What Pearson Disability Law Partners does

Pearson Disability Law Partners is a law firm that represents people in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases. They do not work for Social Security — they are a private firm that helps individuals file claims, appeal denials, and navigate the disability information process.

If you contact Pearson, you are reaching a law office, not a Social Security office. The firm charges fees only if your case is approved, and those fees are capped by federal law at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began), up to a maximum of $7,200. You do not pay anything upfront.

Many people hire a disability representative because the Social Security process is lengthy and denials are common on the first try. A representative can help you gather medical records, prepare your case, and file an appeal if Social Security says no.

Key Takeaways

  • Pearson Disability Law Partners is a private law firm, not part of Social Security, and charges fees only if you win your case.
  • You can contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or through your local Social Security office without hiring a representative.
  • If you choose to work with a representative, Social Security requires that person to be approved and registered with them.
  • The disability information process typically takes several months, and most first-time claims are denied, making representation a common choice.

How to reach Social Security directly

Before contacting a law firm, you can reach Social Security yourself. Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Wait times are often shorter early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the address and hours at ssa.gov/locator by entering your zip code. Bring your Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID.

Social Security also has an online portal called my Social Security at ssa.gov. You can create an account to check your earnings record, view your benefit statement, and in some cases file a claim online without calling or visiting an office.

When you might contact a disability representative

You do not need a representative to file for SSDI or SSI. Many people file on their own and receive benefits. However, the process is complex, and Social Security denies roughly 65 to 70 percent of first-time applications. If your claim is denied, you can appeal, and having someone familiar with the appeals process can make a difference.

Common reasons people hire a representative include: your medical condition is complicated or hard to document, you have already been denied once and need to appeal, you are unsure what medical records to submit, or you straightforward want someone else to handle the paperwork and communication.

Representatives are not just lawyers — they can also be non-attorney practitioners who specialize in disability cases. All representatives must be approved by Social Security and registered with the Office of the Chief Administrative Law Judge.

How representative fees work

If you hire Pearson Disability Law Partners or any other representative, the fee structure is set by federal law. The representative can charge up to 25 percent of your back pay, with a hard cap of $7,200. Back pay is the money Social Security owes you from the date your disability began until the date you are approved.

For example, if Social Security approves you and determines you are owed $10,000 in back pay, your representative can take up to $2,500 (25 percent). If your back pay is $30,000, the cap means they take $7,200, not $7,500.

You pay nothing upfront. The fee comes out of your back pay after Social Security approves your case. If you are denied, you owe nothing. This arrangement is called a contingency fee.

What to expect in the disability process

Filing for SSDI or SSI starts with submitting an process to Social Security. You can do this online, by phone, or in person at your local office. The process asks about your medical condition, your work history, and your daily activities.

After you file, Social Security sends your case to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether you meet Social Security's definition of disability. This step typically takes 3 to 6 months.

If DDS approves you, you receive benefits. If they deny you, you can appeal. The first appeal is called reconsideration, and it goes back to DDS. If that is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This hearing is where many cases are won, especially with representation.

How to verify a representative is legitimate

Before you hire anyone to represent you, confirm they are registered with Social Security. Visit ssa.gov/representation and search the directory of approved representatives by name or organization. Pearson Disability Law Partners should appear in this directory if they are currently authorized to represent clients.

Be cautious of anyone who promises results, charges upfront fees, or claims to work for Social Security. Social Security representatives are private individuals or organizations — they do not work for the government, and they cannot may provide an outcome.

You can also ask your representative for their fee agreement in writing before you sign anything. The agreement must state the fee amount, how it will be calculated, and when it will be paid.

Alternatives if you cannot afford representation

If you cannot afford a private representative, you have other options. Legal aid organizations in your state may represent you for free or at low cost if you meet their income limits. Search for legal aid in your state at lawhelp.org.

You can also represent yourself. Many people do, and Social Security provides forms and instructions on its website. If you file on your own and are later denied, you can still hire a representative for the appeal — you do not have to decide upfront.

Some disability advocates and non-attorney practitioners charge lower fees than law firms, though they are still subject to the same 25 percent cap. Ask your local Social Security office or a legal aid organization for referrals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact Pearson Disability Law Partners directly if I have not filed for benefits yet?

Yes. Law firms and representatives can help you from the beginning — gathering medical records, preparing your process, and making sure everything is submitted correctly. Many people hire a representative before filing because it increases the chances of approval on the first try.

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you have paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few assets. You may be able to receive both, or only one. Social Security will determine which programs you may be may be able to access for when you file.

How long does it take to hear back after I file?

Initial decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and appeal, reconsideration takes another 3 to 6 months. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge can take 6 months to over a year, depending on your local office's workload. Having a representative does not speed up the timeline, but it can improve your chances at each stage.

Do I have to use the same representative throughout my case?

No. You can change representatives at any time, or stop using one and represent yourself. If you switch, notify Social Security in writing and provide the name of your new representative. Your old representative's fee agreement ends, and your new one begins.

What happens if my representative and I disagree about strategy?

You have the right to make final decisions about your case. Your representative works for you and must follow your instructions. If you cannot agree on how to proceed, you can fire them and hire someone else or represent yourself.