Finding a lawyer who handles Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims

Not all lawyers handle Social Security Disability cases — the field requires knowledge of specific regulations, medical evidence standards, and the appeals process that differs from ordinary civil law. You can find may have access to lawyers through the Social Security Administration's own directory, through disability advocacy organisations, or by searching for attorneys licensed in your state who list disability law as a practice area.

The most reliable starting point is the Social Security Administration's National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) member directory, which lists attorneys and non-attorney representatives who have passed a background check and demonstrated knowledge of Social Security law. You can search by state and city on their website. Another direct route is your state bar association's lawyer referral service, which usually lets you filter by practice area — search for "Social Security Disability" or "Social Security law".

Many disability lawyers work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win your case. The 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, though this cap may change. You pay nothing upfront.

Key Takeaways

  • The Social Security Administration's NOSSCR directory lists vetted attorneys and representatives who specialise in disability claims and can be searched by location.
  • Your state bar association's lawyer referral service can filter by practice area and connect you with licensed attorneys in your area.
  • Most disability lawyers work on contingency, taking payment only if you win, with fees capped by federal law at 25 percent of back pay up to $7,200.
  • Non-attorney representatives (called "accredited representatives") can also handle your case and often charge lower fees than lawyers.
  • Before hiring anyone, confirm they are authorised to represent you before the Social Security Administration by checking their credentials.

How to verify a lawyer's credentials

Before you hire anyone, check that they are actually authorised to represent you. The Social Security Administration maintains a public database called EFAST (Electronic Folder Access and Status Tracking) where you can search for representatives by name. You can also call the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-9271 to confirm someone's status.

Ask the lawyer or representative directly for their Social Security Administration representative number — this is a unique identifier issued only to people who have passed the required test and background check. If they cannot produce one, do not hire them. Scammers sometimes pose as disability lawyers and charge upfront fees, which is illegal.

Directories and organisations that list disability lawyers

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) maintains a directory of disability law organisations by state. Many of these organisations employ lawyers who handle Social Security cases, often at reduced cost or free for people with low income.

Legal Aid organisations in your state may handle Social Security Disability cases for people who cannot pay. Search "legal aid" plus your state name to find the office nearest you. Some have dedicated disability units.

Law school clinics sometimes handle Social Security cases under the supervision of a licensed attorney. Contact law schools in your state to ask whether they run a disability clinic.

Disability advocacy groups specific to your condition (for example, the National Federation of the Blind, or disease-specific organisations) often maintain lists of lawyers they recommend or can refer you to.

What to ask a lawyer before you hire them

Ask how many Social Security Disability cases they have handled and what their approval rate is at the initial application stage and at the appeal stage. A lawyer who handles mostly other types of law and takes Social Security cases occasionally may not know the current medical standards or recent policy changes.

Ask what the fee arrangement is and whether it is contingency or hourly. If contingency, ask whether the 25 percent cap applies and whether there are any other costs you might owe (for example, for medical records or expert reports). Ask how long they expect the process to take — initial decisions usually take three to six months, but appeals can take one to three years depending on your state and the backlog.

Ask whether they will handle your case all the way through appeal if your initial claim is denied, or whether they only handle the first stage. Some lawyers will only take cases they believe have a strong chance at the initial stage and refer harder cases elsewhere.

Non-attorney representatives as an alternative

Accredited representatives are not lawyers but are authorised by the Social Security Administration to represent you in disability claims. They must pass the same test as lawyers and follow the same ethical rules. Many charge lower fees than lawyers — some charge a flat fee of $100 to $300 instead of a percentage of back pay.

Accredited representatives are often employed by disability advocacy organisations, legal aid offices, or work independently. You can find them through the same NOSSCR directory and EFAST database as lawyers. The main difference is that if your case goes to federal court (which happens rarely), a non-attorney representative cannot represent you — you would need to hire a lawyer at that point.

Red flags and how to avoid scams

Do not hire anyone who asks you to pay money upfront. Federal law forbids representatives from charging you before you win your case. If someone asks for an upfront fee, report them to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-9271.

Do not hire anyone who guarantees you will win. No one can may provide a Social Security Disability decision — approval depends on your medical evidence and work history, and decisions are made by the Social Security Administration, not by your representative.

Do not hire anyone who is not listed in EFAST or cannot produce a Social Security Administration representative number. Scammers sometimes advertise online as disability lawyers and disappear after taking payment.

What happens after you hire a lawyer

Once you hire a lawyer or representative, they will file a form called the Form SSA-1696 (Appointment of Representative) with the Social Security Administration. This authorises them to act on your behalf and receive copies of all decisions. You will receive a copy of this form in the mail.

Your representative will gather your medical records, work history, and any other evidence that supports your claim. They will help you complete the application if you have not already submitted one, or prepare an appeal if your claim was denied. They will communicate with the Social Security Administration on your behalf and tell you what to expect at each stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change lawyers or representatives if I am not happy with mine?

Yes. You can fire your representative at any time by filing a new Form SSA-1696 naming a different representative, or by filing a form to end representation. The Social Security Administration will stop sending documents to your old representative and start sending them to your new one. You do not owe the old representative any fees for work done after you fire them.

What if I cannot afford a lawyer?

Contact your state's legal aid organisation — many handle Social Security cases for free or at low cost for people with limited income. You can also look for disability law clinics at law schools or disability advocacy organisations in your area. Some accredited representatives charge flat fees lower than the contingency percentage.

Do I need a lawyer to file for Social Security Disability?

No, you can file on your own. However, the approval rate is higher with representation — roughly 50 percent of people who hire a representative at the initial stage are approved, compared to about 30 percent of people who apply alone. A lawyer becomes more valuable if your claim is denied and you need to appeal.

How long does it take to get a decision after I hire a lawyer?

Initial decisions usually take three to six months after you submit your application. If you are denied and appeal, the timeline depends on your state and the backlog at the appeals office — it can range from one to three years. Your lawyer can tell you what to expect in your state.

What if my lawyer or representative takes too much money?

Federal law caps representative fees at 25 percent of back pay, up to $7,200. If your representative charges more than this or takes money before you win, report them to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-9271 or to your state bar association if they are a lawyer.