In the state of Louisiana, social security disability benefits are awarded only 32.4% of the time on initial claims. Winning a social security disability case is no easy feat. Nationwide, the percentage of initial claims awarded is about the same, though the number drops significantly at the reconsideration level. Of the Louisiana SSD claims that are denied and submitted to the Social Security Administrative (SSA) for reconsideration, only 24.2% of appealed cases are actually awarded. You stand a better chance of having your case awarded at the second appeal, called a hearing. At the hearing level, you the SSA forwards your disability case to a local ODAR or hearing office to be reviewed by an administrative law judge (ALJ). Your best chance of being approved for disability benefits will be at your disability hearing in front of the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). There are four hearing offices in Louisiana located in New Orleans, Shreveport, Alexandria and Metairie.
The average wait time to have your case processed at the hearing level in the state of Louisiana is 242 days, considerably less than the national average of 349 days. Once cases are heard, 49.9% of them are awarded in Louisiana compared with 58.1% that are awarded nationally. The approval rate and processing times vary from hearing office to hearing office. See table below for the average approval rate and processing times at your local Louisiana hearing office.
| Hearing Office | Approval Rate | Processing Time in Days |
| New Orleans | 46.1% | 266 |
| Shreveport | 36.7% | 186 |
| Alexandria | 39.8% | 264 |
| Metairie | 38.2% | 253 |
Of the 56 administrative law judges who work in the four hearing offices in the state of Louisiana, 18 work in Alexandria, 9 work in Metairie, 17 review cases in New Orleans and 12 oversee cases in Shreveport. Working with a Louisiana SSD attorneys can give you an advantage because disability lawyers who attend hearings will often become familiar with the requirements, preferences and habits of presiding administrative law judges. Such knowledge will improve your attorney’s chances of presenting a convincing disability case on your behalf.
You can schedule a free consultation with a local Louisiana SSD attorney by filling out the evaluation form found on this site. The initial consultation is free and you will not be charged any attorney’s fees unless your disability benefits are awarded Click on the city closest to you for more information about hiring a lawyer who handles cases in your area:
