Where to Find Disability Attorneys in Texas

Texas has thousands of attorneys licensed to handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases, but finding one who takes your case requires knowing where to look and what to expect. Most disability attorneys in Texas work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win your case — typically 25% of your back pay, capped at $6,600 by federal law.

The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service (www.texasbar.com) maintains a searchable directory of attorneys by practice area and location. You can filter for disability law and your county. The Social Security Administration also publishes a list of representative payees and attorneys approved to practice before SSA, though this list does not rate them or verify current practice.

Disability-focused nonprofits in Texas often maintain referral lists. Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Community Legal Services, and the Disability Rights Texas office can point you toward attorneys who handle SSDI cases in your region. Many law firms that handle disability cases advertise online, but you should verify any attorney's bar status and disciplinary history through the State Bar of Texas website before contacting them.

Key Takeaways

  • Disability attorneys in Texas work on contingency, taking 25% of your back pay (capped at $6,600) only if you win, with no upfront cost to you.
  • The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service and disability nonprofits like Disability Rights Texas can connect you with attorneys in your area.
  • You must verify an attorney's bar status and check for disciplinary history through the State Bar of Texas before hiring them.
  • An attorney can represent you at the initial claim stage, reconsideration, hearing before an administrative law judge, or appeals court review.
  • You have the right to fire your attorney at any time, and you can represent yourself without one, though most people win more often with legal representation.

What Disability Attorneys in Texas Charge and How Payment Works

Federal law caps what a disability attorney can charge at 25% of your back pay, with a maximum of $6,600 total. This applies to SSDI and SSI cases. The attorney cannot charge you an hourly rate, a retainer, or an upfront fee — that is illegal. If your case is denied and you receive no back pay, your attorney receives nothing.

Before an attorney can charge you, the Social Security Administration must approve the fee agreement in writing. The attorney files this with SSA, and you receive a copy. Read it carefully: it should state the percentage (usually 25%), the cap ($6,600), and what services are covered. If SSA denies your case, the fee agreement is void and you owe the attorney nothing.

If you win and receive back pay, SSA pays the attorney directly from your award. You receive the remainder. For example, if your back pay is $20,000, the attorney receives $5,000 (25%), and you receive $15,000. The $6,600 cap means that on a $30,000 back-pay award, the attorney receives $6,600, not $7,500.

How to Evaluate a Disability Attorney Before Hiring

Start by checking the attorney's bar status and disciplinary record. Go to www.texasbar.com, click "Find a Lawyer," and search by name. The results show whether the attorney is in good standing, any public disciplinary actions, and their practice areas. If an attorney has been suspended, disbarred, or has multiple complaints, do not hire them.

Ask the attorney directly: How many SSDI and SSI cases have you handled? What percentage of your cases go to hearing before an administrative law judge? What is your approval rate at the hearing stage? A reputable attorney should answer these questions. Approval rates vary, but attorneys who regularly handle disability cases typically win 60% to 75% of cases that reach a hearing.

Ask whether the attorney will handle your case personally or assign it to a paralegal or associate. Some firms have one attorney who reviews all cases but paralegals do most of the work. Others assign cases to junior attorneys. Understand who you will actually be working with. Also ask: Will you communicate by phone, email, or mail? How often will I hear from you? What happens if I disagree with your strategy?

Interview at least two attorneys before deciding. Most offer free initial consultations. Use this time to ask about their experience, their approach to your type of case, and what they expect from you. If an attorney pressures you to hire them when ready or guarantees a win, that is a red flag.

What Happens When You Hire an Attorney

Once you sign a fee agreement and SSA approves it, your attorney becomes your representative on record. The attorney can request your medical records, submit written statements to SSA, attend your hearing, and file appeals on your behalf. You still own your case — the attorney works for you, not the other way around.

Your attorney will ask you for detailed information about your medical conditions, work history, and daily activities. Bring medical records, doctor's notes, hospital discharge summaries, and any test results. The more complete your medical evidence, the stronger your case. Your attorney will review these records and tell you whether your case is strong enough to pursue or whether you should wait for more medical evidence.

If your case goes to a hearing before an administrative law judge, your attorney will prepare you for testimony, file a written brief explaining why you meet the disability standard, and cross-examine the vocational informed and medical informed who testify against you. The attorney's role at the hearing is to present your case as persuasively as possible.

You can fire your attorney at any time by notifying SSA in writing. If you do, you must sign a new fee agreement with a new attorney, or represent yourself going forward. Firing an attorney does not affect your case — it straightforward changes who represents you.

When You Might Not Need an Attorney

You have the right to represent yourself at every stage of the SSDI or SSI process. Some people win without an attorney, particularly if they have strong medical evidence and clear-cut disabilities. However, statistics show that people represented by attorneys win more often than those who represent themselves.

If you are at the initial claim stage and your case is straightforward — for example, you have recent cancer diagnosis with clear medical documentation — you may decide to file on your own first. If SSA denies you, you can then hire an attorney for the reconsideration or hearing stage. An attorney can still represent you at reconsideration or hearing even if you filed the initial claim yourself.

If you cannot afford an attorney and do not may have access to for one on contingency (because your case is very weak), some disability nonprofits in Texas offer free or low-cost representation or information. Contact Disability Rights Texas or your local legal aid office to ask about these programs.

Red Flags: Attorneys to Avoid

Do not hire an attorney who charges an upfront fee, promises a specific outcome, or says they can "may provide" you will win. These are illegal practices. Do not hire an attorney who is not licensed in Texas or who has been disciplined by the State Bar.

Avoid attorneys who pressure you to sign documents without reading them, who do not return your calls or emails within a few days, or who cannot explain their strategy in plain language. If an attorney seems more interested in taking your case than in understanding your medical situation, that is a warning sign.

Be cautious of online ads that promise fast results or claim to have special connections at SSA. SSA treats all cases equally regardless of who represents you. An attorney's value is in building a strong case with good medical evidence and skilled presentation at hearing, not in having inside access.

Your Rights When Working With an Attorney

You have the right to know what your attorney is doing on your case. Ask for copies of all documents filed with SSA, all medical records obtained, and any written statements submitted. Your attorney should keep you informed of important date and what to expect at each stage.

You have the right to disagree with your attorney's strategy. If your attorney recommends not pursuing your case and you want to continue, you can fire them and hire another attorney or represent yourself. If your attorney wants to drop your case because it is weak, you can ask for a second opinion from another attorney.

You have the right to file a complaint with the State Bar of Texas if your attorney violates ethics rules, fails to return your money, or provides incompetent representation. The State Bar investigates complaints and can discipline or disbar attorneys who violate rules. Complaints are filed through the State Bar's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire an attorney from another state to represent me in Texas?

No. Your attorney must be licensed to practice in Texas. An attorney licensed in another state cannot represent you before SSA or in Texas courts. If you move to another state during your case, you will need to hire an attorney licensed in that state, though your original attorney can help with the transition.

What if I already have an attorney and want to switch to a different one?

You can fire your current attorney by sending a written notice to SSA and your attorney. You then sign a new fee agreement with the new attorney. SSA will update its records. Your case continues without interruption. The new attorney will review your file and take over from where the previous attorney left off.

Do I need an attorney if I am filing for SSI instead of SSDI?

SSI cases are more complex than SSDI cases because SSI has strict income and resource limits. An attorney can help you understand these limits and structure your finances to remain within them. Many attorneys handle both SSDI and SSI, though some specialize in one or the other. Ask the attorney about their SSI experience before hiring.

What happens to my attorney's fee if I win at reconsideration instead of at a hearing?

Your attorney's fee comes from your back pay regardless of what stage you win at. If you win at reconsideration, you receive back pay from the date SSA denied your initial claim. The attorney receives 25% of that back pay (up to $6,600). The stage at which you win does not change how the fee works.

Can my attorney represent me if I appeal to federal court?

Yes, but federal court appeals are different from SSA hearings. Your attorney must be licensed to practice in federal court, which requires additional admission. Not all disability attorneys handle federal appeals. If your case is denied at the Appeals Council level and you want to file in federal court, ask your current attorney whether they handle federal appeals or can refer you to someone who does.