Poag Disability Law is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases
Poag Disability Law operates as a private law firm focused on disability benefits representation. The firm handles SSDI claims, SSI claims, and appeals at the reconsideration and hearing stages before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Like all disability law firms, they work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they collect payment only if you win your case — the fee comes from your back pay award, not from your pocket upfront.
The firm is based in a specific location and serves clients in their service area. Before contacting them, confirm they represent clients in your state, since disability law firms do not all operate nationwide. You can reach out directly to ask about your case type and whether they currently take new clients.
Key Takeaways
- Poag Disability Law represents people seeking SSDI, SSI, and appealing denied claims through the hearing stage with an ALJ.
- The firm charges a contingency fee — typically 25 percent of your back pay — only if you win, with a maximum fee set by federal law at $6,000.
- You should confirm the firm serves your state and accepts new clients before scheduling a consultation.
- A disability lawyer can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and present your case to an ALJ, but cannot speed up Social Security's processing timeline.
What a disability lawyer does in an SSDI or SSI case
A disability lawyer like those at Poag Disability Law handles the paperwork, evidence gathering, and representation that comes with a disability claim or appeal. At the initial process stage, a lawyer can review your medical records, help organize your work history, and make sure your claim is complete before you submit it. This reduces the chance of Social Security returning your process for missing information.
If Social Security denies your claim, a lawyer represents you at the reconsideration stage (the first appeal) and, more commonly, at the hearing stage before an ALJ. At a hearing, your lawyer presents your medical evidence, questions the vocational informed (a witness Social Security brings to testify about job availability), and argues why your condition prevents you from working. The lawyer does not argue with the judge — they present your case within the rules of evidence and procedure.
A lawyer cannot change Social Security's processing timeline or may provide an outcome. They also cannot represent you in federal court if you lose at the ALJ hearing, though some firms do handle Appeals Council and federal court cases.
How contingency fees work with disability lawyers
Disability lawyers charge a contingency fee, which means they take payment only if you win. The fee is a percentage of your back pay — the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date your benefits begin. Federal law caps this fee at 25 percent of back pay or $6,000, whichever is less. Most firms charge the full 25 percent allowed.
You do not pay the lawyer upfront. When Social Security approves your case and calculates your back pay, the lawyer's fee is deducted from that amount before you receive your check. If you lose, you owe nothing. Some firms also charge for out-of-pocket costs like medical record requests or informed witness fees, so ask about this during your initial conversation.
When to contact a disability lawyer
You can contact a disability lawyer at any stage of your case. Many people hire a lawyer after Social Security denies their initial claim, because the hearing stage is where legal representation makes the most difference — an ALJ is more likely to approve a case when a lawyer presents it. However, some people hire a lawyer before submitting their initial process if their case is complex (multiple conditions, gaps in medical treatment, or a work history that is hard to explain).
If you have already received a denial notice and a date for a hearing, contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Hearings are often scheduled 60 to 90 days after you request one, and your lawyer needs time to prepare. If you are still waiting for a decision on your initial claim, you can contact a lawyer to discuss whether representation would help your case.
How to reach Poag Disability Law
Contact Poag Disability Law directly by phone or through their website to request a consultation. Most disability law firms offer free initial consultations, during which a lawyer or staff member will review your case, ask about your medical history and work background, and explain what representation would involve. Bring your Social Security denial notice (if you have one), a list of your medical providers, and any recent medical records.
Ask the firm whether they currently accept new clients in your state and what their typical timeline is for case resolution. Also ask about their fee structure and whether they charge for costs beyond the contingency fee. If the firm is not taking new clients or does not serve your area, ask for a referral to another disability lawyer.
What happens after you hire a disability lawyer
Once you sign a fee agreement with Poag Disability Law, the firm becomes your representative on record with Social Security. You will receive a copy of the fee agreement, which you should keep. The lawyer will request your complete medical file from Social Security and from your doctors, review it for gaps, and may ask you to see a doctor for an updated evaluation if your medical records are old.
If your case goes to a hearing, the lawyer will prepare you for what to expect, review the evidence with you, and may request that a medical informed testify on your behalf. The lawyer will also receive and review the vocational informed's report before the hearing. After the hearing, you wait for the ALJ's decision, which typically comes within a few weeks to a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire Poag Disability Law if I already have a lawyer?
No. Social Security allows only one representative per case. If you want to switch lawyers, you must fire your current lawyer first by submitting a form to Social Security, then hire the new firm. There is a waiting period before you can change representatives, so discuss this with any new lawyer before making the switch.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer?
Disability lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. If a firm is not taking new clients, contact your local legal aid office or a disability advocacy organization — many offer free or low-cost representation to people who cannot afford a private lawyer.
How long does a case usually take with a disability lawyer?
Timeline depends on your stage. Initial claims take three to six months. If denied, reconsideration takes another three to six months. A hearing request adds 60 to 90 days for scheduling, plus a few weeks to months for the ALJ's decision. Total time from initial claim to hearing decision is often one to two years.
Will a lawyer help me if my condition is not on Social Security's list of disabilities?
Yes. Social Security's list is not the only way to win. A lawyer can argue that your condition, even if unlisted, is severe enough to prevent you from working. This requires strong medical evidence and is harder to win, but lawyers handle these cases regularly.
What should I bring to my first consultation?
Bring your Social Security denial notice, a list of all doctors and hospitals you have seen, dates of treatment, and any recent medical records you have. Also bring a summary of your work history and the date you stopped working. The more information you have, the better the lawyer can assess your case.