What Harris Firm LLC does and how to reach them

Harris Firm LLC is a law practice that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay them only if you win your case — their fee comes from your back pay award, capped at 25 percent or $7,200, whichever is less. This fee structure is set by federal law and applies to all disability representatives.

To contact Harris Firm LLC directly, you will need to reach out through their office phone line or website. The firm handles cases across multiple states, so they can represent you regardless of where you live, as long as Social Security has jurisdiction over your case. Before you contact them, gather your Social Security case number and any recent correspondence from Social Security — this helps them assess your situation quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • Harris Firm LLC represents people seeking SSDI and SSI benefits and charges only if you win, with fees capped by federal law at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200.
  • You can contact the firm by phone or through their website to discuss whether they will take your case.
  • A disability representative can file your claim, gather medical records, prepare you for hearings, and argue your case before an administrative law judge.
  • Social Security must approve any representative you hire, and you sign a fee agreement that Social Security reviews before payment is released.

When to hire a disability representative

You do not need a representative to file for SSDI or SSI — you can do it yourself through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. However, many people hire a representative after their initial claim is denied, which happens to the majority of first-time applicants. A representative becomes especially useful if you are preparing for a hearing before an administrative law judge, because that is where the outcome of your case is often decided.

If you are already in the appeals process, a representative can review your case file, identify gaps in your medical evidence, request records from your doctors, and build an argument tailored to why Social Security should find you disabled. They also handle the paperwork and scheduling, which reduces the burden on you when you are managing a serious medical condition.

How the fee agreement works

When you hire Harris Firm LLC or any disability representative, you sign a fee agreement that must be submitted to Social Security for approval. Social Security reviews this agreement to ensure the fee does not exceed the legal limit. Once you win your case and receive a favorable decision, Social Security withholds the representative's fee directly from your back pay — the money owed to you from the date your disability began.

You do not pay out of pocket. If your back pay is $10,000 and the fee is 25 percent, Social Security pays the firm $2,500 and sends you $7,500. The firm cannot charge you for initial consultation or case review, and they cannot charge you if they do not win. This arrangement protects you from upfront costs while your case is pending, which can take months or years.

What to expect in the representation process

After you hire Harris Firm LLC, the firm becomes your authorized representative on your Social Security case. This means Social Security will send all notices and decisions to the firm, and the firm communicates with Social Security on your behalf. You remain the applicant and the decision-maker, but the firm handles the technical and procedural work.

The firm will typically request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals, review your work history, and prepare a written brief explaining why your medical condition prevents you from working. If your case goes to a hearing, the firm will represent you in front of an administrative law judge, present evidence, and cross-examine Social Security's medical expert if one is present. The entire process from initial claim to final decision can take one to three years, depending on whether your case is approved at the initial level or requires appeals.

Alternatives if Harris Firm LLC cannot take your case

If Harris Firm LLC declines to represent you or cannot take your case for any reason, other disability representatives are available. You can search for accredited representatives through the National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR) or through Social Security's own directory of approved representatives. Some representatives work for nonprofits and charge lower fees; others are solo practitioners or work for larger firms like Harris Firm LLC.

You can also represent yourself throughout the entire process. Many people do this successfully, especially if they have straightforward medical evidence and a clear work history. Social Security provides free guides and worksheets on their website to help you prepare your own case. The trade-off is that you handle all communication with Social Security, gather your own records, and prepare your own hearing argument — tasks that take time and attention when you are already dealing with a serious illness or injury.

How Social Security approves representatives

Before any representative can work on your case, Social Security must approve them. Harris Firm LLC and other law firms go through a vetting process to become authorized representatives. Once approved, they can represent clients in SSDI and SSI cases at all levels — initial claim, reconsideration, hearing, and appeals council.

You authorize a representative by signing Form SSA-1696-U4, the "Appointment of Representative" form. This form goes to Social Security along with the fee agreement. Social Security reviews both documents to confirm the representative is approved and the fee is within legal limits. Once approved, the representative can request your case file, communicate with Social Security, and attend your hearing with you.

Questions to ask before hiring

When you contact Harris Firm LLC or any representative, ask how many SSDI and SSI cases they have handled and what their approval rate is. Ask whether they have experience with your specific medical condition or type of work. Find out whether they will handle your case personally or assign it to another attorney or paralegal. Ask what happens if your case is denied at the hearing level — will they continue to represent you through the appeals council, and at what cost.

Also ask about their timeline. Some firms move quickly; others have a backlog. If you are facing an eviction or urgent financial crisis, a firm's speed matters. Ask whether they will request a "protective filing" to preserve your claim date while you gather medical records — this is a standard practice that protects your back pay if your case takes longer than expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I switch representatives if I am not happy with Harris Firm LLC?

Yes. You can fire your representative at any time by submitting a new Form SSA-1696 naming a different representative or stating that you want to represent yourself. Social Security will stop sending notices to the old firm and start sending them to the new one. The old firm's fee is still limited to 25 percent of back pay earned while they represented you.

What if I win my case but disagree with the fee?

Social Security caps all representative fees at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. If you believe the fee is incorrect, you can file a complaint with Social Security's Office of the Inspector General or request a fee review. Social Security will investigate and adjust the fee if it exceeds the legal limit.

Do I need a lawyer, or can a non-lawyer represent me?

Social Security allows both lawyers and non-lawyers to represent you, as long as they are accredited. Non-lawyer representatives include paralegals, former Social Security employees, and disability advocates. Some charge lower fees than law firms. The key is that they must be approved by Social Security and bound by the same fee limits.

What if my case is still pending and I run out of money?

You can request an "expedited reinstatement" if you worked briefly and earned too much, or you can file for SSI while your SSDI case is pending — SSI has no work requirement and provides immediate cash assistance if you meet the income and asset limits. Your representative can advise you on these options and file the necessary forms.

How long does it usually take to hear back after I hire a representative?

The firm will typically contact you within a few days to confirm they received your case and to gather any missing information. After that, the timeline depends on where your case is in the process. If you are at the initial claim stage, Social Security takes three to five months to decide. If you are appealing a denial, the wait is longer — reconsideration takes two to three months, and a hearing can take one to two years depending on your local hearing office's backlog.