Address, phone & hours
Your local SSA service center
The Shreveport office functions as a high-volume hub for disability services, with an SSDI share of 14% that is higher than 76% of field offices nationally. As of December 2024, the office manages a total of $133 million in monthly benefits for the local community. ZIP 71111 alone accounts for 975 SSDI recipients, highlighting the heavy reliance on this office for disability support. Across 53 ZIP codes, this location serves 9% of all Louisiana beneficiaries, making it a critical point of contact for your claim.
You can visit the Shreveport office to file your initial SSDI application, drop off required medical documentation, verify your identity, or update your direct deposit information. While you can handle these tasks in person, remember that this office does not make the final decision on your claim, as that responsibility lies with the state DDS. Additionally, any future hearings are conducted by a separate office of hearings operations. We recommend scheduling an appointment to minimize your wait time.
Who this office serves
Beneficiaries in this service area receive an estimated $132,575k in Social Security benefits each month.
Before you visit
To ensure your appointment at Shreveport is productive, bring a valid government-issued photo ID and a detailed work history covering the last 15 years. You should also provide a comprehensive list of your treating physicians with their contact information, recent medical records, and a current list of all medications you are taking. If you have received any prior denial notices, bring those documents as well. A typical intake interview lasts between 45 and 90 minutes.
You may experience delays by failing to provide a complete 15-year work history or omitting recent medical records from your primary care providers. Another common error is neglecting to mention mental health conditions that contribute to your inability to work. Always read every form thoroughly before signing to ensure the information provided is accurate. Avoiding these oversights can prevent unnecessary processing delays.
Should you bring an attorney?
Applying for SSDI is a complex process that creates the foundation for your entire claim. Most applicants who go through the initial filing process without legal guidance find themselves facing a denial and a difficult appeals process later. An attorney can help you organize your medical evidence and ensure your application is as strong as possible from day one. A free case review can help you understand your options before you head to the office.
Approval rates change with a lawyer
Source: U.S. Government Accountability Office, GAO-18-37. The 3× gap is a population-wide average across all judges; individual outcomes vary.
If your SSDI claim moves to a hearing
About two-thirds of initial SSDI applications nationwide are denied. If yours is, your case moves to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. SSA routes appeals from the Shreveport field office to the hearing office below, per SSA's published service areas. The Shreveport field office holds your file at every appeal stage, but the substantive decisions happen further up the chain.
Frequently asked questions
While you can visit the Shreveport office, we strongly recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure you are seen efficiently. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments help you avoid long wait times for services like filing an initial SSDI application.
Yes, you can initiate your SSDI application online through the official Social Security website. However, you may still need to visit the Shreveport office to submit specific physical documents or verify your identity in person.
You should bring your government-issued photo ID, a 15-year work history, a list of all treating physicians, recent medical records, and a list of your current medications. Having these ready helps the staff at Shreveport process your request more effectively.
You are not required to have a lawyer for your appointment at Shreveport, but having one can be highly beneficial. An attorney can ensure your medical evidence is properly presented and that your application is complete, which may help you avoid common pitfalls.
A typical appointment at the Shreveport office for an SSDI application or benefit update usually lasts between 45 and 90 minutes. Please arrive prepared with all your documentation to help keep the process moving smoothly.
