Top Questions
How do i apply for disability?
You can apply online, by calling the Social Security Administration, or by mailing in an application (this last option is rare these days). You can also apply through a law firm. If you apply through our law firm, we will handle the application, paperwork, getting your medical records, and then help with making sure your payments are right (if approved) or filing your appeals (if denied).
I got a denial letter. What do i do now?
You only have 60 days to appeal a denial. Once you’ve been denied, you should contact us immedately to set up an appointment to file your appeal. See HERE for more info on appeal time frames.
What do i bring to my appointment?
Everyone should bring a photo ID. If we are going to be filing a new application with you, then you need the login and password for your myssa account (see HERE for more details). If you don’t have account, you should make one prior to your appointment. If we are filing an appeal, then you need to bring your denial letter. We also recommend that everyone bring a list of their doctors/hospital visits since disability began, a list of current medications, and a list of jobs within the past 15 years. See HERE for more information if we will be filing a new application.
How much do i have to pay you?
You don’t have to pay us anything directly. We work on contingency, meaning that we only get paid if we win. If we do win your case, Social Security will pay us 25% of your backdue benefits directly (up to $7,200). This means that we want to win your case too, because if you don’t get paid, we don’t get paid. Click HERE for more information.
Basic questions
WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?
Social Security Disability is for people who cannot work full time anymore, and won’t be able to work full time for at least 12 full months. You can read more details about when to apply HERE.
Can I apply for disability if I am working?
If you cannot work 40 hours per week, you may be disabled. Exceptions apply, but many of our clients obtain disability while also working on a part time basis. Click HERE for more information.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for disability?
We recommend it, although it’s not required. Data from the Social Security Administration shows that people are more likely to get approved on their first application if represented by a law firm. You can read more details about why we recommend applying with our law firm HERE.
Do I need a lawyer to go to a hearing?
No, but you should have one! Most people have lawyers when they go in front of a judge. If you go in front of a judge without a lawyer, they will recommend that you postpone your hearing to find an attorney. Then, you have to wait for your hearing to be rescheduled. If you already have a lawyer, the process may move more quickly. Click HERE to read more about why you should hire us to help with your hearing.
How will you prove my disability?
We will obtain your medical records, communicate with Social Security, ask your doctors to fill out special forms, help you with paperwork, write a legal brief, and appear with you at your disability hearing. Click HERE for more information about what happens after the hearing.
When should I apply?
You should apply as soon as you cannot perform a full time job. The longer you wait, the more likely your eligibility for certain programs like SSDI may expire (see HERE for more details). Also, the sooner you apply, the more backdue you can be eligible to receive.
how long does it take?
The entire disability process can take anywhere from a few months to multiple years, depending on the facts of your case. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the length of time has been increasing, and waits of multiple years are common. However, it is possible to speed up the process based on individual circumstances, and we will work with you to determine if you meet the criteria to expedite your case and make sure that Social Security expedites your case if you qualify.
Why should I hire The Law Offices of James S. Conner to represent me?
We have over 50 years combined experience working with disability only. We are local to the Northshore, which means that you will be able to meet with us in person to file your application and appeals, complete paperwork, and prepare for your hearing. Unlike some bigger firms, you will meet with and communicate with your attorney or representative, rather than with a case worker.
The Hearing
WHERE WILL MY HEARING BE?
Most of our hearings are held virtually, either by telephone or videoconference. If your hearing is virtual, you can do it from home or come into our office and do the hearing with us (more information on virtual hearings HERE). If your hearing is scheduled in person, it will probably be scheduled in New Orleans (for those in St. Tammany Parish or New Orleans) or Metairie (for Washington, Tangipahoa, Jefferson, and Livingston Parishes). See HERE for more information on in person hearings.
What do i have to bring to my hearing?
If we represent you at your hearing, we will handle getting all of your records, including medical records, earning records of income when you were working, and educational records if relevant. You probably will not have to bring anything to the hearing other than a photo ID to be admitted to the building (if your hearing is in person).
What HAPPENS in a hearing?
Generally, after an opening statement from the attorney, the judge will ask you questions and so will your attorney (hopefully us!). Then both the judge and attorney will pose specialized questions to a vocational expert about job availability. See HERE for more information on how the hearing goes with an attorney. See HERE for information on how the hearing may go without an attorney.
Payments
How much will I get in social security disability benefits?
It depends on your work history and taxes paid into the Social Security System. For people who are “insured,” meaning that they have paid Social Security taxes for 5 of the past 10 years, the amount can vary from $200 per month to $3,822 per month (more info on SSDI HERE). Some people may also be eligible for SSI, which pays $943 per month even if you have not worked enough for regular disability.
Do you handle cases in my area?
Please see our location-specific articles for details on applying in St. Tammany Parish, Mandeville, Madisonville, Covington, Abita Springs, Lacombe, or Slidell. Coming soon: articles specific to Tangipahoa Parish, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Robert, Springfield, Albany, Independence, Amite, Kentwood, Greensburg, Washington Parish, Bogalusa, Franklinton, Angie, Varnado, and Mt Hermon.