Filing for Disability in Louisiana
When disability claims are medically reviewed in Louisiana, 36.8% are approved — above the national average of 36.5%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
Your Chances at the Initial Level
Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.
Nat'l avg: 36.5%
Nat'l avg: 38.5%
Nat'l avg: 42.2%
Know Your Numbers
Louisiana approves 36.8% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.3 percentage points above the national average of 36.5%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.
Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,810/mo
Max SSDI Benefit
$4,152/mo
SSI Individual Rate
$994/mo
SSI Couple Rate
$1,491/mo
SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →
Medical Approval Rate Over Time
Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for Louisiana vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Jul 2026 (monthly).
Louisiana's medical approval rate has fallen from 42.8% to 36.8% over this period.
At a Glance — July 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
36.8%
Claims Filed
4,410
Determinations
4,942
Pending Claims
20,436
If Your Claim Is Denied
Reconsideration
If your initial claim is denied, you can request reconsideration — a new review by a different examiner. Is reconsideration worth it? →
Recon Approval Rate
22.9%
Recon Claims Pending
8,835
Hearing
If reconsideration is also denied, your case goes to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.
Alexandria
Hearing OfficeAlexandria · 7 judges · 7.0 months wait · 2,535 pending
approval
Metairie
Hearing OfficeMetairie · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,623 pending
approval
New Orleans
Hearing OfficeNew Orleans · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,751 pending
approval
Shreveport
Hearing OfficeShreveport · 3 judges · 9.0 months wait · 880 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 27.3%
- Disabled Child
- 42.3%
Reconsideration Rates
- Concurrent
- 18.1%
- Disabled Child
- 28.6%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,434
- Approved
- 524
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 2,518
- Approved
- 1,026
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 990
- Approved
- 270
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,560
- Approved
- 660
Recon Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 463
- Approved
- 106
What to Do Next
Review Louisiana's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in Louisiana. Start here →
Learn More
Filing for Disability in Louisiana?
Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.
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