time your benefits will go back depends on the type of claim you submitted, when you filed it, and when your disability began. If you apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your benefits will start the first day of the month after your application. Applicants may be eligible for benefits for up to one year before the day they applied for Social Security Impairment (SSD) or Disabled Widow's/Benefits Widower's (DWB), but only after five complete months have passed since the disability began. You may be eligible for payments for up to six months before filing for Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB). Initial applications may be reopened in some instances, resulting in an award of back pay over the restrictions stated above.
Why Was My Social Security Denied?
The majority of disability applicants are denied in the first round. If your claim is denied, you must file an appeal by the deadline, or you will have to start the application process over. Applicants have sixty (60) days to appeal a denial in most cases. You may be able to argue that you have a valid reason for missing a deadline in specific circumstances. In rare circumstances, the Social Security Administration will review a previously refused application that was not appealed.
Determining Eligibility For SSD or SSI
Social Security Disability benefits process can be stressful and confusing. There are many restrictions that can put applicants at a disadvantage, resulting in long waits for the benefits that you need to live comfortably. The Social Security Lawyers at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll can provide services and comprehensive support to achieve the best possible outcome.
SSI vs. SSD
SSI is for those who are disabled with limited income and few resources and is need-based. In contrast, SSD serves disabled workers who have paid into the Social Security system over time through prior work experience. Based on your situation, you may qualify for one or both programs. Both programs require proving that you meet Social Security's standard for what it means to be disabled. It is just the initial eligibility criteria that differ.
Because of the complexities of the application process, too many deserving people delay applying for benefits or give up after a denial. Don't let that to happen to you. At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, making a difference is our mission. We genuinely care about your future, and nothing stops us from getting you the benefits you deserve.
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we take pride in putting our legal expertise to work for the disabled community of Seattle and ensuring that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. No matter how complicated your case may be, our attorneys have the knowledge in complex medical, vocational, and procedural issues necessary to secure the best result for you and your family.
We take our commitment to our clients very seriously, and we'll go to great lengths to ensure that you get the benefits you deserve. If you would like help with your disability claim from an experienced team of lawyers, contact us today. Our team of social security lawyers will stand by your side every step of the way to guide you. Call us today or fill out the contact form below to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
Social Security Benefits Process
SSD Application
You can apply in person, by telephone, or online. It takes 3-6 months to receive an initial determination.
Reconsideration (if denied)
An appeal must be filed within 60 days of inital application denial. A reconsideration may take an additional 3-6 months.
The Hearing
If you continue to be denied, you have 60 days from the reconsideration to request a hearing. At this point, approximately 60% of cases are approved.
The Decision
The ALJ evaluates all evidence in the case and issues a written decision.
Appeals Council Review (denied at hearing)
An Appeals Council Review must be done by filing a written request and submitting any evidence for the Appeals Council to consider. This must be. done within 60 days of the Hearing Decision.
Federal Court Review
If you disagree with the decision made by the appeals council or the second ALJ, you can file a lawsuit to your federal district court.
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