When a health condition keeps you from earning a living, applying for disability can feel like another job. The Law Office of Dennis Elfert and Gulf Coast Disability Center helps Thibodaux residents with Social Security disability applications and appeals.
Our office is in Houma, at 240 Barrow St., Houma, LA 70360. If you are looking for a Social Security disability attorney serving Thibodaux, call 985.580.6000 or request a free case evaluation. Tell us whether you are preparing to apply, waiting for a decision, or responding to a denial.
Disability help for Thibodaux and Lafourche Parish residents
You may be unsure whether your condition qualifies, what records to gather, or how to explain why you can no longer work. Our team can discuss your application or appeal and the questions you have about representation.
Dennis Elfert opened his law office in 2002 with a focus on helping people navigate Social Security disability. His practice serves claimants throughout the Gulf Coast. Read Dennis Elfert's background to learn about the attorney behind the office.
Can I qualify for SSDI or SSI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) depends on qualifying work history and Social Security's disability rules. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has income and resource requirements, along with other eligibility rules.
For adult disability claims, Social Security generally considers whether your medical condition prevents substantial work, including work you previously did and other work you could adjust to. The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months or result in death. A diagnosis by itself does not determine eligibility.
Living in Thibodaux does not create a separate disability standard. Read our SSDI and SSI guide and five-step disability process, or consult SSA's eligibility explanation.
Preparing an application with treatment records from Thibodaux
Start with a list of your doctors, clinics, hospitals, medications, and treatment dates. Include care received outside Thibodaux as well as local treatment.
If you receive care through Thibodaux Regional Health System, its OnlineHealthRecord page provides patient-portal access and instructions for requesting records. Records from other providers may need to be requested separately.
Your work history also matters. Describe the tasks you actually performed, such as lifting, standing, concentrating, following instructions, or interacting with customers. Explain how your condition affects those tasks rather than relying only on a job title.
Use our application information checklist and filing guide to prepare. SSA's application information page explains what it requests and advises applicants not to delay applying solely because they lack every document.
Denied disability benefits in Thibodaux?
Read the decision letter and keep the envelope and all accompanying instructions. A denial may leave you with appeal options, and the next step depends on the stage of your claim.
SSA generally requires a reconsideration request within 60 days after you receive the decision. Check the official reconsideration instructions and contact our office promptly about your notice. Requesting a case evaluation does not itself file an appeal or protect a deadline.
Our denial guide explains the process. Have your letter available when you call, along with any new treatment information.
Questions about hiring a disability lawyer serving Thibodaux
Do you have an office in Thibodaux?
Our office is in Houma. We serve Thibodaux residents from 240 Barrow St., Houma, LA 70360. Call before visiting to discuss the next step for your situation.
Should I wait until Social Security denies my application?
You can contact us before applying. A free case evaluation gives you a chance to discuss your circumstances and ask about help with an application or appeal.
What if my doctors are in different cities?
Include every relevant provider, location, and treatment date. Treatment outside Thibodaux can still be relevant to your claim. Tell our team where you have received care.
Discuss your claim with Dennis Elfert's Houma office
You do not have to sort through your questions alone. Call 985.580.6000 or request a free case evaluation for Social Security disability help serving Thibodaux.
This page provides general information. Eligibility and appeal options depend on your circumstances.
Hypothetical example
Lifting patients and records from two places
Keisha is a certified nursing assistant in Thibodaux. Her job means lifting and turning patients for 12-hour shifts. A shoulder injury and arthritis now make that hard. She was treated at a local hospital and also sees an orthopedic specialist in Houma.
How it works: Social Security looks at what her past work required and whether her limits allow that work or other work. It requests records from every provider she lists.
What matters: Records from both places matter. So does a clear description of the lifting and standing her job required.
Next step: Keisha lists both providers and her treatment dates, writes down her job duties, and calls the Houma office with her questions.
Source: SSA: How you qualify for disability; SSA: Work History Report (SSA-3369)
This is a made-up example to explain the process. It is not a real client, does not predict any result, and is not legal advice for your situation.