Who Binder and Binder Are

Binder and Binder is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. The firm operates in all 50 states and handles cases at every stage—from the initial claim through the appeals process. They work on what's called a contingency fee, which means they only get paid if you win your case.

The firm was founded in 1975 and has handled hundreds of thousands of disability cases over that time. You may have seen their advertisements on television or online. Like other large disability law firms, they employ staff attorneys and work with a network of representatives across the country.

Key Takeaways

  • Binder and Binder charges a contingency fee—25% of your back pay, up to a maximum set by federal law—only if you win your case.
  • The firm handles cases in all 50 states at the initial claim, reconsideration, hearing, and appeals levels.
  • You can represent yourself at any stage of the SSDI or SSI process, and you do not need a lawyer to file a claim.
  • Other disability law firms and non-lawyer representatives charge the same federal fee cap and may offer different service models or local presence.
  • Before hiring any representative, confirm they are authorized to practice before Social Security and understand what services they will actually provide.

How Their Fee Structure Works

Binder and Binder, like all disability representatives, must follow federal fee rules set by Social Security. They can charge you 25% of your back pay (the money owed to you from before your approval date), up to a maximum of $7,200 as of 2024. This cap changes each year based on inflation.

The fee is taken directly from your back pay when you receive it. You do not pay anything upfront or out of pocket. If you do not win your case, you owe them nothing. This is the same fee structure used by all authorized disability attorneys and representatives—the law does not allow them to charge differently.

You should ask Binder and Binder in writing what their exact fee will be before you hire them. They must provide this in a fee agreement that Social Security also receives. If your case goes to federal court (a rare step after the Appeals Council), different fee rules may explore, and you should discuss this with them directly.

What Services They Provide

Binder and Binder's main service is representing you in your SSDI or SSI case. This typically means reviewing your medical records, gathering evidence, preparing your case file, and representing you at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge if your initial claim is denied. They also handle reconsideration appeals and Appeals Council reviews.

Because Binder and Binder is a large national firm, the actual attorney or representative working on your case may be someone you never meet in person. Much of the work happens by mail, phone, or email. If your case goes to a hearing, you may appear by video or in person at a local hearing office, depending on where you live and what Social Security schedules.

The firm does not represent you in other matters—such as Medicare or Medicaid issues, work incentives planning, or other benefits. They focus specifically on getting you approved for SSDI or SSI and maximizing your back pay.

When You Might Consider Hiring a Representative

You can file for SSDI or SSI on your own without a lawyer. Many people do. However, hiring a representative becomes more common after a denial, because the appeals process is more complex and the stakes are higher—your back pay grows the longer your case takes.

People often hire a representative when they reach the hearing stage, which is where an Administrative Law Judge reviews your case in detail. At a hearing, having someone who knows how to present medical evidence and question witnesses can make a real difference. The approval rate is higher with representation than without it at the hearing level.

You can also hire a representative at any earlier stage. Some people hire one right away if they believe their case will be difficult. Others wait to see if they are denied first. There is no penalty for representing yourself initially and then hiring someone later.

How Binder and Binder Compares to Other Representatives

Binder and Binder is one of many law firms and representative organizations that handle disability cases. Other large firms include The Allsup Company, Disability Rights Counsel, and many smaller local practices. All authorized representatives must charge the same federal fee cap and follow the same rules.

The differences between firms are usually in how they work: some have local offices where you can meet in person; some work entirely by phone and mail; some specialize in certain types of cases (like veterans' benefits combined with SSDI); some have faster or slower response times. Binder and Binder's main advantage is their size and national presence. Their main disadvantage, for some people, is that you may not work with a local attorney or have in-person meetings.

Before choosing any representative, you can ask them questions about how they work, how long cases typically take with them, and what their communication process is. You are not locked in—you can change representatives if you are unhappy, though you will need to notify Social Security and the previous representative in writing.

What to Ask Before You Hire

Before signing a fee agreement with Binder and Binder or any representative, ask these questions in writing and keep their answers:

  • What is your exact fee, and how is it calculated from my back pay?
  • What services will you provide at each stage of my case?
  • How often will I hear from you, and how do I contact you with questions?
  • How long do cases typically take at my stage (initial claim, reconsideration, hearing, or appeals)?
  • If my case goes to federal court, what are your fees and services at that level?
  • Are you authorized to practice before Social Security, and can you provide your authorization number?

You can verify that any representative is authorized to practice before Social Security by checking the Social Security Administration's list of representatives on their website, or by calling Social Security directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch from Binder and Binder to a different representative?

Yes. You can change representatives at any time by notifying Social Security and the previous representative in writing. You will need to file a new fee agreement with your new representative. The old representative may be owed a portion of the fee if they did work on your case, but Social Security handles this calculation.

What happens if Binder and Binder's fee plus another representative's fee exceeds the federal cap?

If you had a previous representative and then hire Binder and Binder, the total fee from all representatives cannot exceed the federal cap (currently $7,200). Social Security calculates how the fee is split between them. You do not pay extra.

Does Binder and Binder charge for an initial consultation?

Most disability law firms, including large ones, offer free initial consultations. You can contact Binder and Binder to ask whether they offer this and what information they will need from you. There is no obligation to hire them after a consultation.

What if I disagree with Binder and Binder's strategy in my case?

You have the right to make final decisions about your case, even if you have hired a representative. If you disagree with their approach, discuss it with them directly. If you cannot resolve it, you can change representatives or represent yourself. Put any disagreement in writing and keep a copy.

How do I know if Binder and Binder is actually working on my case?

After you sign a fee agreement, Social Security will send you a notice confirming that Binder and Binder is your representative. You should receive updates from them as your case moves forward. If you do not hear from them for several months, contact them directly to ask about the status. You can also call Social Security and ask them what stage your case is at.