Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney
At the law office of Hickman Menashe, P.S., we bring more than 45 years of combined legal experience to people throughout the greater Seattle, Lynnwood and Everett areas. We take a holistic approach, gathering as much information as we can, so that we can identify all potential legal issues and help you understand all your options. We place a premium on individualized attention and personalized service, striving to return all calls and e-mails within 24 hours. In recognition of our commitment to excellence, we are AV rated by our colleagues in the legal profession under Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Rating System*.
Should You Try to Work While Seeking Benefits?
Because of
the length of time it can take to get an application for Social Security benefits approved, you may be inclined to look for another job to help you pay the bills until you start receiving compensation. Generally, this is not a mistake. If you try to work and cannot, this can be solid evidence of an "unsuccessful work attempt," demonstrating both your desire to work and your inability to do so.
However, if you take a job, even doing something totally unrelated to what you did before, and you stay for a period of time, you may be considered to have the ability to perform "substantial activity," which can put your SSD or SSI claim in jeopardy. Currently, if you earn more than $1,000 per month before taxes, you will be considered to be engaged in "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and, as a general rule, not eligible for disability payments.
A knowledgeable attorney can talk to you about this SGA issue and can help you effectively prepare and present evidence to get your claim approved as soon as possible.
Contact Our Office
We offer a private consultation to all clients. To set up a meeting with a Lynnwood area Social Security disability lawyer, contact us online or call us at 425-744-5658. For client convenience we have a second office in Bellevue. Flexible appointments are available. We will travel to the hospital or your home, if necessary. We are accessible to persons with disabilities.
We generally take all Social Security claims on a contingency fee basis. We only charge legal fees if we recover compensation for you.
*AV Preeminent and BV Distinguished are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the confidential opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell ratings fall into two categories: legal ability and general ethical standards.
