If a medical condition has made it hard to keep up with plant or maintenance work, Social Security disability may be an option to explore. The Law Office of Dennis Elfert and Gulf Coast Disability Center helps Norco residents with 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 Norco workers and families
Norco sits along the river in St. Charles Parish. The parish lists Shell Norco and Valero among its employers, and many residents work in refining, chemical, maintenance, construction, or transportation jobs. Many others do not. Social Security's rules are the same for everyone, and no employer or job type makes someone eligible.
Plant employee or contractor: it does not decide your claim
Some people worked directly for a plant. Others worked for contractors, turnaround crews, or staffing companies at the same sites. Social Security does not decide disability based on who signed your paycheck. It looks at what you actually did, your medical evidence, and whether you can still work.
For SSDI, your work history must include enough paid work covered by Social Security. List every employer, including contractors, so your earnings and job duties can be checked. See SSDI vs. SSI.
Describing physical and mental work demands
Plant and maintenance jobs vary. Some may involve tasks like:
- Climbing ladders or stairs to reach equipment
- Walking long distances across a site
- Opening and closing valves or using heavy hand tools
- Lifting and carrying parts or materials
- Watching gauges or alarms and staying alert for a full shift
These are only examples. Describe your own job. Social Security's Work History Report (SSA-3369) asks about physical demands and also about things like supervision and paperwork. Problems with focus, memory, or attendance can matter as much as problems lifting.
Work restrictions, employer leave, and Social Security are separate
A doctor may put you on light duty. Your employer may give you medical leave or a short-term disability benefit. You may also have a workers' compensation claim. These are separate from Social Security, and each uses its own rules. A note from your doctor or approved leave does not mean Social Security will approve your claim. A denial from one program does not decide another.
Your condition also does not need to be work-related to qualify for Social Security disability. Social Security looks at whether you can do your past work and, if not, other work. Read how steps 4 and 5 work and our five-step guide.
Records from more than one provider
Plant workers often see several providers: a company clinic, a family doctor, specialists, urgent care, and physical therapy. List all of them, with dates. Records from each may need to be requested separately. Our application information checklist can help. Social Security explains what qualifies as a disability.
If you have been denied
Do not throw away the letter or the envelope. Social Security generally allows 60 days after you receive a decision to request reconsideration. Contacting a lawyer does not file the appeal for you, so act quickly. Read our guide to receiving a denial.
Questions from Norco residents
Do you have an office in Norco?
No. We serve Norco residents from our Houma office at 240 Barrow St., Houma, LA 70360. Call first to discuss your next step.
Does my age matter?
Age is one factor Social Security considers with your limitations and work history. It is not enough by itself. See the official age rule.
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.