Who Jan Dils Is and What They Handle
Jan Dils is a disability lawyer who represents claimants in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only if you win your case. Dils operates through a law firm that takes cases at the initial process stage, reconsideration appeal, and hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
The firm focuses on SSDI and SSI representation in states where they are licensed to practice. Like most disability attorneys, Dils is bound by Social Security Administration (SSA) fee rules: if you win, the fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you became disabled), with a maximum of $7,200 as of 2024. You also reimburse reasonable case expenses such as medical records requests.
Dils does not represent claimants in Medicare, Medicaid, work incentive planning, or tax matters—those fall outside the scope of disability law representation. The firm's role is strictly to build your case for disability benefits and present it to SSA decision-makers.
Key Takeaways
- Jan Dils represents claimants in SSDI and SSI cases on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless you win.
- The firm can represent you at the initial process, reconsideration, and ALJ hearing stages of the SSA appeals process.
- Attorney fees are capped at 25 percent of back pay (maximum $7,200 as of 2024) plus reimbursable case expenses.
- You should contact the firm directly to confirm they are licensed in your state and currently accepting new cases in your region.
- A disability attorney's main job is to gather medical evidence, write your case narrative, and argue your claim before a judge if needed.
How to Contact Jan Dils
To reach Jan Dils's office, search for the firm's website or phone number using the lawyer's name and your state. Disability law firms often have regional offices or work with local representatives, so confirming they serve your area is the first step.
When you call, have ready: your Social Security number, the date you stopped working due to disability, a list of your medical conditions, and the names of doctors or clinics treating you. The firm will ask whether you have already applied to SSA or are in the appeals process. This determines which stage of representation they would take on.
Many disability firms offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case and explain how they work. Use this call to ask whether they think your case is strong, how long representation typically takes, and what documents they will need from you.
What Happens When You Hire a Disability Attorney
Once you sign a fee agreement with Jan Dils or any disability attorney, the firm becomes your representative of record with SSA. You can still communicate with SSA yourself, but the attorney's office will handle most correspondence, medical evidence gathering, and formal filings.
The attorney will request your medical records from all providers you listed, review them for evidence of disability, and write a detailed narrative explaining why your conditions meet SSA's definition of disability. If SSA denies your claim, the attorney prepares your appeal and, if necessary, represents you at your hearing before an ALJ.
You remain responsible for attending medical appointments and keeping your doctors informed about your case. The attorney cannot force a doctor to write a favorable report, but they can ask doctors to clarify findings or provide additional detail about your functional limitations.
When a Disability Attorney Makes Sense
Hiring an attorney is most useful if your case has been denied once already, if your medical evidence is complex or scattered across many providers, or if you have a condition that SSA frequently denies (such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or mental health disorders). An attorney can also help if you are unsure whether your condition meets SSA's strict definition of disability.
You do not need an attorney to file an initial SSDI or SSI process. Many people file on their own and win. However, if you are denied and plan to appeal, an attorney's involvement at the reconsideration or hearing stage significantly raises your chances of approval. SSA statistics show that claimants represented by attorneys at the ALJ hearing stage win at much higher rates than unrepresented claimants.
If you cannot afford an attorney upfront, the contingency fee model means cost is not a barrier. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes from your back pay, not from your pocket.
Understanding SSA Fee Rules and Your Costs
Jan Dils, like all SSA-approved representatives, must follow strict fee rules set by the Social Security Administration. The attorney fee is limited to 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. Back pay is the total amount SSA owes you from the date you became disabled until the date your benefits begin.
In addition to the attorney fee, you may owe case expenses. These are costs the firm incurs on your behalf, such as fees to obtain medical records, costs to order a medical informed's report, or court filing fees. The firm must itemize these expenses and show they are reasonable. You reimburse these from your back pay as well, after the attorney fee is deducted.
Example: If you win and receive $15,000 in back pay, the attorney fee is $3,750 (25 percent). If case expenses total $500, you pay $500. You receive $10,750. The remaining $4,250 goes to SSA to repay any overpayments or to cover Medicare premiums owed during the period you were waiting for benefits.
What to Expect During the Appeals Process
If your initial SSDI or SSI process is denied, you have 60 days to file a reconsideration request. This is SSA's first level of appeal. Your attorney will review the denial letter, identify what evidence was missing or weak, and submit new medical records or a written argument explaining why the denial was wrong.
If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where most cases are won. Your attorney will prepare you for the hearing, gather any additional medical evidence, and may request that a medical informed or vocational informed testify on your behalf. At the hearing, the attorney presents your case, questions SSA's witnesses, and argues why you meet the definition of disability.
The entire process from initial process to ALJ hearing typically takes 2 to 4 years, though it varies by region and case complexity. Your attorney will keep you informed of important date and next steps throughout.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Before you commit to working with Jan Dils or any disability attorney, ask these questions: Are you licensed to practice in my state? Do you currently represent clients in my region? What is your success rate at the ALJ hearing stage? How do you charge for case expenses, and will you provide an itemized bill? How often will you communicate with me about my case?
Also ask whether the attorney has experience with your specific condition or conditions. Some attorneys specialize in certain diagnoses or have a track record with particular ALJs in your area. This can matter for your outcome.
Finally, confirm that the attorney is listed on SSA's Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge (OCALJ) roster of approved representatives. This is public information and you can verify it yourself on SSA's website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire Jan Dils if I already applied to SSA on my own?
Yes. You can hire a disability attorney at any stage—after a denial, during reconsideration, or before an ALJ hearing. If you have already applied and been denied, an attorney can take over your case and file your appeal. You do not have to start over.
What if I win my case but disagree with the attorney's fee?
You can request a fee review from SSA. Submit a written request to the Social Security Administration within 30 days of the fee being deducted. SSA will review whether the fee was reasonable and may order a reduction if it was excessive. This is rare, but the right exists.
Do I have to use the same attorney for my entire case?
No. You can change attorneys at any stage. If you switch, you must notify SSA in writing and provide a new fee agreement signed by you and the new attorney. The new attorney's fee is calculated only on back pay earned after they took the case, not on back pay from earlier stages.
What happens if my case is denied at the ALJ hearing?
You can appeal to the Appeals Council, which reviews the ALJ's decision for legal error. If the Appeals Council denies you, you can file a civil lawsuit in federal district court. Your attorney can advise you on whether further appeal is worth pursuing based on the strength of your case and the reasons for denial.
Will hiring an attorney slow down my case?
No. An attorney typically speeds up the process by gathering evidence more efficiently and filing appeals correctly the first time. Mistakes in paperwork or missed important date can delay your case far more than the time it takes an attorney to organize your file.