
In Washington, the average wait between the date a disability hearing is requested and when it takes place is 11 months. If your reconsideration results in a second disability denial, you can then request a hearing in front of an administrative law judge (ALJ). In Washington, just 14% of disability claims are approved after reconsideration. It will take an average of three to four months for your reconsideration decision to be made. Read our article on starting a reconsideration for more information. The first appeal is called a "Request for Reconsideration." You have 60 days from the date you receive your disability denial letter to submit the "Request for Reconsideration" form to the SSA (or to start your appeal online). If you are among those who are denied SSDI benefits, you can appeal this decision.

How Do I Appeal an SSDI Denial in Washington?Īpproximately three to five months after you apply for disability, you'll be notified via mail whether your claim has been approved or denied. There are three DDS offices in Washington contact information appears below. Approximately 40% of Washington's disability applicants are approved upon their initial application (based on applications in 2021-2022), which is slightly higher than the national average.

Washington Disability Determination Services (DDS) is the state agency responsible for making decisions on Social Security disability claims filed in Washington.Ī disability claims examiner at DDS, with the help of a medical consultant, makes the initial determination after gathering the patient's medical records. Who Makes Disability Determinations in Washington State? But there is some information specific to applying for Social Security in Washington that you should know. Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal benefit programs, so the application process is the same in all states.

If you live in Washington and are out of work due to illness or injury, you may be considering applying for Social Security disability benefits.
