Texas law firms that focus on Social Security Disability cases are listed through the Social Security Administration, your state bar, and disability advocacy organizations — not through a single directory.
If you need legal representation for a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) case in Texas, you have several ways to find may have access to attorneys. The Social Security Administration maintains a public list of representatives approved to work on disability claims. You can also contact the State Bar of Texas, which publishes lawyer directories searchable by practice area. Disability-focused nonprofits and legal aid organizations in Texas often maintain their own lists of partner firms and can refer you to attorneys who handle these cases regularly.
Most Social Security Disability attorneys in Texas work on contingency, meaning they take payment only if you win your case — typically 25 percent of your back pay, up to a cap set by Social Security. This structure means you do not pay upfront fees, though you should always confirm the payment arrangement in writing before hiring.
Key Takeaways
- The Social Security Administration's Office of Hearings Operations publishes a searchable list of representatives approved to handle disability claims in Texas.
- The State Bar of Texas allows you to search attorneys by practice area and location, and you can verify that a lawyer is in good standing before you contact them.
- Disability legal aid organizations and nonprofits in Texas often partner with specific firms and can refer you to attorneys experienced with your type of case.
- Most disability attorneys work on contingency and charge a percentage of back pay only if you win, but you should receive a written fee agreement before you hire anyone.
- Representatives approved by Social Security can include attorneys, non-attorney representatives, and organizations — all are held to the same ethical standards for disability work.
Finding Representatives Through the Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration publishes a list of all representatives approved to work on disability claims. You can search this list by state, city, and representative name at ssa.gov/representation. The search tool shows whether the representative is an attorney, a non-attorney representative (often called an accredited representative), or an organization. It also displays their office address, phone number, and the types of cases they handle.
When you search for Texas representatives, you will see hundreds of names. Many focus specifically on SSDI and SSI cases, while others handle a broader range of Social Security matters. The listing does not rate or rank representatives, so you will need to contact several to compare experience and approach. All representatives on this list have been vetted by Social Security and must follow strict ethical rules, so being listed is a baseline qualification, not a recommendation.
You can also ask Social Security directly for a referral. If you are working with a Social Security office or have a hearing scheduled, the staff there can provide names of local representatives. This does not mean Social Security endorses any particular firm — it simply means they can point you toward people who work regularly in your area.
Searching the State Bar of Texas Directory
The State Bar of Texas maintains a searchable directory at texasbar.com under "Find a Lawyer." You can filter by practice area (select "Social Security and Disability") and by city or county. The directory shows the lawyer's contact information, office locations, and whether they are accepting new clients. It also displays any disciplinary history, which you should review before contacting anyone.
The State Bar directory does not show whether a lawyer works on contingency or charges hourly fees, so you will need to ask when you call. It also does not indicate how many disability cases a lawyer has handled or their success rate — those are questions to ask directly. Some attorneys list their experience in their directory profile, but the detail varies widely.
Verify that any attorney you are considering is licensed to practice in Texas and that their license is active and in good standing. The State Bar directory makes this information visible, and you should never hire someone whose license is suspended or restricted.
Disability Advocacy Organizations and Legal Aid Partners
Nonprofit organizations focused on disability rights and legal aid often maintain lists of law firms they partner with or refer cases to. In Texas, organizations like the Disability Rights Texas, Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, and the Texas Advocacy Project work on disability cases and can connect you with experienced attorneys. These organizations may also provide free or low-cost legal consultations to determine whether you have a strong case before you hire private counsel.
Legal aid organizations typically serve people below certain income thresholds, so you may not be may be able to access if your household income is above their limits. However, even if you do not may have access to for their direct services, they can often refer you to private attorneys who specialize in disability work and understand the legal aid community's standards for quality representation.
Some of these organizations also run their own disability programs and may represent you directly if you meet their criteria. It is worth calling to ask whether they handle cases or provide referrals, because the answer varies by organization and by your specific situation.
What to Ask When You Contact a Law Firm
When you call a Texas law firm about your disability case, have your Social Security case number ready and be prepared to describe your condition briefly. Ask these specific questions: How many SSDI or SSI cases has the firm handled? What is their general success rate at the hearing level? Do they work on contingency, and if so, what is their fee? Will they charge you for an initial consultation? How long do they typically take to prepare a case for hearing?
Ask whether the firm has experience with your specific condition or type of claim. Some firms focus on mental health cases, others on musculoskeletal conditions, and others on multiple conditions. A firm with deep experience in your area is more likely to know the medical evidence that Social Security looks for and the arguments that work in front of Texas hearing judges.
Request a written fee agreement before you hire anyone. This agreement should state the contingency percentage, any expenses you are responsible for, and what happens if your case is denied. Never pay upfront fees to a representative — Social Security rules prohibit this, and it is a sign of fraud.
Non-Attorney Representatives and Accredited Organizations
You do not have to hire an attorney to represent you at a Social Security Disability hearing. Non-attorney representatives, also called accredited representatives, can represent you and are held to the same ethical standards as attorneys. Many accredited representatives work for disability organizations or law firms and have years of experience with Social Security cases.
Accredited representatives must pass a test administered by Social Security and maintain their credentials through continuing education. They charge the same contingency fees as attorneys — typically 25 percent of back pay — and you can find them on the Social Security representative list the same way you find attorneys. Some people prefer working with non-attorney representatives because they often have more time to spend on each case and may charge slightly lower fees.
Organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) maintain directories of accredited representatives and can help you find someone in Texas. You can also ask the disability legal aid organizations mentioned above whether they recommend any accredited representatives.
Red Flags and How to Protect Yourself
Do not hire anyone who guarantees you will win your case. No representative can may provide an outcome, and anyone who promises one is not being honest. Be cautious of representatives who pressure you to hire them quickly or who claim they have special connections at Social Security — these are common fraud tactics.
Verify that anyone you hire is actually listed on the Social Security representative list before you sign anything. If someone claims to represent you but is not on that list, Social Security will not recognize them, and your case could be delayed or dismissed. You can check the list yourself at ssa.gov/representation to confirm.
Watch out for upfront fees. Social Security rules prohibit representatives from charging you anything before your case is decided. If someone asks for money upfront, report them to the Social Security Office of Inspector General or to the State Bar of Texas. You can also file a complaint with Social Security's Office of Hearings Operations if you believe a representative has violated ethical rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change representatives if I am not happy with the one I hired?
Yes. You can fire a representative at any time by submitting a written request to Social Security. You do not need the representative's permission. If you have already paid them a fee, you may be able to recover part of it if your new representative wins the case, depending on the circumstances. Contact Social Security's Office of Hearings Operations to ask how to change representatives in your case.
What if I cannot afford a lawyer and do not may have access to for legal aid?
You can represent yourself at a Social Security hearing, though this is generally harder than having representation. You can also ask Social Security whether any free or low-cost clinics operate in your area — some disability organizations run these. Some law firms also take cases pro bono (for free) in limited circumstances, so it is worth asking when you call.
How do I know if a representative is actually approved by Social Security?
Search the Social Security representative list at ssa.gov/representation. If someone is not on that list, Social Security will not recognize them as your representative, even if they claim to be may have access to. You can also call Social Security directly to verify that a specific person is approved to represent you.
Do I need a lawyer if I am appealing a denial?
You are not required to have representation, but having one significantly increases your chances of winning on appeal. Most people who win at the hearing level have representation. If you were denied and are considering an appeal, contacting a representative to discuss your case is a good first step.
What should I bring to my first meeting with a law firm?
Bring your Social Security case number, any denial letters you have received, medical records related to your condition, and a list of doctors or specialists who have treated you. Bring your work history and information about any jobs you have held in the past 15 years. The more information you have ready, the better the representative can assess your case.