On average, 32.3% of adults in Louisiana report having some form of disability. The number is slightly higher than the national average of 25.6%. It means that one in every three adults in Louisiana has a disability limiting their workability.
This can make it challenging to earn a living and support yourself or your family. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides income to people who cannot work because of a disabling condition.
To qualify, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain period.
You can receive up to $2,788 per month in benefits if you qualify. In addition, if you have dependent children under the age of 18, they may also be eligible for benefits.
Read on to learn more about social security local to Louisiana and what you can do to qualify for the benefits.
How Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana?
Since SSDI is a federal government program, the qualifications are the same no matter what state you live in, except for a few states. To qualify, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain period. The amount of time depends on your age.
Typically, you need to have worked for five out of the last ten years before you can qualify. However, if you are younger than 24, you may only need to have worked for one or two years.
In addition, your disabling condition must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a “blue book” of conditions to determine if yours qualifies.
The SSA definition of disability is quite strict, and you should not expect to receive a partial disability benefit. If your disabling condition is not on the list or is only expected to last for a short period, you will likely be denied benefits.
If you think you might qualify for SSDI, the best thing to do is to apply as soon as possible. The process can take several months, so getting started early is essential.
How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana?
You can apply for SSDI in Louisiana online, by phone, or in person. The best way to apply is online because it is the quickest and most efficient way to get your application processed.
To apply online, you must create an account on the SSA website. Once you do so, you can log in and complete the necessary forms.
If you prefer to apply by phone, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
Finally, you can visit your local Social Security office if you would like to apply in person. You can find your nearest office using the SSA’s office locator tool.
Consider calling the field office before you visit to make an appointment. This will help to ensure that you are seen promptly.
What Happens After I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana?
After you have applied for SSDI, your application will be sent to the Louisiana Disability Determination Services (DDS) for review. The DDS is responsible for making disability determinations for the entire state.
The DDS will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualifications for SSDI. If you do, they will gather your medical records and send them to your treating physician for their input.
Your doctor will be asked to fill out a questionnaire detailing your condition and how it affects your ability to work. You must follow up with your doctor to ensure they complete the questionnaire promptly.
The DDS will also ask for input from vocational experts. These are people who understand job requirements and limitations caused by disabling conditions.
They will review your work history and medical records to determine what kinds of jobs, if any, you would be able to do despite your disabling condition.
After the DDS has gathered all the information, they will decide whether or not you are disabled. If they find that you are not disabled, your application will be denied, and you will have to file an appeal if you want to continue the process.
If you are found to be disabled, you will begin receiving benefits within a few months. The exact amount of your benefit will depend on your work history and earnings.
Appealing a Denial of Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana
If your application for SSDI is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. The appeals process can be complicated, and it is essential to have an experienced Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer on your side to help you navigate it.
The first step in the appeals process is to request a reconsideration of your application. This is essentially a review of your application by someone who did not participate in the initial determination.
If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). This is where having an attorney can be especially helpful because they will know how to present your case in the most favorable light possible.
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council. You can file a lawsuit in federal court if they deny your claim.
Louisiana SSDI Hearing Wait Times & Average Approval Rate
Louisiana is part of SSA’s “Region 4,” headquartered in Atlanta, GA. There are three official hearing offices in the state. As of December 2021, the average wait time for a hearing in Louisiana was 8.9 months, slightly lower than the national average of 9.4 months.
The average approval rate at the hearing level in Louisiana during that same period was 55.5%, slightly higher than the national average of 53.9%.
These waiting times and average approval rates only highlight the importance of having an experienced Louisiana SSDI lawyer by your side throughout the process.
In fact, the Government Accountability Office has conducted extensive research and established that an applicant with a legal representative has up to a 73% chance of being approved for benefits, while those who go it alone only have a 37% chance of success.
Get Help Applying for Louisiana Social Security Disability Benefits
Applying for SSDI can be a complicated and daunting process. An experienced Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer can help to ensure that your application is complete and error-free, increasing your chances of being approved for benefits.
Your lawyer can also help you to navigate the appeals process if your application is denied. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Louisiana SSDI attorney.
