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Hiring A Representative To Help With A SSDI Claim

Locating An Attorney

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The first place to look is at non-profits legal service organizations that will represent you without charge. This would be organizations such as your local Legal Aid Society and other legal services organizations (like the Los Angeles Center for Law & Justice, Bet Tzedek, NY Legal Rights Center, etc.). Not all of these organizations will handle Social Security appeals and those that do usually have income eligibility restrictions, but you should check before moving to private attorneys.

If you can't find an attorney to work for no charge, call your local bar association (http://www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html offsite link) or search through one of the sites listed below:

  • The National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representative can guide you to attorneys and non-attorney representatives who know and are experienced in the Social Security Appeals process. Call 1.800.431.2804 or see www.nosscr.org/index.html offsite link
  • Disability Information and Resources site has a legal section that lists resources for legal help as well as information and books that can assist you. See www.makoa.org/legal.htm offsite link
  • The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys has a resources site to help you find member attorneys by area of specialty, geography and by name. See http://naela.org/Applications/ConsumerDirectory/index.cfm offsite link

Most Social Security offices also maintain lists of advocates in their area.

Before you hire an attorney, check with your local disease specific non-profit organization, social worker, support group and/or other people who have gone through the process for their recommendations and experience with each attorney.

Interview each attorney and at least ask:

  • What percentage of your practice is in the area of Social Security Disability? (The higher, the better.)
  • What percentage of cases do you win? (The higher, the better.)
  • How much is your fee?
  • Will you be available to answer my phone calls on a timely basis?

For additional information on hiring an attorney, see Choosing An Attorney.


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