What disability lawyers do in University Park
A disability lawyer in University Park represents people who are explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or who have been denied and are appealing. They handle the paperwork, gather medical records, prepare you for hearings, and argue your case in front of a judge if needed. Most work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win—typically 25% of your back pay, capped at $7,200 by federal law.
University Park is a suburb south of Chicago in Will County. Disability lawyers there operate under the same federal rules as lawyers anywhere else in Illinois, but they may have different relationships with the local Social Security office and the hearing office that handles appeals in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Disability lawyers in University Park work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront and only if you win your case.
- The Social Security Administration caps attorney fees at $7,200 or 25% of back pay, whichever is less.
- You can find local lawyers through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), the Illinois State Bar Association, or by calling the Social Security office in your area for referrals.
- Not all disability lawyers take every case—many focus on appeals rather than initial applications, and some have waiting lists.
- You have the right to representation at any stage of your SSDI or SSI case, from the initial process through federal court.
How to find disability lawyers near University Park
Start with NOSSCR (the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives). Their website has a searchable directory of member attorneys and non-attorney representatives licensed to practice before Social Security. Filter by Illinois and look for lawyers near University Park or in nearby Chicago, since many will travel to Will County for hearings.
The Illinois State Bar Association also maintains a lawyer referral service. You can search by practice area (disability law or Social Security) and location. Call 800-252-8908 or visit their website to request referrals.
You can also contact the Social Security office serving University Park directly and ask if they maintain a list of local representatives. The office at 2500 W. 95th Street in Evergreen Park serves that area. They cannot recommend a specific lawyer, but they can tell you who regularly appears before them.
What to expect when you hire a disability lawyer
Once you sign a fee agreement, your lawyer becomes your representative of record with Social Security. They will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals, review your work history, and advise you on whether your case is strong enough to pursue. If you are explore for the first time, they may tell you to explore on your own first—Social Security will not pay attorney fees on an initial process, only on appeals.
If you are appealing a denial, your lawyer will prepare a written brief explaining why the judge should overturn the decision. They will also prepare you for a hearing, which may be in person at the Chicago hearing office or by video. Your lawyer will ask you questions about your medical condition and daily life, and will cross-examine the vocational informed or medical informed that Social Security brings.
Throughout the process, your lawyer's office should keep you informed of important date and next steps. If you disagree with their strategy or want to end the relationship, you can request a new representative at any time by filing a form with Social Security.
Cost and payment structure
You pay nothing upfront. When you win, your lawyer's fee comes from your back pay—the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date they approve your claim. The federal cap is the lesser of 25% of back pay or $7,200. Some lawyers charge less; none can legally charge more.
If you win a small amount of back pay, your lawyer's fee will be smaller. For example, if you receive $5,000 in back pay, 25% is $1,250, which is well below the $7,200 cap. Your lawyer must explain the fee arrangement in writing before you sign.
If you lose, you owe nothing. Your lawyer absorbs the cost of their time and the cost of obtaining your medical records. This is why many lawyers are selective about which cases they take—they only make money if you win.
When a lawyer may decline your case
Not every disability lawyer will take every case. Some focus only on appeals, not initial applications. Others have waiting lists because they are busy. A few may decline if they think your case is weak—for instance, if your medical records do not support a disability finding, or if you have recent work history that suggests you can still work.
If a lawyer declines, ask why. Their feedback can be valuable. You can also seek a second opinion from another lawyer. There is no penalty for talking to multiple lawyers before choosing one.
If you cannot find a lawyer willing to take your case, you can represent yourself or hire a non-attorney representative. Non-attorney representatives (called "accredited representatives") are trained and licensed by Social Security to represent claimants. They typically charge lower fees than lawyers and may be more willing to take marginal cases.
Your rights with a disability lawyer
You have the right to know what your lawyer is doing on your behalf. Ask for copies of all letters, medical records, and briefs. You can attend your hearing and participate in the questioning. You can disagree with your lawyer's information and make your own decisions about settlement or appeal.
If you are unhappy with your lawyer's work, you can file a complaint with the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) at 877-275-2372 or through their website. You can also request a new representative by filing a form with Social Security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a disability lawyer for my initial SSDI process?
Yes, but Social Security will not pay attorney fees on an initial process. Your lawyer would work for free until you appeal a denial. Many lawyers decline initial applications for this reason. Some will take them if they think your case is very strong and likely to be approved on the first try.
What is the difference between a disability lawyer and a non-attorney representative?
Both can represent you before Social Security and at hearings. Lawyers have a law degree and are licensed by the state. Non-attorney representatives are trained and accredited by Social Security but are not lawyers. Non-attorney representatives typically charge lower fees and may be more available for weaker cases.
How long does it take to win a disability case?
An initial process takes three to six months. An appeal to the Appeals Council can take one to two years. A hearing before a judge typically happens nine to twelve months after you request it, though it varies by office. Your lawyer can give you a better estimate based on the Chicago hearing office's current backlog.
What if I win and my lawyer's fee is more than I expected?
Your lawyer must explain the fee in writing before you sign the fee agreement. If you believe the fee is incorrect, you can request a fee review from Social Security's Office of Hearings Operations. Social Security will investigate and can reduce the fee if it is unreasonable.
Can I switch lawyers in the middle of my case?
Yes. You can request a new representative at any time by filing a form with Social Security. Your old lawyer's fee will be based on the work they did up to that point. Your new lawyer's fee will be based on their work going forward. Both fees combined cannot exceed the federal cap.