What an SSDI attorney in Encino can do for you

An SSDI attorney in Encino represents you before the Social Security Administration in your disability claim. They file documents, gather medical evidence, attend hearings with you, and argue your case to an administrative law judge if Social Security denies your initial claim. Most SSDI attorneys work on contingency, meaning they take a fee only if you win—typically 25 percent of your back pay, capped at $7,200 by federal law.

Encino is in Los Angeles County, where the Social Security office that handles your claim is located in downtown Los Angeles or a nearby field office. An Encino-based attorney knows the local judges, the medical evidence standards they explore, and which doctors' reports carry weight in your area. They also understand California's cost of living, which affects how Social Security calculates your need and your past earnings.

You do not need a local attorney to win your case—you can work with one anywhere in the country by phone and mail. But an Encino attorney can meet you in person, attend your hearing in the Los Angeles federal building, and have relationships with the judges and hearing officers who decide cases in your district.

Key Takeaways

  • SSDI attorneys in Encino work on contingency, taking payment only from your back pay if you win, capped at $7,200 by federal law.
  • You can find local attorneys through the Social Security Administration's official representative payee list, the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives, or the California Attorneys for Social Security.
  • An attorney's fee is separate from a non-attorney representative's fee; non-attorneys (called "non-rep" representatives) charge less but cannot appear in federal court if your case goes that far.
  • Before you hire anyone, confirm they are listed with Social Security as an authorized representative and ask what their typical fee is for cases like yours.
  • You can change attorneys at any time by filing a new fee agreement with Social Security, and you owe nothing to the old attorney for work after you switch.

How to find SSDI attorneys licensed to practice in California

The Social Security Administration maintains an official list of attorneys and non-attorney representatives authorized to charge fees for SSDI work. You can search this list at ssa.gov/representation by entering your state (California) and city (Encino or Los Angeles). The list shows each representative's name, phone number, and whether they are an attorney or non-attorney representative.

The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) also publishes a directory of member attorneys. NOSSCR members must meet training standards and follow an ethics code, though membership is voluntary. You can search their directory at nosscr.org.

The California Attorneys for Social Security (CASS) is a state-level group of disability lawyers. They maintain a referral list and can connect you with attorneys in the Los Angeles area who focus on SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. Contact them through their website or ask your local legal aid office for a referral.

You can also ask your doctor, a local disability advocacy group, or a legal aid office in Los Angeles County for names of attorneys they have worked with. Word-of-mouth referrals often lead to attorneys with strong track records in your area.

What to ask an Encino SSDI attorney before you hire them

When you call an attorney, have these questions ready. First, ask whether they are currently taking new cases and whether they have experience with your type of disability—for example, mental health conditions, back injuries, or neurological disorders. Some attorneys focus on particular diagnoses because they know the medical evidence standards well.

Second, ask what their fee is. By law, it cannot exceed 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. But many attorneys charge less—some charge 20 percent or a flat fee. Ask whether the fee covers all stages (initial claim, reconsideration, hearing) or whether additional fees explore if your case goes to federal court.

Third, ask how long they typically take to prepare a case and what they will need from you. They will ask for medical records, work history, and details about your daily limitations. Ask whether they will obtain records themselves or whether you must gather them.

Fourth, ask what their success rate is for cases like yours. This is not a may provide—every case is different—but an attorney who wins 60 percent of hearing cases is more experienced than one who wins 30 percent.

Finally, ask whether they are available to meet you in person in Encino or Los Angeles, or whether you will work entirely by phone and email. Some attorneys handle cases entirely remotely; others prefer in-person meetings before a hearing.

The difference between SSDI attorneys and non-attorney representatives

An SSDI attorney is a lawyer licensed to practice in California. They can represent you at every stage of your claim, including in federal court if you decide to appeal a final denial to a judge. Their fee is capped at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200.

A non-attorney representative (sometimes called a "non-rep") is a person trained in Social Security law but not a lawyer. They can represent you before Social Security and at a hearing before an administrative law judge. They cannot represent you in federal court. Their fee is also capped at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, but many charge less because they have lower overhead.

For most cases that settle at the hearing stage, a non-attorney representative is sufficient and may cost you less. If your case is denied and you are considering federal court appeal, an attorney is necessary. Ask the representative upfront whether they can refer you to an attorney if that becomes necessary.

How the fee agreement works and what happens if you switch attorneys

When you hire an SSDI attorney, you sign a fee agreement that states the attorney's fee and what work it covers. The attorney then files this agreement with Social Security. Social Security holds the fee from your back pay when you win and sends it directly to the attorney; you receive the remainder.

If you win and receive back pay, Social Security will not release any money until the fee agreement is approved. This usually takes a few weeks. The attorney's fee comes from the back pay only—not from your ongoing monthly benefit.

You can change attorneys at any time by filing a new fee agreement with Social Security. When you do, the old attorney's fee covers only the work they did up to that point. If the new attorney wins your case, their fee is calculated the same way. You do not owe the old attorney anything for work done after you switched.

If you fire an attorney and later decide to represent yourself, you can do that too. Social Security will not pay any representative fee, and you keep all of your back pay.

What to expect when working with an Encino SSDI attorney

After you hire an attorney, they will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This usually takes two to four weeks. They will also ask you to fill out a detailed questionnaire about your work history, daily activities, and how your condition limits you.

The attorney will review your records and decide whether to move forward with your claim. If they believe you have a strong case, they will file your process (if you have not already) or request reconsideration (if Social Security denied you). If they believe your case is weak, they may tell you so and decline to represent you.

If Social Security denies your claim, the attorney will request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This hearing usually happens four to eight months after the request. The attorney will prepare you for the hearing, explain what to expect, and represent you in front of the judge.

At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions about your condition and your daily life. The attorney will also present medical evidence and may call a vocational informed to testify about whether you can work. After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision, usually within a few months.

Red flags and how to protect yourself

Do not hire an attorney who promises you will win or guarantees a specific outcome. No attorney can promise that. Every case depends on the medical evidence and the judge's decision.

Do not hire an attorney who asks you to pay an upfront fee before your case is decided. SSDI attorneys work on contingency—they take their fee from your back pay only if you win. If someone asks for money upfront, they are not following federal law.

Do not hire an attorney who is not listed on the Social Security Administration's official representative list. Check ssa.gov/representation before you sign anything.

Do not sign a fee agreement that charges more than 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. If an attorney asks for more, report them to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General.

If an attorney stops communicating with you or misses important date, you have the right to fire them and hire someone else. You do not need Social Security's permission to switch.

How to file a complaint if something goes wrong

If an attorney violates federal law—for example, by charging too much, asking for upfront payment, or failing to represent you—you can file a complaint with the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General. You can also file a complaint with the State Bar of California if the attorney is licensed in California.

To file with Social Security, call 1-800-269-9271 or visit oig.ssa.gov. To file with the State Bar of California, visit calbar.ca.gov or call 1-800-843-9053. Both agencies investigate complaints and can discipline or remove representatives who break the rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire an attorney who is not in Encino or Los Angeles?

Yes. You can work with an attorney anywhere in the country. Many handle cases entirely by phone and mail. However, if your case goes to a hearing, you may prefer a local attorney who can meet you in person and knows the judges in your area.

What if I cannot afford an attorney?

SSDI attorneys work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront. If you win, they take their fee from your back pay. If you lose, you owe them nothing. This makes SSDI representation affordable for most people.

How long does it take to win an SSDI case with an attorney?

Initial claims usually take three to six months. If Social Security denies you and you request a hearing, the whole process typically takes one to two years from the initial claim to the hearing decision. An attorney cannot speed this up, but they can make sure important date are met.

Can I represent myself instead of hiring an attorney?

Yes. You can file your own claim and represent yourself at a hearing. However, SSDI cases are complex, and most people who represent themselves are denied. An attorney increases your chances of winning, and you pay nothing unless you do.

What happens to my attorney's fee if I die before my case is decided?

If you die, your case may continue as a claim for your family members (such as your children or surviving spouse). The attorney's fee would explore to any back pay owed to your family. Ask your attorney about this if you are seriously ill.