What Hanley Disability Partners does

Hanley Disability Partners is a law firm that represents people filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability. They do not work for the Social Security Administration — they are a private legal practice that charges fees only if you win your case. Their role is to gather medical evidence, prepare your process or appeal, and represent you at hearings before an administrative law judge.

The firm handles cases at every stage: initial applications that were denied, reconsideration requests after a first denial, and hearings before a judge. They work with clients who have physical disabilities, mental health conditions, and medical conditions that prevent work. Because Social Security disability cases often require detailed medical documentation and legal argument, many people hire representation rather than filing alone.

Hanley operates in multiple states. You can contact them directly to ask whether they handle cases in your state and what your specific condition might require. They typically review your medical records, work history, and the reason for your denial before taking your case.

Key Takeaways

  • Hanley Disability Partners is a law firm, not a government agency, and charges a fee only if you win your case — the fee comes from your back pay award.
  • They represent people at every stage of the SSDI and SSI process: initial denials, reconsiderations, and administrative law judge hearings.
  • You will need to provide medical records, work history, and details about why you cannot work for them to evaluate your case.
  • The firm operates in multiple states but not all — contact them to confirm they handle cases where you live.

How the fee arrangement works

Hanley Disability Partners, like most disability law firms, works on what is called a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront and nothing if you lose. If you win, the firm takes a percentage of your back pay — the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date your benefits start.

The fee is capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay, with a maximum of $7,200 (though this cap can change). Some firms charge less. The firm will explain their exact fee before you sign a representation agreement. You should ask what percentage they charge and whether that percentage applies to all cases or varies.

You are responsible for costs separate from the attorney fee — things like medical records requests, informed witness fees if needed, or filing fees. Ask Hanley upfront which costs they cover and which you pay. Some firms advance these costs and deduct them from your award; others ask you to pay as you go.

What you need to provide

To evaluate whether they will take your case, Hanley will ask for medical records from every doctor who has treated you since your disability began. This includes hospital records, test results, mental health treatment notes, and medication lists. The more complete your medical history, the stronger your case.

You will also need to describe your work history — jobs you have held, how long you worked in each, and what tasks you performed. Social Security uses this to determine whether you can do any work, even different work from what you did before. Be specific about physical demands (standing, lifting, repetition) and mental demands (concentration, memory, interaction with others).

Bring documentation of your denial letter from Social Security, any reconsideration decision you received, and any hearing notice if you have one. If you have already filed once and been denied, Hanley will review that file to understand why the claim failed and what evidence is missing.

The difference between initial process and appeal representation

If you have never filed for SSDI or SSI, Hanley can represent you during the initial process process. However, most disability law firms focus on appeals — cases where Social Security has already denied you once. Appeals are more common because initial denials happen in about 65 to 70 percent of cases.

An appeal means you have already received a denial letter and are asking Social Security to reconsider. Hanley can file a reconsideration request (the second stage) or request a hearing before an administrative law judge (the third stage). A hearing is where a judge reviews your case in person or by video and makes a decision. Many people hire a lawyer specifically for the hearing stage because that is where legal representation tends to make the biggest difference.

Ask Hanley whether they handle your specific stage. Some firms take only hearing cases; others handle the full process from initial process through appeal.

What happens after you hire them

Once you sign a representation agreement, Hanley becomes your official representative on file with Social Security. You can still communicate with Social Security, but the agency will send notices to your lawyer. This protects you because your lawyer tracks important date and makes sure nothing is missed.

Hanley will request your medical records directly from your doctors and hospitals. This takes time — sometimes weeks — because medical offices process requests slowly. Your lawyer will review everything and identify gaps: treatments you had that are not documented, or recent medical visits that are missing from the file. They may ask you to see a doctor for an updated evaluation or to fill in missing pieces.

If your case goes to a hearing, your lawyer will prepare you for what to expect, review the evidence with you, and represent you in front of the judge. You will testify about your condition and how it affects your ability to work. Your lawyer will ask questions designed to show the judge why you cannot work, and will cross-examine any medical informed the government presents.

When representation helps most

Disability cases are won or lost on medical evidence. If your medical records clearly show you cannot work — for example, you have had multiple surgeries, ongoing treatment, and doctors have documented that you cannot perform work activities — you may win even without a lawyer. But most cases are not that clear.

Representation helps most when your condition is hard to document (mental health conditions, chronic pain, fatigue), when you have had gaps in treatment, or when Social Security's initial decision seems to have missed important evidence. A lawyer knows how to present evidence in the way judges expect and can argue why your condition meets Social Security's strict definition of disability.

Representation also helps if you are older (over 50 or 55), because Social Security has different rules for older workers and a lawyer can use those rules in your favor. It helps if you have limited work history or if you are explore based on a condition that is not when ready obvious, like a mental health disorder or a pain condition.

How to contact Hanley and what to expect

You can reach Hanley Disability Partners by phone or through their website. When you call, be ready to briefly describe your condition and whether you have already filed with Social Security or been denied. They will ask whether they handle cases in your state.

If they take cases in your area, they will likely schedule a free initial consultation. During this call or meeting, they will review your situation and tell you whether they think your case is strong enough to take. They are not obligated to take every case — they may decline if they believe your case is unlikely to win, or if they are not taking new cases at that time.

If they agree to represent you, you will sign a representation agreement that explains their fee, what they will do, and what you are responsible for. Read this carefully and ask questions before signing. You have the right to hire a different lawyer or to represent yourself instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire Hanley if I already represent myself or have another lawyer?

You can switch lawyers at any time, but you must notify Social Security in writing. If you already have a lawyer, you will need to fire them first — usually by sending a letter to Social Security stating that you are terminating their representation. Hanley can help you with this process.

What if Hanley declines to take my case?

If Hanley will not represent you, ask why. If it is because your case is weak, ask what evidence would make it stronger. You can still file or appeal on your own, or you can contact other disability law firms — many operate in the same area and may have different opinions about your case.

How long does a disability case take with a lawyer?

An initial process takes several months. A reconsideration takes several more months. A hearing can take one to two years from the time you request it. Hanley cannot speed up Social Security's timeline, but they will make sure important date are met and your case moves forward.

Will Hanley help if I am already receiving benefits and need to report a change?

Hanley focuses on getting people approved for benefits, not on managing ongoing cases. If you are already receiving SSDI or SSI and need to report a change in income or living situation, contact Social Security directly or ask a benefits counselor at your local disability organization.

What if I disagree with Hanley's information about my case?

You have the right to make final decisions about your case. If your lawyer recommends something you do not agree with, discuss it with them. If you cannot reach agreement, you can fire them and hire someone else or represent yourself.