Washington LawHelp

The Basics (9)+

• Apply Online for Disability Benefits

  Social Security offers an online disability application you can complete at your convenience. Apply from the comfort of your home or any location at a time most convenient for you. You do not need to drive to your local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Read More

  By:

  Social Security Administration

• Disability Benefits

  Explains the basics of Social Security Disability benefits. Read More

  By:

  Social Security Administration

• If You are Blind or Have Low Vision: How We Can Help

  Information on Social Security Disability benefits and SSI Benefits for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Read More

  By:

  Social Security Administration

• Same-Sex Couples and Social Security

  Read this if you are or were married (OR in a registered domestic partnership) with someone of the same sex AND live in Washington. #7202EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Social Security Online - American Indian & Alaska Natives (AIAN) web site

  The AIAN website provides basic information and ongoing updates of programs administered by the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). We also provide information on how individuals and tribes or nations can contact the Social Security Administration, ongoing outreach efforts, and links to related federal programs. You may apply online for benefits. Read More

  By:

  Social Security Administration

• Social Security Survivor Benefits

  When a worker dies, the surviving spouse may be entitled to benefits based on the worker’s earnings record, if you also meet age or other requirements. Publication #7204EN. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• SSA’s Representative Payee Program

  To ensure that all beneficiaries can receive their payments and make proper use of funds, Congress has granted the Social Security Administration (SSA) the authority to appoint third parties, known as representative payees, to receive and manage payments when the beneficiary is unable to do so. With Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments on the rise, more seniors find themselves unable to manage their own benefits. Read More

  By:

  Justice in Aging

• Video - Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security

  Watch this video to learn about how to apply and appeal for disability at Social Security. This video covers federal laws so the information in it is true no matter what state you live in. Read More

  By:

  Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• What is Supplemental Security Income?

  The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. Read More

  By:

  Social Security Administration

Eligibility (1)+

• Same-Sex Couples and Social Security

  Read this if you are or were married (OR in a registered domestic partnership) with someone of the same sex AND live in Washington. #7202EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Medicaid (2)+

• I Have Disabilities and I Want to Work: Benefits Advisors

  This publication is for people who live in Washington state, have Social Security disability-based benefits, Medicare, SSI-related Medicaid or long term care services, or other disability based benefits and want to work. Publication #7408EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Protecting Resources for Medicaid & SSI Beneficiaries with Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts

  The countable resource limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and many Medicaid recipients is only $2,000. However, some of these recipients can protect additional resources in a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE account. This bulletin will explain these options and who can benefit from them. Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services

Overpayments (1)+

• Fighting an SSI or SSDI Overpayment Notice

  Is the Social Security Administration charging you with an overpayment? If so, Social Security believes that you got benefits when you were not eligible to get them. This explains some possible ways to respond to the overpayment notice. #7403EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Social Security Retirement (3)+

• How to Change, Remove, or Report a Representative Payee

  The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits to certain eligible people, called beneficiaries. If a beneficiary cannot manage or direct the management of their SSA benefits, SSA appoints a representative payee (rep payee) to receive and manage the SSA benefits. A rep payee can be a person or an organization. This publication is for adult beneficiaries and explains how a beneficiary can ask SSA to change or remove a rep payee and how a beneficiary can report a rep payee for misuse of funds. Read More

  By:

  Disability Rights Washington

• Same-Sex Couples and Social Security

  Read this if you are or were married (OR in a registered domestic partnership) with someone of the same sex AND live in Washington. #7202EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Social Security Survivor Benefits

  When a worker dies, the surviving spouse may be entitled to benefits based on the worker’s earnings record, if you also meet age or other requirements. Publication #7204EN. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Solving Problems with SSA (5)+

• Fighting a Termination of SSI or SSDI When Social Security Decides You Are No Longer Disabled

  If SSA believes your medical condition has improved, they will send you a written notice that says your benefits will stop (terminate). You may fight the proposed termination by asking for reconsideration. Read this to find out how. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Fighting a Termination or Reduction of SSI or SSDI Based on Non-disability Reasons

  Social Security must notify you in writing before lowering (reducing) or stopping (terminating) your benefits. You may fight the termination by asking for reconsideration. You may continue to get the same benefits after the termination date in the notice if you request reconsideration in time. You must request reconsideration within ten days of the date on the notice to keep getting benefits. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• How to Fight Your SSI or SSD Denial

  Read this to find out what you can do if the Social Security Administration (SSA) denies your application because they say you are not disabled. If you have been receiving benefits and are notified that they will stop, see How to Fight a Termination of SSI or SSD. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Farsi / فارسی

• Social Security and Coronavirus

  Frequently asked questions and answers about your social security benefits during the coronavirus crisis. Content Detail

  By:

  Social Security Administration

• Video - Applying and Appealing for Disability at Social Security

  Watch this video to learn about how to apply and appeal for disability at Social Security. This video covers federal laws so the information in it is true no matter what state you live in. Read More

  By:

  Statewide Legal Services of Connecticut

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Special Needs Trusts (1)+

• Protecting Resources for Medicaid & SSI Beneficiaries with Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts

  The countable resource limit for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients and many Medicaid recipients is only $2,000. However, some of these recipients can protect additional resources in a Special Needs Trust or an ABLE account. This bulletin will explain these options and who can benefit from them. Read More

  By:

  Columbia Legal Services