How Long Does It Take to Get Social Security Disability
in New Orleans, Metairie & Louisiana?

How Long Will It Take Social Security to Answer My Application for Disability Benefits?

After you submit your initial application for Social Security Disability benefits, you’ll have to wait for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to make a determination of whether you qualify.

These are the timelines for this first step:

• 3 to 5 months: Social Security says this is the national average wait time.

• 6 to 8 months: In our disability lawyers’ experience, it can often take this long.

When the SSA receives your application, this is what they do:

1. Verify non-medical eligibility requirements (age, employment, marital status, Social Security coverage).
2. Obtain evidence from your own medical sources. If this evidence is insufficient or unavailable, they may ask for a consultative examination to obtain additional information.
3. If your application is approved, they will calculate the benefit amount and begin paying benefits.
4. If your application is denied: They will hang on to your file in case you decide to appeal their determination.

The time it takes the SSA to determine your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits can vary, depending on whether they encounter any obstacles or delays at any step during their process.

An experienced Louisiana disability attorney can help you navigate the complex, bureaucratic Social Security Disability system.

Disability Appeals: How Long Will It Take to Get A Hearing With A Disability Judge?

If you receive a denial letter after reconsideration, you again have up to 60 days to file for a hearing.

How long it takes to get a hearing varies by state. In Louisiana, numbers from late 2022 show it taking less time than the national average. According to the SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review:

• The average wait time for a hearing in Louisiana was 10.5 months (11.8 months nationally).
• The average case processing time from first application, to a hearing, to receiving disability income was 395 days in Louisiana (418 days nationally).

When it’s going to take this long, it’s best to get started as soon as possible.

There’s another big reason to start your application quickly: When you get approved, you get back pay to compensate you for the time you spent waiting on benefits.

So if you can’t work because of bad health, now is the time to seek help from an experienced disability attorney. We can guide you through the process and help you avoid unnecessary delays.

Call Empower Disability in Metairie, Kenner, New Orleans, Chalmette, Gretna, Marrero, Houma, the Northshore, Amite and Hammond. If you’re anywhere in the New Orleans area or you’re a Louisiana resident and you need disability benefits, call Empower Disability.

Being limited by health problems and forced off work makes you feel powerless. No matter how long it takes, we’re here to empower you.