Legal Representation

In general, the social security disability system is designed so that you do not have to hire an attorney to represent you with your claim for disability benefits. Still, the social security disability claims process is complicated and you must meet many filing due dates. If you miss a filing due date during the social security disability claims process, your claim may be denied. Collecting and filing the right medical records can be time consuming and frustrating. You may consider having an attorney or qualified person represent you if you do not think you can successfully keep up with your medical treatment and satisfy all of the requirements that are part of the social security disability claims process.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has designed the disability claims process so that you may hire an attorney or qualified person to represent you on a contingent-fee basis. A contingent fee means that you do not pay for the attorney or qualified person to represent you at first. Instead, a contingent fee means that the attorney or qualified person you hire may only receive a fee for their services if you win your claim for social security disability benefits.

Legal Editors: Anselmo Alegria and Wiliam E. Leavitt, February 2018 (updated August 2020)