If your physical or mental disability prevents you from working, navigating the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) procedural requirements can be incredibly overwhelming without legal representation. Whether you are filing an initial application or fighting a denial, we make sure your rights are protected.

We guide you through the process from day one, helping you fill out paperwork and your application for disability correctly and gathering the detailed medical evidence the SSA requires.

Most initial claims are denied, but a denial isn’t the end. The stages of a disability claim include: (1) An initial determination; (2) Reconsideration; (3) Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge; and (4) Appeals Council. We handle your appeal, track tight deadlines, gather medical records and opinions from your treatment providers, and build a stronger case to reverse the decision.

If your case goes before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), we prepare you for testimony, submit legal briefs, represent your interests at the hearing to the Judge, and aggressively cross-examine government vocational experts.

We help under-resourced families and children qualify for SSI benefits, navigating the strict household income and resource limits set by the government.

Whether you are applying for the first time or your claim was recently denied, follow these four steps to protect your benefits:

To qualify, your physical or mental disability must prevent you from performing “Sustained Gainful Activity” (SGA) and must last — or be expected to last — for at least 12 continuous months. For 2026, the SGA “cap” or threshold for non-blind individuals is $1,690 per month and $2,380 for individuals who are statutorily blind.

A Social Security disability claim is won or lost on medical documentation. See your doctors regularly, keep appointments, comply with treatment plans, and ensure every physical or mental limitation is fully documented.

If you received a denial letter, you have a strictly limited window of time to file an appeal. These deadlines are different depending on which stage of the process you received the denial. If you miss this deadline, you will have to start the entire process over by filing a new application at the initial stage. An experienced disability attorney can help you navigate these deadlines and properly preserve your appeal rights.

We will review your claim and provide a consultation for free, identify missing documentation, write legal arguments for the Judge, and take over the legal burden so you can focus on your health.

Our experienced attorneys understand the complex procedural rules and substantive laws governing Social Security. We know what judges look for and how to win approvals. We have represented thousands of individuals throughout every stage of a disability claim and we can help you. See the entire team.

Richard J. Arsenault

Michael S. Koch

Wesley J. Gralapp

Social Security Disability is a federal program, allowing us to represent clients across nearly all 50 states. We know the ins and outs of the system and use decades of experience to significantly increase your odds of success.

Our track record speaks for itself: over $10 billion recovered for Our Clients. From a $71,000 Social Security Disability victory for a 23-year-old who had fallen through the cracks of the system, to approvals won for a wide range of severe physical and mental impairments, we fight relentlessly to get you the benefits you deserve.

Dealing with disabling health conditions is stressful enough without fighting a government bureaucracy. We treat you like family. Our Attorneys are always available, Our Staff knows you by name, and we manage the paperwork and court hearings so you can breathe easier.

Common Questions About Social Security Disability Cases

How do I know if I qualify as being disabled for Social Security?
Social Security disability is not determined by a specific diagnosis alone. Instead, it means the totality of your medical problems prevents you from engaging in “Sustained Gainful Activity” (SGA) or in other words, being capable of working up to a certain threshold. These medical problems must be proven by thorough medical records and must persist for at least 12 continuous months. Your work history for the last five (5) years, your education, and your age factor heavily into this determination.

How much is this going to cost me?
You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win your case. Our legal fees are only paid directly out of a percentage of your backpay settlement from  the SSA once we are successful in your approval.

Where are your offices located and can you help me if I live out of state?
Social Security Disability is a federal program, which allows us to represent clients in nearly all 50 states. Most hearings in your disability case will take place by telephone or remote video you will participate in from your own home. While our main offices are rooted in Louisiana, Our Attorneys are admitted to practice in multiple states, including Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, California, Ohio, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. We have favorably represented clients from across the nation.

My initial application was denied. Is it too late to hire a lawyer?
Not at all — this is actually the most common time people hire us. The vast majority of initial claims are denied, and the percentage of denials increases without competent representation. You have a limited time to appeal a denial, so contact us immediately once you receive your denial so we can prepare your appeal and write a brief highlighting your medical evidence.

What happens at an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing?
An ALJ hearing is a hearing with the Administrative Law Judge where the Judge reviews your case. Almost every hearing involves a government vocational expert who testifies about what jobs you might still be able to do. As your attorneys, we cross-examine this expert, present opening and closing arguments, and present your medical documentation directly to the Judge. Most hearings take place by telephone conference or remote video.

How do I apply for benefits if I haven’t done so yet?
You can make an appointment to file either in person at your local Social Security Administration office, or over the phone. To find your nearest local office, you can use the location tool on the official SSA website (ssa.gov/locator). Once you are ready, or if you need guidance, call us to help protect your legal rights.