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

Pinyard Disability Law represents clients in SSDI and SSI matters, including initial claims, reconsiderations, and appeals before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Like other disability law firms, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect a fee only if you receive past-due benefits — typically 25% of the back pay, capped at $7,200 by federal law.

The firm operates in specific states and handles cases at different stages of the Social Security process. Before contacting them, you should know what stage your case is in, what documents you have, and whether they take cases in your state. This guide explains how Pinyard Disability Law works and what to expect if you decide to work with them.

Key Takeaways

  • Pinyard Disability Law charges a fee only if you win, and that fee is capped at $7,200 by federal law regardless of how much back pay you receive.
  • The firm handles SSDI and SSI cases at the reconsideration and ALJ hearing stages, not initial applications.
  • You will need medical records, work history, and documentation of your condition before contacting them for a consultation.
  • Social Security must approve the fee agreement before the firm can collect payment, and you receive a copy of that approval.

What Pinyard Disability Law handles and what they do not

Pinyard Disability Law represents clients in SSDI and SSI appeals — specifically at the reconsideration stage (after an initial denial) and at the ALJ hearing stage (after reconsideration is also denied). They do not typically handle initial SSDI or SSI applications; those are filed directly with Social Security without a lawyer.

If your initial claim was denied and you received a Notice of Disallowance, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. This is where most disability lawyers, including Pinyard, enter the case. At the hearing stage, having a representative who knows how to present medical evidence and cross-examine a vocational informed can significantly affect the outcome.

The firm does not handle Medicare, Medicaid, or other benefit programs — only SSDI and SSI. They also do not represent clients in criminal matters, workers' compensation, or personal injury cases.

How the contingency fee works with Pinyard Disability Law

When you hire Pinyard Disability Law, you sign a fee agreement that states the firm will take 25% of your back pay (past-due benefits) as their fee, up to the $7,200 federal cap. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. If you win, Social Security pays the back pay to the firm first, the firm takes their fee, and you receive the remainder.

Before the firm can collect any fee, Social Security must approve the fee agreement in writing. You will receive a copy of that approval. This protects you by ensuring the fee is reasonable and that Social Security has reviewed it. The firm cannot collect more than what Social Security approves.

If your case takes a long time or involves multiple appeals, the fee remains the same — 25% of back pay, capped at $7,200. The firm does not charge hourly rates or monthly retainers for SSDI and SSI cases.

What you need before contacting Pinyard Disability Law

Before you call or email Pinyard Disability Law, gather the following: your Social Security number, your Notice of Disallowance or Notice of Decision (the letter from Social Security denying your claim), medical records from your doctors, a list of all medications you take, and a summary of your work history for the past 15 years.

You should also know whether you have already requested reconsideration or whether you are past the 60-day window for reconsideration. If you missed the important date, you may still have options, but the firm needs to know your timeline. Have your contact information ready and be prepared to describe your condition and why you believe you cannot work.

The firm will ask whether you have filed for workers' compensation or are involved in any other benefit claims. This affects how your SSDI or SSI case proceeds, so be honest about any other claims or benefits you are receiving.

How to find Pinyard Disability Law's contact information and service area

Pinyard Disability Law operates in a limited number of states. You can find their current contact information and service area by searching online for "Pinyard Disability Law" plus your state name, or by visiting the Social Security Administration's list of approved representatives at ssa.gov/representation. The SSA maintains a searchable directory of all attorneys and non-attorney representatives authorized to practice before Social Security.

If Pinyard Disability Law does not serve your state, the SSA directory will show you other representatives in your area. You can also contact your state bar association or a local legal aid office for referrals to disability lawyers near you.

When you contact the firm, have your case number ready (it appears on your Social Security letters) and be prepared to briefly describe your condition and the stage of your case. Most firms offer free initial consultations to determine whether they can take your case.

What happens after you hire Pinyard Disability Law

Once you sign a fee agreement with Pinyard Disability Law, the firm becomes your official representative on your SSDI or SSI case. They will request your file from Social Security, review all medical evidence, and prepare for your ALJ hearing. This typically takes several months.

The firm will communicate with you about what to expect at the hearing, what documents you should bring, and what questions the judge may ask. They will also obtain a vocational informed report if needed — this informed testifies about whether jobs exist that you could do given your age, education, and work history.

You will attend the ALJ hearing with your representative. The judge will ask you questions about your condition, your daily activities, and your work history. Your lawyer will present medical evidence and may cross-examine the vocational informed. After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision, usually within a few months.

What to do if you are not sure whether you need a lawyer

You do not need a lawyer to file an initial SSDI or SSI claim or to request reconsideration. Many people handle these stages on their own. However, if your reconsideration is denied and you are heading to an ALJ hearing, a lawyer can improve your chances of winning. Statistics show that claimants represented by lawyers at the hearing stage win at higher rates than those who represent themselves.

If you are unsure whether hiring Pinyard Disability Law makes sense for your case, request a free consultation. The firm can review your file and tell you whether they think you have a strong case and whether they are willing to take it. There is no obligation to hire them after a consultation.

You can also contact your state's disability rights organization or legal aid office for information on whether you should hire a representative. These organizations often provide free guidance on navigating the SSDI and SSI process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pinyard Disability Law charge anything if I lose my case?

No. Pinyard Disability Law works on contingency, meaning you pay nothing if your case is denied. You only pay if you win and receive back pay. The fee comes from your back pay, not from your pocket.

Can Pinyard Disability Law help with my initial SSDI process?

Most disability law firms, including Pinyard, focus on appeals after denial rather than initial applications. You can file your initial claim yourself or hire a representative for that stage, but most lawyers enter the case after reconsideration is denied and you are preparing for an ALJ hearing.

What if I live in a state where Pinyard Disability Law does not operate?

Check the Social Security Administration's representative directory at ssa.gov/representation to find approved lawyers and non-attorney representatives in your state. Your state bar association and local legal aid offices can also provide referrals to disability representatives near you.

How long does it take to get a decision after hiring Pinyard Disability Law?

The timeline depends on how busy the ALJ's office is and how complex your case is. Most cases take between six months and two years from the time you hire a lawyer to the time you receive a decision. Your representative can give you a more specific estimate based on your local hearing office's backlog.

What happens to my back pay if I win?

Social Security pays all back pay (benefits owed from the date you became disabled) to Pinyard Disability Law first. The firm takes their fee (25% of back pay, capped at $7,200), and you receive the remainder. You will receive a detailed accounting of how the back pay was divided.