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We Know the Disability Process and We know how to win Approvals- from from initial application to ALJ hearings.
If you need assistance with a Social Security Disability (SSD) or SSI claim, take the first step to protect your legal rights and contact the nationwide disability attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault. You only have a limited time to file an appeal, so you must act quickly.
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Deeply experienced disability attorneys who know every stage of the Social Security Disability Process
If you believe you are entitled to Social Security benefits, if you have questions about your Social Security Disability claim, or if your claim has been denied, the SSD lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can help. We’ll review your claim carefully to determine what documentation may be missing, and we’ll prepare your case for appeal.
We’ve Helped Thousands of Disabled Claimants secure SSD & SSI Approvals- Contact Us to See How we can help you
Our Social Security Disability attorneys understand the laws pertaining to obtaining SSD benefits.
If you would like to file for Social Security Disability benefits, 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 office, you can use the location tool at the SSA’s website here: https://www.ssa.gov/locator/
You can also file online at https://www.ssa.gov/ by clicking the “Apply for Benefits” option on their home page.
If you’d like to speak to someone about Social Security Disability benefits, contact our law firm today. The call is free, the consultation is free, and we have helped thousands of clients over the last 40 plus years with their injury and social security disability claim needs.
If you worked prior to your disability and paid Social Security taxes, then you are typically considered “covered” by Social Security, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is the disability benefit you would likely be filing a claim to receive. In order to be considered eligible for SSDI, you must fall into one of the three categories:
- A disabled worker under 65 who is covered by Social Security.
- A person disabled since childhood who is a dependent of either a deceased parent covered by Social Security, or a living parent or parent entitled to Social Security Disability.
- A disabled widow or widower aged 50-60 whose deceased spouse was covered under Social Security.
In order to meet the definition of “disabled,” the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires that you must be completely disabled – meaning your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least one year or your disability must be expected to end in your death. The disability may be physical, mental or a combination – but it must be proven through medical documentation.
If you are completely disabled and you file an application for benefits, you might expect that your claim will be accepted right away. However, the truth is that many perfectly reasonable benefits claims are rejected initially. The SSA does not award disability quickly or easily, and often claims are denied because of lack of proper evidence or documentation. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision, but you have a limited time in which to file an appeal. An attorney can provide legal representation and advice during the appeals process – both of which greatly improve your chances of a successful claim.
If you believe you are entitled to Social Security benefits, if you have questions about your Social Security Disability claim, or if your claim has been denied, the SSD lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault can help. We’ll review your claim carefully to determine what documentation may be missing, and we’ll prepare your case for appeal. Results are how we measure success – we’ve built a strong reputation both in and out of the courtroom, and we’ll put our experience and dedication to work on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: One federal government study found that individuals who were represented had a nearly triple approval rate versus those who were not represented. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-18-37.[1] Social Security Disability law is complex. While the Claimant must submit the initial application, having an attorney help you navigate the bureaucratic process, particularly with appeals, is of great benefit. If your case is not approved at the initial application or reconsideration stages, having an attorney represent you at the hearing with the Judge is particularly important. An attorney is familiar with the procedural rules and substantive law to help increase your odds of success. An attorney can submit a letter brief before your hearing, emphasizing the medical and legal arguments. Often, an attorney can make an opening and closing argument at your hearing. Almost every hearing involves one or more experts, usually a vocational expert. An experienced attorney can effectively cross-examine this expert. Our firm has decades of experience and has assisted thousands of claimants. We do not get paid unless and until you get paid.
[1] This statistic is for all represented claimants, not just claimants represented by an attorney.
Social Security disability is not usually determined by a particular diagnosis or diagnoses. Rather, Social Security disability means that the totality of your medical problems prevents you from performing what is called “Sustained Gainful Activity” or SGA. Also, these medical problems must persist for at least twelve continuous months. Social Security disability is not for short term medical problems. Additionally, the rules vary based on age. Persons less than 50 years of age are considered younger persons for Social Security, so getting approved under age 50 is more difficult. The rules ease slightly at age 50 and again at age 55.
Social Security provides a “listing of impairments” which identifies the major types of impairments that can potentially be approved for benefits. This list is not exclusive to just these impairments. Any condition or illness, if severe enough, could potentially qualify for disability benefits. See more at: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm.
Yes. Even if you have never worked, very little, or briefly, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) benefits, provided you do not exceed the SSA’s limit in unearned assets and income.
You pay nothing unless we win. For the most part, our fees are contingent upon getting you approved for Social Security Disability. If you are approved, but receive no back pay, there is no charge for fees or expenses.
If you are approved for back pay, our fee is set by Social Security and is withheld by Social Security from your back pay. Social Security then pays this fee directly to your attorney. That amount is currently 25% of your back pay subject to a cap set by Social Security and periodically adjusted. The date you are approved for benefits is what controls the fee cap. Also, if you are approved for back pay and we incur expenses on your case—most often these are medical records Social Security failed to obtain—you will need to reimburse us for those expenses.
The above does not apply to Cessation of Benefits cases, where a person has been receiving SSDI or SSI benefits, but Social Security has concluded that you were no longer eligible. Cessation cases require an upfront fee paid by the claimant.
As of 2024, Social Security Administration’s staffing levels are the lowest they have been in 27 years. While the hiring freeze at Social Security was recently lifted, SSA has been forced to review more and more applications with less staff. As such, the initial application typically takes at least several months. In 2023, the average processing time was 213 days—for just this first step. If your case is denied at initial application, the next step is what is called a Reconsideration. That process usually takes 2-3 months. If the Reconsideration is unsuccessful, the next step is a hearing with the Social Security Administrative Law Judge. The entire process from initial denial to appearing at hearing can last a year or longer. As such, it is not usual for it to take as long as two years to get a decision from the Social Security judge. If the hearing with the Social Security judge is not favorable, there are potentially additional appeal options that add to that time. In such instances, it sometimes makes more sense to start a new application.
If you are approved, it usually takes about 2 months from the time you receive your approval letter before your benefits start.
With SSDI, the amount is based on how much you have paid into Social Security. You can create a “MySSA” account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ to see an approximate amount of how much you might get if you are approved for SSDI. How much back pay, if any, Social Security pays depends on the particular circumstances in your case and the date of your approval. With SSDI, there is a 5-month waiting period. In other words, you will not get paid for the first 5 months of your disability. However, the application process almost always takes longer than 5 months and the time you are waiting for your application to be processed counts towards that waiting period.
SSI is paid from the Federal Treasury. There is no waiting period for SSI apart from the time you wait for a favorable decision. The amount of SSI benefits depends on any sources of income you might have. For 2024, the maximum SSI amount for a single individual is $943 per month. If your income changes, that amount can be reduced. If something changes and your income or resources exceed the SSI limits, your SSI can be terminated.
If you have not filed an application, you will need to do that. Social Security does not allow attorneys to submit applications on behalf of a claimant. During the application process, Social Security may want you to undergo one or more consultative examinations. Consultative exams are performed by medical professionals who contract with Social Security. Those exams are often of limited utility, but we always recommend individuals cooperate.
You should also continue to treat for any medical conditions you have. Social Security allows additional evidence to be submitted after your initial application.
Finally, you should always advise us of any changes in your medical condition or contact information.
We have represented clients in nearly all 50 states. Social Security Disability is a federal program which allows us to operate in all 50 states. We have attorneys admitted in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, California, Ohio, Colorado and Washington, D.C. And our attorneys have been allowed to appear in many other states.
The vast majority of Social Security hearings are conducted via telephone or video conference. We have attorneys in multiple states and our main physical location is in Alexandria, Louisiana.
We make ourselves readily available by phone, text and email and can meet with Zoom or Teams videocall. In person meetings are rare. Indeed, if your case proceeds as far as a hearing with the Social Security judge, it will almost always be conducted via telephone.
In some limited instances, yes.
First, you must have submitted an application for your child for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and been denied for a medical reason. We require you that have applied for SSI for your child before we might be able to assist you. The reason is that SSI has income and resource limits that Social Security must check. These limits vary according to the size of your family. If Social Security says your household has too much income or resources, we cannot assist. As a result, you need to have applied for SSI for your child and been denied for a medical reason before we may be able to assist you.
While we understand your concern for your child or children who may have medical issues, many children’s medical issues do not qualify them for SSI. Some common issues children have such as ADD/ADHD, epilepsy or asthma are usually not sufficient to qualify your child for SSI without also suffering from other medical issues. However, if your child has certain, often less common medical conditions we may be able to help. For more information, please see https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf.
For a listing of some medical issues that may qualify your child for SSI, please see: https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm. When in doubt, please contact us.
Finally, we cannot assist with other issues affecting children such as survivor’s benefits or auxiliary benefits (benefits sometimes paid to spouses and children of disabled workers). You should contact Social Security for questions relating to income and resource limits as well as on survivor’s benefits or auxiliary benefits.
No, an attorney cannot apply for someone. The initial application must be done by you. We can assist you through the process when you decide to apply.
SSDI is a type of insurance paid through payroll taxes. To qualify for SSDI, you have worked a certain amount of eligible work quarters that vary based on your age. On the other hand, SSI is payment made to disabled children or adults who do not have the work history to qualify for SSDI. Unlike SSDI, SSI has strict income and resource limits. For more information, see https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-02285
“DLI” or “Date Last Insured” only applies to SSDI. DLI reflects the date Claimant was last fully and currently insured for purposes of entitlement to SSDI. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes deducted from the paychecks of employees who pay into Social Security. Typically, the Date Last Insured is five years after a worker last paid into Social Security.
In most instances, SSDI recipients cannot work if they earn more than a certain amount of money. The amount changes every year. For 2024, the maximum amount most individuals can earn per month is $1,550 before taxes (or $2,590 before taxes for blind individuals). See https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/sga.html
This depends on how long you think you will be unable to work. Social Security Disability is for long-term conditions. Social Security does not address short-term disability.
Generally, you must be unable to work at least a year to potentially be able to be approved for Social Security Disability. If you think that you will be out of work for more than a year due to your medical condition, you do not need to wait to apply for Social Security benefits. Indeed, you should apply sooner rather than later as the approval process itself often takes a year or more.
If you are approved for disability, but your condition later improves and you are ultimately able to return to work (what Social Security calls “Substantial Gainful Activity” or “SGA”), you might not be able to continue receiving Social Security. If you are approved for SSDI, you may be able to return to work on what is called a “Trial Work Period” during which you may be able to collect benefits and wages. The Trial Work Period does not apply to persons receiving SSI. If you are on SSDI or SSI, you should report a change such as returning to work to Social Security. See https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html and https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html
This depends on how long you think you will be unable to work. Social Security Disability is for long-term conditions. Social Security does not address short-term disability.
Generally, you must be unable to work at least a year to potentially be able to be approved for Social Security Disability. If you think that you will be out of work for more than a year due to your medical condition, you do not need to wait to apply for Social Security benefits. Indeed, you should apply sooner rather than later as the approval process itself often takes a year or more.
If you are approved for disability, but your condition later improves and you are ultimately able to return to work (what Social Security calls “Substantial Gainful Activity” or “SGA”), you might not be able to continue receiving Social Security. If you are approved for SSDI, you may be able to return to work on what is called a “Trial Work Period” during which you may be able to collect benefits and wages. The Trial Work Period does not apply to persons receiving SSI. If you are on SSDI or SSI, you should report a change such as returning to work to Social Security. See https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html and https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html
In some instances, yes; however, if you receive both Social Security and Workers’ Compensation benefits, there may be offsets. If you have a workers’ compensation attorney, we recommend that you inform your workers’ compensation attorney that you are considering applying for Social Security.
Unfortunately, no. If you think you were not credited enough work quarters for SSDI, you will need to raise that with Social Security directly. There are minimum requirements for working in a quarter for that quarter to count. For instance, you cannot work just one day at minimum wage to earn an eligible quarter. There are minimum earning amounts that change every year. See https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html
Unfortunately, no. SSI has very strict income and resource limits. See https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/eligibility. However, should your situation change, please feel free to check with us again. The income and resource limits do not apply to SSDI, so we recommend you apply for SSDI if you have a substantial work history.
Unfortunately, no. You should contact Social Security directly.
These are called “Auxiliary benefits.” You should contact Social Security directly about Auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits are not available for family members of SSI recipients.
No, you should contact Social Security. Social Security’s website has an early retirement calculator that you may want to consult: https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/early_late.html
If you are over age 67, you should contact Social Security directly. Most individuals are eligible for retirement benefits at age 67.
No. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries reach full retirement age. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability benefits on one earnings record at the same time. See https://faq.ssa.gov/en-us/Topic/article/KA-01861#:~:text=Social%20Security%20disability%20benefits%20automatically,record%20at%20the%20same%20time.
No, we don’t handle these type cases. Our focus is in Social Security Disability.
Unfortunately, no. Veterans’ Administration (VA) cases have different rules and standards than Social Security. For more information, please visit: https://www.va.gov/disability/ or contact an attorney who handles VA benefits.
No. The Social Security Administration has different requirements and rules for disability than the Veteran’s Administration. Even if you are 100% VA disabled, you must apply for Social Security Disability and be approved separately. However, in some instances, Social Security can expedite Social Security Disability determinations for veterans with a 100% VA disability determination. See https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/
Potentially yes. VA and Social Security Disability have different rules so you must be approved separately for each benefit; however, SSDI and VA disability compensations are not affected by each other. As such, it is possible to receive both VA and SSDI if you are approved for both. See https://www.ssa.gov/people/veterans/
what our clients are saying
Over forty years fighting for injured victims in Louisiana. Thousands of lives changed. Here’s what matters the most – our clients’ thoughts about our relentless advocacy:
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4.9Excellent623 reviewsPosted on Google
Sherrye Hefren4 days agoI can truly say they work very very hard for their clients they stay on top of every detail. They always know what’s going on. They work long hours and always keep you informed no matter the situation you can call anytime or text day or night and they always get back with you quickly. My Experience has been unbelievably wonderful and very successful. I can’t thank them enough for working together as a team and making it work out my good ❤️🔥Posted on Google
Eddie Boesch8 days agoGreat experience. All their staff have been very professional and courteous. My attorney, Ted, kept me continuously updated until the successful completion of my case. Would definitely recommend.Posted on Google
IguanA09839 days agoFrom day one, NBA has been on my side. Everyone I have dealt with has been professional, courteous, compassionate, and genuinely committed to helping me through what has been an incredibly difficult process. For the past four years, I have been fighting to get my Social Security Disability approved. There were denials after denials, and at times it felt like the process would never end. Through it all, the team at Neblett, Beaird & Arsenault never gave up on me and continued to stand by my side. Today, after four long years, I finally received the news that my disability has been approved. I honestly cannot put into words what that moment meant to me and my family. I am extremely grateful to NBA for their hard work, patience, and dedication throughout this entire journey. If you are looking for attorneys who will treat you with respect and truly fight for you, I highly recommend Neblett, Beaird & Arsenault.Posted on Google
John eugene Bliss12 days agoThere we great professional and handled every aspect including solving a 5 year battle, excellent experience thank youPosted on Google
Kenneth Bennett17 days agoThis firm did a great job!The process requires patience,but victory is the reward.Posted on Google
King Johnson23 days agoGood law firm just go auto the insurance company is the worst but I'm happy with the decision good law firm to deal withPosted on Google
Josh Blackwood50 days agoThese guys are awesome especially Mr Campbell he filed an appeal and won my case. If you're trying to get disability hire this firm if you have a chance they can get it. Would rate ten stars if possible. Thanks Mr Campbell you deserve a raise!Posted on Google
Jb Black50 days agoI just want to say I hired Neblett, Beard & Arsenault to try to get me my Social Security disability and I'm so thankful I did. My attorney Mr. Campbell was awesome, he filed an appeal and I got my disability. If you are considering applying for social security disability don't try on your own hire this firm, if it can be got they will get it. Would recommend to anyone with ten stars if possible. Thanks for winning my case Mr. Campbell!Posted on Google
Duke Bridges59 days agoFrom the beginning the team at Neblett Beard & Arsenault treated me with respect and took the time to explain the process clearly. They have been professional, responsive, and compassionate during a very difficult time. My questions were taken seriously, and I felt supported throughout my case. I truly appreciate their guidance and would recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring legal team.Posted on Google
Randy Guidry61 days agoVery happy with Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for the successful outcome of my case. I would highly recommend them.Posted on Google
Renee Parker61 days agoVery good service. I recommend them to anyone else who is in need attorney. Very nice, friendly, and persistent. They fight till the end. I sure appreciate everything y'all done for me. So glad I searched and came across the business on the Internet. I'm very blessed and pleased to finally get approved for my SSI disability 🙏🏾🙌🏾🙇🏾♀️✨💖Posted on Google
Daniel Flores67 days agoI was fighting for disability for a while with no luck on my own... I reached out to Mr Campbell and he took care of everything... Indian everything came out great I got my social security disability and my back pay and now able to pay my bills and not worry about every little thing don't let me at the moment... And I also like to say Mr Campbell if you read this thank you so so much I appreciate the work you did... You talk to me like you cared and you understood everything and I appreciate youPosted on Google
Ben Delk82 days agoThis is a great company. The lawyers and all the staff are friendly helpful and very efficient at their jobs. Thank you so much for everything you have done, it is life-changing for me.Posted on Google
Jamarcus Wilkerson87 days agoEXCELLENT 🎯‼️❣️🔥🔥🔥Posted on Google
David G92 days agoExcellent service. My second time with NBA. Everybody's professional and kind, so I would definitely be back if the need arises. I would recommend them.Posted on Google
Jana Brown93 days agoThe staff is very knowledgeable. They were always available to me and answered all of my questions. My attorney was on the phone with me during my hearing. The staff is also very friendly.Posted on Google
Chrislie Rutherford100 days agoThis firm worked hard for me over the past two and half years to get my disability approved. After having debilitating chronic migraines they put the work in and came through. They have been there to answer questions and make sure the job got done. Thank you so much for all your help over the last two and half years! I would highly recommend this firm for your needs.Posted on Google
Alyssa Allbritton115 days agoKept informed all the way! Staff very nice and professional!Posted on Google
Joshuah Parman156 days agoAmazing hard working people my attorney was Todd Cambell and I would highly recommend him and his company to anyone looking for help.Posted on Google
Buddy184 days agoKept me up to date on everything and made it happen! Thanks NBA!!Posted on Google
alana chelette192 days agoI 10/10 recommend Wes Gralapp! my daughter and I got in a wreck, and he made the whole legal process so easy. the last thing you need after getting injured is trying to navigate through all the legalities but with Mr. Wes i was literally worry free the entire time. He had me covered! His staff there are so easy to talk to and communicate with. Just overall such a great experience. I am so thankful for Mr. Wes, God bless him!Posted on Google
Nayah Mayorca200 days agoThey were incredibly helpful and guided me toward the best settlement. They were patient and understanding, answering every question I had. Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had with a law firm!Posted on Google
ferret TV200 days agoI cannot thank Ted and his legal team enough for their help with my Social Security Disability case. I received a 'Fully Favorable' decision, and it’s all thanks to their expertise and dedication. Dealing with advanced glaucoma and vision loss has been incredibly difficult, but they made the legal process smooth and stress-free. They truly cared about my situation and fought to get me the benefits I needed. If you need a disability lawyer who gets results, look no further!Posted on Google
Roderick Thomas247 days agoStayed with me the entire way and made sure I was cared for and accommodated every single step of the way. Every call never seemed too much and no question seemed too small. For anything I’m telling you call NBA. At the very least you’ll feel taken care of. Rare these daysPosted on Google
Patrick247 days agoI would recommend Ted Robert’s to anybody he was very helpful and done a wonderful job with helping getting my daughter approved for her disability!.Posted on Google
Tasha Key249 days agoNeblett team are the best i recommend anyone to go to them . They are excellent and very patient luv them .Posted on Google
Carrie Alsup250 days agoVery delightful people to interact with. Very professional and communication is key for.Posted on Google
Tina Shedd250 days agoVery easy clear instructions and conversation. Surprised how smoothly things went. Appreciate your helpPosted on Google
Jesse Thomas270 days agoVery helpful people and great response time highly recommend for legal helpPosted on Google
Logan Slade278 days agoGreat experience! Ashton was extremely helpful and made things very easy to understand. Highly recommend.Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
My experience here was the best. I chose an out-of-town attorney who felt I would not win my case, and gave up on us. If you have second thoughts about Mike Koch, don’t do it. He’s the best as soon as we sat in his office he assess all paperwork pictures of our case and immediately said we can win. From that day forward, he became not only our attorney, but family his heart went out to us. Losing our father was the worst thing ever, especially how he was taken away from us was devastating. He never gave up on us and always gave his full undivided attention. It could be late night or early morning I would think of something about the case and text him. I never expect a return text because it was after hours and he would probably respond back during business hours, but to my surprise I got a response. I’ll look into it tomorrow great find or we would text back-and-forth. He always thought about us and called to make sure we were OK, and didn’t need anything. He didn’t have to do that but he did. Even after the case is over he still check on us and make sure we’re OK. Mike Koch would forever be my attorney/ family …..
Victoria D. – Wrongful Death Client
Wesley Gralapp has been an absolute lifesaver for me! After being involved in two separate car accidents, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. Thankfully, I found Wesley, and he expertly guided me through every step of the process. His knowledge and expertise in handling car accident cases are unmatched. He took the time to listen to my concerns, thoroughly investigate the incidents, and build a strong case on my behalf. What impressed me most was his dedication and commitment to ensuring I received fair compensation for my injuries and damages. Wesley’s professionalism, empathy, and genuine care for his clients make him an outstanding attorney. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal assistance after a car accident. He truly goes above and beyond to achieve the best possible outcome for his clients.
Skye S. – Car Accident Client
