Michele A. Jack v. Social Security Administration

Tacoma, Washington social security disability lawyer represented the Plaintiff seeking review of the denial of her application for Social Security: DIWC/DIWW by HHS.



The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides benefits to disabled individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes, while SSI offers benefits to those with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs require a determination of disability based on a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity.



Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)



Eligibility: Requires a work history with sufficient earnings to be "insured" under Social Security rules.



Funding: Funded by Social Security taxes paid by workers and employers.

Disability Standard: The impairment must prevent the individual from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or result in death.



Waiting Period: There is a five-month waiting period before SSDI benefits can begin.



Supplemental Security Income (SSI)



Eligibility: Based on financial need, with limited income and resources.

Funding: Funded by general tax revenues.



Disability Standard: The same disability standard applies as for SSDI.

Age and Disability: Can provide benefits to children with disabilities, as well as adults.



Disability Determination Process



1. Application:



An individual applies for benefits through the SSA.



2. Initial Review:



The local SSA field office verifies non-medical eligibility requirements (age, work history, etc.).



3. Disability Evaluation:



The case is sent to a State Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency for medical evaluation.



4. DDS Evaluation:



The DDS gathers medical evidence and determines if the individual meets the disability definition.



5. Appeals:



If denied, individuals can appeal the decision through various levels of review.



Disability Benefits - SSA



The state uses a 5-step evaluation process to decide if you have a qualifying disability. 1. Are you working? If you're working an...

Social Security Administration (.gov)



The Red Book - Overview of our Disability Programs - SSA



We manage two programs that provide benefits based on disability or blindness. These are the Social Security Disability Insurance ...



Social Security Administration (.gov)



Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability Insurance, and ...



These benefits cover only disabilities arising out of and in the course of employment. In contrast, Social Security disability ben...

Social Security Administration (.gov)

Judgment in favor of the Plaintiff.



07/18/2025 16 RESPONSE TO THE COURT'S 15 MINUTE ORDER MOTION for Attorney Fees for an award of Attorneys Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act, filed by Plaintiff Michele A Jack. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit A (Time Log), # 2 Exhibit B (Resumes of Staff), # 3 Exhibit C (2020 Survey), # 4 Exhibit D (EAJA Assignment), # 5 Proposed Order)(Sloan, Stephen) Modified on 7/18/2025, to rename response, per chambers (TF). (Entered: 07/18/2025)

07/18/2025 Noting Date Set re 14 Stipulated MOTION for an award of Attorney's Fees under the Equal Access to Justice Act : Noting Date 7/8/2025. **Counsel did not note the motion in accordance with the local rules.** (TF) (Entered: 07/18/2025)

07/18/2025 17 ORDER signed by Hon. Michelle L. Peterson, re: 14 Stipulated Motion for Attorney's Fees. (TF) (Entered: 07/18/2025)