In the United States, disability benefits for most Americans are covered and paid for by the Social Security Administration (a government agency). There are two main programs administered by the SSA; Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. There is also a specific program for children with disabilities.
According to the most recent statistics from the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than ten million people receive Social Security disability payouts. In 2015, 8.9 million disabled workers, over 1 million handicapped adults, and 259,000 disabled widows and widowers made up this total. In addition, benefits are paid to 141,000 wives and 1.6 million school children of disabled workers.
This short article will focus on the state of Louisiana and the process involved in applying for disability in the city of New Orleans.
In New Orleans, over 58 percent of people who petition for disability benefits are denied at the outset. This decision usually takes three to four months to arrive, and you have 60 days to appeal a disability denial after you receive it.
You can apply for disability benefits in New Orleans through one of these ways:
- Online – visit the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov
- Via telephone – call 800-772-1213.
- In person – at an SSA field office (find the nearest one at www.ssa.gov/locator).
- If you’re applying for SSI, you can do so in-person or via telephone, but the SSI application is not available online.
Application through SSA’s website
To start your application on www.ssa.gov, go to the Apply for Benefits page, and read and agree to the Terms of Service. Click “Next.”
- On that page, review the “Getting Ready” section to make sure you have the information you need to apply.
- Select “Start A New Application.”
- We will ask a few questions about who is filling out the application.
- You will then sign into your “my Social Security account”, or you will be prompted to create one.
- Complete the application.
You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you:
- Are age 18 or older.
- Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
- Are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death; and
- Have not been denied for disability in the last 60 days.
Apply with Your Local Office
You can do most of your business with Social Security online. If you cannot use these online services, your local Social Security office can help you apply. Although our offices are closed to the public, employees from those offices are assisting people by telephone. You can find the phone number for your local office by using our Office Locator and looking under Social Security Office Information. The toll-free “Office” number is your local office.1
Note that it is imperative to follow due process in filing for disability in Louisiana to avoid hiccups or denials.
Get the Help of a New Orleans SSDI Attorney
Having an experienced social security disability attorney in New Orleans help you through the application process is one of the best ways to get approved for benefits. Talk to a New Orleans disability attorney today.
Nothing posted on this website is intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice. Blog postings and site content are available for general education purposes only.