If a health condition keeps you from doing your job, you may be able to apply for Social Security disability benefits. The Law Office of Dennis Elfert and Gulf Coast Disability Center helps Luling residents prepare Social Security disability applications and appeals.
Our office is in Houma, at 240 Barrow St., Houma, LA 70360. Call 985.580.6000 or request a free case evaluation.
Disability help for Luling and the West Bank of St. Charles Parish
Many people in Luling and nearby communities such as Boutte, Paradis, and Hahnville work jobs that depend on their bodies. Some work at or around the industrial sites along the river. St. Charles Parish lists employers such as Bayer in Luling, along with transportation, warehousing, and construction work across the parish. Others work in retail, health care, schools, or small businesses.
Social Security uses the same federal rules no matter where you live or who employed you. What matters is your medical condition, your work history, and how your limitations affect work.
Your job duties matter more than your job title
A title like "maintenance tech" or "contractor" does not tell Social Security what you actually did. Two people with the same title can have very different days. Social Security looks at the work you did in the past and whether you can still do it. If you cannot, it asks whether you could adjust to other work. See Social Security's explanation of steps 4 and 5 and our five-step disability process guide.
Be specific about:
- How much you lifted and how often
- How long you stood, walked, climbed, or crouched
- Tools or machines you used
- Whether you worked outside, in heat, or on rotating shifts
- How much focus, speed, or reading the job required
How age is considered
Age can be part of the decision, but it never decides a claim by itself. Social Security's rules treat age as one factor along with your limitations, education, and work experience. Its regulation says that for people closely approaching advanced age (50 to 54) and of advanced age (55 or older), age may seriously affect the ability to adjust to other work. Read the official age rule. Being over 50 does not mean you will be approved.
SSDI and SSI are not workers' compensation
Your condition does not have to come from a work injury. Social Security disability can cover illnesses and injuries that happened anywhere. Workers' compensation and employer disability plans are separate programs with their own rules. Having, or not having, one of those claims does not decide your Social Security claim. Learn the difference between SSDI and SSI.
Preparing your first application
You do not need to wait for a denial to get help. Before you apply, gather:
- Every doctor, clinic, and hospital, with dates
- Medications and side effects
- Jobs from the five years before you became unable to work, with duties for each
- Names of employers, including contractors and staffing companies
Social Security's Work History Report (SSA-3369) asks about those jobs and their physical and mental demands. Our application information checklist can help you get organized. Social Security also explains who qualifies for disability.
Questions from Luling residents
Do you have an office in Luling?
No. Our only office is in Houma at 240 Barrow St., Houma, LA 70360. Call first to talk about your situation and the next step.
Can I get help before Social Security denies me?
Yes. You can contact us before you apply. A free case evaluation lets you ask questions about the application and representation.
What if I was already denied?
Read your letter right away. Social Security generally gives 60 days after you receive a decision to request reconsideration. Contacting our office does not file an appeal for you. Our denial guide explains the steps.
Talk with Dennis Elfert's Houma office
Call 985.580.6000 or request a free case evaluation.
This page provides general information. Eligibility depends on your circumstances.