Slidell Social Security Disability Lawyers
Helping those with disabilities in Slidell obtain their benefits
Is a disability affecting your capacity to work? If you contributed to the Social Security system, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA evaluates whether an individual meets the criteria for receiving disability benefits.
Have your Social Security benefits been denied? Don't lose hope—initial applications are often turned down. At the Law Office of James A. Graham, our attorneys understand what is required to collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. We make sure you have the proper medical documentation, handle claims, address denials, and advocate for your rights in front of SSA administrative judges. Contact our Social Security disability lawyers in Slidell to claim what is rightfully yours.
How can we help?
- What are the wage requirements for obtaining Social Security disability benefits?
- What are the disability requirements for obtaining Social Security disability benefits?
- What types of impairments qualify me for SSDI benefits?
- Can my Slidell SSDI claim be expedited?
- Can I still qualify for SSDI if I don’t have a listed impairment?
- How do your Slidell lawyers fight for SSDI claimants?
- Do you have a Slidell Social Security Disability Income lawyer near me?
What are the wage requirements for obtaining Social Security disability benefits?
To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must establish that you are "insured," meaning that you have worked a sufficient amount in recent years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your Social Security payments for each year of employment.
The SSA generally requires individuals to accumulate an adequate number of work credits—up to four credits each year—to collect benefits. Earning a specific minimum amount ($1,510 for 2022) is necessary to gain a credit. The total number of credits needed varies depending on the age you become disabled. Forty credits (equivalent to 10 years of work), with at least 20 of those credits earned in the decade preceding the onset of the disability, are usually required.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are not only for disabled workers. Spouses aged 62 or older, those with disabilities, or individuals caring for a child under 16 may also qualify. Spouses, former spouses, and disabled children may also be eligible for survivor's benefits.
Some individuals, including widows, widowers, surviving spouses who are divorced (those aged 50 to 60 who meet SSDI disability criteria), and dependent children, may qualify for SSDI. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may also be eligible if their parent is deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits. This is referred to as a "child's" benefit.
Our SSDI lawyers in Slidell will determine your eligibility by carefully assessing your work history, and help you provide the documents needed to verify your work history.
What are the disability requirements for obtaining Social Security disability benefits?
You must be completely disabled (not partially disabled) to qualify for SSDI benefits. Total disability meets the following criteria:
- Inability to work or participate in substantial gainful activity due to a medical condition
- Unable to perform a previous job or any other work due to a medical condition
- A medical condition likely to persist for a year or more, or lead to death.
What types of impairments qualify me for SSDI benefits?
Disabilities involve physical and mental impairments. The SSA maintains a list of medical conditions (impairments) determined to be severe enough to keep someone from participating in “substantial gainful activity.” The SSA initially reviews whether your medical condition is included in the list of impairments. If it is not, they will determine whether your condition is as severe as those listed and if it impedes substantial gainful activity for at least a year.
The Listing of Impairments includes impairments considered severe enough to stop someone from engaging in any gainful activity. The adult impairment list covers numerous disorders, including:
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Special senses and speech
- Respiratory disorders
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Genitourinary disorders
- Hematological disorders
- Skin disorders
- Endocrine disorders
- Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
- Neurological disorders
- Mental disorders
- Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
- Immune system disorders
The Law Firm of James A. Graham has successfully handled numerous Social Security Disability (SSD) cases involving conditions like spinal cord injuries, orthopedic injuries, diabetes, learning disabilities, psychological disorders, and arthritis.
Can my Slidell SSDI claim be expedited?
There are two ways to speed up your claim:
- Compassionate Allowances: The SSA will expedite claims for terminal diseases once you have a confirmed diagnosis. Examples of such diseases include pancreatic cancer, acute leukemia, and Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS).
- Quick Disability Determinations (QDD): The SSA uses a computer screening process to identify claims that are most likely to get approved.
The SSA also fast-tracks claims from wounded warriors, veterans, and individuals who are blind or have low vision.
Can I still qualify for SSDI if I don’t have a listed impairment?
Yes, even if your specific condition is not listed, you may still be eligible for SSDI if your impairment is severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work. The SSA reviews your overall medical condition and considers factors like your ability to work, the severity of your impairment, and if your condition prevents you from engaging in gainful activity.
How do your Slidell lawyers fight for SSDI claimants?
Effective presentation of evidence is essential to obtain a favorable decision for disability benefits. Our goal is to help you present your case persuasively. Perseverance is vital, even when faced with initial denials, and we are dedicated to advocating for our clients. If you’re not eligible for Social Security Disability eligibility, we will explore the possibility of securing benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
While many attorneys claim to handle SSDI claims in Louisiana, we focus on supporting individuals in Slidell, the Greater New Orleans area, and throughout South Louisiana. Although the SSDI application process can be overwhelming, our commitment to offering face-to-face consultations helps relieve our clients’ stress.
As a local firm, we prioritize personalized service. We will stand by you, represent your interests in hearings, maintain open communication, and carefully manage every detail throughout the entire process. Our relationships with local medical providers enable us to help uninsured or financially strapped clients obtain resources for free or reduced-cost healthcare treatments and prescription medications.
Do you have a Slidell Social Security Disability Income lawyer near me?
The Law Office of James A. Graham has locations in Slidell, New Orleans, and throughout South Louisiana. We also offer phone or video conferences for those unable to travel.
Contact our experienced Slidell Social Security disability lawyers today
We understand the fear associated with disability and loss of income. At the Law Office of James A. Graham, we work with your medical professionals to prove that your disability falls under the list of impairments, hampers your ability to work, or is likely to lead to death. We are committed to advocating for you at every stage to establish your eligibility based on your medical condition. You can call us or complete our contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your situation with an experienced Slidell SSDI attorney.