SSDRC




Filing an Application for Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability List of Impairments

Social Security Disability and SSI Back pay

Social Security Disability Status

SSI Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability and SSI Requirements

Social Security, SSI, and Mental Disability

How Long Does It Take To Get Disability Benefits?

Qualifying: What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability?


Getting a Disability Lawyer in Louisiana for a Social Security or SSI Claim


If you are a resident of Louisiana who is considering filing for disability benefits, you will almost certainly wish to consult a qualified attorney specializing in Louisiana state disability law at some point. This is because, while it is no easy task to win disability cases in any state, those filing in Louisiana are even less likely to be awarded disability benefits than applicants living in other states.

Only 31% of all social security disability insurance (SSDI) or supplemental security income (SSI) cases filed in Louisiana win benefits each year, and only about 33% of all appeals (also called requests for reconsideration or review) to the Louisiana department of disability determination services are successful, which means that many, many Louisiana applicants are denied benefits.

Because the odds of winning disability benefits in Louisiana are so unfavorable, you should definitely consult an attorney or non-attorney rep (non-attorney reps are usually individuals who have worked for DDS or the social security administration in the past, and have a great deal of experience in this area) as soon as you feel you need help. A qualified disability attorney can help you gather your medical records, file all of your documents for you on time (this is especially important if you file an appeal with DDS—if you miss their deadline, your appeal is automatically denied).

If you feel confident filing a disability claim with DDS, and would rather forgo legal counsel at the outset of your case, you are not alone. The majority of individuals filing for disability in Louisiana do not retain a lawyer unless their disability application and appeal have failed, and they are facing their second appeal. If your claim for disability benefits is denied, and your reconsideration appeal fails as well, you should definitely get a disability lawyer before your second appeal, which will take place at a hearing before a federal administrative law judge (ALJ). Statistics indicate that judges are significantly (up to 50 percent) more likely to award benefits to those who are represented by a disability lawyer than those who choose to represent themselves. There is little doubt that at this level of consideration a lawyer can make the difference between a loss and a win, and would be well worth the cost to retain his or her services.

Also, keep in mind that it can take up to a year to get a case heard before an ALJ due to backlogs in the system (the number of people filing for disability benefits has greatly increased over the past few years). Given the long wait to be heard and the unfavorable environment for disability cases in Louisiana, it is strongly recommended that applicants take no chances and retain legal counsel before this last chance to appeal their case.















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  • Social Security Disability & SSI Resource Center

  • Social Security Disability, SSI Questions and Answers














    Questions and Answers about Social Security Disability and SSI Disability


  • Questions about Disability Lawyers and Hiring a Disability Attorney

  • Is there a list of conditions that will Qualify you for Disability Benefits?

  • Can You File For Disability While Receiving Unemployment?

  • Do the Results of the Social Security Psychological Exam have any Bearing on Being Approved?

  • Will You Get Social Security Disability Benefits If You Cannot Work Your Old Job?

  • How Do I Find Out How My Disability Appeal Is Going?

  • Will Your Claim for Disability be Handled Differently if it is Based on a Physical or Mental Problem?

  • Can you appeal a disability claim denial if the deadline has passed ?

  • What happens after I file my disability claim?

  • Disability Attorneys- Will they do your forms for you?

  • If my disability claim is denied do I have to file an appeal to win back pay and monthly benefits?

  • Can a Lawyer Speed Up My Disability Case?

  • Disability Lawyers, Medical Records, and Social Security Hearings - Should you go to a Hearing alone?

  • What does social security mean by disability, i.e. what is the definition?

  • Disability Status - when should I call to check

  • Are SSI claims denied more than Social Security disability claims ?

  • How long will it usually take to get a decision on a disability claim?