HOW TO APPLY FOR A DISABILITY CLAIM

To start up the Social Security disability claim process, the claimant must file the initial application paperwork. The Social Security application may be completed online or in person at your local Social Security office. The online disability application can be found here.

When you file your initial application, have all of your personal information ready. Besides you Social Security number and other basic information, you will need to list such things as your employers for the last 15 years, descriptions of activities you are not able to do, a list of your medications, a list of your hospitals, and a list of your doctors.

In order to present a successful disability claim, the claimant must prove that they are experiencing medical problems that will prevent them from working for the next year or that they have a condition which prevented them from working for the last year. The proof the Administration uses to grant benefits, is the medical records. Regardless of the statements you make to the Administration, they require proof from your doctor to back up your claims regarding your condition. Therefore it is necessary to tell your doctor about your limitations, including any functional limitations you have that prevent you from working. If the doctor writes down your limitations in your medical records, you have a much greater chance of success than if you rely solely on your statements regarding your limitations.

Once your claim is denied, it is time to call an attorney. You have 60 days from the date of your denial to file an appeal, therefore you should find representation quickly, in order to move on to the next step in the claims process. I represent Social Security disability clients for SSI and SSDI claims in Louisiana, specifically in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Metairie, Lafayette, Opelousas, Alexandria, Denham Springs, Hammond, Shreveport, Bossier City, Haughton, Vivian, Monroe, and Ruston. If you have any questions regarding the process or would like to discuss representation, please feel free to contact me at 225-281-7715 for our Baton Rouge office or 318-618-0303 for our Shreveport, or email my office today at jeff@nicholsonlawfirmllc.com.