Where to look for SSDI lawyers in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has several ways to find a lawyer who handles Social Security Disability Insurance cases. The most direct route is the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), which maintains a directory of lawyers and non-lawyer representatives on its website. You can search by state and city to see who practices in Philadelphia.
The Philadelphia Bar Association also runs a lawyer referral service. Call them at 215-238-6333 or visit their website to ask specifically for attorneys who handle SSDI cases. They can give you names of lawyers in your neighborhood and tell you about their experience.
Your local Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania office may represent you for free or low cost if your income is below a certain threshold. They handle SSDI cases and serve Philadelphia residents. Contact them at 215-981-3700 to ask about representation.
Key Takeaways
- NOSSCR's directory and the Philadelphia Bar Association's referral service are the fastest ways to find SSDI lawyers practicing in your area.
- Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania represents low-income Philadelphia residents for free or at reduced cost if you meet their income limits.
- SSDI lawyers typically work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay only if you win, capped by federal law at 25 percent.
- Before you hire anyone, confirm they are listed with Social Security as an authorized representative and ask about their experience with initial claims versus appeals.
What SSDI lawyers in Philadelphia charge
Most SSDI lawyers in Philadelphia work on contingency, which means they collect a fee only if you win your case. 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 start. Federal law caps this fee at 25 percent of back pay, or $7,200, whichever is smaller.
You do not pay the lawyer upfront. If you lose, you owe nothing. If you win, Social Security pays the lawyer directly from your back pay before sending you the rest.
Some lawyers also charge you for costs—things like obtaining your medical records or paying for a medical informed to review your file. Ask any lawyer you contact whether they charge for costs and whether those costs come out of your back pay or your pocket.
How to check if a lawyer is authorized to represent you
Before you hire anyone, verify they are authorized to represent you before Social Security. Go to Social Security's representative payee search at ssa.gov and search for the lawyer's name. The search will show whether they are listed as an authorized representative and what their fee agreement says.
You can also call Social Security's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 to ask whether someone is authorized. Have the lawyer's name and address ready.
If a lawyer is not listed, do not hire them. Only authorized representatives can submit documents on your behalf or appear at your hearing. Hiring an unauthorized person wastes your time and money.
Questions to ask a Philadelphia SSDI lawyer before hiring
When you call a lawyer, ask these questions to understand their experience and how they work:
- How many SSDI cases have you handled? You want someone with at least several years of experience, not someone taking SSDI cases as a side project.
- Have you handled cases at the initial process stage, or mostly appeals? The skills are different. If you are explore for the first time, ask whether they have experience with initial claims.
- What is your approval rate? A lawyer should be able to tell you roughly what percentage of their cases are approved. This is not a may provide, but it shows they track their work.
- Will you charge me for costs, and do they come out of my back pay or my pocket? Get this in writing before you sign anything.
- How often will you update me on my case? You should hear from them at least once a month, or more often if something changes.
When a lawyer may not be necessary
You do not need a lawyer to explore for SSDI. Many people are approved without one, especially if they have strong medical evidence and a clear diagnosis. If you are denied and decide to appeal, that is when a lawyer becomes more valuable—appeals are more complex and a lawyer's experience with the appeals process matters.
If you cannot afford a lawyer and do not meet Legal Aid's income limits, you can also work with a non-lawyer representative. These are people trained in SSDI law who are authorized by Social Security and charge the same contingency fees as lawyers. They are often less expensive to hire and can be just as effective, especially for straightforward cases.
What happens after you hire a lawyer
Once you sign a fee agreement with a lawyer, they will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This usually takes two to four weeks. They will review everything and decide whether your case is strong enough to pursue.
If you are explore for the first time, your lawyer will help you fill out the process and make sure all your medical evidence is included. If you are appealing a denial, your lawyer will prepare for your hearing before an administrative law judge and may call medical experts to testify on your behalf.
Throughout the process, your lawyer should keep you informed. If Social Security requests more information, your lawyer will tell you what to gather and submit it on your behalf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch lawyers if I am not happy with mine?
Yes. You can fire your lawyer at any time by sending Social Security a written request to remove them as your representative. You will need to sign a form called an SSA-1696. Your new lawyer can then take over. However, if your case is approved while you are switching, both lawyers may claim a fee from your back pay, so try to avoid switching close to a decision.
What if my lawyer and I disagree about strategy?
Talk to them directly first. A good lawyer will explain their reasoning and listen to your concerns. If you still disagree, you can fire them and hire someone else. You are in control of your case—the lawyer works for you.
Do I have to hire a Philadelphia lawyer, or can I use someone from another state?
You can use a lawyer from anywhere in the country, as long as they are authorized by Social Security. Many lawyers handle cases across state lines. However, a Philadelphia lawyer may be more familiar with the local Social Security office and the judges who hear cases in your area, which can be an advantage.
What if I cannot afford the 25 percent fee?
The 25 percent fee is set by federal law and all authorized lawyers must follow it. However, if you have very little back pay, the fee may be smaller. For example, if you are approved with only $3,000 in back pay, the lawyer gets 25 percent of that ($750), not the full $7,200 cap. Also, Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania represents low-income people for free.
How long does it take to hear back from a lawyer after I contact them?
Most lawyers return calls within one to three business days. If a lawyer does not call you back within a week, that is a sign they may be too busy or not interested in your case. Move on to the next person on your list.