Pilzer Klein is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases

Pilzer Klein specializes in helping people file for disability benefits, appeal denials, and navigate the hearing process before an administrative law judge. The firm works on a contingency basis, meaning they collect a fee only if you win your case — the fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200, whichever is less. They do not charge upfront costs.

The firm handles cases at every stage: initial applications, reconsideration appeals after a denial, and hearings before a judge. They also represent clients in federal court if a case is appealed beyond the administrative process. Their practice focuses on the medical and legal evidence needed to prove you cannot work due to a disability that will last at least 12 months or result in death.

Key Takeaways

  • Pilzer Klein charges only if you win, with fees capped at 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is lower.
  • The firm represents clients at every stage: initial application, reconsideration, administrative hearing, and federal court appeal.
  • You can hire a disability lawyer at any point in your case, even if you have already been denied once or twice.
  • Social Security must approve your lawyer's fee before they pay it, and the agency deducts the fee from your back pay award, not from your ongoing benefits.

How the contingency fee structure works

When you hire Pilzer Klein or any disability lawyer, you sign a fee agreement that Social Security must review and approve. The lawyer's fee comes from your back pay — the money owed to you from the date you became disabled, not from your monthly benefits going forward. If you win $50,000 in back pay, the lawyer takes 25 percent of that ($12,500), but Social Security caps it at $7,200, so you receive $42,800.

You pay nothing out of pocket during the case. The firm covers costs like medical records, expert reports, and filing fees. If you lose, you owe nothing. This structure exists because many people pursuing disability cannot afford to pay a lawyer upfront while waiting months or years for a decision.

Social Security deducts the approved fee directly from your back pay before sending you the money. You do not write a check to the lawyer yourself. The firm must submit a fee petition to Social Security, and the agency has 20 days to approve or object.

When to hire a disability lawyer

You can hire a lawyer at any stage of your case. Many people wait until after their first or second denial, when the case becomes more complex and the stakes are higher. Others hire representation before filing the initial application, especially if they have a complicated medical history or a condition that is hard to document.

The most common time to hire a lawyer is before your hearing before an administrative law judge. At that stage, you have already been denied at least once, the judge will review your entire medical record, and the outcome often determines whether you receive benefits. A lawyer's presence and preparation at a hearing significantly affects the outcome.

If you have already been denied and are considering an appeal, contact the firm to discuss your case. There is no penalty for waiting, but the longer you wait, the older your medical evidence becomes, and judges prefer recent records showing your current condition.

What Pilzer Klein does in your case

The firm gathers your medical records from all doctors and hospitals you have seen, reviews them for evidence that supports a disability claim, and identifies gaps where additional medical evidence is needed. They may request that your doctor complete a detailed questionnaire about your functional limitations or arrange for a medical expert to examine you and write a report.

Pilzer Klein prepares your case file, which includes your medical evidence, work history, and a written argument explaining why you meet Social Security's definition of disability. If your case goes to a hearing, the lawyer represents you before the judge, presents evidence, questions any medical experts Social Security calls, and argues why you should receive benefits.

The firm also handles the appeal process if Social Security denies your case after a hearing. This includes filing in federal court and preparing briefs explaining why the judge's decision was wrong under the law.

The difference between SSDI and SSI claims

Pilzer Klein handles both SSDI and SSI cases, but they work differently. SSDI is based on your work history — you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and resources, regardless of work history. The medical standard for disability is the same in both programs, but SSI has strict limits on how much money and property you can own.

If you are pursuing SSI, the firm must understand your financial situation because SSI counts income and assets in ways that affect your monthly payment. A lawyer can help you structure your finances to preserve your SSI while building savings through a work incentive account or other allowed methods.

How long a disability case typically takes

The timeline depends on which stage your case is at. An initial application decision usually takes three to six months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, that takes another three to six months. A hearing before a judge typically occurs six to twelve months after you request it, though this varies by region and judge availability.

From start to finish, many cases take two to three years. During this time, you may be able to work while your case is pending, and if you eventually win, you receive back pay covering the entire period. Pilzer Klein cannot speed up Social Security's timeline, but they can ensure your case is prepared thoroughly so the judge has what they need to make a decision.

How to contact Pilzer Klein or find a disability lawyer

Pilzer Klein has offices in multiple states and accepts cases nationwide. You can find their contact information through their website or by searching for "Pilzer Klein disability lawyer." When you call, describe your situation briefly — whether you have already applied, been denied, or are scheduled for a hearing — so they can tell you whether they take cases like yours.

If Pilzer Klein cannot take your case, ask for a referral to another disability lawyer in your area. The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) maintains a directory of lawyers and non-lawyer representatives who specialize in disability cases. Many disability lawyers work on the same contingency fee basis, so the fee structure is similar across firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire Pilzer Klein if I have already been denied twice?

Yes. Many people hire a lawyer after multiple denials, especially before a hearing. At that point, you have a clearer picture of what Social Security thinks is missing from your case, and a lawyer can address those gaps with new medical evidence or expert testimony.

What if I cannot afford to wait two years for a decision?

While your case is pending, you may be able to work part-time or full-time without losing your case. Social Security does not penalize you for working while you wait for a decision. If you win, your back pay covers the entire period from when you became disabled. Some people also pursue other income sources, unemployment benefits, or temporary assistance while their disability case moves forward.

Does hiring a lawyer hurt my chances of winning?

No. Studies show that people represented by lawyers win their cases at higher rates than those without representation. A lawyer ensures your medical evidence is complete, your case is organized, and your argument is presented clearly to the judge.

What happens if Social Security denies my case after I hire Pilzer Klein?

You owe the firm nothing if you lose. The contingency fee agreement means they are paid only if you win. However, you can appeal the decision and hire the same lawyer or a different one to represent you in the next stage.

Can a non-lawyer represent me instead of a lawyer?

Yes. Social Security allows both lawyers and non-lawyer representatives (called "representatives" or "advocates") to charge fees on a contingency basis. Non-lawyers often charge lower fees and may have deep experience with disability cases. Both must be approved by Social Security and follow the same fee rules.