Louisiana SSDI Application Guide: Get Approved for Benefits

Processing an SSDI Application in Louisiana can feel daunting when facing a disability. But fear not! Seeking help from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in Monroe, LA office doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This guide provides valuable insights to help you achieve a successful SSDI application in Louisiana. 

An SSDI application is the process of applying for Social Security Disability Insurance. This federal program provides financial assistance to residents of Louisiana, like Monroe, who are disabled and have a limited ability to work. It’s crucial because it offers a vital safety net, helping individuals cover basic needs like food and shelter while they manage their disability.

Short Summary

  • Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Monroe, Louisiana, can be challenging, but understanding key aspects can increase your chances of approval. Familiarize yourself with SSRs, HALLEX, and POMS policies since these can guide favorable decisions. Prove that your disability prevents full-time work by providing detailed medical evidence. Highlight the significance of your regular doctor’s opinion over SSA-appointed doctors. Additionally, be honest about any substance use issues and adhere to prescribed treatments unless justified otherwise. Reopening a denied claim is possible if new evidence or mistakes are found within specific timeframes.
  • To enhance your SSDI application in Louisiana, emphasize that disability means an inability to work full-time. Understand the SSA’s definitions of physical activity levels for different job categories and use them to show your limitations. Counter any unfavorable opinions from SSA-appointed doctors by highlighting the thoroughness and consistency of your regular doctor’s evaluations. Honesty about substance use and compliance with medical treatments is crucial unless valid reasons for non-compliance exist. Lastly, know claims can be reopened if new medical evidence or SSA errors are identified within certain periods.

 

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

If you are blind, disabled, or 65 years or older and have limited income and resources, you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also known as Title XVI. This program provides financial assistance to meet basic needs. 

On the other hand, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), also called Title II, is for disabled or blind individuals who have worked long enough and paid enough Social Security taxes. This program offers financial support to those who can no longer work due to their disability.

Maximizing Your Chances:  Essential Tips To Strengthen Your SSDI Application in Monroe, LA

Getting approved for SSDI in Louisiana can be tough, so it’s crucial to know tips to increase your chances of success. Here are the useful tips for a successful SSDI application in Louisiana:

Reference Social Security Rulings (SSRs), HALLEX, & POMS Policies When Favorable

Think of SSRs as winning arguments the SSA has already made. They’re like published examples that show how the SSA decides certain disability cases. These are important because judges usually agree with the SSA’s reasoning in SSRs. You can find them online on the SSA’s website.

Disability Means Inability to Work Full-Time

The SSA considers someone able to work at the final step of their disability review if they can do a regular job for 40 hours a week. That means showing up on time and working a set schedule most of the time. They’ll also consider if you’d miss a lot of work for doctor visits or treatments related to your disability. Even if your condition makes a typical 40-hour workweek difficult, applying for SSDI with the SSA Monroe, LA office can still be a viable option.

Take note of the definitions of “occasionally” and “frequently” to show your client’s inability to light or sedentary work

The SSA has different categories for how much physical activity a job requires. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Easy jobs (sedentary): These involve mostly sitting, but you might need to walk or stand for a short time now and then. You might also occasionally lift or carry light things like folders or small tools.
  • Light jobs: These involve frequently lifting or carrying things up to 10 pounds, like a backpack full of books.
  • Medium jobs: These involve frequently lifting or carrying things up to 25 pounds, like a box of groceries.

Here’s a tip: The SSA uses a dictionary to define words like “occasional” and “frequent.”  This dictionary says “occasional” means doing something for up to a third of your workday, and “frequent” means doing something for a third to two-thirds of your workday.  You can mention this to the judge (ALJ) handling your case and to your doctor when they assess your abilities.

Mitigate the impact of unfavorable non-treating medical opinion

Sometimes, the SSA sends you to their chosen doctor to examine you for your disability case. This doctor’s opinion might not be the most important because:

  • They might not have seen all your medical records. That includes recent doctor visits or letters from your regular doctor that explain your condition better.
  • They might not have reviewed your records carefully. If the doctor doesn’t mention looking at your medical history, it’s important to point that out.
  • They might not explain their decision well. If their reason for disagreeing with your disability seems unclear, you can argue that.
  • They might not have spent enough time with you. If the exam felt rushed, you can mention that in your case.

This doctor’s opinion is just one piece of the puzzle. The SSA should consider all your medical evidence, not just their doctor’s exam.

Your Regular Doctor’s Opinion Matters More

The SSA usually listens more to your regular doctor than a doctor they pick for your case. That is because your regular doctor knows you better. They’ve seen you for a long time and understand your condition. They also have records of your treatments and test results.

The SSA should agree with your doctor’s opinion about your disability if:

  • They have good proof. That means using medical tests and exams to support their decision.
  • Their opinion makes sense with all the other evidence.

Even if the SSA doesn’t fully agree with your doctor at first, they should still listen carefully. If your doctor’s reasoning isn’t clear, the SSA should ask them for more details.

Be Honest About Substance Use

Sometimes, the judge (ALJ) might ask you about drug or alcohol use during your disability hearing. Here’s the thing: Having a problem with drugs or alcohol doesn’t automatically mean you can’t get disability benefits.

The judge might be mistaken:

  • Some judges might think no one with drug or alcohol problems can get benefits. That’s not true!
  • Some judges might not like people who struggle with these issues.

Here’s when you might still qualify for benefits:

  • You have a mental health condition along with your drug or alcohol problem.
  • You have a lasting health problem caused by drugs or alcohol, even if you stop using them. That could be something like liver damage or memory problems.

Be honest about your situation. If you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, be upfront with the judge.

Following Your Doctor’s Orders Matters

If your regular doctor prescribes treatment for your disability, you should usually follow their advice. This treatment could help you get better and return to work. However, there are some exceptions:

  • The treatment won’t help you work. If the doctor’s plan wouldn’t improve your ability to work, then not following it won’t hurt your chances of getting disability benefits.
  • You have a reason for not following it. Maybe your mental health condition makes it hard to understand or follow the treatment plan. The judge will consider this.
  • There’s a good reason you can’t follow it. Here are some examples:
    • You couldn’t find free treatment.
    • You couldn’t afford the medicine or treatment.
    • The treatment has serious risks.
    • You’ve tried similar treatments before and they didn’t work.

Getting a Second Chance with Social Security Disability

The SSA can sometimes revisit old disability claims. Here are a few reasons why they might reopen a case:

  • Mental Health Issues: If you had a mental health condition that made it hard to understand your rights or appeal your first decision, you might be able to reopen your claim even if it was a long time ago.
  • Recent Decisions: If the SSA just denied your claim for disability benefits, you have one year to ask them to look at it again for any reason.
  • New Information or Mistakes: You might be able to reopen your claim within a few years (4 years for SSDI) and 2 years for SSI) if you have new evidence about your disability, or if the SSA made a mistake in your first decision. Here are some examples of new evidence:
    • New medical records show your condition has worsened.
    • Proof that the SSA made a mistake in your file.

Navigate Your SSDI Application in Louisiana with Confidence: Our Disability Lawyer Can Help You!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the paperwork and process, don’t worry – that’s completely normal. If you need help with your SSDI application in Louisiana, talk to our social security disability lawyer today!  We can explain your options, navigate the complexities of the SSA application process, and increase your chances of a successful outcome at the SSA Monroe, LA office.

For over 35 years, E. Orum Young Law has been helping people with their SSDI application in Louisiana. We know applying for disability benefits can be confusing, and we’re here to listen to your situation. We’ll work with you one-on-one to ensure you get the legal help you need. We handle SSDI and SSI concerns. Get a free case review now!