Understanding SSDI Benefits And Your Rights

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal entitlement designed to provide disabled workers with income and (via Medicaid) insurance coverage. However, the SSDI application process can be tedious, confusing and stressful – and small mistakes can lead to unfair denials.

I am attorney William R. Long, and I have more than 35 years of experience helping disabled workers in Louisiana receive the SSDI benefits they deserve. I take a hands-on, personalized approach to every claim, which has earned me the distinction of being named one of the top 100 attorneys in the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area.

Who Is Eligible For SSDI?

SSDI has specific qualifications. In general:

• The disabled individual must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years to be considered “insured” for SSDI. The amount of work someone needs to be insured for SSDI depends upon their age at the time they became disabled.
• The disability applicant must have a medical condition that prevents them from working at their current job, previous jobs or other jobs for which they might be qualified.

Finally, the disability applicant’s condition must either have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or end in death to qualify for benefits. There is no such thing as “short-term” or “temporary” SSDI.

What Is The SSDI Application Process?

Applying for SSDI involves several steps:

• Filing an application: Applicants can apply online, by phone or at a local Social Security office. They must provide personal details about their condition, medical care, education, daily activities and work history.
• Medical evaluation: The Social Security Administration (SSA) then reviews the applicant’s medical evidence to determine whether their condition meets the criteria for disability.
• Decision and appeals: SSA will eventually issue a decision based on the evidence. If denied, applicants can appeal the decision through reconsideration requests and, if necessary, a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ).

It takes approximately seven months to receive an initial decision. If the claim is denied, the appeals process can take more than a year. That is why it is so critical to seek guidance at the outset, since that can help you present your case for benefits most effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions About Securing Disability Benefits

Seeking disability benefits often brings up complex questions about your legal options, medical records and individual work history. The administrative rules governing federal disability programs are detailed, and even minor oversights can stall your financial recovery. I have answered several of the most frequent inquiries from local claimants below to help you better understand the process.

How do I know if I have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI?

Work credits are calculated based on your total annual earnings from jobs covered by Social Security. Generally, you can earn up to four credits per year, and the total required depends on your age when the disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, whereas older individuals typically need 40 credits, with 20 earned within the last 10 years before becoming disabled.

Reviewing your online Social Security statement provides a clear summary of your earnings history and current credit status. Claimants can verify their exact insured status by accessing their personal account on the official Social Security website.

Does Social Security have a list of qualifying disabilities (Blue Book), and how is it used?

Yes, the SSA maintains a primary registry of qualifying medical conditions commonly referred to as the Blue Book. This manual outlines specific medical criteria, severity standards and diagnostic evidence required for various physical and mental impairments.

If your medical records demonstrate that your diagnosis meets or equals a specific listing, your claim may be approved automatically during the medical evaluation stage. However, failing to meet a listed condition does not mean your claim is automatically denied. Claims can still succeed by proving through detailed medical records that your overall impairment prevents any gainful employment.

What happens at an ALJ hearing?

An ALJ hearing is the second level of appeal, taking place only after an initial claim and a formal request for reconsideration have both been denied. During this proceeding, you present your case directly to an administrative judge who reviews your file independently from prior decision-makers. The judge asks detailed questions about your medical condition, daily functional limitations and past work history to evaluate your claim firsthand.

Independent medical and vocational experts are also frequently called to testify regarding your remaining work capacity and job availability in the national economy. This environment provides a fresh opportunity for direct testimony and a comprehensive examination of all medical documentation in your file.

Get Started With A Free Consultation

I work on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not owe me anything unless I am successful. You can reach my Bossier City firm, William R. Long, Attorney at Law, by calling 318-562-1440 or reaching out online.