Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana, behind New Orleans and the capitol, Baton Rouge. Located in the northwest corner of the state, it is the economic and cultural center of the Ark-La-Tex region, which consists of the area where the states of Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana meet.
From its inception, Shreveport has been a transportation hub, connecting points north and east with Texas. Originally, most of the transportation revolved around the Red River. In modern times, this was expanded to include rail and interstate road transport.
Shreveport has a diverse economy, with everything from agriculture (notably pecans and cotton) to manufacturing (notably General Motors and Libby Glass) to high tech industry. It is also an educational center, with several colleges located within the city. Oil once contributed significantly to the local economy. This has reduced significantly since the 1980s, but appears to be making a slight comeback. In recent years, tourism has also become a major contributor, with Shreveport’s legal riverboat casinos being the major draw.
In a state where graduation rates hover around 50%, nearly 80% of Shreveport’s working age residents hold a high school diploma. Further, 22% have attained a Bachelor’s degree or higher. These numbers are slightly higher than national averages and significantly higher than Louisiana averages.
Nearly 23% of Shreveport residents live with one manner or other of disability. Of these, only 53% are able to find gainful employment. Given Shreveport’s otherwise strong economy, this indicates that the city has room for improvement when it comes to providing opportunity for disabled persons.
If you live in Shreveport and are unable to work due to disabling physical or mental conditions, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits. The first step in obtaining benefits is to notify your local Social Security Office of your intent to file for disability. Your notification sets your protective filing date, which will later be used to determine how much back pay you are due.
When you are ready to file for benefits (you have up to six months after declaring your intention to file), you may either do so yourself or with representation by a Shreveport Social Security disability lawyer. Expect the SSA to take three to six months before rendering a decision. If your claim is denied, you may appeal the decision. There are several steps to the appeals process, including a request for reconsideration, a disability hearing, and an Appeals Council Review. If needed, you can take your claim all the way to federal court.
Apply for Shreveport Social Security Disability Benefits
The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be tough. It’s that way by design, intended to exclude those who aren’t genuinely disabled. Unfortunately, this means that those who truly are disabled often face a long process with no income forthcoming for several months.
For this reason, it’s important to begin the disability application process as soon as possible after you become completely disabled. For the best chance of having your claim accepted and avoiding the long appeals process, contact a Shreveport Social Security attorney to represent you throughout the claims process. Even if your claim is denied, you will find it beneficial to have a tough and experienced Shreveport Social Security lawyer in your corner during the appeals process.
The process starts with informing the SSA that you intend to file. You can do so, along with picking up all need forms and paperwork at any of the following offices:
Shreveport Social Security Disability
401 Edwards St. #700
Shreveport, LA 71101
(318) 676-3850
Shreveport Social Security Disability
1724 E. 70th St.
Shreveport, LA 71105
(318) 676-3209
Shreveport Social Security Disability Resources
One of the biggest mistakes people make when filing for Social Security disability benefits is neglecting medical treatment for their conditions. Admittedly, it can be tough to continue seeing a doctor when you lack income and insurance, but a lack of current medical records can be the death knell of a disability claim.
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you will need to be able to show that you are receiving medical treatment regularly and that you are following your physician’s instructions. If you simply cannot afford to continue going to the doctor and your doctor is unable or unwilling to work out payment arrangements with will work for you, consider going to one of these free or income based health clinics in Shreveport:
David Raines Community Health Center
1625 David Raines Rd.
Shreveport, LA 71107
(318) 425-2252
Community Health Institute
907 Polk St.
Mansfield, LA 71052
Your Shreveport Social Security Disability Claim
If you live in Shreveport and are considering filing for Social Security disability benefits, you owe it to yourself to contact a Shreveport disability attorney. Your initial consultation won’t cost you anything. In fact, federal law mandates that lawyers who serve as representative in Social Security claims can’t charge you a fee until you are approved for benefits. When they do collect a fee, it is paid as a percentage of your back pay (up to 25%).
While you are within your rights to represent yourself, your chances of having an approved claim are considerably better with knowledgeable advice and representation from a Shreveport Social Security attorney.
Please fill out the free disability evaluation form located on this site for a free evaluation of your disability claim.
