Disability Lawyers Improve Your Odds of Success

According to data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and various independent studies:

• Only about 22%–30% of initial disability applications are approved without legal help.
• When an applicant appeals a denial with a lawyer, success rates increase to 50%–60% or more—especially at the hearing level.
• Some studies show that claimants with attorney representation are nearly 3 times more likely to be approved than unrepresented applicants.

These statistics show that having an experienced legal advocate can be a game-changer when applying for or appealing a disability claim.

Why Do Lawyers Make Such a Difference?

Disability attorneys are trained to:

• Navigate the SSA’s complex rules and regulations.
• Help you build strong medical evidence and gather missing documentation.
• Spot weaknesses in your case and address them before the SSA can deny you.
• Represent you at a hearing and argue your case in front of an Administrative Law Judge.

In short, they know what the SSA is looking for—and how to present your case in the most favorable light.

When Is a Lawyer Most Effective?

While you can hire a lawyer at any stage of the process, success rates are highest when:

• You are appealing a denial, especially at the hearing level.
• You have a complex case, such as one involving multiple medical conditions or mental illness.
• You are unsure how to gather and submit the right medical evidence.

A lawyer can step in at any point—but the sooner they’re involved, the better your chances typically are.

Is It Worth Hiring a Disability Lawyer?

Given the contingency fee model (you only pay if you win), hiring a disability attorney is often a low-risk, high-reward decision. Even a small increase in your chances can make the difference between approval and denial—and months (or years) of waiting.

So if you're serious about getting approved for benefits, a lawyer could be one of the most valuable resources you have.