Social Security Disability

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

TOO HURT TO WORK™? CONTACT OUR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY ATTORNEYS

When you have worked hard your entire life, it can be disappointing to see that the system in place for disabled workers is difficult to navigate. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or SSD) is sometimes known as “workers’ disability.” SSDI is a Social Security program that pays monthly benefits to people who become disabled when they are unable to work before reaching retirement age.

LOUISIANA SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYERS

Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Your first hurdle to receiving SSDI benefits will be to show you have worked a certain amount of time in a job where you paid FICA taxes. Typically, you earn up to four work credits per year, and SSDI eligibility requires that you have earned a specific number of work credits. The number of work credits you need to qualify for will depend on how old you were when you became disabled. For example, a person who is 50 years old at the time they become disabled will need 28 work credits—to have worked for at least seven years, with at least five of those taking place within the past ten years. 

SSDI Medical Eligibility

Assuming you have enough work credits, you must also have a medical condition that is considered severe and long-term. The term “severe” means your medical condition must interfere with work-related activities. To meet the “long-term” rule, your condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year.

The Social Security Administration references “substantial gainful activity”—if you have been unable to perform substantial gainful activity for at least one year, you may qualify for total disability. If you have been working, making at least $1,220 per month, your SSDI benefits may be denied by the Social Security Administration.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

It can be challenging to get SSDI benefits on your own. Having experienced Social Security disability lawyers by your side from the time you make your first application can make a world of difference. Even if you are approved right away because you have a severe medical condition (you underwent a kidney transplant, for example), you will still be required to wait five months to begin receiving a monthly check.

If your medical condition is less severe, it could take six months to a year—and at least one appeal—to be approved for SSDI. Since most initial applications for SSDI are denied, at least one appeal will likely be necessary. Instead of wasting time on attempting to get your SSDI benefits on your own, speak to knowledgeable Louisiana Social Security disability lawyers. Your SSDI application outcome can depend on taking this crucial step.

Contact Our Louisiana Social Security Disability Lawyers

At Mitchell & Associates, APLC, our Louisiana Social Security disability lawyers know that SSDI benefits are difficult to get without the help of an experienced law firm. We can help you get the benefits you deserve. Call us at (504) 226-6530 for a free initial consultation. With offices in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, we are here when you need us most.