Let a Lafayette Disability Attorney Help you File for Disability Benefits

In 1945, President Franklin D. Roosevelt enacted a federal government program that created forced savings protection for Americans who had lost much of their wealth after the Great Depression and World War II. Today that program is known as Social Security. The Social Security Administration not only offers benefits to workers who have reached the age of retirement, but it also provides disability benefits to workers who are unable to continue in their full-time jobs because of an injury or serious illness. If you fit that description, you may be eligible to receive SSD (social security disability) or SSI (supplemental security income) benefits.

One way to help determine if you are qualified for disability benefits is to talk with a trained social security disability attorney. They are knowledgeable with SSD and SSI regulations and in many instances are familiar with the administrators and judges that will determine your claim. While there are many parts of the disability benefits application process that can be completed without the help of a licensed attorney, many people find it to be overwhelming to do on their own. Having the help of an experienced SSD/SSI lawyer can help you avoid many of the pitfalls that the average person encounters by themselves.

To apply for Social Security disability benefits in Lafayette, contact your local Social Security Administration office at:

This office also serves clients in Scott, Broussard, Duson, Carencro, Youngsville, Milton, Breaux Bridge, Maurice, Cade, Arnaudville, Sunsent, Saint Martinville, Cecilia, Grand Coteau, Rayne, Avery Island and surrounding areas.

Founded by a French speaking Acadian and eventually renamed for a French military hero who aided Americans during the Revolutionary War, the city of Lafayette is perhaps best known as the center of Cajun culture. Cajun cuisine as well as Cajun and Creole culture have fed a strong tourism industry in the region. Unfortunately, Lafayette Parish has almost 32,000 disabled residents . If you are part of that group, you could qualify for disability benefits.

After you file your SSD or SSI application, it is sent to a state level Disability Determination Office where an initial ruling is made on your case. If it is approved, it is then sent to a payment center and you will begin receiving your benefits checks. However, almost three-quarters of applications are initially denied. If your claim is rejected, you have the option to file an appeal. The first appeal is sent back to the state level. Any further appeals are sent before social security disability judges. While it is rare, some cases have been known to make it all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Putting together the necessary paperwork and narrative to create a strong appeal can be difficult to do without help. That is why many people are seeking the help of SSD and SSI attorneys.

If you are awarded disability benefits, you will also be able to receive medical benefits such as Medicare or Medicaid. The type of medical benefits you receive depend largely on what type of disability benefits you are awarded. If you are getting SSD benefits, you will likely receive Medicare. People on SSI benefits usually receive Medicaid. In some cases, people will be eligible to receive both, but they must prove that they are extremely low income.

Free or Reduced Cost Medical Care

Lafayette Parish Health Unit


Children's Health Center WIC Clinic


University Medical Center WIC Clinic