Social Security Disability Lawyer in Houma 

The Difference Between SSDI & SSI

When people talk about “disability benefits,” they’re often referring to two very different programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), and both provide financial help to people who can’t work due to a disabling condition. However, these programs serve different groups and have distinct eligibility requirements.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is an earned benefit. It’s available to people who have spent years working and paying Social Security taxes through their paychecks. In other words, your eligibility for SSDI is based on your work history and contributions to the system.

To qualify, you must:

• Have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of “disability”
• Have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security-covered employment

If you’re approved for SSDI, the amount you receive each month depends on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began. 

SSDI is meant to protect workers who suddenly lose their ability to earn a living because of a serious illness or injury, from oilfield and industrial accidents to chronic medical conditions like heart disease or neurological disorders.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program designed for people with very limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. It’s funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes, and is available to:

• Disabled adults who have never worked or haven’t worked long enough to qualify for SSDI
• Children with disabilities
• Adults over 65 with limited income and assets

SSI provides a small monthly payment to help with basic needs like food, clothing, and housing. 

Which Social Security Benefits Do You Qualify For?

Many people aren’t sure whether they qualify for SSDI, SSI, or both—and the rules can be confusing. The SSA’s eligibility criteria are strict, and even people who clearly can’t work are often denied on their first application. That’s why it’s so important to have a Houma Social Security disability attorney who understands how these programs work and how to build a strong, well-documented claim.

At Waitz & Downer, we help clients throughout Terrebonne Parish and South Louisiana determine what benefits they may qualify for, guide them through the application or appeals process, and fight to secure the financial support they deserve.

Common Reasons Disability Claims Are Denied

If your Social Security disability claim has been denied, you’re not alone. The majority of initial applications are denied, even for people who clearly meet the definition of “disabled.” The Social Security Administration applies complex rules, strict evidence requirements, and a detailed evaluation process that can be difficult to navigate without legal help.

Understanding why claims are denied is the first step toward building a stronger case on appeal. Some common reasons include: 

• Lack of Medical Evidence: One of the most common reasons for denial is not having enough medical documentation to prove your disability. The SSA needs detailed, consistent medical records showing your diagnosis, treatments, and how your condition limits your ability to work. Sometimes, people have genuine, life-changing impairments but haven’t received regular treatment or haven’t kept detailed medical records. The SSA may view this as “insufficient evidence,” even when the disability is real.
• Earning Too Much Income: For SSDI, the SSA looks at whether you’re performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), meaning you’re earning above a certain monthly limit. For SSI, the rules are even stricter since the program is based on financial need. If your income or assets exceed the limits, your claim may be denied.
• Failure to Follow Treatment: If you’re prescribed treatment but don’t follow through—for example, failing to go to physical therapy, take medication, or follow up with your doctor—the SSA may deny your claim. They want to see that you’re doing everything possible to manage your condition. Of course, there are valid reasons some people can’t continue treatment (like cost or side effects), but these must be clearly explained and documented.
• Short-Term or Partial Disability: The SSA only approves benefits for disabilities expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Short-term conditions or injuries expected to heal within a year typically don’t qualify. Likewise, partial disabilities, where you can still perform some type of work, may not meet the SSA’s definition of “total disability.”
• Incomplete or Inaccurate Applications: The application process is long and technical. Even small mistakes—missing forms, unclear information, or skipped deadlines—can cause a denial. Many people are denied simply because their paperwork wasn’t filled out properly or submitted on time.

The good news is that a claim denial isn’t the end of the road. In fact, it’s often just the beginning of the process. With experienced legal representation, many denied claims can be successfully appealed.

At Waitz & Downer, we help clients gather the medical evidence, employment records, and documentation the SSA looks for. We communicate directly with your doctors, prepare you for hearings, and handle every stage of your appeal. Our goal is to take the burden off you so you can focus on your health while we fight for the benefits you’ve earned.