Morgan & Morgan handles Social Security Disability lawsuits, not initial SSDI applications
Morgan & Morgan is a personal injury law firm with offices across the United States. They represent people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) appeals and federal court cases, but they do not help you file your first process with the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are at the stage of submitting your initial claim or your first reconsideration request, Morgan & Morgan is not the right contact.
The firm focuses on cases that have already been denied by SSA and are headed to federal court or are in the Appeals Council stage. They work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and they take a percentage of your back pay if you win — typically 25 percent of the lump sum you receive for the months you were disabled before approval.
Understanding when a law firm becomes useful, and when it is not yet time, saves you from wasting a phone call and helps you move forward with the right next step for your situation.
Key Takeaways
- Morgan & Morgan represents people in SSDI appeals and federal court cases, not in initial applications or first reconsideration requests.
- You typically need a lawyer only after SSA has denied you twice — once at the initial stage and once at reconsideration — and you are preparing for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.
- Morgan & Morgan works on contingency, so you pay no upfront fee, but they take a percentage of your back pay if you win.
- If you are filing your first SSDI process, contact SSA directly or work with a non-lawyer representative or local disability advocate instead.
When Morgan & Morgan can represent you
Morgan & Morgan takes cases at the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing stage and beyond. This is the third level of review in the SSDI process. You reach this stage only after SSA has denied your claim at the initial stage and again at the reconsideration stage.
The firm also represents people in federal court appeals if you lose at the ALJ hearing and want to challenge the decision further. At this point, having a lawyer with experience in federal disability law becomes much more valuable, because the rules of evidence and procedure are stricter than they are at earlier stages.
Morgan & Morgan also handles cases involving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is the needs-based program for people with disabilities who have little income or resources. The appeal process for SSI follows the same structure as SSDI, so representation works the same way.
What you need to do before contacting a law firm
Before you call Morgan & Morgan or any disability law firm, you must have already received a formal denial letter from SSA. This letter will state that your claim has been denied and will explain your right to appeal. If you have not received this letter, you are still in the initial stage, and a law firm cannot yet represent you.
You also need to have completed the reconsideration stage — the second review of your case by SSA. During reconsideration, a different SSA examiner reviews your file and the new medical evidence you submit. This process takes about 60 to 90 days. Only after SSA denies you at reconsideration can you request a hearing before an ALJ, which is when a law firm becomes useful.
If you are still waiting for your initial decision or your reconsideration decision, do not wait to contact a lawyer. Instead, gather your medical records, work history, and any statements from your doctors about your condition and limitations. These documents will be critical no matter what stage you are at.
How Morgan & Morgan's contingency fee works
Morgan & Morgan charges no upfront fee. Instead, they take a percentage of your back pay — the lump sum of benefits SSA owes you for the months between when you became disabled and when you were approved. The firm typically takes 25 percent of this amount, though the exact percentage may vary depending on your case.
You do not pay this fee out of your ongoing monthly benefits. It comes only from the back pay you receive as a lump sum when your case is approved. If you do not win, you owe the firm nothing.
SSA also caps the fee a lawyer can charge in a disability case. As of now, the maximum is 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. This cap protects you from being charged more than the law allows, even if your back pay is very large.
Other options if you are not yet at the hearing stage
If you have not yet been denied twice, you have other, less expensive options. Non-lawyer representatives — people trained in SSDI procedure but not licensed attorneys — can help you with your initial process and reconsideration request. They typically charge a flat fee of $100 to $300, or sometimes work on contingency for smaller amounts than a law firm would take.
You can also work with a disability advocate through a local disability rights organization. Many of these services are free or low-cost. Your state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency can connect you to local resources. You can find your state's P&A office through the National Disability Rights Network website.
If you are filing your first process, you can also contact SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. SSA staff cannot represent you, but they can explain the process and answer questions about what documents you need.
Red flags when choosing a disability law firm
Not all law firms that advertise disability services are the same. Avoid any firm that charges you upfront or asks for money before your case is approved. Legitimate disability lawyers work on contingency and take their fee only from your back pay after you win.
Be cautious of firms that may provide a specific outcome or promise you will definitely win. No one can may provide an approval, because the decision depends on your medical records, your work history, and the judge assigned to your case. Any firm that makes this promise is not being honest with you.
Also check whether the firm is licensed to practice in your state and whether they have experience specifically with SSDI and SSI cases. A personal injury lawyer may not have the specialized knowledge needed for disability appeals, even if they work at a large firm.
How to contact Morgan & Morgan about your case
Morgan & Morgan has a disability division that handles SSDI and SSI cases. You can reach them through their main website or by calling their general intake line. When you call, be ready to tell them what stage your case is at — whether you have been denied once, twice, or whether you already have a hearing scheduled.
Have your Social Security number and your most recent denial letter available when you call. The intake person will ask basic questions about your condition, your work history, and your case timeline to determine whether the firm can take your case.
If Morgan & Morgan cannot take your case or if you want to explore other options, ask for a referral to another disability law firm in your area. Many firms work together and can recommend each other based on your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Morgan & Morgan help me with my first SSDI process?
No. Morgan & Morgan represents people in appeals and hearings, not in initial applications. If you are filing for the first time, contact SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. You can also work with a non-lawyer representative or disability advocate at this stage.
What if I have already been denied once but not yet at reconsideration?
You are still too early for Morgan & Morgan. Complete the reconsideration stage first — this is your second chance to submit new medical evidence and have SSA review your case again. Only after reconsideration denies you can you request a hearing where a law firm can represent you.
How much will Morgan & Morgan take from my back pay?
Morgan & Morgan typically takes 25 percent of your back pay, up to the legal maximum of $7,200. This fee comes only from the lump sum you receive for past months of benefits, not from your ongoing monthly payments. You pay nothing if you do not win.
What is the difference between Morgan & Morgan and a non-lawyer representative?
Non-lawyer representatives can help at any stage, including your initial process and reconsideration, and they charge much less — usually $100 to $300 flat fee. Law firms like Morgan & Morgan take cases at the hearing stage and beyond and charge a percentage of back pay. Both are legitimate, but they serve different stages of the process.
Can I switch lawyers if I already have one?
Yes, but you must notify SSA and your current representative in writing. If you switch before your case is approved, your new lawyer will need to file a new fee agreement with SSA. The fee cap still applies, so your new lawyer cannot charge more than 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less.