What you need to know about finding help with your disability claim
If you are filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on disability, you can work with a representative — either a non-attorney advocate or an attorney — to help you through the process. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains an official list of people and firms authorized to represent you, and you can search it by name, location, or organization. You do not have to use a representative, but many people find one helpful when their claim is denied or when they need to appeal.
Representatives charge fees only if they win your case, and those fees are capped by law. The SSA must approve any fee before a representative can collect it from your back pay. This means you are not paying out of pocket upfront, and you have legal protection against overcharges.
Key Takeaways
- The SSA's official directory at ssa.gov/representation lists all authorized representatives, and you can search by name, state, or organization type.
- Representatives can be attorneys, non-attorney advocates (also called accredited representatives), or organizations like legal aid societies.
- Fees are capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from before your approval date) and cannot exceed $7,200, whichever is less.
- You can find representatives through the SSA directory, your state bar association, legal aid offices, or disability advocacy groups in your area.
- Before hiring anyone, verify they are listed in the SSA directory — this is your only may provide they are authorized and regulated.
How to search the SSA's official representative directory
The Social Security Administration publishes a searchable database of all people and organizations authorized to represent claimants. You can access it at ssa.gov/representation. The search tool lets you filter by representative name, city, state, or organization. You can also search by ZIP code if you want someone local.
When you find someone in the directory, the listing shows their phone number, address, and whether they are an attorney or non-attorney advocate. Some listings include a website link. The directory is updated regularly, so if someone tells you they represent Social Security claimants but does not appear in this database, they are not authorized and you should not hire them.
The directory also shows if a representative has any disciplinary history with the SSA. If you see a note about sanctions or restrictions, ask the representative directly what happened before you decide to work with them.
The difference between attorneys and non-attorney advocates
An attorney is a lawyer licensed to practice in your state. They can represent you at all stages of your claim, including in federal court if your case goes that far. Attorneys typically handle more complex cases or cases that have already been denied once or twice.
A non-attorney advocate, also called an accredited representative, has passed an SSA exam and is authorized to represent you, but is not a lawyer. They can help you file your initial claim, gather medical records, prepare for a hearing, and represent you at a hearing before an administrative law judge. They cannot represent you in federal court. Non-attorney advocates often charge lower fees than attorneys and may be faster to reach for straightforward claims.
Both types of representative must be listed in the SSA directory. Both are bound by the same fee caps and the same rules about how they can use your money. The choice between them often comes down to the complexity of your case and what is available in your area.
How representative fees work and what you actually pay
A representative's fee is taken from your back pay — the money Social Security owes you from the date you became disabled until the date you are approved. The fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is smaller. If your back pay is $20,000, the maximum fee is $5,000 (25 percent). If your back pay is $40,000, the maximum fee is still $7,200, not $10,000.
You do not pay the fee upfront. Instead, the SSA deducts it from your back pay after you win. If you do not win, you owe nothing. Before any fee is collected, the SSA must approve it in writing. Your representative must file a fee agreement with the SSA, and you will receive a copy. If you think the fee is too high, you can object to it before the SSA approves it.
Some representatives also charge for out-of-pocket costs like obtaining medical records or paying for informed reports. These costs are separate from the representative fee and should be explained to you in writing before you incur them. Ask your representative upfront what costs you might owe if your case is denied.
Where to find representatives in your area
The SSA directory is the primary source, but you have other options too. Many state bar associations maintain lists of attorneys who handle Social Security cases. You can contact your state bar's lawyer referral service and ask for someone who specializes in disability claims.
Legal aid societies in your county often have attorneys or advocates who handle Social Security cases for free or at low cost if you meet their income limits. You can find your local legal aid office through the Legal Aid & Defender Association website or by calling 211 (a national helpline that connects you to local services).
Disability advocacy organizations in your state may also maintain lists of representatives or be able to refer you to someone they trust. Organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) and state disability rights organizations can point you toward may have access to people.
What to ask a representative before you hire them
Once you find someone in the SSA directory, contact them and ask these questions: How long have they been representing Social Security claimants? What is their success rate on cases like yours? Do they charge the maximum fee or less? Will they explain the fee agreement in writing before you sign? How often will they contact you with updates?
Ask whether they have handled cases at the stage yours is at. If you are filing an initial claim, you may not need an attorney yet. If your claim has been denied and you are preparing for a hearing, you will want someone with hearing experience. If your case has gone to federal court, you need an attorney.
Ask about their communication style. Some representatives work mostly by phone and email. Others prefer in-person meetings. Some keep clients updated frequently; others contact you only when there is news. Choose someone whose approach matches what you need.
Red flags and how to protect yourself
Do not hire anyone who is not listed in the SSA directory. Do not hire anyone who promises a specific outcome or guarantees you will win. Do not hire anyone who asks you to pay a fee upfront or who asks you to sign over your entire back pay to them.
Be cautious of representatives who pressure you to hire them quickly or who claim they have a special relationship with the SSA that will speed up your case. The SSA treats all claims the same way regardless of who represents you.
If a representative stops communicating with you or misses important date, you can fire them and hire someone else. You do not need permission from the SSA to change representatives. If you believe a representative has overcharged you or acted unethically, you can file a complaint with the SSA's Office of the Inspector General.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a representative to file for disability?
No. You can file for SSDI or SSI on your own through ssa.gov or by visiting your local Social Security office. Many people file initial claims without a representative. A representative becomes more useful if your claim is denied and you need to appeal or prepare for a hearing.
Can I hire a representative after my claim is already denied?
Yes. You can hire a representative at any stage — before you file, after a denial, before a hearing, or even before an appeal to federal court. If you hire someone after you have already been denied, they will help you file your appeal and prepare your case for the next step.
What if I cannot afford a representative?
Contact your local legal aid office. Many provide free representation to people with disabilities who meet income limits. You can also search the SSA directory for non-attorney advocates in your area, as they often charge lower fees than attorneys. Some disability advocacy organizations offer free or low-cost help.
How long does it take to hear back from a representative after I contact them?
Response times vary. Some representatives respond within a day or two; others may take a week or longer. If you are on a important date (for example, you have 60 days to appeal a denial), mention that when you call or email. If a representative does not respond within a reasonable time, try someone else.
Can a representative access my Social Security account online?
Yes, if you give them permission. You can authorize a representative to view your account and communicate with the SSA on your behalf. This is done through a form called an "Authorization to Represent" (Form SSA-1696). Your representative will explain this process and provide the form for you to sign.