How to find a disability lawyer near you
The fastest way to find a disability lawyer is to call your state bar association and ask for their lawyer referral service. Most state bars maintain a searchable directory or a phone line that connects you to lawyers who handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases in your county. You can search for your state bar online by typing "[your state] bar association" into a search engine.
If you live in a rural area or have trouble finding someone through the bar, contact your local legal aid office. Legal aid serves people who cannot afford a private lawyer, and many legal aid offices have staff attorneys or referral lists for disability cases. You can find your local legal aid office through the Legal Aid & Defender Association website or by calling 211.
Another direct route is to search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) directory. NOSSCR members are lawyers and non-lawyer representatives who specialize in SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. You can filter by state and city on their website.
Key Takeaways
- Your state bar association's referral service is the most reliable starting point and can tell you which lawyers in your area handle SSDI cases.
- Legal aid offices serve people who cannot pay for a lawyer and often have disability specialists on staff or can refer you to one.
- The NOSSCR directory lists lawyers and representatives who focus specifically on Social Security disability cases and allows you to search by location.
- When you contact a lawyer, ask whether they charge a fee upfront or work on contingency (taking payment only if you win).
- Many disability lawyers work under a fee agreement approved by Social Security, which caps what they can charge you.
What to ask when you call a lawyer
Before you hire someone, ask three things: whether they have handled SSDI cases before, how they charge for their work, and how long they think your case will take. A lawyer who has handled dozens of SSDI cases will know the local hearing office, the judges, and what evidence tends to work in your area.
Ask specifically whether they charge an upfront fee or work on contingency. Under a contingency fee agreement, the lawyer takes payment only if you win your case. Social Security limits what a lawyer can charge you under a fee agreement — currently, they cannot take more than 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed to you from before your approval date), up to a maximum of $7,200. This cap changes yearly, so confirm the current limit when you call.
If a lawyer asks for money before your case is decided, make sure you understand what that money covers. Some lawyers charge an hourly rate for initial consultation or case preparation. Others charge a flat fee to represent you through the hearing stage. Ask for this in writing before you sign anything.
The difference between lawyers and non-lawyer representatives
You do not have to hire a lawyer to represent you in an SSDI case. Non-lawyer representatives — also called advocates or paralegals — can represent you before Social Security and at a hearing. Many non-lawyer representatives specialize in disability cases and charge the same way lawyers do: on contingency, under the same Social Security fee cap.
Non-lawyer representatives often cost less than lawyers and may have more availability in smaller towns. They follow the same rules as lawyers when representing you and can file documents, attend hearings, and argue your case. The main difference is that they are not licensed attorneys, so they cannot give you legal information outside the scope of your case.
Both lawyers and non-lawyer representatives are listed in the NOSSCR directory. If you are deciding between the two, ask each one about their experience with cases like yours and what they have seen work in your local hearing office.
When you cannot afford a lawyer
If you do not have money to pay a lawyer upfront, you have two options: find a lawyer or representative who works on contingency, or contact your local legal aid office.
Most disability lawyers and representatives work on contingency, so lack of money should not stop you from getting representation. When you call, say clearly that you cannot pay upfront and ask whether they take contingency cases. Many do.
Legal aid offices represent low-income people for free. If your income is below a certain level (which varies by state), legal aid can assign you a lawyer at no cost. Even if you do not meet the income limit, legal aid can sometimes refer you to a lawyer who will take your case on contingency. Call your local legal aid office and ask what they can do for you.
What happens after you hire someone
Once you sign a fee agreement with a lawyer or representative, they will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. They will also ask you for a detailed history of your work, your condition, and how your condition affects what you can do. This information becomes the foundation of your case.
Your representative will file documents with Social Security explaining why you meet the criteria for disability. If Social Security denies you, your representative will request a hearing before an administrative law judge. At the hearing, your representative will present evidence and argue your case.
Throughout this process, your representative should keep you informed about what is happening and what to expect next. If you do not hear from them for several months, call and ask for an update. You have the right to know the status of your case.
Red flags when choosing a representative
Avoid anyone who guarantees you will win your case. No one can promise that. Avoid anyone who asks you to pay money upfront unless you have agreed in writing to an hourly rate or flat fee for specific work. Avoid anyone who discourages you from reading the fee agreement before you sign it.
Be cautious of representatives who pressure you to sign quickly or who do not answer your questions clearly. A good representative will explain how they work, what they charge, and what you can expect. If someone makes you uncomfortable, you can always call another lawyer or representative.
If you have already hired someone and want to switch to a different representative, you can do that. You will need to file a form with Social Security to end the fee agreement with the first representative and start a new one with the second. Your new representative can help you with this paperwork.
How to find a lawyer if you are already in a hearing
If you are already scheduled for a hearing and do not have a representative, you can still hire one. Call your local bar association or legal aid office right away — the sooner you get representation, the more time your representative has to prepare.
Tell whoever you call that you have a hearing date coming up and ask them to prioritize your case. Some lawyers and representatives will take on cases close to the hearing date if they have availability. Others may not have time. The earlier you reach out, the better your chances of finding someone.
If you cannot find a representative before your hearing, you can still represent yourself. You have the right to attend the hearing, present evidence, and speak to the judge. Having a representative makes this easier, but it is not required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change representatives if I am not happy with the one I hired?
Yes. You can end your fee agreement with one representative and hire another. Your new representative will file the paperwork with Social Security to make the change official. You do not lose any of your case history or evidence when you switch.
What if I win my case and the lawyer takes their fee from my back pay?
When you win, Social Security will send you a notice showing how much back pay you are owed. Your representative's fee comes out of that back pay before you receive it. You will receive the remaining amount. Social Security sends the fee directly to your representative, so you do not have to pay them yourself.
Do I need a lawyer if I am explore for SSDI for the first time?
You do not need one, but many people find it helpful. A lawyer or representative can gather your medical records, organize your case, and make sure you submit everything Social Security needs. If you are denied and have to appeal, having a representative becomes much more valuable.
How much does a disability lawyer cost?
If you hire a lawyer on contingency, they take a percentage of your back pay — up to 25 percent, with a current maximum of $7,200. If you hire a lawyer on an hourly basis or flat fee, the cost varies. Ask for a written fee agreement before you hire anyone.
What if I live in a very small town and cannot find a disability lawyer nearby?
Many disability lawyers work with clients remotely and can represent you even if they are not in your town. Call your state bar association or search the NOSSCR directory and ask whether lawyers are willing to work with clients outside their when ready area. Legal aid may also be able to help or refer you to someone who can.