In bankruptcy, you can "exempt" certain property from liquidation. In Washington, you can choose federal or state exemptions, but not both. Under state law you can exempt less than $3,000 in household goods, but with federal exemptions you can exempt up to $8,625 in household goods and furnishings. The value is current, not what you paid, so consider what you might get at a garage sale. In addition, if you don't own a home, you can exempt any property up to an additional $8,925. Where a husband and wife file together, exemption levels double.

-- Although federal exemptions are generous, there are situations where state exemptions give greater protection. You should always consult with a bankruptcy attorney before filing.

Q: Social Security denied my application for disability. How can I get on disability?

A: We discussed your question with Jorgen Schleer, a Redmond attorney who handles disability cases. He said you should not be discouraged by the denial.

-- You should go back to the Social Security Administration (SSA) office within 60 days of the denial and file a Request for Reconsideration. It is a one-page form. If you have additional evidence, file that with your reconsideration request. They will review evidence, consider new evidence and issue a new decision, usually within three months.

-- If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you will then have 60 days to request a hearing. Your case will be transferred to an independent agency, the Office of Hearings and Appeals. It will take eight to 10 months before the case is heard.

After filing for a hearing you should consult an attorney. Almost all attorneys who handle Social Security Disability cases offer a no-cost consultation and will limit fees to 25 percent of the back-due benefits if you win and no fee if you lose.

At the hearing you will be asked questions by the judge and your attorney. The judge may have a doctor testify about your capabilities and a vocational expert about what kinds of jobs you might qualify for. The judge will mail a notice of the decision in two or three months.

If you win, benefits are paid for the whole period of disability as far back as one year before the date of your original application. If you lose, there are two more levels of review. Your attorney can explain these to you.

Joan Andersen is director of lawyer referral for King County Bar Association. Answers intended for general information, not to take the place of advice of your own attorney. Send questions to Ask the Lawyers, c/o The Seattle Times, P.O. Box 1845, Seattle, WA 98111. Questions of general interest might be answered in this column.