The top-rated social security disability lawyer in Los Angeles, California is Morgan & Morgan, rated 4.7 stars across 7,366 reviews. Other highly rated options include M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers, Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C., Farahi Law Firm, APC. This directory lists 22 social security disability lawyers serving Los Angeles.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morgan & Morgan | 633 W 5th St #2200 | (323) 825-3424 |
| 2 | M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers | 6300 Wilshire Blvd Suite 807 | (323) 701-0382 |
| 3 | Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C. | 640 S San Vicente Blvd Suite 390 | (323) 951-1188 |
| 4 | Farahi Law Firm, APC | 5340 Alla Rd Suite 140 | (310) 601-4925 |
| 5 | The Accident Guys | 6330 S San Vicente Blvd #400 | (310) 455-8003 |
| 6 | California Disability Advocates/ Jalilvand Group/ Maggie Jalilvand/ Dr. Amir Niazmand, PsyD | 11500 W Olympic Blvd #400 | (310) 445-3322 |
| 7 | Disability Law Offices of Tony Adderley | 5901 W Century Blvd #750 | (323) 515-1435 |
| 8 | Devermont & Devermont Disability Lawyers | SSDI and SSI Benefits | 12121 Wilshire Blvd #1260 | (310) 730-7309 |
| 9 | Roeschke Law, LLC | 445 S Figueroa St 31st Floor | (323) 622-1440 |
| 10 | Social Service Advocates | 1315 1, 2 Westwood Blvd | (310) 478-8111 |
Morgan & Morgan serves Los Angeles, California, assisting clients with Social Security Disability claims. The firm helps individuals navigate the application and appeals process for disability benefits. This work involves gathering medical records and completing necessary federal paperwork to demonstrate a qualifying condition. The practice handles initial disability applications and represents clients during hearings before an administrative law judge.
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers provides legal representation for individuals seeking Social Security Disability benefits in Los Angeles. The firm assists clients through the application and appeals processes, helping to compile medical records and other documentation to support disability claims. It offers case evaluations and ongoing communication regarding claim status. The firm guides clients through hearings and administrative reviews as needed. M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers serves individuals across Los Angeles, including those living in single-family homes, apartments, condominiums, and those working in retail or restaurant settings.
The Law Offices of Jennie Levin, P.C. in Los Angeles, California serves individuals who are unable to work due to a disabling medical condition by guiding them through the complex Social Security Disability application and appeals process. The firm works to gather necessary medical records and prepare documentation for each case. It also assists clients with hearings before administrative law judges. The firm extends its services to the surrounding communities of the greater Los Angeles metro area, including Burbank.
Farahi Law Firm, APC serves Los Angeles and its surrounding communities, handling Social Security disability claims for individuals unable to work due to long-term medical conditions. The firm focuses on guiding clients through the application and appeals process, addressing denials and gathering necessary medical evidence. To manage a typical case, it employs a documentation-driven approach, working to compile all required records and submit them clearly to the Social Security Administration.
The Accident Guys provides legal representation for Social Security Disability claims in Los Angeles. Its lawyers assist clients with navigating the complex application and appeals process, gathering medical evidence, and presenting cases before the Social Security Administration. The firm handles both initial denials and reconsideration requests. Common scenarios involve individuals who can no longer work due to injury or illness. As local counsel, it addresses seasonal hurdles, such as managing backlogs that often lengthen during the winter holidays.
In Los Angeles, the complexities of filing for Social Security disability benefits often intensify during periods of economic uncertainty. California Disability Advocates, operating with Maggie Jalilvand and Dr. Amir Niazmand, PsyD, assists local residents in navigating this demanding process. The practice focuses on gathering necessary medical evidence and managing the application or appeals paperwork required by the Social Security Administration. For those beginning their claim, the firm offers an initial assessment to review a potential client’s disability status and eligibility.
A Social Security Disability Lawyer provides one-time representation for a single claim or recurring services for ongoing appeals and reapplication needs. The Disability Law Offices of Tony Adderley in Los Angeles, CA assists clients with these claim types. A lawyer handles the application process, evidence gathering, and hearings to establish disability eligibility. Attorney services run on an as-needed basis per claim stage, from initial filing through denial appeals.
Devermont & Devermont Disability Lawyers assists individuals in Los Angeles with navigating the Social Security disability system. The firm focuses specifically on claims for SSDI and SSI benefits, guiding clients through the application and appeal processes. This work involves gathering medical evidence and building cases to demonstrate an inability to work. The firm can serve clients from various professional backgrounds, including those previously employed in offices, warehouses, and food service industries.
Roeschke Law, LLC is known for guiding individuals through the complex Social Security Disability claims process in Los Angeles. The firm assists clients with initial applications and appeals after denials, helping them gather necessary medical evidence. It works closely with applicants who cannot work due to disabling conditions. The practice also offers representation at administrative hearings before a judge, focusing on developing strong medical records to support each disability claim.
Social Service Advocates serves clients throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding communities. The firm handles Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims at the application, reconsideration, and hearing levels. Its staff gathers medical records and vocational evidence, then prepares the necessary documentation to support each case. In a typical job, the office develops a strategy based on the applicant’s medical history and functional limitations, then presents that evidence clearly to the Administrative Law Judge during the hearing process.
What Does a a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Los Angeles Cost?
The cost of hiring a Social Security disability lawyer in California is strictly regulated by the Social Security Administration. As noted, the fee is contingency-based, capped at the lesser of 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200. This means if your past-due benefits total $10,000, your lawyer would receive $2,500. If your back pay is $50,000, the fee is capped at $7,200. You will not pay any hourly fees or retainers. Out-of-pocket costs, such as fees for obtaining medical records (typically $30 to $100) or postage, are usually deducted from your back pay as well, but only if you win. Some lawyers may also charge a small fee for copies of your file if you leave their representation, but this is uncommon.
This information is general and does not constitute legal advice. Fee structures and costs can vary, and you should discuss all financial arrangements with any representative you consider hiring. Always review the fee agreement carefully before signing.
About social security disability lawyers in Los Angeles
Navigating the Social Security disability system in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming, especially when you are already dealing with a serious medical condition. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two distinct programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is available to individuals who have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes, earning what are called work credits. Generally, you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, though younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. SSI, by contrast, is a needs-based program for low-income individuals who have not accumulated sufficient work credits. Both programs require you to meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which means you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SGA threshold for 2024 is $1,550 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. The SSA uses a manual called the Blue Book, which lists specific impairments and the criteria you must meet to qualify automatically. Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if your impairment is medically equivalent to a listed condition.
The application process for disability benefits involves several stages, and the majority of initial claims are denied. You can file your initial application online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in Los Angeles. The SSA typically takes three to six months to process an initial application. However, denial rates at the initial level are high, ranging from 60 to 70 percent nationwide, and Los Angeles is no exception. If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to file a request for reconsideration, the first appeal level. Reconsideration denial rates are even higher, often exceeding 80 percent. If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the stage where having legal representation becomes most critical. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council in Falls Church, Virginia, and if that fails, you may file a civil action in federal district court. Each appeal step has strict 60-day deadlines, and missing them can forfeit your right to benefits.
California-specific factors play a significant role in how your claim is processed. The state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office in California handles the medical evaluation of your claim at the initial and reconsideration levels. Los Angeles has several local hearing offices where ALJ hearings are conducted, including offices in downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando, and Santa Ana. Average wait times for an ALJ hearing in the Los Angeles area currently range from 12 to 18 months, though this can vary depending on the specific office and the complexity of your case. Local approval rates at the ALJ level in California tend to be slightly higher than the national average, often around 50 to 55 percent, compared to the national average of approximately 45 percent. This is partly due to the state’s large population and the experience of local ALJs with a wide range of medical conditions. However, you should not rely on statistics alone; each case is decided on its own medical evidence and vocational factors.
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of any successful disability claim. The SSA will request records from your treating physicians, but you should also ensure that all relevant medical records are submitted. Strong medical evidence includes consistent treatment notes, diagnostic test results (such as MRIs, X-rays, and blood work), and a detailed statement from your doctor describing your functional limitations. The SSA may also schedule a consultative examination (CE) with a doctor they choose, but these exams are often brief and may not fully capture your condition. Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is a critical assessment that describes what you can still do despite your impairments, including physical limitations like lifting, standing, and sitting, as well as mental limitations like concentration, memory, and social interaction. Mental health evaluations are especially important for conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. A well-documented RFC from your treating physician, supported by objective medical findings, can significantly strengthen your case.
When you hire a representative for your disability claim, you should understand the fee structure. Under federal law, Social Security disability lawyers and non-attorney representatives are paid on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The fee is capped at the lesser of 25 percent of your past-due benefits (back pay) or $7,200, whichever is lower. This cap applies to all representatives, whether they are attorneys or accredited non-attorney advocates. You will not pay any upfront costs; expenses such as medical record retrieval fees and postage are typically deducted from your back pay as well, but only if you win. Non-attorney representatives, such as disability advocates, can also help with your claim, but they must be accredited by the SSA. Attorneys have additional training and are licensed to practice law, which can be beneficial if your case reaches federal court. However, both types of representatives must follow the same fee rules.
After you are approved for benefits, there are several important considerations. The SSA will calculate your back pay from the date your disability began, minus a five-month waiting period for SSDI. For SSDI, you will become eligible for Medicare after receiving benefits for 24 months. For SSI, you may qualify for Medicaid immediately, depending on your income and assets in California. The SSA conducts periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) to determine if your condition has improved. These reviews can occur every three to seven years, depending on whether your condition is expected to improve. You can also work while receiving SSDI through the Ticket to Work program and a trial work period. In 2024, a trial work month is any month you earn over $1,110. You have nine trial work months within a 60-month period. After that, you enter the extended period of eligibility, where you can still receive benefits if your earnings remain below the SGA threshold. Understanding these rules is essential to maintaining your benefits and avoiding overpayments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any California-specific laws that affect how Social Security disability claims are handled in Los Angeles?
Yes, California has its own Disability Determination Services (DDS) office that evaluates medical evidence for initial and reconsideration claims. Additionally, California law provides for state-funded SSI supplements, which can increase your monthly benefit amount beyond the federal SSI rate. The state also offers Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) to SSI recipients automatically, and you may qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if you need help with daily living activities. These state-specific programs do not change the federal disability criteria, but they can provide additional support after approval.
What are the typical costs and fees for hiring a Social Security disability lawyer in Los Angeles?
Social Security disability lawyers in Los Angeles work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. The fee is capped by federal law at the lesser of 25 percent of your past-due benefits or $7,200. For example, if your back pay is $20,000, the maximum fee would be $5,000 (25 percent). If your back pay is $40,000, the fee would be capped at $7,200, not $10,000. You may also be responsible for reimbursing the lawyer for costs such as medical record retrieval fees, which typically range from $30 to $100. All fees must be approved by the SSA.
How long does the entire Social Security disability process take in Los Angeles, from application to hearing?
The process in Los Angeles can take 18 to 24 months or longer from initial application to an ALJ hearing. The initial application takes 3 to 6 months for a decision. If denied, reconsideration takes another 3 to 5 months. After a reconsideration denial, requesting an ALJ hearing can take 12 to 18 months to schedule, depending on the specific hearing office (downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando, or Santa Ana). If the ALJ denies your claim, an appeal to the Appeals Council can take an additional 6 to 12 months. Federal court appeals can take one to two years more.