Morgan & Morgan's Role in SSDI Representation

Morgan & Morgan is a personal injury and disability law firm that handles Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cases on contingency, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the firm takes a percentage of your back pay if you win. The firm operates in multiple states and handles cases at the initial process stage, reconsideration appeals, and hearings before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).

The firm's SSDI practice focuses on representing claimants who have been denied benefits or who need help navigating the appeals process. Like all SSDI representatives, Morgan & Morgan must be approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and must follow SSA fee rules: they can charge no more than 25 percent of your back pay, up to a maximum of $7,200 (as of 2024, though this cap adjusts annually). The firm does not charge you a retainer, hourly rate, or fee if you lose your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Morgan & Morgan charges only if you win, taking up to 25 percent of back pay owed to you, with a legal fee cap set by Social Security.
  • The firm handles cases at all stages: initial denials, reconsideration appeals, and hearings before an Administrative Law Judge.
  • You can work with Morgan & Morgan or another representative; Social Security does not require you to use any particular firm.
  • Before hiring any representative, confirm they are approved by SSA, understand what stage your case is at, and know what documents they will need from you.
  • Morgan & Morgan's availability and case acceptance vary by state and case type, so contacting them directly is the only way to learn whether they will take your case.

How Contingency Representation Works in SSDI Cases

Under a contingency fee arrangement, Morgan & Morgan advances the work on your case without charging you upfront. If Social Security denies your claim, you owe nothing. If you win—either at reconsideration, a hearing, or on appeal—the firm submits a fee petition to SSA, which must approve the amount before any money changes hands.

The fee comes from your back pay, not from your ongoing monthly benefits. Back pay is the sum Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled (your "established onset date") back to the date your benefits begin. If you are owed $50,000 in back pay and Morgan & Morgan's fee is approved at 25 percent, the firm receives $12,500 and you receive $37,500. Your ongoing monthly SSDI payment is not affected.

SSA must approve the fee before it is paid. Morgan & Morgan cannot straightforward take whatever percentage it negotiates with you; the firm must show SSA that the fee is reasonable for the work done. In practice, most approved fees fall between 20 and 25 percent, depending on case complexity and how long representation took.

What Stage of the SSDI Process Morgan & Morgan Handles

Morgan & Morgan represents claimants at three main points in the SSDI process. At the initial process stage, the firm helps you gather medical records, write your work history, and submit your process to SSA. Many claimants are denied at this stage; having a representative can improve the quality of your submission.

If you are denied, you can request reconsideration, a second review by a different SSA examiner. Morgan & Morgan can represent you during reconsideration, submitting new evidence and written arguments about why your condition meets SSDI rules.

If reconsideration is also denied, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where many cases are won. Morgan & Morgan can represent you at the hearing, cross-examine the SSA's medical informed, present your own medical evidence, and argue why you meet the legal standard for disability. The firm's experience at this stage is often what claimants are paying for.

What Documents and Information You Will Need to Provide

When you contact Morgan & Morgan, the firm will ask for your Social Security number, the date you stopped working, and the names and dates of all medical providers who have treated you since you became unable to work. You will also need to provide or authorize the firm to obtain your medical records, including imaging (X-rays, MRIs), lab results, and treatment notes from doctors, specialists, and therapists.

The firm will also need a detailed work history: the jobs you held, the dates you worked, what you did in each job, and why you had to stop working. This information helps SSA understand what you are no longer able to do and whether your condition prevents you from doing any work at a substantial level.

If you have already been denied once or twice, bring those denial letters. They explain exactly why SSA rejected your claim and tell the firm what evidence or arguments were missing. This saves time and helps the firm know what to focus on in your appeal.

How to Contact Morgan & Morgan About Your Case

Morgan & Morgan operates a website and phone line for SSDI inquiries. You can call or fill out an online form describing your situation. The firm will review your information and contact you to discuss whether it will take your case. Not every case is accepted; the firm may decline if your medical condition does not appear to meet SSDI rules, if you have already exhausted your appeals, or if the firm is not licensed in your state.

When you first contact the firm, be ready to describe your medical condition, when you stopped working, and what stage your case is at (initial process, reconsideration, or hearing). If you have already been denied, have your denial letter available. The initial conversation is usually free and helps both you and the firm decide whether to move forward.

Response times vary. Some offices respond within a few business days; others may take longer depending on volume. If you do not hear back within a week, follow up by phone rather than waiting for an email response.

Comparing Morgan & Morgan to Other SSDI Representatives

Morgan & Morgan is one of many firms that represent SSDI claimants on contingency. Other options include smaller disability law practices, non-profit legal aid organizations, and individual attorneys who specialize in Social Security law. All must be approved by SSA and must follow the same fee rules.

The main differences are size, experience, and availability. Morgan & Morgan is a large firm with offices in many states, which can mean faster processing but also less personal attention. Smaller firms or solo practitioners may offer more one-on-one contact but may have longer wait times or serve only certain counties. Non-profit legal aid organizations often represent low-income claimants for free or at reduced cost, but they may have limited capacity and long waiting lists.

You are not required to use Morgan & Morgan or any particular firm. You can represent yourself, hire a different representative, or switch representatives if you are unhappy. If you switch, you must notify SSA in writing, and any new representative must submit a new fee petition if you win.

What Happens After You Hire Morgan & Morgan

Once you sign a representation agreement with Morgan & Morgan, the firm becomes your official representative on your SSDI case. SSA will send all notices and decisions to the firm, and the firm will communicate with you about next steps. You do not lose any rights; you can still request information about your case, attend your hearing, and make final decisions about settlement or appeal.

The firm will gather your medical records, organize your work history, and prepare your case file. Depending on what stage you are at, this may mean writing a reconsideration brief, preparing you for an ALJ hearing, or both. The firm will also keep you updated on timing; reconsideration typically takes three to six months, and a hearing may take six months to two years depending on the ALJ's schedule.

If you win, Morgan & Morgan will submit a fee petition to SSA. SSA reviews the fee and either approves it, reduces it, or requests more information. Once approved, the firm's fee is deducted from your back pay before you receive your lump sum. Your ongoing monthly SSDI payment begins the month after your case is approved and is not reduced by the representative's fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay Morgan & Morgan if my case is denied?

No. Morgan & Morgan works on contingency, which means you pay nothing if you lose. You only pay if Social Security approves your claim and you receive back pay. Even then, you pay only from the back pay itself, not from your own money.

Can Morgan & Morgan represent me at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge?

Yes. Representing claimants at ALJ hearings is a core part of Morgan & Morgan's practice. The firm will prepare you for the hearing, present your medical evidence, and cross-examine the SSA's medical informed. You have the right to attend the hearing yourself and to speak.

What if I already have a different representative and want to switch to Morgan & Morgan?

You can switch representatives at any time by notifying SSA in writing. Your current representative's fee obligation ends, and Morgan & Morgan's fee obligation begins only if the firm takes your case. You must sign a new representation agreement with Morgan & Morgan, and the firm must submit a new fee petition if you win.

How long does it take Morgan & Morgan to respond to an inquiry?

Response times vary by office and current volume. Most offices respond within a few business days to a week. If you do not hear back within seven days, call the office directly rather than waiting for an email or mail response.

Does Morgan & Morgan charge for the initial consultation?

No. The initial conversation with Morgan & Morgan is free. The firm will discuss your case, explain the process, and tell you whether it will represent you. You are under no obligation to hire the firm after the consultation.