Duncan Disability Law is a law firm that handles Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases

Duncan Disability Law represents clients in SSDI and SSI matters, including initial claims, reconsideration requests, and appeals before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the lawyer takes a percentage of your back pay if you win — typically 25 percent of the retroactive benefits owed to you, capped at $6,000 under federal law.

Like all SSDI and SSI representatives, Duncan Disability Law must be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to charge fees and represent claimants. This approval means the firm has met SSA standards for conduct and competence, though it does not mean Social Security endorses the firm or guarantees any outcome.

The firm operates in specific states and handles cases at different stages of the SSDI and SSI process. Before you contact them, you should know what stage your case is in and whether they take cases in your state.

Key Takeaways

  • Duncan Disability Law charges on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you receive back pay from a successful claim or appeal.
  • The firm must be SSA-approved to represent you, but approval does not mean Social Security endorses them or guarantees a win.
  • You can verify that Duncan Disability Law is currently approved by checking the SSA's list of representatives on their website.
  • Contingency fees are capped at $6,000 or 25 percent of back pay, whichever is less, by federal law.

How to find Duncan Disability Law's contact information

To locate Duncan Disability Law, start with the Social Security Administration's official representative directory. Go to ssa.gov, search for "Find a Representative," and use their searchable database. You can filter by state, city, or the firm's name. This directory shows you whether the firm is currently approved, what types of cases they handle, and their contact details.

You can also search online for "Duncan Disability Law" plus your state name to find their website or phone number directly. If you find a website, verify the phone number by cross-checking it against the SSA directory — this protects you from reaching an imposter or outdated contact.

Before you call, have your Social Security number and case number ready if you already have an open SSDI or SSI claim. If you are at the initial process stage, have your medical records and work history summary available so you can describe your situation clearly.

What stage of the SSDI or SSI process Duncan Disability Law handles

Most disability law firms, including those operating under the Duncan name, handle cases at multiple stages. These typically include initial SSDI or SSI claims, reconsideration requests (the first appeal after a denial), and hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Some firms also handle appeals to the Appeals Council, the next level up.

The stage that matters most is where your case currently sits. If you have never filed, you are at the initial process stage. If Social Security denied your claim and you have not yet appealed, you are in the reconsideration stage. If you have already had a reconsideration denial and requested a hearing, you are waiting for or preparing for an ALJ hearing.

Contact the firm and tell them which stage you are in. They will let you know whether they take cases at that stage and in your state. Some firms focus only on hearings before judges, while others handle the full process from start to finish.

Contingency fees and what you actually pay

Under federal law, a representative in an SSDI or SSI case can charge you a fee only if you win and receive back pay. The fee is capped at the lesser of 25 percent of your back pay or $6,000. This means if you receive $10,000 in back pay, the lawyer takes $2,500 (25 percent). If you receive $30,000 in back pay, the lawyer takes $6,000, not $7,500.

The fee comes out of your back pay before you receive it. Social Security pays the back pay directly to the lawyer's trust account, the lawyer takes the fee, and the remainder goes to you. You do not write a check or handle the payment yourself.

If you lose your case, you owe nothing. The firm absorbs the cost of working on your case. This is why contingency representation is common in disability law — the firm only gets paid if you do.

How to verify Duncan Disability Law is approved by Social Security

The SSA maintains a public directory of all approved representatives. Go to ssa.gov/representation and use the "Find a Representative" search tool. Enter the firm name and your state. The directory will show you whether Duncan Disability Law is currently approved, their address, phone number, and the types of cases they handle.

An approved representative has passed a background check and agreed to follow SSA rules about fees, conduct, and communication with clients. Approval does not mean the firm wins every case or that Social Security recommends them — it means they meet the minimum standards to represent you.

If the firm does not appear in the directory, they are not currently approved to charge fees for representation. You can still work with them as a non-fee representative (they work for free), but verify this arrangement in writing before you proceed.

What to expect when you contact Duncan Disability Law

When you call or email, the firm will ask about your case stage, your medical condition, your work history, and whether you have already filed with Social Security. They may ask for your Social Security number and permission to request your file from Social Security. This is standard and necessary for them to review your case.

The firm will then tell you whether they take cases in your state and at your case stage. If they do, they may offer a free initial consultation to discuss your situation and whether representation makes sense. If they do not, they will tell you so directly — do not assume silence means yes.

If you decide to work with them, you will sign a fee agreement that spells out the contingency fee, what the firm will do, and what you are responsible for. Read this agreement carefully before you sign. It should match what they told you about the fee cap and the stages they will handle.

Alternatives if Duncan Disability Law is not available in your state

If Duncan Disability Law does not handle cases in your state or at your case stage, you have other options. The SSA directory lists hundreds of approved representatives — search by state to find firms near you. You can also contact your state's disability rights organization, which often maintains a list of local disability lawyers and can refer you to one that takes cases like yours.

Another option is a non-attorney representative, such as a certified advocate or accredited representative. These professionals are approved by Social Security and can represent you at hearings and appeals, though they cannot represent you in court. Their fees are also capped at $6,000 or 25 percent of back pay.

If you cannot afford a representative, some legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost disability representation to people who meet income limits. Contact your local legal aid office or search lawhelp.org to find one in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch representatives if I am already working with Duncan Disability Law?

Yes. You can change representatives at any time by notifying Social Security in writing and providing the name and contact information of your new representative. The old representative's fee rights end when the new one takes over. If you switch before a decision, only the final representative who worked on your case can charge a fee.

What if Duncan Disability Law wins my case but I disagree with the fee they charged?

You can request a fee review from Social Security. The SSA will examine whether the fee is reasonable given the work done and the amount of back pay. If you believe the fee violates the $6,000 cap or the 25 percent rule, Social Security can order the firm to refund the overage. Submit your request in writing to the SSA office that handled your case.

Do I need a lawyer, or can I handle my SSDI appeal on my own?

You can represent yourself at any stage of the SSDI or SSI process. Many people win without a lawyer, especially at the initial process stage. However, at the ALJ hearing stage, having a representative increases your chances of winning. The SSA does not provide legal information, so if you choose to represent yourself, you will need to gather medical evidence and prepare your case on your own.

What if Duncan Disability Law says they cannot take my case?

Some firms decline cases because they do not work in your state, do not handle your case stage, or believe your case is unlikely to win. If they decline, ask them to refer you to another firm that might take it. You can also search the SSA directory yourself or contact your state's disability rights organization for a referral.

How long does it take Duncan Disability Law to resolve a case?

Timeline depends on your case stage. Initial claims take three to six months. Reconsideration appeals take three to six months. ALJ hearings typically take one to two years from request to decision. Duncan Disability Law cannot speed up Social Security's timeline, but they can may support your file is complete and your hearing is well-prepared.