Where to Start: Social Security vs. State Programs

Washington State does not run its own disability program. Instead, you explore through Social Security — either the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if you have a work history, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have limited income and resources. Both are federal programs run by the Social Security Administration, but the process process and rules differ.

SSDI is based on your own work record or, in some cases, a parent's or spouse's work record. SSI is a needs-based program for people with disabilities who have little income or savings. Many people in Washington may have access to for both at the same time. The Social Security office will determine which programs you may be may have access to to when you explore.

Washington State does run Washington Medicaid, which often becomes available once you are approved for federal disability benefits. Some people also receive state-funded support through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation if they want to work or return to work. But the disability information itself — whether you are disabled — comes from Social Security, not the state.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for federal disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) through Social Security, not through Washington State, by contacting your local Social Security office or explore online at ssa.gov.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI is for people with limited income and resources; you may be may have access to to both programs at the same time.
  • The process asks for medical records, work history, and details about your condition; gathering these documents before you explore speeds up the process.
  • Washington State Medicaid becomes available to most people once Social Security approves them for disability benefits.
  • The initial decision typically takes three to five months; if denied, you can request reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.

how the process works Online or by Phone

The fastest way to explore is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes and you can save your progress and return later. You do not need to create an account first, though having a my Social Security account makes it easier to check the status of your process afterward.

If you prefer to explore by phone, call Social Security's national disability line at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). A representative will walk you through the questions and submit the process for you. Wait times are typically shorter early in the morning or on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

You can also walk into your local Social Security office in person. In Washington, there are offices in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Vancouver, Bellingham, Yakima, and other cities. Find the nearest one at ssa.gov/locator. In-person appointments usually take 30 to 45 minutes. You can call ahead to schedule an appointment or walk in during open hours.

Documents and Information You Will Need

Before you explore, gather the following:

  • Proof of citizenship or legal residency: U.S. birth certificate, passport, naturalization papers, or a green card.
  • Social Security number (yours and your spouse's, if married).
  • Work history: Names and dates of employment for the past 15 years. You do not need to be perfect — Social Security has records and will fill in gaps.
  • Medical records: Names and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, clinics, or therapists who have treated you. Dates of treatment. Social Security will request the records directly from providers, so you do not have to collect them yourself, but having this list ready speeds things up.
  • List of medications: Names and dosages of any prescriptions you take.
  • Bank account information: For SSI, Social Security needs to know your account balance and type (checking or savings). For SSDI, this is not required unless you are also explore for SSI.

You do not need to have all medical records in hand before you explore. Social Security will request them from your providers after you submit your process. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, having those ready can help your case move faster.

What Happens After You explore

Once you submit your process, Social Security sends it to the Disability information Services (DDS) office in Olympia, Washington. This is the state agency that makes the medical decision about whether you are disabled. You will receive a notice with a case number and the name of your claims examiner.

The DDS office will request medical records from all the providers you listed. This usually takes two to four weeks. During this time, you may be asked to attend a consultative exam — a brief medical appointment with a doctor or psychologist hired by Social Security. This exam is free and does not replace your own doctor; it is straightforward to gather additional information about your condition.

The entire process from process to initial decision typically takes three to five months. If Social Security approves you, you will receive a notice in the mail explaining your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. If you are denied, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice.

Washington State Medicaid After Approval

Once Social Security approves you for SSDI or SSI, you become categorically may be able to access for Washington Medicaid. This means you do not have to explore separately or meet additional income limits — Medicaid is automatically available to you.

For SSDI recipients, Medicaid begins the same month your cash benefits begin. For SSI recipients, Medicaid typically begins in the month after your first SSI payment. You will receive a separate notice from the Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) explaining your Medicaid coverage and how to use it.

If you have questions about your Medicaid coverage, contact the DSHS Medicaid Customer Service Center at 1-800-562-3022 or visit dshs.wa.gov/esa/medicaid.

If Your process Is Denied

About 65 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. A denial does not mean you are ineligible — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. You have four levels of appeal.

Reconsideration is the first step. You have 60 days from the denial notice to request it. A different examiner at DDS will review your case and any new medical evidence you submit. This is your chance to send in recent test results, specialist letters, or updated medical records that were not available during the first review.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is a formal hearing where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people win at the hearing level. You can represent yourself or hire a disability lawyer. Lawyers typically work on contingency — they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and nothing if you lose.

After the ALJ hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. These later appeals are rare and usually involve legal questions rather than new medical evidence.

Work Incentives and Continuing to Work

You can work while your process is pending, and you can continue to work after approval under Social Security's work incentive rules. For SSDI, you have a trial work period of nine months (not necessarily consecutive) during which you can earn any amount without losing benefits. After the trial work period, your benefits continue for three more months while Social Security measures your earnings. If your earnings stay below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level — currently $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly — your benefits continue.

For SSI, the rules are stricter. You can earn up to $65 per month plus half of earnings above that without losing SSI, but your Medicaid may continue even if your SSI cash benefit stops. These work incentives exist specifically to help you test your ability to work without when ready losing all support.

If you want help returning to work, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation in Washington can provide job training, assistive technology, and job coaching at no cost. You can contact them at 1-800-637-7487 or visit dshs.wa.gov/dvr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for disability if I am still working?

Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working before you explore. However, if you are earning more than the SGA level (currently $1,550 per month), Social Security may conclude you are able to work and deny your process. The key is whether your condition prevents you from doing substantial work, not whether you are currently employed.

How much will I receive in monthly benefits?

SSDI benefit amounts are based on your lifetime earnings record. The average SSDI payment in Washington is around $1,300 per month, but yours may be higher or lower. SSI payments are set by federal law and are currently $943 per month for an individual (amounts change yearly). Social Security will tell you your estimated benefit amount when you explore.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

Social Security can work with records from nurse practitioners, physician assistants, mental health counselors, and other providers. If you have never seen a doctor, you can still explore; Social Security may order a consultative exam. However, having some medical documentation — even from a clinic visit or emergency room — strengthens your case.

Do I need a lawyer to explore?

No. You can explore on your own and many people are approved without legal help. However, if your process is denied and you request a hearing, having a lawyer or representative increases your chances of winning. You only pay if you win, and the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (up to $7,200).

How do I check the status of my process?

Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov and log in to view your process status. You can also call your local Social Security office or the national disability line at 1-800-772-1213. Have your case number ready.