Monroe Social Security Disability Insurance Attorney

How to File for Social Security Disability Insurance in Louisiana

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal program that allows qualified disabled individuals and certain family members to receive benefits. To be eligible for SSDI, you must be “insured,” meaning you have worked recently enough and long enough to earn the appropriate work credits. You must also have a qualifying disability and meet certain age requirements.

Applying for SSDI in Louisiana can be a complicated process. You will need various forms of identification and other pertinent documentation, such as medical records and proof of disability, when applying. Unfortunately, mistakes on your application could result in your claim being denied. In Louisiana, more than 40% of all initial Social Security disability (SSD) claims are denied—but by working with an experienced attorney, you can better your chances of a favorable outcome.

At Parker Alexander, our Monroe Social Security Disability Insurance attorneys have decades of experience. We understand the law, as well as the many complexities involved in applying for SSDI or appealing a denied claim. Our firm has earned a reputation in our community for compassionate, client-focused representation and an aggressive approach that has helped us recover millions of dollars for our clients. We encourage you to reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with your SSDI claim.

Call (318) 625-6262 or contact us online to get started with a free, no-risk consultation.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program overseen by the Social Security Administration (SSA). As such, the eligibility requirements for SSDI are generally the same from state to state. However, in Louisiana, the state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) agency is the entity responsible for determining whether applicants meet the criteria for being “disabled.” DDS is required to follow the SSA’s eligibility requirements when making this determination.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must meet the following requirements:

• Work Credits: You must have a certain number of work credits to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The number of work credits you need varies depending on how old you were when you became disabled. Work credits are earned based on income and time; as of 2020, you can earn one Social Security work credit for every $1,410 in FICA-taxable income with a maximum of four work credits (or $5,640) per year.
• Disability: In addition to earning the appropriate work credits, you must also meet the SSA’s medical eligibility requirements. You must have a “severe” condition that interferes with normal work activities, and your condition must last or be expected to last for at least one year. To be considered “totally disabled,” you must be unable to perform any “substantial gainful activity” for at least one year. You can receive SSDI benefits for a partial disability if you are working and make less than $1,260 a month as of 2020 (or less than $2,110 if you are blind).
• Age: Generally speaking, you must be younger than 65 to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. However, it may be possible to obtain SSDI benefits if you are older than 65 if you meet certain eligibility requirements. Note that you cannot collect Social Security disability and retirement benefits at the same time.

The SSDI program also allows dependent spouses and children of disabled individuals to receive auxiliary benefits if they meet certain requirements. For example, only adult children (age 18 or older) qualify for auxiliary benefits.

What SSDI Benefits Are Available?

When you are injured or fall ill and are no longer able to work, taking care of your medical bills and day-to-day expenses can become incredibly stressful. The purpose of Social Security Disability Insurance is to allow disabled individuals to make ends meet while they are out of work. SSDI benefits can be sought in addition to workers’ compensation and/or a personal injury settlement or verdict.

SSDI pays both medical and cash benefits. Benefits are paid monthly and are determined based on several factors, including your age, the number of hours you have worked, your income, and more. To learn more about SSDI benefits, please visit our Social Security Disability Benefits page.

How Long Does SSDI Last?

Social Security Disability Insurance lasts as long as your condition prevents you from working. In other words, as long as you are disabled, you can continue receiving SSDI benefits. However, SSDI usually ends when you turn 65, regardless of whether you are still disabled. At this point, your retirement benefits will begin. Typically, the Social Security Administration reviews SSDI benefits every one to three years.

Your benefits may be revoked in certain circumstances, including if the SSA finds that you:

• Are no longer disabled
• Have returned to work
• Are 65 or older
• Have been incarcerated

To continue receiving benefits, you should make sure that you continue receiving medical care and informing your doctor of how your condition prevents you from working and/or earning a substantial income. You should also reply to Continuing Disability Review notices promptly and provide any requested information/documentation.

How Parker Alexander Can Help

If you are facing challenges with any aspect of your SSDI claim, from initial filing to appealing a denied application, our Monroe Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers can help. We are available to answer your questions and address your concerns throughout the process, providing clear and consistent communication you can count on.

As a local law firm, we are committed to helping injured and disabled people in Louisiana obtain the rightful benefits they are owed. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethics, excellence, and integrity and strive to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for our clients. We are available for evening and weekend appointments and can travel to you if necessary. Our team offers risk-free consultations, and you do not pay unless your result is favorable.

To speak to an SSDI attorney at our firm, call (318) 625-6262 or contact us online today.