Who Banchero Disability Partners is

Banchero Disability Partners is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They work on contingency, meaning you pay them only if you win your case — they take a percentage of your back pay rather than an upfront fee.

The firm operates in multiple states and handles cases at different stages: initial applications, reconsiderations after a denial, and hearings before an Administrative Law Judge. They also represent clients in appeals after a hearing decision.

Like all disability lawyers, Banchero Disability Partners must follow Social Security's fee rules. If you win, the firm can charge up to 25 percent of your back pay, with a maximum of $7,200 per case (as of 2024, though this cap may change). You should always confirm the exact fee structure before signing any agreement.

Key Takeaways

  • Banchero Disability Partners represents clients in SSDI and SSI cases on a contingency basis, so you only pay if you win.
  • The firm can charge no more than 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less, and this fee must be approved by Social Security.
  • You should contact them directly to learn which states they serve and whether they handle the stage of your case (initial process, reconsideration, or hearing).
  • Before hiring any disability lawyer, compare their experience, fee structure, and whether they will represent you throughout your case or only at certain stages.

How to reach Banchero Disability Partners

To contact the firm, search for their current phone number and office address online, as contact information changes. You can also ask for a referral from a local legal aid organization or disability advocacy group in your state — they often maintain lists of reputable firms and can tell you about their track record.

When you call, be ready to describe your situation briefly: whether you have already applied for SSDI or SSI, whether you have been denied, and if so, what stage you are at now (waiting for reconsideration, preparing for a hearing, or appealing a hearing decision). This helps them determine whether they take cases like yours.

Many disability law firms offer a free initial consultation. During that call, ask whether they have handled cases similar to yours and what their success rate is in your state. You can also ask how long they typically take to resolve a case and whether they will represent you at every stage or only at a hearing.

What to expect if you hire them

If you decide to work with Banchero Disability Partners, you will sign a fee agreement that outlines the percentage they will charge and confirms it does not exceed Social Security's limits. Social Security must approve the fee before the firm can collect it from your back pay.

The firm will request your medical records, work history, and any other documents Social Security has on file. They will review your case, identify the strongest parts of your medical evidence, and prepare arguments for why you meet Social Security's definition of disability. If your case goes to a hearing, they will represent you in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

Throughout the process, you remain responsible for providing updated medical records and staying in touch with your lawyer. If your condition changes or you see a new doctor, tell them when ready — new evidence can strengthen your case.

When a disability lawyer makes sense

You do not need a lawyer to explore for SSDI or SSI. Many people are approved without one, especially if their medical condition is straightforward and well-documented. However, a lawyer becomes more valuable if you have been denied and are preparing for a hearing, because the hearing process is more formal and the approval rate is higher with representation.

A lawyer is also helpful if your medical history is complex, if you have worked in jobs that are hard to classify, or if you are unsure how to present your case to Social Security. They know which evidence matters most and how to organize it in a way that persuades a judge.

Other disability law firms and resources

Banchero Disability Partners is one of many firms that represent disability claimants. Before you decide, contact two or three firms to compare their experience, fees, and approach. Some firms specialize in certain conditions or age groups; others have a broader practice.

You can also reach out to your state's Protection and Advocacy (P&A) agency, which provides free legal help to people with disabilities. Some P&A offices handle Social Security cases directly; others refer you to a trusted lawyer. Legal aid societies in your county may also have disability specialists on staff or maintain referral lists.

Understanding contingency fees

A contingency fee means the lawyer only gets paid if you win. This aligns the lawyer's interest with yours — they have no reason to take your case unless they think you have a real chance of approval. It also means you do not have to pay out of pocket while your case is pending, which can take months or years.

The trade-off is that the firm takes a cut of your back pay. If you are awarded $50,000 in back pay and the firm charges 25 percent, you receive $37,500 and they receive $12,500. However, Social Security caps the fee at $7,200, so if your back pay is lower, the percentage may not reach 25 percent.

Always ask for the fee agreement in writing before you sign anything. Make sure you understand exactly what percentage they will charge, whether there are any additional costs, and what happens if your case is denied (usually the lawyer gets nothing).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Banchero Disability Partners, or can I choose a different lawyer?

You can choose any disability lawyer you want. There is no requirement to use a specific firm. It is a good idea to contact several firms, ask about their experience, and pick the one you feel most comfortable working with.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Disability lawyers work on contingency, so you do not pay upfront. If you are denied and cannot afford any lawyer, contact your local legal aid society or your state's Protection and Advocacy agency — both offer free representation to people who meet their income guidelines.

Can a lawyer may provide I will win my case?

No. No lawyer can promise you will be approved. What a good lawyer can do is review your medical evidence, identify the strongest parts of your case, and present it in the clearest way possible to Social Security or a judge. Approval depends on whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

How long does a disability case usually take?

Initial applications can take three to six months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another three to six months. If you request a hearing, the wait is typically one to three years depending on your area. A lawyer cannot speed this up, but they can prepare your case while you wait.

What if my case is denied even with a lawyer?

If you are denied at a hearing, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court. Your lawyer can advise you on whether an appeal makes sense based on the judge's decision. If you part ways with your lawyer, you can hire a different one for the appeal.