Abogados de Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Lawyers in the United States

Every year, roughly two-thirds of initial Social Security Disability applications are denied. That statistic alone explains why so many applicants turn to a lawyer for help. A Social Security Disability attorney handles the paperwork, gathers medical evidence, and represents you at hearings to improve your chances of approval.

What Social Security Disability Law Covers

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who cannot work due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Eligibility depends on your work history and the payroll taxes you've paid into the system.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) serves disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs use the same medical standards to define disability, but the financial eligibility rules differ significantly.

Disability lawyers also handle cases involving continuing disability reviews, overpayment disputes, and appeals after benefits are terminated.

When to Hire a Social Security Disability Lawyer

• Your initial application was denied and you need to file a Request for Reconsideration
• You're preparing for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
• Your medical conditions are complex or involve multiple diagnoses
• The SSA claims you can still perform other types of work
• Your benefits were approved but later terminated during a review

How the Social Security Disability Process Works

The process starts with an initial application filed through the Social Security Administration. If denied, you move to reconsideration, where a different examiner reviews your case. Most claims are denied again at this stage.

The next step is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. This is where applicants with legal representation see the biggest advantage — approval rates at hearings are significantly higher for represented claimants. The average wait time for a hearing is roughly 12 to 18 months, depending on your local hearing office's backlog.

If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council and eventually to federal court.

How Social Security Disability Benefits Are Calculated

• SSDI amounts are based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began — the average monthly SSDI payment in 2024 is approximately $1,537
• SSI payments follow a federal base rate, currently $943 per month for individuals, though some states add a supplement
• Your onset date — the date your disability began — determines how many months of back pay you may receive
• SSDI recipients may qualify for up to 12 months of retroactive benefits before their application date
• After 24 months of receiving SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicare coverage

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Security Disability lawyer cost?

Most disability attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win. Federal law caps fees at 25% of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. You pay nothing upfront.

Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits?

You can earn a limited amount during a trial work period without losing benefits. In 2024, any month you earn more than $1,110 counts as a trial work month. After nine trial work months within a 60-month window, the SSA evaluates whether you can sustain full-time employment.