What SSDI attorneys in San Antonio do and how to find one
An SSDI attorney in San Antonio represents you in front of the Social Security Administration—either during an appeal after a denial, or sometimes during the initial claim process if complications arise. They charge a fee only if you win, and that fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began), up to a maximum of $7,200 as of 2024. You do not pay anything upfront.
San Antonio has attorneys who specialize in SSDI cases, as well as legal aid organizations that serve people who cannot afford private representation. The fastest way to find one is through the Social Security Administration's own directory, which lists every attorney and non-attorney representative authorized to work on SSDI cases in Bexar County.
You can also search through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR), which maintains a searchable list of members by location. Many San Antonio disability attorneys belong to NOSSCR and follow its professional standards.
Key Takeaways
- The Social Security Administration publishes a free directory of authorized SSDI representatives in San Antonio, searchable by name or location.
- Attorney fees are capped at 25 percent of back pay (up to $7,200) and are only charged if you win your case.
- Legal aid organizations in Bexar County represent low-income applicants at no cost, though they may have waiting lists.
- An attorney becomes useful after a denial or when your medical records are complex, but many initial claims succeed without one.
- Before hiring, confirm the person is authorized by Social Security and ask about their experience with cases similar to yours.
How to search the Social Security Administration's directory
Go to the Social Security Administration's Office of Hearings Operations website and use the "Find a Representative" tool. Enter your location as San Antonio, Texas, or Bexar County. The directory shows attorneys, non-attorney representatives (called "accredited representatives"), and organizations authorized to represent claimants.
Each listing includes the person's name, address, phone number, and whether they charge a fee. Most private attorneys charge the maximum allowed (25 percent of back pay, capped at $7,200). Some representatives charge less, and legal aid organizations charge nothing if you meet their income limits.
You can also call the Social Security Administration's main line at 1-800-772-1213 and ask for a list of representatives in your area. They will give you names and phone numbers over the phone, though the online directory is usually faster.
Legal aid organizations in San Antonio that handle SSDI cases
Community Law Center (formerly San Antonio Legal Services) represents low-income people in Bexar County, including SSDI appeals. They do not charge a fee. Call 210-212-7500 to ask about current intake and whether they are accepting new SSDI cases. They often have a waiting list, so call early.
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid covers a large region including San Antonio and handles SSDI cases for people below the federal poverty line. Reach them at 1-888-529-5277. They also maintain a waiting list and prioritize cases based on urgency and hardship.
Disability Rights Texas focuses on systemic disability rights but sometimes refers individual SSDI cases to partner organizations or can point you toward local resources. Call 1-800-252-9108. If you are denied and believe Social Security made a procedural error, they may be able to help.
All three organizations have income limits. You will be asked about your household income and assets when you call. If you are over the limit, they will usually refer you to a private attorney or tell you how to find one.
When to hire an attorney versus handling your case alone
You do not need an attorney to file an initial SSDI claim. Many people file on their own and are approved without representation. An attorney becomes more useful after Social Security denies your claim and you decide to appeal.
Hire an attorney if your medical records are incomplete or contradictory, if you have multiple conditions that interact in complex ways, or if your first appeal (called a "reconsideration") was also denied. At the reconsideration stage, Social Security reviews your file but usually does not hold a hearing. An attorney can organize your medical evidence and write a strong written argument on your behalf.
You should definitely have an attorney by the time your case reaches a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the stage where most cases are decided, and the judge will ask you detailed questions about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. An attorney can prepare you for those questions, cross-examine Social Security's medical informed, and present evidence in a way that persuades the judge.
If you are already represented by a non-attorney representative (such as an accredited representative from a legal aid organization), you can switch to an attorney at any point. You do not have to stick with your first representative.
What to ask an SSDI attorney before you hire them
Call at least two or three attorneys before deciding. Ask these questions:
- How many SSDI cases have you handled? Look for someone with at least 50 to 100 cases under their belt. Experience matters in front of the judges in San Antonio.
- What is your success rate? A reasonable answer is 60 to 75 percent of cases won at the hearing stage. If someone claims 90 percent or higher, ask for details—they may be cherry-picking straightforward cases or exaggerating.
- Have you handled cases like mine? If your condition is rare or your work history is complicated, ask whether they have represented someone in a similar situation.
- What is your fee? Most will say 25 percent of back pay, capped at $7,200. Some charge less. Confirm this in writing before you sign anything.
- Do you charge for initial consultation? Most do not. If they do, that is a red flag.
- How often will we communicate? Ask whether they will call you with updates or whether you have to call them. Some attorneys are more responsive than others.
How the fee agreement works and what happens after you win
When you hire an attorney, you sign a fee agreement that says they will take 25 percent of your back pay (or less, if they charge less) once you win. The back pay is the money Social Security owes you from the date your disability began, not including the five-month waiting period that SSDI requires.
If you win at a hearing, Social Security calculates your back pay and sends it to your attorney's office. The attorney takes their fee from that check and sends you the rest. This usually happens within 30 to 60 days after the judge's decision, though it can take longer if Social Security appeals the decision or if there are complications.
You also become may have access to to ongoing monthly benefits once you win. Those monthly payments go directly to you, not to your attorney. The attorney's fee comes only from the back pay, one time.
If you lose at the hearing, you owe the attorney nothing. If you want to appeal further (to the Appeals Council or federal court), you can hire the same attorney or a different one. The fee agreement covers only the stage you hired them for, so a new agreement would be needed for a higher appeal.
Red flags when choosing an SSDI attorney
Do not hire an attorney who guarantees you will win. No one can may provide an SSDI case. The judge makes the decision based on your medical evidence and testimony, and outcomes vary.
Do not hire someone who charges upfront. Federal law forbids it. If an attorney asks for money before your case is decided, that is illegal and you should report them to the State Bar of Texas.
Do not hire someone who is not authorized by Social Security. Confirm their name appears in the Social Security Administration's directory or that they are listed as an accredited representative. If they are not, they cannot legally represent you in front of Social Security.
Be cautious of attorneys who pressure you to sign quickly or who do not answer your questions clearly. You have time to decide. Call multiple people and compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch attorneys if I am not happy with mine?
Yes. You can fire your attorney at any time and hire a different one. You will need to sign a new fee agreement with the new attorney. If your case is still pending, the new attorney will take over. The original attorney's fee is still limited to 25 percent of back pay, and the new attorney's fee is separate—Social Security will deduct both from your back pay if you win.
What if I cannot afford an attorney and do not may have access to for legal aid?
You can represent yourself. Many people do, especially at the initial claim stage. If you reach a hearing and feel overwhelmed, you can hire an attorney then—you do not have to decide upfront. Some attorneys will take your case even if you have already represented yourself for months.
Do I need to live in San Antonio to hire a San Antonio attorney?
No. SSDI cases are handled by Social Security's national system, and hearings often happen by video or phone. An attorney licensed in Texas can represent you even if you live out of state. However, if your hearing is in person in San Antonio, you will need to attend or have your attorney request a video hearing.
How long does it take to hear back from an attorney after I call?
Most attorneys return calls within one to two business days. If someone does not call you back within a week, move on to the next person. Responsiveness is part of the service you are paying for.
What if Social Security approves my claim before I hire an attorney?
You do not owe the attorney anything. The fee agreement only applies if the attorney's work results in a win. If you are approved without their help, there is no fee. However, if you hired them to help with your initial claim and Social Security approved it partly because of the work they did, some attorneys may argue they are owed a fee. Clarify this in writing before you hire someone.