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As the jobs picture in many parts of Louisiana continues to be depressed, many of my clients are filing for disability but have also applied for unemployment benefits. In many of my hearings, my Social Security disability clients are being asked by judges if they have filed for unemployment benefits. The issue for your disability …

The SSA Reinstates Continuing Disability Reviews In June 2024, the SSA suspended Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) for the remainder of the 2024 fiscal year. In October, SSA reinstated CDRs. This move may significantly impact those already relying on Social Security Disability benefits along with those in the application and reconsideration processes. This suspension through the …

As a Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer, I understand that attending and participating in a Social Security disability benefits hearing can be scary for you. Sometimes the unknown is the scariest part. In fact, most of my clients have never been through anything similar to their disability hearing. It usually calms their fears to know …

Filing for Social Security Disability (SSD) or supplemental security income (SSI) benefits can be a long process. It typically requires you to wait for months before you get a response from anyone at the SSA.Your wait is particularly difficult when you are struggling to pay your bills because you cannot work. You are anxious to …

If you find yourself unable to work, it is important to know what your claim options are.As a Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer who talks to people every day about their options for disability benefits, I realize many people don’t understand the differences between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both …

The Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2025. This year’s increase is more in line with past raises like last year’s 3.2% but is the smallest since 2021. A vast difference from 2023’s 8.7% increase, the highest in 40 years due to post-Covid inflation. These COLA increases follow a 5.9% increase …

Social Security Disability (SSD or Title II) benefits are available to people who have enough work credits before becoming disabled.Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title XVI) benefits are available to people who are disabled but who also meet the income and resource limits to qualify.Depending on your circumstance, you may qualify for one or both …

The letter comes in the mail and the first thing you see is “NOTICE OF DISAPPROVED CLAIM.” You’re not even sure what that means, but you figure it’s not good. Have you applied for Social Security Disability but your SSDI claim has been DENIED? If so, you’re in the right place. As a New Orleans …

Many Social Security Disability cases come down to credibility. That is, does the judge believe you and believe you are disabled? Are you trustworthy? In determining your credibility, the judge expects your statements about your symptoms to remain consistent. As a Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer serving clients nationwide, I can describe some factors the judge …

We have all heard the old saying – “Actions Speak Louder Than Words!” As a Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer, I know this could not be truer than in your disability claim.  Here are a few examples: Claimant’s medical records show little to no medical care in past 4 years and only two emergency room …

As I was preparing a presentation for the Louisiana Bar Association’s Solo and Small Firm Conference in New Orleans next month, I had the opportunity to compare approval rates at Social Security Administrative Law Judge stage over the past few years. What is the SSDI Approval Rate at the ALJ Hearing Level? Data published by SSA …

I recently had two hearings as a Louisiana Social Security disability lawyer with clients who were, in my estimation, disabled according to Social Security rules at the time of the hearing.Both clients had Consultative Examination (CE) reports in their Social Security file supporting their claims of disability. Both clients were alleging disability going back to …