Many people believe they qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana, but when they file their initial application, it is denied. There are many reasons for a denial but it is often due to the fact that the Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t believe your medical condition is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits.
If you were denied Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana, you can file an appeal as soon as you receive your denial letter. You are normally given a time limit of 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file a Request for Reconsideration.
Filing an Appeal for Social Security Disability Benefits in Louisiana
When you receive a denial letter you will need to begin gathering more medical evidence which proves your medical condition is severe enough to qualify for disability benefits in Louisiana. When the SSA receives your Request for Reconsideration your case is assessed by an officer who hasn’t seen your application before.
If your application is still denied all is not lost as you can submit a request for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You have 60 days after you receive your last decision to request a hearing. The ALJ may dismiss your appeal if you miss the deadline.
Louisiana ALJ Disability Hearings
At the hearing, the ALJ will explain the issues regarding your case and may question you and any witnesses you bring to the hearing to support your case. The ALJ may ask other witnesses to attend, such as a medical expert or vocational expert.
You and the witnesses are expected to answer questions under oath or affirmation. The hearing is quite informal, but the SSA will still record it. After the hearing, the ALJ will issues a written decision based on all the evidence. The hearing office will send you a copy of the decision. If you don’t disagree with the decision you may file a request for review with the Appeals Council.
Louisiana Office of Hearing Operations Locations
Disability hearings for Louisiana residents are held at one of four Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) offices, depending on where you live.
Alexandria OHO
3403 Government Street
Alexandria, LA 71302
Tel: 877-748-9764
Fax: (833) 561-0425
Metairie OHO
Galleria Building, Suite 2000
1 Galleria Blvd.
Metairie, LA 70001
Tel: 877-870-6383
Fax: (833) 320-0689
Shreveport OHO
Louisiana Tower, Suite 700
401 Edwards St.
Shreveport, LA 71101
Tel: 866-690-1805
Fax: (833) 311-0095
New Orleans OHO
Suite 800
1515 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
Tel: 888-297-2210
Fax: (833) 635-0632
Get Help With Your Louisiana SSD Appeal
When you receive a letter of denial for your Louisiana Social Security Disability Benefits application, you will find the reasons given in the denial letter may be hard to understand. However, if you work with an attorney can help you understand what you will require to win an appeal so that you get the disability benefit you deserve. To get in touch with an independent, participating attorney who subscribes to the website and takes cases in Louisiana, fill out the Free Case Evaluation above today.
