What Pearson Disability Law Partners does
Pearson Disability Law Partners is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They do not work for Social Security — they are a private firm that charges fees to help people file claims, appeal denials, and navigate the disability information process.
If you contact Pearson, you are contacting a lawyer's office, not Social Security itself. The firm handles representation agreements, meaning they take your case and communicate with Social Security on your behalf. They charge a fee only if you win your case, which Social Security caps at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began).
You do not need a lawyer to file for SSDI or SSI. You can file directly with Social Security for free. But many people hire representation because the denial rate for first applications is high, and lawyers who specialize in disability know how to present medical evidence in ways that increase approval odds.
Key Takeaways
- Pearson Disability Law Partners is a private law firm, not a Social Security office, and charges a fee only if you win your case.
- You can file for SSDI or SSI yourself without a lawyer by contacting Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or your local Social Security office.
- Lawyers who handle disability cases often focus on appeals rather than initial filings, because the first denial is common and appeals have better approval rates.
- If you hire any representative for a disability case, Social Security must approve the fee arrangement before work begins.
How to contact Pearson Disability Law Partners
Pearson Disability Law Partners operates in multiple states. To reach them, search for "Pearson Disability Law Partners" plus your state name, or visit their website directly if you have the URL. Law firms typically list phone numbers and office locations on their websites.
When you call, be ready to describe your disability, whether you have already filed with Social Security, and whether you have been denied. The firm will tell you whether they take cases like yours and what their process is. Many disability law firms offer free initial consultations.
Before you hire any representative, ask whether they are approved by Social Security to charge a fee. Social Security maintains a list of representatives it has authorized. You can also check with your state bar association to confirm the lawyer is in good standing.
Filing for disability without a lawyer
You do not need to hire Pearson or any law firm to file for SSDI or SSI. You can file directly with Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visiting your local Social Security office in person, or filing online at ssa.gov.
Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and details about how your condition limits your ability to work. You can gather these yourself and submit them with your application. The process is free at every stage if you do not hire representation.
The downside is that most first applications are denied. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal. At the appeal stage, many people find that hiring a lawyer improves their chances, because lawyers know how to present evidence and argue your case to an administrative law judge.
When to consider hiring a disability lawyer
Hiring a lawyer makes most sense if your first application was denied and you are preparing to appeal. At that point, you are facing a hearing before an administrative law judge, and having someone who knows disability law and has argued similar cases can significantly improve your odds.
You might also consider hiring a lawyer if your case is complex — for example, if you have multiple conditions, your medical records are scattered across many providers, or your work history is unusual. A lawyer can organize evidence and frame your case in ways that match what Social Security looks for.
If you are still deciding whether to file at all, you can call Social Security first to ask basic questions about whether your situation might may have access to. That conversation is free and does not commit you to anything.
How lawyer fees work in disability cases
Disability lawyers charge on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win. Social Security limits the fee to 25 percent of your back pay — the money owed from the date your disability began until the date you are approved. The lawyer cannot charge you anything upfront or if you lose.
Before the lawyer does any work, you and the lawyer must sign a fee agreement. That agreement must be submitted to Social Security for approval. Social Security will review it to make sure the fee does not exceed the legal limit. Only after Social Security approves the agreement can the lawyer represent you.
If you win and receive back pay, Social Security will withhold the lawyer's fee directly from that payment and send it to the lawyer. You receive the rest. This means you do not have to pay the lawyer out of pocket.
What happens after you contact a disability lawyer
Once you hire a lawyer, they will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. They will also ask you detailed questions about your work history, your daily activities, and how your condition affects you. This information helps them build your case.
The lawyer will submit your application or appeal to Social Security on your behalf. They will communicate with Social Security directly, so you do not have to handle all the paperwork yourself. If Social Security asks for more information, your lawyer will gather it and respond.
If your case goes to a hearing before an administrative law judge, your lawyer will represent you at that hearing. They will present your medical evidence, question witnesses, and argue why you meet Social Security's definition of disability. You will be there too, but your lawyer does most of the talking.
Alternatives if you cannot afford a lawyer
If you cannot afford to hire a lawyer, you have other options. Legal aid organizations in your state may represent disability claimants for free or at low cost. You can find your local legal aid office by calling 211 or searching "legal aid" plus your state name.
You can also represent yourself. Many people file and appeal without a lawyer. Social Security provides forms and instructions on its website. If you go to a hearing, you can bring someone to support you — a friend, family member, or advocate — even if they are not a lawyer.
Some disability advocates are not lawyers but have training in Social Security rules. They charge lower fees than lawyers and can help you organize your case. Ask Social Security or your local legal aid office whether they know of advocates in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I contact Pearson Disability Law Partners if I have not filed with Social Security yet?
Yes. Some disability law firms will take cases from the beginning, though many focus on appeals after a denial. When you call Pearson, tell them whether you have filed yet. They will let you know whether they handle initial filings or only appeals.
What if I already have a lawyer and want to switch to Pearson?
You can change representatives, but you must notify Social Security in writing. Your current representative must withdraw, and you must sign a new fee agreement with Pearson. Social Security must approve the new agreement before Pearson can take over your case.
How long does it take to hear back after I contact a disability law firm?
Law firms typically respond within a few business days. If they decide to take your case, they will send you a fee agreement to sign. After Social Security approves the agreement, work on your case begins. The overall timeline from filing to approval or hearing can be months or years.
Do I have to use a lawyer from my state?
No. Some disability lawyers work with clients in multiple states. However, check that they are licensed to practice law in your state. You can verify this through your state bar association's website.
What if Social Security denies my case even with a lawyer?
You can appeal again. After a hearing before an administrative law judge, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and after that, to federal court. Your lawyer can continue representing you through these stages, though the fee arrangement may change for appeals beyond the first hearing.