SSDI Benefits in Louisiana

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a type of insurance that covers workers in the unfortunate event that they become unable to work due to a disability.

It's similar to other types of insurance you might pay for, like car insurance or homeowner's insurance, except in this case, you're insuring yourself against the possibility that you won't be able to work anymore because of a long-term or permanent disability.

About the Social Security Administration

SSDI is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA is in charge of multiple social programs, but its primary functions are to administer retirement, disability, and survivor's benefits to American workers and their families.

The SSA collects Social Security taxes from workers across the country and uses that money to provide SSDI benefits to Louisiana residents in need.

How to Qualify for SSDI in Louisiana

In Louisiana, to be eligible for SSDI, you need to have a disability as defined by the SSA, and you need to have earned enough work credits.

So what exactly does the SSA consider a disability? They have a very specific definition.

How Does the SSA Define Disability?

The SSA has a strict definition of “disability.” People with short-term or partial disabilities do not qualify for SSDI.

The SSA considers you disabled if:

• You can't do the work that you did before
• You can't adjust to other work because of your medical conditions
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death

What Are Work Credits?

Work credits are earned as you pay Social Security taxes. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.

Most people need 40 credits to qualify for SSDI, and 20 work credits must have been earned during the last 10 years leading up to the disability. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

If a homemaker is married to someone eligible for Social Security, and the spouse passes away or if the homemaker is divorced from an eligible worker, they may qualify for SSDI benefits as a surviving spouse or divorced spouse.

How to Apply for SSDI in Louisiana

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Louisiana is a straightforward process, though it may take time to gather all necessary documentation.

You can apply online, by phone, or in person. Applying online is the fastest and most convenient option. To do so, visit the Social Security Administration's website and log in to your mySocialSecurity account.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

To apply in person, visit your local Social Security office.

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI in Louisiana

When applying for SSDI, you'll need to gather the necessary information and documents.

Here's what you'll need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your birth or baptismal certificate
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that treated you
• Names and dosages of your medications
• Medical records and laboratory test results
• A summary of where you've worked and what kind of work you did
• Your most recent W-2 form or federal tax return

You may have a lot of paperwork to organize. However, it's very important to provide complete and accurate information or your application may be denied.

Appeal Process

If your SSDI application gets denied, don't lose hope. Many people are initially denied but successfully appeal the decision. You have the right to protest the decision and file an appeal.

In Louisiana, there are four levels of appeal:

Reconsideration: This is a complete review of your claim by someone who wasn't involved in the initial decision.

Hearing by an administrative law judge: If your claim is denied at the reconsideration level, you can request a hearing by a judge who had no part in the original decision or the reconsideration.

Review by the Appeals Council: If you disagree with the hearing decision, you can ask for a review by the SSA's Appeals Council.

Federal Court review: If the Appeals Council decision is still unsatisfactory, your last resort is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court.

Do You Need a Disability Attorney?

While it's not required, having a lawyer can greatly improve your chances of getting SSDI benefits. A disability attorney can help you fill out your application, gather necessary medical evidence, prepare for your hearing, and navigate the appeals process if your claim is denied.

Disability lawyers understand the intricacies of the SSDI system. They know how to present a case effectively to the SSA, which can often make the difference between a successful and an unsuccessful claim.

Disability lawyers usually work on a contingency basis, and only get paid if you win your claim. Typically, they receive a portion of your back pay if your application is approved &mdash either 25% of your back pay, or $7,200, whichever is less. The maximum a disability attorney can charge is $7,200.

SSI Program in Louisiana

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program is designed to help older adults, blind individuals, and people with disabilities who have little to no income. It provides cash assistance to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.

The SSI program is managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), but the state of Louisiana supplements the federal benefit amount, increasing the total assistance an eligible individual or family can receive.

How to Qualify for SSI

To qualify for SSI in Louisiana, you must meet the federal requirements, which include being 65 or older, blind, or disabled. You must also have limited income and resources. Income includes money earned from work, money from other benefits, and support from family or friends. Resources include things like bank accounts, cash, land, and vehicles. The SSA has specific thresholds for income and resources, which can change each year.

The following groups are eligible for SSI in Louisiana:

• Adults aged 65 and above
• People who are blind
• People who are unable to work because of a disability

You can apply for SSI by visiting the SSA's website and completing the online application. You can also apply in person at a local SSA office. When applying, you'll need to provide various pieces of information, including your Social Security number, proof of age, medical information, and details about your income and resources.

Apply for SSI Benefits Online: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/start.html

Apply By Phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment to file your SSI application.

Being eligible for SSI in Louisiana may also automatically qualify you for other significant benefits, such as Medicaid and SNAP food assistance. Applying for these benefits can be an important step towards improving the quality of life for Louisiana residents.

Louisiana - Social Security Disability Office Locations