Birmingham Social Security Disability Attorneys

You can file on your own, but nearly two-thirds of initial SSDI claims are denied. Applicants represented by an attorney are substantially more likely to win benefits — especially at the hearing stage, where the medical evidence and vocational arguments get technical. Because federal law caps attorney fees on SSDI claims (see below), there's no reason to navigate this alone.

Nothing up front. We work on contingency, and SSDI attorney fees are regulated by the Social Security Administration. We only get paid if you win — and even then, our fee is capped by federal law at 25% of your back pay, up to a maximum set by the SSA (currently $9,200 in 2026). You keep 100% of your ongoing monthly benefit.

Yes — most of our clients come to us after a denial. You typically have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to file an appeal (Request for Reconsideration, then a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge if needed). Missing that deadline usually means starting over, so call us as soon as you have the letter in hand.

SSDI isn't tied to a specific diagnosis — it's tied to whether your condition prevents you from working at a substantial level for at least 12 months. That includes physical conditions (back and joint disorders, heart and lung disease, cancer, neurological conditions), mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder), and combinations of impairments that together stop you from holding a job. If your doctor has told you that you can't work, you likely have a case worth evaluating.

Timelines vary by state and by how far your case has to go. Initial decisions usually take 6–8 months. Reconsideration adds several more months. If your case goes to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, the total timeline can run 12–24 months from the original application. The good news: if you're ultimately approved, you're typically entitled to back pay from the date you first became disabled (minus a five-month waiting period).

Back pay is the lump sum the SSA owes you for the months between when you became disabled and when your claim was finally approved, minus a statutory five-month waiting period. Because claims often take more than a year to resolve, back pay awards can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Our free case evaluation includes a quick estimate of what your back pay could look like based on your work history and timeline.

Limited work may be allowed, but it's risky without guidance. In 2026, earning more than $1,670 per month ($2,790 if you're blind) generally counts as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and can disqualify you. Even income below that threshold can complicate your claim. Talk to us before taking on any work — we can help you protect your eligibility.

SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history — you must have paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough to qualify. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is based on financial need and doesn't require a work history, but it has strict income and asset limits. Some people qualify for both. We'll figure out which programs you're eligible for during your free evaluation.

Anything you have handy: your denial letter (if you've been denied), a list of your doctors and the conditions they treat, any recent medical records or imaging reports, and your most recent W-2 or Social Security statement. Don't worry if you don't have everything — we can help you gather what's missing.