Where to find a disability lawyer in Hunting Park
Hunting Park is part of Philadelphia, so you have access to disability lawyers through Philadelphia bar associations, legal aid organizations, and private practices throughout the city. The Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service maintains a list of attorneys who handle Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. You can reach them by phone or visit their website to search by practice area.
Legal aid organizations in Philadelphia offer free or low-cost representation to people who cannot afford a private lawyer. Community Legal Services and Disability Rights Pennsylvania both handle SSDI and SSI cases. These organizations prioritize people with the lowest incomes, so your household earnings matter when you contact them.
You can also search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) directory online. This directory lists attorneys and non-attorney representatives who specialize in SSDI and SSI. You can filter by location and see which representatives have experience with cases like yours.
Key Takeaways
- The Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can connect you with disability lawyers in your area within days.
- Community Legal Services and Disability Rights Pennsylvania offer free representation if your income is low enough to meet their limits.
- Disability lawyers and non-attorney representatives charge the same way: a percentage of your back pay (up to 25 percent) only if you win, with no upfront cost to you.
- Before you hire anyone, ask whether they have handled SSDI or SSI cases and how many cases they have won in the past year.
How disability lawyers charge for SSDI and SSI cases
You do not pay a disability lawyer money upfront. Instead, the lawyer takes a percentage of your back pay — the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date your case was approved. The lawyer's fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay, or $7,200, whichever is less. Social Security must approve the fee before the lawyer receives it.
This means if you lose your case, your lawyer receives nothing. If you win, the fee comes out of your back pay before you see any money. For example, if Social Security awards you $12,000 in back pay, your lawyer's fee would be $3,000 (25 percent), and you would receive $9,000.
Non-attorney representatives — people trained in SSDI and SSI law but not licensed as lawyers — charge the same way. They are held to the same 25 percent cap and must also get Social Security's approval of their fee.
What to ask a lawyer before you hire them
Ask how many SSDI and SSI cases the lawyer has handled in the past year. A lawyer who handles mostly other types of cases may not know the details of disability law as well as someone who focuses on it. Ask specifically how many cases they have won at the hearing stage, since most cases that go to a hearing do not result in approval.
Ask whether they will handle your case themselves or pass it to someone else in the office. Some law firms assign cases to paralegals or junior attorneys. There is nothing wrong with that, but you should know who will actually be working on your file.
Ask what happens if you disagree with their strategy or want to fire them. Some lawyers require you to sign an agreement that limits your right to end the relationship. Read any contract before you sign it, and ask questions about anything you do not understand.
When you might not need a lawyer
If Social Security approves your case at the initial stage — meaning they say yes the first time you send in your process — you do not need a lawyer. About 30 percent of cases are approved this way, and no lawyer fee applies.
If you are denied and you decide to appeal on your own, you can do that without a lawyer. You will need to gather medical records, write a statement explaining why you believe you are disabled, and possibly attend a hearing. Many people do this successfully, though the approval rate is lower than when a lawyer is involved.
If you have already been denied once and are thinking about appealing, talking to a lawyer first is usually worth your time. Most will give you a free consultation to look at your case and tell you whether you have a reasonable chance of winning.
The difference between a lawyer and a non-attorney representative
Both lawyers and non-attorney representatives can represent you before Social Security and in federal court. The main difference is training and credentials. A lawyer has a law degree and is licensed by the state. A non-attorney representative has completed training in Social Security law and passed an exam, but does not have a law degree.
In practice, many non-attorney representatives have more experience with SSDI and SSI cases than some lawyers do. They often work for disability advocacy organizations and handle dozens of cases a year. A lawyer might handle SSDI cases as one part of a broader practice.
Both charge the same way — a percentage of back pay, capped at 25 percent — and both must get Social Security's approval of their fee. Your choice should depend on who has the most experience with cases like yours and who you feel comfortable working with.
What to do if you cannot afford a lawyer
Contact Community Legal Services or Disability Rights Pennsylvania first. Both organizations take cases for free based on income. If your household income is above their limits, they may still refer you to a lawyer who will take your case on contingency — meaning you pay only if you win.
If you are already receiving SSI, you may be able to work with a Work Incentives Planning and information (WIPA) project. These projects are funded by Social Security and offer free help understanding how work affects your benefits. They can also refer you to lawyers or representatives who handle SSDI and SSI cases.
You can find your local WIPA project by calling 1-866-968-WIPA (9472) or visiting the WIPA website. They serve people in Hunting Park and throughout Pennsylvania.
Red flags when choosing a representative
Do not hire anyone who asks you to pay money upfront or promises a specific outcome. Legitimate disability lawyers and representatives never charge upfront fees, and no one can may provide that Social Security will approve your case.
Be cautious of anyone who pressures you to sign papers quickly or who will not answer your questions. You have the right to take time to think about hiring someone, and you have the right to understand what you are signing.
If someone claims to work for Social Security or says they can speed up your case in exchange for a fee, that is a scam. Social Security does not charge for processing cases, and no private person can make Social Security move faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch lawyers if I am not happy with mine?
Yes. You can fire your lawyer or representative at any time by sending Social Security a written request. Your current representative's fee will be based only on the work they did, not on the full back pay amount. The new representative's fee will be based on their portion of the back pay.
What if my lawyer and I disagree about strategy?
Talk to your lawyer about your concerns. If you cannot agree, you can hire a different lawyer or representative. Some lawyers will withdraw from your case if you ask, though they may request payment for work already done if your contract allows it.
Do I need a lawyer to appeal a denial?
No, but most people have a better chance of winning with one. About 40 to 50 percent of cases approved at the hearing stage involve a lawyer or representative. You can appeal on your own if you prefer, though the process is complex and takes several months.
How long does it take to find and hire a lawyer?
The Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can connect you within a few days. Legal aid organizations may have a waiting list. Once you contact a lawyer, most will meet with you within one to two weeks if your case is urgent.
What if I cannot afford the 25 percent fee?
The 25 percent fee is set by federal law and applies to all lawyers and representatives. However, if your back pay is small, the actual dollar amount may be manageable. For example, 25 percent of $5,000 is $1,250. Ask your lawyer what the fee would be in your specific situation.