Filing for Disability in Washington
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Washington, 34.6% are approved — below the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 37.0%
Nat'l avg: 38.9%
Nat'l avg: 42.3%
Know Your Numbers
Washington approves 34.6% of initial disability claims. That’s 2.4 percentage points below the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,824/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Washington vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).
Washington's medical approval rate has fallen from 42.2% to 34.6% over this period.
At a Glance — March 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
34.6%
Claims Filed
3,290
Determinations
2,392
Pending Claims
17,535
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
12.9%
Recon Claims Pending
8,839
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Seattle
Hearing OfficeSeattle · 7 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,658 pending
approval
Spokane
Hearing OfficeSpokane · 6 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,193 pending
approval
Tacoma
Hearing OfficeTacoma · 5 judges · 10.5 months wait · 1,332 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 19.4%
- Disabled Child
- 79.8%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 8.8%
- Disabled Child
- 27.8%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,067
- Approved
- 434
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 677
- Approved
- 267
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 648
- Approved
- 126
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 109
- Approved
- 87
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,482
- Approved
- 191
What to Do Next
Review Washington's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Washington. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Washington?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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