Struggling with Social Security Disability? A New Orleans Disability Lawyer Could Boost Your Claim Success
Having a representative gives you a big advantage.
Having a disability lawyer knowledgeable in Social Security claims is invaluable.
From our law office, our LJBLegal team, led by an experienced Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyer, is your partner to guide you through this process.
You wanted to get back to work as quickly as possible after your illness or injury.
But as the weeks went by, that hope drifted further and further away, and now your doctor has said that you may not ever be able to perform your old job again. You have likely tried to get back to work in Mid-City a few times and came to the daunting realization that no matter how much you want to, you just can't.
You may not be able to walk, sleep through the night, or get through the day without severe pain!
And then your application for Social Security disability is DENIED.
You paid for your Social Security benefits with every paycheck, and now can’t get them when you need them!
You’re frustrated by the system and scared of the future, and you don’t know where to turn.
Above all, you can’t believe you’re expected to deal with a mountain of paperwork while you’re struggling just to make it through the day.
What Conditions Qualify for Disability in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, the rules for getting disability benefits are the same as in other states. This is because these benefits are part of national programs run by the U.S. Government.
To get disability benefits, you must have a health problem that:
- A doctor can confirm
- Makes it hard to impossible for you to work
- Will last at least one year or might cause death
The government has a list of health problems that can qualify you for benefits. If your condition is on this list and is as serious as the list describes, you may automatically qualify.
Some common categories of conditions that may qualify for disability benefits include:
- Musculoskeletal System Disorders:
- Examples: Back injuries, herniated discs, arthritis, fractures, joint dysfunction, and spinal disorders.
- Cardiovascular System Disorders:
- Examples: Heart disease, chronic heart failure, coronary artery disease, and hypertension-related complications.
- Respiratory Disorders:
- Examples: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, cystic fibrosis, and emphysema.
- Neurological Disorders:
- Examples: Epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, cerebral palsy, and migraines.
- Mental Disorders:
- Examples: Depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and intellectual disabilities.
- Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases):
- Certain types of cancer, depending on their severity and stage, can qualify automatically, such as breast, lung, liver, and pancreatic cancers.
- Immune System Disorders:
- Examples: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, HIV/AIDS, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- Endocrine Disorders:
- Examples: Diabetes (with complications), thyroid disorders, and other glandular conditions.
- Digestive System Disorders:
- Examples: Liver disease, Crohn's disease, chronic pancreatitis, and colitis.
- Kidney and Urinary Tract Disorders:
- Examples: Chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, and nephrotic syndrome.
- Hematological Disorders:
- Examples: Sickle cell anemia, hemophilia, and other blood disorders.
- Sensory and Speech Disorders:
- Examples: Blindness, hearing loss, and speech impairments.
What If Your Condition Isn't Listed?
Remember, even if your exact health problem isn't on the government's list, you might still qualify. What matters most is how much your condition affects your ability to work. The impact on your ability to engage in substantial gainful activity is a crucial determinant.
Seeking Guidance
If you're not sure if you qualify, it's a good idea to talk to a lawyer who knows about disability benefits. They can help you understand your options and navigate the application process to improve your chances of approval.
Understanding Disability Criteria in SSDI Requirements
When it comes to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it’s essential to understand that SSDI only recognizes full disability. Here’s a breakdown of the key criteria SSDI uses to determine eligibility:
Full Disability Work Limitations:
To qualify for SSDI, your medical condition must prevent you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity. This means your health condition makes it impossible to maintain employment.
Job Functionality:
Your disability must prevent you from performing not only your past job duties but also from taking on any other work roles in the national economy. SSDI requires a total inability to perform work tasks due to your condition.
Duration of Condition:
The disability must be expected to last for at least a year or result in death. Temporary conditions are not eligible under SSDI’s standards.
No Coverage for Partial Disability:
SSDI does not offer benefits for partial disability. Unlike some private insurance policies, SSDI benefits are reserved for those with severe, long-term disabilities that entirely prevent work. This rigorous standard is designed to assist only those with the most substantial need for financial support due to total work incapacity.
Discover If You're Eligible for Disability Benefits in 60 Seconds
Are you wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)? You're not alone. It's the #1 question we hear.
With our track record of securing benefits for hundreds nationwide, we've developed a simple way to assess your eligibility.
Answer a few quick questions and get an instant evaluation of your SSDI qualification!
Take the 60-Second SSDI Eligibility Quiz Now
How Much Does a New Orleans Disability Lawyer Cost?
Worried about lawyer costs? Rest easy. Our payment structure is simple and risk-free:
- You pay nothing upfront
- We only get paid if you win benefits
- Our fee comes from your back benefits, not your pocket
In short: If we don't win, you don't pay. It's that simple.
What Is the Most a New Orleans Disability Lawyer Can Charge?
The fee for a lawyer representing someone in a Social Security Disability case is typically capped at 25% of the back pay awarded to the claimant, up to a maximum of $7,200. But that is going up to $9200 in November 2024. The client does not have to pay the lawyer unless they win the case and receive back pay.
This fee structure is regulated by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and the lawyer's fees must be approved by the SSA.
Ready to fight for the benefits you deserve?
📞 Call 985-240-9773 now for a free, confidential consultation 🖥️ Or fill out our quick online contact form to get started
Don't let financial worries stop you from seeking the benefits you need. Contact us today!
What is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
While both are managed by the Social Security Administration and share similar medical eligibility criteria, SSI and SSDI are distinct programs designed to help different groups:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
- For those with a qualifying work history
- You've paid into Social Security through your paychecks
- No income or asset limits apply
- Benefit amount based on your work credits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- For those with limited work history or no work history
- Strict income and asset limits apply
- Need-based program for low-income individuals
- Provides a basic financial safety net
Key Takeaway: SSDI is based on your work history, while SSI is need-based.
To determine if you qualify for SSDI benefits, it's crucial to understand the concept of being "insured." This means having a sufficient work history, both in terms of duration and recency. The Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses your eligibility by reviewing your Social Security payments from each year you've worked.
Here's how it works:
-
Earning Work Credits: Each year, you can earn up to four work credits. For 2022, you need to earn at least $1,510 to gain one credit. These credits accumulate based on your earnings.
-
Credit Requirements by Age: The number of credits required depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need 40 credits, which equates to roughly 10 years of work. Importantly, 20 of these credits (or five years of work) must have been earned in the decade before your disability started.
Understanding these criteria is the key to establishing your eligibility for SSDI benefits based on work history.
Not sure which program fits your case? Let's talk it through. Contact us for a free consultation to explore your options and maximize your chances of approval.
When Can I Apply for SSDI Benefits?
The Answer: Right Now!
Many people don't realize that you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits as soon as you are fully disabled. There's no waiting period required.
You're eligible to file your SSDI application:
- The day you receive a disability diagnosis from your doctor
- OR
- The first day your disability prevents you from working
Don't delay - every day you wait could mean lost benefits.
Need help navigating the complex SSDI application process?
A New Orleans Social Security Disability lawyer can guide you every step of the way, increasing your chances of approval and potentially speeding up your claim.
🚀 Take Action: Get Expert Help With Your SSDI Application Today
How Long Can You Receive Disability Benefits?
Your disability benefits aren't a ticking clock - they're designed to support you as long as you need them:
- You'll receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for as long as you meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disabled.
- No arbitrary cut-off date - your benefits continue as long as your condition qualifies.
- Reaching retirement age? Your SSDI seamlessly transitions to regular Social Security retirement benefits, ensuring uninterrupted financial support.
Key Takeaway: SSDI provides long-term financial stability for those unable to work due to disability, potentially lasting until retirement age.
Contact us for a free consultation on securing your SSDI benefits.
How Do You Find a Good Social Security Disability Lawyer in New Orleans?
Here are some questions you might consider asking a disability representative before hiring them:
- If I am not happy with your firm the first 30 days after I hire you, can I discharge you as my attorney, take my case, and owe you nothing? The answer should be yes.
- Will your office be communicating with the Social Security Administration on my case? Yes, we will.
- Can you copy me on everything you do for my case? Yes.
- Have you ever been disciplined by the State Bar of Louisiana? No.
- Are you covered by a legal malpractice insurance policy? Yes.
- How much experience does your firm have in representing Social Security Disability clients? Take a look at our reviews on Google, Facebook, or Avvo.
- So, what do we have to prove to win my benefits? The representative should be able to describe this concisely to you!
