Best Social Security Disability Attorneys for SSDI & SSI Claims

Social Security disability lawyers help people who can't work because of a serious illness or injury get SSDI or SSI benefits. Many first applications are denied. A lawyer builds the medical record Social Security needs and takes the claim through the appeals process. A win can bring monthly checks plus back pay for the months spent waiting. The firms below practice in cities across the country, and several take cases nationwide.

Listed Social Security Disability Lawyers are ranked by one score, applied the same way to every firm. It draws on public signals, including:

  • Client satisfaction and overall online reputation
  • The volume and consistency of client feedback
  • How established the firm is
  • Peer recognition within the legal community and across the web

Rankings are calculated independently from public data. Paid placements don't change a listing's score.

Find Top Social Security Disability Attorneys Near Me

x

Leading SSD Lawyers for Applications, Appeals & Disability Hearings

Screenshot of the Kraft & Associates, Attorneys at Law, P.C. Website
2777 N Stemmons Fwy Suite #1300, Dallas, TX 75207, USA

Kraft & Associates is a Dallas personal injury and disability firm founded in 1971. Its lawyers handle Social Security disability claims alongside car and truck accident cases.

The firm takes SSD and injury cases on contingency, so clients pay nothing upfront. It also publishes a free guide to the mistakes disability claimants often make. The team serves the whole Metroplex, including Fort Worth, Arlington, and Garland.

Screenshot of the The Bishop Law Firm Website

The Bishop Law Firm is a Raleigh disability and injury practice led by attorney Kimberly Bishop. The North Carolina State Bar certifies her as a specialist in Social Security disability law.

Attorney Bishop has practiced SSD law since 2008. She has appeared before judges at the hearing offices in Raleigh, Greensboro, Fayetteville, and Charlotte.

The firm's website states that it is no longer accepting new clients.

Screenshot of the Meggesto Crossett Valerino LLP Website
511 E Fayette St, Syracuse, NY 13202, USA

One injury can trigger a workers' comp claim, an SSD claim, and an injury lawsuit. MCV Law, a Syracuse firm, handles all three, often at the same time.

Its Social Security disability attorneys help clients file for benefits and appeal denials. Meggesto Crossett Valerino has offices in Syracuse, Auburn, and Chittenango. The team serves Central and Northern New York and offers a free strategy session.

Screenshot of the Fields Law Firm Website
9999 Wayzata Blvd #100, Minnetonka, MN 55305, USA

From its Minnetonka, Minnesota base, Fields Law serves disability clients in all 50 states. The firm also has offices in Philadelphia, Dallas, and Chattanooga.

The firm handles Social Security disability along with short- and long-term disability insurance claims. Its Win-Win Guarantee lets clients hire a lawyer with no financial risk.

Screenshot of the Gustad Law Group Website

Gustad Law Group is a Washington disability firm with offices in Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. Founder John-Paul Gustad is a VA-accredited attorney with more than two decades in practice.

The team handles SSDI and SSI claims at every stage, including administrative law judge hearings. It also pursues children's, survivor, and widow's benefits. Veterans get help with denied or underrated VA disability ratings.

Beyond Washington, the firm takes SSDI and VA cases nationwide.

Screenshot of the Shook & Stone Personal Injury and Disability Lawyers Website

Since 1998, Las Vegas injury and disability lawyers at Shook & Stone have won over 25,000 cases. The firm has recovered more than $1.4 billion for clients.

Its Social Security disability team helps people who can't work file for benefits. A free online SSDI eligibility quiz gives a quick first read on a claim. The firm is open 24/7, with offices in downtown Las Vegas, Summerlin, and Reno.

Screenshot of the Ginsberg Law Offices Website
1854 Independence Square, Atlanta, GA 30338, USA

Ginsberg Law Offices is a family-owned Atlanta firm founded in 1997. Jonathan Ginsberg and Jodi Brenner Ginsberg started the practice.

The firm covers Social Security disability, work injury claims, and personal bankruptcy. It runs an SSD YouTube channel and podcast with practical tips for claimants. The office sits near the Chamblee Dunwoody exit off I-285, with free parking and ground-floor access.

Screenshot of the Schiffman Law Website
4506 N 12th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014, USA

Since 1975, Schiffman Law Office has represented injured and disabled people across Arizona. Its attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience with Social Security and private disability claims.

Clients can meet a lawyer in Phoenix, Mesa, or Scottsdale. The firm can coordinate a disability claim with a related injury case. Se habla español.

Screenshot of the Hankey Marks & Crider Website
429 E Vermont St #200, Indianapolis, IN 46202

With over 80 years of combined experience, Hankey Marks & Crider serves disabled and injured Hoosiers from Indianapolis. The team takes SSD claims up to federal court, plus ERISA long-term disability cases. Spanish-speaking clients are welcome.

Screenshot of the Khattar Law, PC Website
1616 San Pedro Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212, USA

Khattar Law is a San Antonio injury and disability firm founded in 1991. It has helped more than 40,000 clients in Texas and California.

Principal attorney Jason Khattar leads the practice. His team handles SSI and SSDI claims at every stage, as well as auto accident and other injury claims.

Screenshot of the The Law Offices of Benjamin Misko Website
1340 Poydras St #2030, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

Ben Misko has guided hundreds of disabled clients through the Social Security process. His New Orleans SSD practice also takes car crash and fall injury cases.

He is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives. The office offers a free consultation.

Screenshot of the Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Website

Larry Pitt is a Philadelphia injury and disability lawyer with over four decades of practice. His firm helps clients file SSDI applications and prepare for hearings.

Larry Pitt & Associates won Gold for Social Security disability law in the 2025 Philly Favorites awards. The firm also handles work injury and accident claims across Philadelphia, Bucks, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, and Berks counties.

Screenshot of the Injury & Disability Law Office of Wisconsin Website

Founder Jason Oldenburg leads this Milwaukee practice with attorney James Barrett. Both are recognized by Super Lawyers.

The firm handles SSD filings, job injury claims, and accident cases throughout Wisconsin. Its motto is "once a client, always a client," and the lawyers can come to you.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Richard R. Madore, P.C. Website
201 Washington St Suite 2600, Boston, MA 02108, USA

Rick Madore practices solo from downtown Boston, so each client gets personal attention. He has handled hundreds of Social Security disability cases.

He takes disability clients across New England, including Disabled Adult Child benefit claims. In Massachusetts, he also handles injury claims.

Screenshot of the Nationwide Disability Representatives Website

Nationwide Disability Representatives is the Social Security practice of Berke Law Firm, P.A., in Cape Coral, Florida. It has helped SSDI and SSI claimants for over 35 years. Fees are capped by federal law and paid only from back pay.

Screenshot of the Denman Law Office Website
1105 Stonewall St. Suite 503A-1, Garland, TX 75043

Stanley Denman is a Dallas-Fort Worth disability lawyer who has handled only Social Security disability cases since 1991. He files applications, appeals denials, and attends hearings. He will meet clients at home or in the hospital.

824-E North John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34741

Chad Lawrence worked as an insurance defense attorney before representing injured and disabled Floridians. Licensed since 1987 and AV Preeminent-rated, he handles SSD and workers' compensation claims from Kissimmee and Tampa.

Screenshot of the Marc Whitehead & Associates Attorneys at Law, LLP Website

Marc Whitehead is a Houston lawyer board-certified in personal injury trial law and SSD law. He is also a VA-accredited veterans claims attorney. His firm handles disability claims for clients in all 50 states.

Screenshot of the Ehrenreich & Associates Website
526 Superior Ave, Cleveland, OH 44114, USA

For over 40 years, Ehrenreich & Associates has represented Clevelanders in Social Security, injury, and medical malpractice cases. The downtown office offers after-hours and weekend appointments by request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Social Security disability lawyer cost?

Nothing upfront in most cases. Federal law caps the fee at 25% of past-due benefits or a set dollar limit, whichever is less. The Social Security Administration must approve the fee. If you lose, you usually owe no attorney fee.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Work history versus financial need. SSDI is based on the Social Security taxes you paid while working. SSI is for people with limited income and assets and requires no work record. The medical rules are the same for both.

How long does a disability claim take?

Often several months, sometimes much longer. An initial decision can take months. If you appeal to a hearing, the wait can stretch past a year. A lawyer can't skip the line, but a complete file avoids extra delays.

What happens if my claim is denied?

You have 60 days to appeal. The steps are reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, the Appeals Council, and then federal court. Many claims that fail at first are approved at the hearing stage.

When do SSDI payments start?

After a five-month waiting period. SSDI does not pay for the first five full months of disability. Back pay can also cover up to 12 months before you apply. SSI has no waiting period but doesn't pay benefits for months before you apply.

Can I work while my claim is pending?

Only a limited amount. Earning above Social Security's monthly substantial gainful activity limit can sink a claim. That limit changes each year. Talk to a lawyer before taking any job while your case is open.

Types of Social Security Disability Claims

Initial SSDI and SSI applications. Some lawyers file the first application for you. A strong start can save months of appeals.

Denied claims and appeals. This is where most attorneys step in. They gather new medical evidence and meet strict filing deadlines.

Disability hearings. A lawyer prepares you for the judge's questions. They can also cross-examine the vocational expert who testifies about available jobs.

Benefits for family members. Children, spouses, and surviving spouses may qualify on a disabled worker's record. Disabled adult children can also claim on a parent's record.

Continuing disability reviews. Social Security re-checks cases from time to time. A lawyer can help you keep benefits you already have.

How to Choose a Social Security Disability Attorney

Check how much of the practice is SSD. Some firms handle disability claims every day. Others treat them as a side practice next to injury cases.

Ask who attends the hearing. Find out whether you will meet the same attorney who prepared your file. Some large firms hand hearings to someone new.

Look for hearing experience in your area. A lawyer who knows the local hearing office can prepare you better. Remote practices can still work well if they stay in touch.

Confirm the fee agreement in writing. It should follow the federal cap. Ask how case costs, like medical records fees, are handled.

Pay attention to communication. Disability cases are long. Pick a firm that returns calls and explains each step in plain terms.

What Affects Your Chances of Approval

The strength of your medical evidence matters most. Consistent treatment, detailed doctor notes, and test results all help. Age, education, and work history also matter, since the rules ease somewhat for applicants over 50. Your condition must last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months. A disability lawyer can review your records and point out gaps before the hearing.