As the jobs picture in many parts of Louisiana continues to be depressed, many of my clients are filing for disability but have also applied for unemployment benefits. In many hearings, my SSDI clients are being asked by judges if they have filed for unemployment benefits. The issue for your disability case is this: when…
What is Fibromyalgia? Can I receive Social Security Disability benefits for Fibromyalgia? Tips for Social Security Disability Application for Fibromyalgia _____________________________________________________ What is Fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that affects about 5 million Americans. The hallmark of fibromyalgia is muscle pain throughout the body, typically accompanied by: • Fatigue • Sleep problems •…
As a Louisiana Social Security Disability Attorney, I am sometimes asked by claimants and others “What if I die before my SSDI application is approved?” While many of us do not like to think of such things, this question does have an answer. With the long wait times between initial applications and hearing decisions (or…
Social Security recipients, including New Orleans Social Security Disability recipients, have received welcome news today – their checks will be going up for the first time since 2009. There was no COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) in 2010 or 2011. The increase is expected to be approximately 3.5%. You can find a story on the…
Many Social Security Disability applicants in the New Orleans area and beyond are confused when they receive a partially favorable decision. Two common questions I hear are “Can I appeal a Partially Favorable decision by an ALJ?” and “If I appeal the decision, can I lose my awarded benefits?”. A partially favorable decision occurs when…
Myth No. 1: The SSA tells you the whole truth. Unfortunately, some of the advice Social Security Administration (SSA) employees provide to the public is incorrect. Don’t get me wrong, I do not believe that these employees set out to deliberately misinform people about the Social Security Disability Income benefits process, but clients have relayed…
Alcohol and drug addiction is prevalent throughout our society, not just in New Orleans as some would have us believe. As a social security disability attorney, I am often asked how people with drug or alcohol addiction are able to get disability benefits. I have also been asked whether having a drug addiction or being…
The surprising answer is – YOU DON’T NEED TO WAIT!! You can file for social security disability benefits on the day that your doctor diagnoses you with a disability, or on the first day you can no longer work because of your disability. Many people mistakenly believe that they must be disabled for a certain…
Congratulations! Your social security disability benefits claim was approved. If you are like most of my Louisiana disability clients, after your SSDI claim has been approved – you want to know - WHEN WILL I GET THE DISABILITY BENEFITS I HAVE BEEN AWARDED? It will usually take a few months for your benefits to start…
You can apply for social security disability benefits or supplemental security income benefits in a number of ways. The best and most reliable method is to go to your local social security office and apply in person. I am listing a few Louisiana Social Security Offices here for your reference. 1616 Joe Yenni Blvd, Kenner,…