Shreveport Social Security Disability Lawyers

When you’re injured or disabled and can’t work, it can be incredibly difficult to support yourself and your family. This challenge touches every part of your life—making it hard to stay independent, manage your finances, and cope with the stress that comes with a disability. The financial pressure can quickly become overwhelming, adding to an already tough situation.

If you’re in this position, you might be eligible for financial assistance through the Social Security Disability (SSDI) program. However, applying for SSDI can be complicated and frustrating, especially if you’re trying to navigate it alone. 

That’s where the dedicated Louisiana Social Security disability lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys can help. With their experience, they can guide you through the process, working hard to get your SSDI claim approved so you can receive the benefits you deserve.

What is Social Security Disability (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides financial support to people who can’t work because of a serious disability. 

To qualify for SSDI, you need a medical condition that will last at least one year or is life-threatening. You also need to earn enough work credits through your previous jobs.

According to the SSA, several medical impairments can make you eligible for SSDI benefits, including:

• Musculoskeletal disorders: Such as arthritis or chronic back pain
• Mental health conditions: Including depression or anxiety
• Neurological disorders: Like Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Cancer
• Blindness
• Deafness

It’s also worth mentioning that there’s another program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides financial aid to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history or specific disability.

Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance?

Before applying for SSDI, it’s essential to determine if you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) eligibility criteria. The SSA considers five main questions to decide whether you qualify for benefits:

1. Are You Currently Working?
   If you are working, your average monthly earnings must be below the SSA’s limit, which is currently $1,350 (or $2,260 if you’re blind).
   
   
2. Does Your Condition Count as a Disability?
   To qualify, your medical condition must prevent you from working or doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) and will last at least one year or result in death.
   
   
3. Is Your Condition on the SSA’s List?
   The SSA has a list of impairments that automatically qualify as disabilities. If your condition isn’t on the list, they will evaluate whether it is as severe as the listed conditions.
   
   
4. Can You Do the Work You Did Before?
   If you can still perform the job you had before your injury or illness, you might not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
   
   
5. Can You Do Other Work?
   The SSA will also consider whether you can adjust to other types of work based on your condition, age, education, experience, and skills.

Navigating SSDI eligibility can be challenging, and if they deny your application, you can appeal the decision. 

Having an experienced advocate on your side can make a big difference in this process. The Shreveport personal injury attorneys at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys are here to guide you through every step and help you get the benefits you deserve.

How Do I Apply for Social Security in Shreveport?

If you’re looking to apply for SSDI after a disabling accident, you’ll need to gather some key information and documents found in the Adult Disability Checklist:

1. Personal Information: Your date and place of birth.
   
   
2. Spouse Information: Names of your current and any previous spouses, along with the dates of your marriages.
   
   
3. Dependent Children: The names and birthdates of any dependent children.
   
   
4. Military Service: Details of any U.S. Military service, if applicable.
   
   
5. Employment History: Information about your employment or self-employment over the last two years.
   
   
6. Banking Information: Your bank account details for direct deposit.
   
   
7. Medical Records: Documentation from your doctors, hospitals, and clinics, including any workers’ compensation claims, your work history, and proof of education or training.

Once you’ve collected all the necessary information, you can submit your SSDI application to the U.S. Social Security Administration either by phone, in person, or online. 

If you qualify, they will send your case to the Louisiana Disability Determination Services office, where they will make the final decision on your disability claim.

This process may seem like a lot to handle, but having a Shreveport disability benefits lawyer help you prepare the right information can make it much easier.

Why You Need a Shreveport SSDI Attorney

Navigating the Social Security Disability application process can feel intimidating and time-consuming. Nationwide, they deny approximately 60% of initial applications, so having a dedicated Shreveport SSDI attorney on your side can make all the difference in securing the benefits you need.

At Gordon McKernan Injury Lawyers, we’re deeply committed to supporting our local community, especially those facing the challenges of living with a disability. Our seasoned attorneys know Louisiana disability laws and procedures, with a proven history of helping Shreveport residents successfully obtain their SSDI benefits

Benefits of Working with Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys:

• Local Knowledge: We understand the specific requirements and processes of the Shreveport Social Security office.
  
  
• Experience You Can Trust: Our disability claims attorneys have extensive experience handling SSDI claims and appeals.
  
  
• Personalized Attention: We take the time to understand your individual situation and develop a winning strategy for your case.
  
  
• Application Assistance: We guide you through the entire application process, gathering necessary medical documentation and ensuring your application is complete and accurate.
  
  
• Appeals Support: If they deny your initial application, we will represent you throughout the appeals process.

The Shreveport SSDI Application Process

Applying for SSDI can be easier to navigate when broken down into these simple steps:

1. Initial Application: Start by submitting a comprehensive application form, along with all necessary medical documentation to support your claim.
   
   
2. Medical Evaluation: The Social Security Administration (SSA) will review your medical records to determine the extent of your disability. In some cases, they may require you to undergo an examination by a doctor appointed by the SSA.
   
   
3. Determination: The Louisiana Disability Determination Services (DDS) office will review your case and make a decision on your application.
   
   
4. Hearing (if necessary): If they deny your initial application, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge to appeal the decision.

Appealing a Denied SSDI Claim

If your initial application is denied, don’t lose hope. They approve many successful SSDI claims during the appeals process. Our experienced attorneys are ready to guide you through this process, helping you improve your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.

Contact Our Shreveport Social Security Lawyers

The SSDI lawyers at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys have 679+ years of combined legal experience working with disabled workers and the Shreveport Social Security office, guiding their appeals through the process.

Give us a call at for a free legal consultation on your case and get the support you need to move forward.

Get Gordon. Get It Done!