Everett Social Security Attorney
Everett, Washington is home to thousands of hard-working American citizens. These individuals go to work every day, providing for themselves and their families. Unfortunately, some of these workers are unexpectedly faced with long-term or permanent disabling conditions that prevent them from continuing their gainful employment. The resulting lack of income can wreak havoc on a family, causing financial troubles and substantial stress. It is in cases like these that Social Security Disability benefits should be there to help, but actually obtaining Social Security Disability benefits is often easier said than done. If you live in the Everett, Washington area and are suffering from a disability that prevents you from earning an income to support yourself and your family, it is in your best interest to consult with an Everett Social Security Disability attorney as soon as possible.
Everett, Washington benefits from a diverse economy and substantial job opportunities. It was named number nine of the top highest paid states to work in, with a median salary of $53,515. It is important to note, however, that even though the median salary in Everett is way above the norm, the cost of living is also higher, coming in at 8 percent above the national average. The main players in Everett's financial well-being include the technology, aerospace, and service sectors. The city's top employers include Boeing, Providence Regional Medical Center, the State of Washington, Frontier Communications Northwest and Aviation Technical Services.
Everett is a rather small city, being home to less than 100,000 residents. In the State of Washington, approximately 3.6 percent of the population receives Social Security Disability benefits with an average monthly benefit amount of $1,077.30. While this monthly disability payment can help offset some of the financial burden suffered by disabled Everett workers, the fact is that it will take the average Everett disability applicant approximately 567 days before completing the Social Security Disability claim process.
Applying for Everett Social Security Disability Benefits
Many Everett disability applicants go into the Social Security Disability claim process without truly understanding what they are in for. They submit their Social Security Disability applications, expecting an approval of benefits within three to four months. Unfortunately, this is rarely how the scenario plays out. In most cases, an initial claim for disability benefits is denied by the Social Security Administration. In fact, it is estimated that as few as 30 percent of disability claims are approved during the initial application stage. The remaining 70 percent of disability applicants must undergo a lengthy and complex disability appeal if they hope to receive the Social Security Disability benefits they are entitled to.
The disability appeal process is anything but simple and straightforward. The majority of appeals consist of two stages. The first stage is a Request for Reconsideration, of which more than 80 percent are denied. The second stage of appeals is when an Everett disability applicant has the best chances of overturning the SSA's decision to deny benefits, but it will take these applicants more than a year to get their day in court.
Why does it take so long to be scheduled for a disability hearing? The fact that the Social Security Administration denies so many claims during the initial stage of the application process means that there is a significant backlog of appeals in the system. There are specific offices in charge of handling the hearings for the people who are appealing denied disability benefits. These offices, known as ODAR offices, have a very large backlog of cases to work through. The ODAR office in charge of scheduling the hearings for Everett Social Security Disability applicants is located in Seattle. On average, it takes this office a total of 13 months just to schedule a hearing for a disability appeal.
Hiring an Everett Disability Attorney
If you want to avoid the appeal process and the substantial wait times that are required for a disability hearing, you need to consult with an Everett Social Security Disability lawyer. When you work with an Everett Social Security attorney, he or she can help you prepare your disability application, gather the proper medical evidence and submit your claim to the Social Security Administration in the best light possible. If, for some reason, your initial claim for disability benefits is denied, your Everett Social Security lawyer can help you through the lengthy disability appeal process.
While it is unlikely that your Everett disability attorney will be able to do anything to speed up the amount of time that it takes to obtain a disability hearing, he or she can ensure that your appeal paperwork is filed in a timely manner. It is also important to note that your chances of actually receiving benefits as a result of your hearing are significantly increased with proper legal representation.
An Everett Social Security Disability lawyer will also handle disability claims in the following cities located in Snohomish County, Skagit County, Chelan County, Island County, King County, and Kitsap County: Marysville, Lake Stevens, Lochsloy, Arlington, Mukilteo, Snohomish, Martha Lake, Lynnwood, Monroe, Whidbey Island, Tulalip, and North Creek.
