The top-rated social security disability lawyer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi is Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A., rated 4.9 stars across 1,837 reviews. Other highly rated options include Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, WW&M Injury Lawyers, Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers. This directory lists 20 social security disability lawyers serving Hattiesburg.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. | 201 Hardy St | (601) 299-4540 |
| 2 | Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers | 312 S 25th Ave | (601) 501-4730 |
| 3 | WW&M Injury Lawyers | 140 Mayfair Rd #1100 | (601) 271-7943 |
| 4 | Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers | 6 Plaza Dr | (601) 602-8431 |
| 5 | The Rollins Law Firm | 702 W Pine St | (601) 488-2848 |
| 6 | Davis-Morris Law Firm | 804 W Pine St | (601) 545-3127 |
| 7 | Tim Farris Law Firm, PLLC | 6645 US-98 #3 | (601) 296-1082 |
| 8 | Deakle-Johnson Law Firm | 802 Main St | (601) 544-0631 |
| 9 | Nelson Law Firm | 140 Mayfair Rd Suite 400 | (601) 602-6031 |
| 10 | Shiyou Law Firm | 301 W Pine St Ste 100 | (601) 583-6040 |
Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. serves the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area with a focus on Social Security Disability claims. The firm assists clients who can no longer work due to a long-term or terminal medical condition. Their practice involves preparing and filing initial disability applications with the Social Security Administration. They also represent individuals who have been denied benefits and need to appeal through reconsideration or a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Howe.Law Injury & Accident Lawyers serves Hattiesburg and the surrounding Pine Belt communities, handling Social Security Disability claims for individuals unable to work due to long-term medical conditions. The firm assists clients with applications for disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. It addresses both initial filings and reconsideration requests, working to gather necessary medical evidence and documentation. The legal team generally approaches each case by reviewing the client’s medical history and then preparing the required paperwork to support the disability claim throughout the administrative process.
WW&M Injury Lawyers specializes in Social Security Disability claims, helping clients in Hattiesburg, MS, navigate the application and appeals process. The firm works with individuals who cannot work due to medical conditions, providing assistance in gathering necessary medical evidence and completing required paperwork. It handles cases involving long-term disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. For those facing a denial or a worsening condition that changes their eligibility status, the firm offers guidance throughout the year, including during periods when hearing backlogs are more likely to occur.
Morris Bart Personal Injury Lawyers in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, provides legal representation for individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits, assisting with initial applications, appeals, and hearing preparation. The firm helps clients navigate the complex documentation and evidentiary requirements necessary to establish eligibility for monthly benefits. It also manages ongoing communication with the Social Security Administration to address claim status or additional information requests. Its services extend to clients residing in single-family homes, apartments, and other residential properties throughout the Hattiesburg area.
Individuals and families throughout the Hattiesburg, Mississippi area hire The Rollins Law Firm to navigate complex Social Security disability claims. The practice provides comprehensive legal services for initial applications, reconsiderations, and hearings before an administrative law judge. Its attorneys handle all correspondence with the Social Security Administration, working to secure benefits for clients with disabling medical conditions. The firm also serves clients in the nearby Petal community.
Serving Hattiesburg and the surrounding communities in southern Mississippi, Davis-Morris Law Firm handles applications and appeals for Social Security Disability benefits. It assists individuals with claims for SSDI and SSI when medical conditions prevent substantial work. The firm manages the documentation and paperwork required to demonstrate a qualifying disability to the Social Security Administration. It typically directs each stage of a case by gathering medical records and submitting arguments before administrative law judges as needed.
Tim Farris Law Firm, PLLC provides guidance specifically in Social Security disability law for clients in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It helps individuals navigate the complex application and appeals process for disability benefits. The firm assists with gathering necessary medical records and representing claimants at hearings. This is particularly valuable during the colder months when worsening physical conditions can make securing benefits a pressing seasonal concern.
The Deakle-Johnson Law Firm in Hattiesburg, Mississippi focuses exclusively on Social Security disability claims, where assistance is provided on an as-needed basis rather than as a single, one-time service. Each case involves preparing initial applications or handling appeals through hearings, which often requires gathering medical records and multiple follow-up actions. The firm addresses these ongoing legal needs as they arise for each individual client. Service runs on a one-time, scheduled, or as-needed basis, depending entirely on the procedural stage of the client’s claim.
Shiyou Law Firm provides legal representation for individuals seeking Social Security disability benefits. The practice focuses on navigating the complex application and appeals process for clients in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. The firm assists with gathering medical evidence, preparing required documentation, and arguing cases before administrative law judges. Its services are directed toward workers who can no longer maintain employment due to a disabling condition. The company can serve commercial sectors such as local offices, warehouses, and food service establishments.
What Does a a Social Security Disability Lawyer in Hattiesburg Cost?
The cost of hiring a social security disability lawyer in Mississippi is strictly regulated by federal law. Attorneys and non-attorney representatives are permitted to charge a contingency fee of 25 percent of your past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $7,200 (as of 2025). This means you will not pay any fees upfront or during the case; the fee is deducted directly from your back pay award by the Social Security Administration. If your case is denied, you owe nothing. Some representatives may also charge a small fee for copying medical records or postage, but these costs are typically under $50 and are often waived.
It is important to understand that this fee structure applies only to Social Security disability claims, not to other types of legal cases. You should always request a written fee agreement before hiring any representative. Keep in mind that if you win your case, the SSA will withhold the fee from your back pay and send you the remaining balance. This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, consult with a qualified Social Security disability representative in Mississippi.
About social security disability lawyers in Hattiesburg
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two distinct federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI is available to individuals who have worked enough years and paid Social Security taxes, earning sufficient work credits—generally 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, though younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. The monthly benefit amount is based on your lifetime average earnings. SSI, by contrast, is a needs-based program for disabled individuals with limited income and assets (under $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple in 2025). To qualify for either program, you must have a medically determinable impairment that prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which in 2025 is set at $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. The SSA uses its Blue Book listing of impairments—a detailed catalog of conditions such as musculoskeletal disorders, cardiovascular conditions, mental disorders, and neurological diseases—to determine if your condition meets or equals a listed severity. If your condition does not match a listing exactly, the SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) to see if you can perform past work or any other work in the national economy.
The application process for disability benefits in Hattiesburg begins with an initial application, which can be filed online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at the local Social Security office located at 701 Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401. Processing the initial application typically takes three to six months, though delays are common. Nationally, approximately 60 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. If denied, you must file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the denial notice. Reconsideration is a full review by a different examiner at the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office, but the denial rate at this stage remains high—around 80 to 85 percent. If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is the most critical stage, as ALJs approve claims at a much higher rate—often 45 to 55 percent nationally. If the ALJ denies your claim, you may appeal to the SSA Appeals Council, and if that fails, to federal district court. Each appeal step has a strict 60-day deadline from the date of the denial letter.
In Mississippi, the state Disability Determination Services (DDS) office is located in Jackson, where examiners and medical consultants review all disability claims from the state. For Hattiesburg residents, the nearest hearing office is the SSA Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) in Jackson, Mississippi, located at 100 West Capitol Street, Suite 1000, Jackson, MS 39269. As of 2025, the average wait time for an ALJ hearing in the Jackson office is approximately 12 to 18 months from the date of the hearing request, though this can vary based on case complexity and docket backlog. Local approval rates in Mississippi tend to be slightly below the national average, with initial denial rates around 68 percent and ALJ approval rates around 48 percent. These statistics underscore the importance of building a thorough case with complete medical records and vocational evidence. Hattiesburg residents should also be aware that Mississippi has a high rate of rural claimants, which can affect access to specialists and timely medical treatment, making medical evidence gaps more common.
Medical evidence is the cornerstone of any disability claim. The SSA requires objective medical signs and laboratory findings—not just symptoms—to establish a disability. Treating physician records, including progress notes, imaging reports, lab results, and medication lists, carry significant weight, especially if the doctor has treated you for at least 12 months. If your treating physician does not provide enough evidence, the SSA may send you to a consultative examination (CE) paid for by the agency. A CE is a one-time exam with a doctor contracted by DDS, and while it can help, it is often less thorough than ongoing treatment records. A Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment is a detailed form completed by your doctor that describes your ability to perform work-related activities such as sitting, standing, lifting, carrying, and concentrating. For mental health conditions, a mental RFC or a Psychiatric Review Technique form (PRTF) is used to evaluate limitations in understanding, memory, social interaction, and adaptation. Strong medical evidence includes consistent treatment records over time, specific clinical findings (e.g., reduced range of motion, abnormal MRI results), and a doctor opinion that clearly states you cannot work due to your impairments. Missing or incomplete medical records are a leading cause of denials, so it is critical to ensure all records are submitted before a decision.
When hiring a representative for a Social Security disability claim in Hattiesburg, you should understand the fee structure and expectations. By federal law, contingency fees for Social Security disability cases are capped at the lesser of 25 percent of past-due benefits (back pay) or $7,200 (as of 2025). This means you pay nothing upfront; the attorney or non-attorney representative is paid only if you win your case, and the fee is deducted directly from your back pay award by the SSA. Non-attorney representatives, such as disability advocates, may charge the same fee structure but are not licensed attorneys. However, they must be approved by the SSA and often have specialized knowledge of the claims process. Attorneys bring the advantage of legal training, experience with appeals, and the ability to represent you in federal court if necessary. Before hiring anyone, you should ask about their experience with Mississippi DDS and the Jackson hearing office, as local knowledge can be valuable. You should also confirm that they handle all stages of the appeal, including the hearing and any subsequent appeals. Most reputable representatives offer a free initial consultation to review your case and explain the process.
After you are approved for SSDI or SSI, there are several important post-approval matters. Back pay is calculated from your established onset date (the date the SSA determines your disability began) but not before your application date or 12 months before that. For SSDI, there is a five-month waiting period after the onset date before benefits begin, so back pay covers the months after that waiting period. For SSI, back pay begins the month after you file. Once approved, you become eligible for Medicare after 24 months of SSDI benefits, or for SSI, you may qualify for Medicaid immediately in Mississippi. The SSA conducts Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) periodically—usually every three to seven years for medical improvement expected cases, or every seven years for conditions not expected to improve. If you want to return to work, SSDI offers a Trial Work Period (TWP) of nine months (not necessarily consecutive) within a 60-month rolling period, during which you can earn any amount and still receive full benefits. After the TWP, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) for 36 months, during which you receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below SGA. The Ticket to Work program also provides vocational rehabilitation and employment support without risking your benefits. Understanding these rules helps you plan for financial stability and potential return to work without losing your hard-won benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any local laws in Hattiesburg, Mississippi that affect how a social security disability lawyer handles my case?
There are no local Hattiesburg ordinances that directly govern Social Security disability claims, as these are federal matters. However, Mississippi state law requires that any attorney representing you must be licensed by the Mississippi Bar and in good standing. Additionally, the Mississippi DDS office in Jackson applies the same federal criteria as all states, but local medical providers and vocational experts familiar with the Hattiesburg job market can be critical for building your case, especially when assessing whether you can perform local work.
What are the typical costs and fees for hiring a social security disability lawyer in Hattiesburg?
Social Security disability lawyers in Hattiesburg work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. The fee is capped by federal law at the lesser of 25 percent of your past-due benefits (back pay) or $7,200 as of 2025. For example, if your back pay is $20,000, the fee would be $5,000 (25 percent); if your back pay is $40,000, the fee is capped at $7,200. There are no upfront costs, and the SSA directly pays the attorney from your back pay. You may also be responsible for small out-of-pocket costs like medical records copying fees, but these are typically minimal.
How long does the social security disability process take in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and what should I expect at each stage?
The entire process from initial application to a final decision often takes 18 to 24 months or longer in Mississippi. The initial application takes 3 to 6 months, with a high denial rate. Reconsideration adds another 3 to 5 months. If denied again, requesting an ALJ hearing in Jackson can result in a 12 to 18 month wait for a hearing date. At the hearing, the ALJ will question you, your attorney, and any medical or vocational experts. A decision usually arrives 4 to 8 weeks after the hearing. If you appeal further to the Appeals Council or federal court, expect additional months or years.