Interested in Louisiana disability benefits? First, let’s enjoy some fun facts about this unique state. Louisiana is famous for both its culture and food: Mardi Gras, jazz, gumbo, beignets, king cake, and jambalaya. People flock to experience the French Quarter, the National WWII Museum, and to take swamp tours. Named after France’s King Louis XIV, it’s also the only state with parishes instead of counties.
Louisiana has an approximate population of 4,573,749 people, making it the 25th most populated state in the country. Of those, approximately 34% (or one in three) have some type of disability. Among them, just 6.3% receive monthly disability assistance.
Who Qualifies for Louisiana Disability Benefits from the Social Security Administration?
If you have a medical condition that prevents you from working, you might be eligible for Louisiana disability benefits. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers both programs, including payments. Each program is slightly different, but both make payments to qualified applicants. The following information includes details about each program and what makes a person eligible.
Option #1 for Louisiana Disability Benefits: Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
What Is SSI?
SSI is most restrictive federal program that pays Louisiana disability benefits. This option is only available for people who are blind, disabled, or at least 65 years old.
SSI always looks at your financial status before reviewing any medical conditions. The program only pays the poorest people with the fewest resources and assets who cannot work.
If you are 65 years old or older, then you automatically qualify medically for SSI. Not yet 65? Then you must also meet the SSI program’s medical qualifications.
How Much Are SSI Benefits Each Month?
SSI’s financial rules are strict. If you work, then your monthly income cannot be more than $1,690 per month. If not working, you must still disclose all forms of income, including money you get from other sources. These could include things like alimony, dividends, child support, and other federal and/or state assistance.
You will also have to disclose how much money is in your bank account. That’s because the SSI program says you can have no more than $2,000 in available cash on hand. Even with a low bank account balance, the SSA reviews all your assets to determine their worth. If you have jewelry or other valuables you can sell for cash, for instance, that could count against you.
There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if you own your house and the land it’s on, then that won’t count toward your available resource limits. The same is true of one vehicle, your wedding ring, clothing, and appliances or furniture that you use in your daily life.
Unlike SSDI, SSI benefits are a fixed amount no matter how much money you earned during your working years. If approved, you will receive $994 if you’re single. However, a married couple can receive no more than $1,491 total per month. This monthly SSI pay amount is an increase over previous years. That said, increases aren’t guaranteed to happen every year.
Does the SSI Program Provide Health Insurance Coverage?
Yes, you become eligible for Medicaid coverage the same month your SSI benefits begin.
Option #2 for Louisiana Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
What Is SSDI?
SSDI began in January of 1956. The program’s goal involves helping people with disabilities who cannot work, but aren’t yet 67 years old. SSDI allows you to draw your full Social Security benefit before that birthday passes.
SSDI, while not as difficult to receive as SSI, does have specific eligibility rules:
1. You must have a work history of at least 5-10 years in jobs where you paid Social Security payroll taxes.
2. A doctor must state your health problems prevent you from working a minimum of 12 months.
3. You must have had regular medical treatment and doctor’s visits during the past year. If you don’t have copies of your complete medical records, you must attend a Disability Determination Services (DDS) exam to confirm your disability status. If you skipped doctors’ visits because you cannot afford them, a Louisiana disability attorney may cover those costs. This is just one advantage of working with a Social Security attorney.
4. You must not currently receive any Social Security benefits. This is because SSDI program income automatically converts to regular Social Security on your 67th birthday. Federal law makes this switch happen automatically. It’s also illegal to draw both SSDI and regular Social Security at the same time.
How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI in Louisiana?
It can take a significant amount of time to start receiving SSDI. Not only that, but the application process can also take several months. Plus, federal law requires a five-month waiting period before you can receive SSDI after claim approval. With all that in mind, you’re potentially going a long time without income.
The average Social Security disability case can take more than five months to process. If denied, filing a reconsideration (your first appeal) can make your wait time even longer.
There are things you can control, however, such as having a Louisiana disability benefits attorney. Studies show that an attorney can greatly improve your chances of benefit approval in 6 months or less. This eliminates the need to file for reconsideration so you’ll have the money you need sooner.
How Much Does SSDI Pay In Louisiana?
If approved, your SSDI amount depends completely on what your income was when you were working. Your award will be a percentage of your previous salary or hourly rate, not equal to what you made each month you worked. The current nationwide SSDI payment is $1,630 per month. on average.
Once you turn 67, SSDI converts into regular Social Security. You do not need to file paperwork or qualify for this change; it happens automatically.
Does SSDI Include Health Insurance?
Sort of, yes. Once you receive SSDI for 24 months in a row, you become eligible for Medicare coverage. Normally, a person cannot access Medicare before their 65th birthday. Your SSDI beneficiary status can grant you Medicare coverage before you reach that age.
How to Start the Louisiana Disability Benefits Application Process
When you’re ready to apply for disability, you have 3 options:
Option #1: Apply Online
You can only apply for SSDI online at SSA.gov. Any person interested in SSI must go to a local Social Security office instead to complete an application.
Option #2: In Person at a Local Social Security Office
We suggest calling ahead and making an appointment before heading down to your local Social Security office. Plan to spend at least 4-5 hours there on paperwork after you arrive.
Option #3: Have an Attorney Help You Apply for Free
This is the only method that triples your approval chances in 6 months or less!
Do I Need an Attorney to Get Louisiana Disability Benefits?
Working with a lawyer triples your chances of approval for SSDI or SSI in the shortest possible time. These attorneys work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing if the SSA denies your claim. If you do win, then you’ll only pay one small fee after you get your award. There is no risk for you to contact an attorney to see if you may qualify before you apply. Why not request a free, no-obligation phone call to discuss your options today?
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to contact an expert for free claim help now:
Get Your Free Benefits Evaluation
Social Security Office Locations in Louisiana
Louisiana SSA field offices are open Monday through Friday, 9am-4pm CST. You should call and make an appointment instead of showing up without one to apply for Louisiana disability benefits:
Alexandria Social Security Office
3401 North Boulevard
Alexandria, LA 71301
Phone: (877) 876-3171
Fax: (833) 950-3637
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Baton Rouge Social Security Office
5455 Bankers Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Phone: (866) 613-3070
Fax: (833) 950-3635
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Bogalusa Social Security Office
438 Avenue B
Bogalusa, LA 70427
Phone: (888) 748-7678
Fax: (833) 902-2566
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Hammond Social Security Office
2100 Robin Avenue
Hammond, LA 40701
Phone: (855) 848-7937
Fax: (833) 950-3645
TTY: (606) 528-8827
Houma Social Security Office
178 Civic Center Boulevard, Suite 100
Houma, LA 70360
Phone: (866) 899-5631
Fax: (833) 950-3643
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Kenner Social Security Office
1616 Joe Yenni Boulevard
Kenner, LA 70065
Phone: (888) 850-2232
Fax: (833) 902-2568
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Lafayette Social Security Office
106 Corporate Boulevard
Lafayette, LA 70508
Phone: (888) 619-4771
Fax: (833) 950-3641
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Lake Charles Social Security Office
149 W 18th Street, Suite B
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Phone: (877) 409-8431
Fax: (833) 950-3639
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Leesville Social Security Office
2100 Sartor Street
Leesville, LA 71446
Phone: (888) 577-6906
Fax: (833) 939-2018
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Minden Social Security Office
103 MBL Bank Drive
Minden, LA 71055
Phone: (877) 319-5762
Fax: (833) 950-2694
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Monroe Social Security Office
1120 Plaza Boulevard
Monroe, LA 71201
Phone: (866) 815-8716
Fax: (833) 950-3633
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Morgan City Social Security Office
1279 Clothilde Street
Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: (855) 433-5874
Fax: (833) 950-3651
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Natchitoches Social Security Office
950 Keyser Avenue
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Phone: (855) 634-4195
Fax: (833) 950-3647
TTY: (800) 325-0778
New Iberia Social Security Office
417 Spanish Town Boulevard
New Iberia, LA 70560
Phone: (866) 592-1496
Fax: (833) 939-2006
TTY: (337) 374-1832
New Orleans Social Security Office
400 Poydras Street, Suite 500
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (855) 257-0984
Fax: (833) 950-3349
TTY: (800) 325-0778
New Orleans West Bank Social Security Office
115 Terry Parkway
Terrytown, LA 70056
Phone: (866) 931-2524
Fax: (833) 902-2567
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Opelousas Social Security Office
5097 I-49 S Service Road
Opelousas, LA 70570
Phone: (866) 698-3338
Fax: (833) 950-3649
TTY: (337) 948-8683
Ruston Social Security Office
2017 Bular Street
Ruston, LA 71270
Phone: (877) 405-7823
Fax: (833) 939-1987
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Shreveport Social Security Office
1240 S. Pointe Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71105
Phone: (877) 319-3074
Fax: (833) 950-3351
TTY: (800) 325-0778
St. Tammany Parish Social Security Office
65285 Highway 434
Lacombe, LA 70445
Phone: (866) 887-8997
Fax: (833) 939-2009
TTY: (800) 325-0778
Fact Checking: The SSA field office addresses shown here were verified by contacting the Social Security Administration directly. We also personally called every phone number listed here to confirm they were in good working order on January 14, 2026.
Lisa Allen is a writer and editor who lives in suburban Kansas City. She holds MFAs in Creative Nonfiction and Poetry, both from the Solstice Low-Residency Program in Creative Writing at Pine Manor College. Prior to becoming a writer, Lisa worked as a paralegal, where she specialized in real estate in and around Chicago.
