Top Social Security Disability Lawyers in Plano, TX
If you cannot work and Social Security has denied your claim, you are not out of options — most claims are denied at first, and the right Plano disability lawyer wins many of them on appeal. Here are the firms serving Plano and Collin County, what they charge (capped by federal law), and how to choose.
Updated July 06, 202511 min readEditorially independent
Social Security disability is a benefit you paid into through years of payroll taxes, but the system denies most initial applications, often for reasons that have nothing to do with how sick or injured you are. There are two main programs: SSDI, for people with a work history who can no longer work, and SSI, a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Both run through the Social Security Administration, both deny most first applications, and both have a strict appeals process with deadlines you cannot miss. A disability lawyer's job is to build the medical record, meet those deadlines, and represent you at the hearing where most cases are actually won.
The good news on cost: disability fees are capped by federal law. Lawyers work on contingency, take a percentage of your back pay only if you win, and that percentage is limited by the SSA. You do not pay hourly, and you generally pay nothing up front. That removes the money worry that stops many people from getting help — and getting help matters, because represented claimants tend to do better at the hearing stage than those who go it alone.
The firms below each appear across at least two independent sources — Justia, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Expertise.com, or their own verified practice pages — and represent Plano and Collin County claimants through application, reconsideration, and the administrative law judge hearing. Several focus on disability exclusively or hold board certification in Social Security disability law. Read each profile, then call two or three; most offer a free case review.
How we picked these 7: We cross-referenced peer rankings and directories (Best Lawyers, Super Lawyers, Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, Justia, Expertise.com, FindLaw) and each firm's own published practice pages. Every firm below appeared in at least two independent sources and has a verifiable Plano-area disability practice. We do not accept payment for placement, and we do not write sponsored reviews. More on our methodology →
1
Law Offices of Coats & Todd
Plano, TXDisability only60+ years combined
Practice focus: Social Security disability exclusively — SSDI and SSI, application through hearing and appeals
Coats & Todd has served Social Security disability claimants for more than 20 years from its principal office in Plano, with a team carrying over 60 years of combined experience. Social Security disability is all the firm does, which means its time and resources go entirely toward developing claims and representing clients at hearings, rather than splitting attention across other practice areas.
Why they made the list: A disability-only firm based in Plano — the cleanest fit if you want a practice that does nothing but Social Security claims.
Practice focus: Social Security disability claims and appeals for SSDI and SSI claimants
Carla Earwood is board-certified in Social Security disability law and has practiced from Plano for more than three decades, helping thousands of claimants pursue SSDI benefits. The board certification is a meaningful credential in this field, and the firm's long focus on disability work makes it a strong option for a contested claim heading to a hearing.
Why they made the list: A board-certified, decades-deep disability specialist — a top pick for claimants who want certified expertise on a tough case.
Practice focus: All stages of the SSDI and SSI process, from initial application to appealing a denial
Underwood Law Office helps Plano claimants at every stage of the Social Security disability process, from the initial application through fighting a denial. The firm walks clients through SSDI and SSI procedures and represents them on appeal, a fit for people who want guidance starting from the application rather than only after a denial.
Why they made the list: A practice comfortable taking a case from day one of the application, useful if you have not filed yet.
Practice focus: Social Security disability for English- and Spanish-speaking claimants at all stages
Morgan & Weisbrod is a disability practice serving English- and Spanish-speaking claimants in the Plano area, handling a range of Social Security disability cases from the initial application through representing denied claimants at every stage of appeal. The bilingual service is a practical advantage for many North Texas families navigating the system.
Why they made the list: A bilingual disability firm covering all appeal stages, a fit for Spanish-speaking claimants who want service in their language.
Practice focus: Representing Social Security claimants at hearings, including in-person, phone, and video formats
Brad Thomas Disability PLLC represents Plano-area individuals seeking Social Security benefits, with a focus on hearing representation across in-person meetings, telephone hearings, and video conferences. That flexibility matters as SSA increasingly uses remote hearings, and it suits claimants who want a lawyer focused on the hearing where cases are won.
Why they made the list: A hearing-focused practice comfortable with in-person, phone, and video formats — handy given SSA's shift to remote hearings.
660 N Central Expy, Plano22 years' experienceFree consultation
Practice focus: Social Security disability claims and appeals for Plano-area claimants
Christopher Lee is a Plano Social Security disability attorney with more than two decades of experience, practicing from 660 North Central Expressway and offering free consultations. He is listed in the Justia disability directory for Plano, providing another experienced local option for claimants pursuing SSDI or SSI benefits or appealing a denial.
Why they made the list: An experienced local attorney with a Plano office and free consultations, a solid mainstream choice.
Serves PlanoFocus on elderly & disabledFree consultation
Practice focus: Social Security disability for denied claimants and those who need help filing
Heard & Smith focuses its practice on the needs of the elderly and disabled, offering free consultations for people who have been denied disability or need help filing in the first place. The firm appears in the Martindale directory for Plano disability attorneys and is a fit for claimants who want a practice oriented squarely around disability and aging clients.
Why they made the list: A disability- and elder-focused firm that takes both new filings and denials, with free consultations.
Tell us about your condition and where your claim stands. We'll connect you with a Plano disability lawyer for a free case review — no fee unless you win.
How to choose between them in Plano
Favor a lawyer who does disability all day. Social Security has its own rules, forms, and judges. A firm that focuses on SSDI and SSI — ideally one that does little else — knows how to build the medical record and what a given hearing judge wants to see. Ask what share of the firm's work is Social Security disability.
Ask about board certification and hearing experience. Texas certifies attorneys in Social Security disability law, and some Plano lawyers hold it. Just as important: ask how many hearings before an administrative law judge the attorney has handled, since that is where most cases are won.
Confirm the fee is the standard federal contingency. By law, the fee is a percentage of past-due benefits, capped by the SSA, paid only if you win, with no hourly billing. Confirm in writing that you owe nothing if you lose and ask whether you are responsible for small case costs like medical-record fees.
Make sure they will gather your medical evidence. Winning a disability case is mostly about the medical record. A good firm chases down records from your doctors, hospitals, and specialists and frames them against SSA's rules. Ask how they handle evidence-gathering so the work does not fall on you.
What disability help typically costs in Plano
This is the rare area of law where the fee is set by the federal government, which makes comparison simple. Here is how it works in Plano:
Free consultation Nearly every Plano disability firm offers a free case review to evaluate your claim and your deadlines. Use it to compare firms and ask about their hearing record.
Contingency fee, capped by law The attorney fee is a percentage of your past-due (back) benefits — by federal rule 25% up to a cap the SSA sets and periodically raises. You pay nothing if you do not win, and there is no hourly charge.
No fee on future monthly benefits The fee comes only out of back pay, not your ongoing monthly checks. Your future benefits are yours in full.
Small case costs You may be asked to reimburse modest out-of-pocket costs, mainly fees to obtain medical records, often $100 or less. Confirm whether the firm advances these and how they are handled if you lose.
SSI vs. SSDI The contingency structure applies to both programs. Which program you qualify for affects your benefit amount and back pay, not how the lawyer is paid — your attorney can explain where you fit.
Because the fee is federally capped and contingent, there is little price difference between firms. Choose on focus, hearing experience, and how hard they will work your medical record — not on cost.
How long it takes
Disability cases are slow, mostly because of SSA backlogs, not your lawyer. Here is the general path in the Plano area:
Application and decision (3-6 months) The initial application is reviewed by Texas Disability Determination Services. Most applications are denied at this stage, which is normal and not the end of the road.
Reconsideration (3-5 months) If denied, you request reconsideration — a fresh review by a different examiner. Many claims are denied again here, which sets up the hearing where cases are most often won.
Administrative law judge hearing (often 9-15 months to get scheduled) You and your lawyer appear before an administrative law judge. This is the stage where representation matters most. Wait times for a hearing vary with SSA backlogs.
Decision and back pay (weeks to months after the hearing) After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision. If you win, SSA calculates your past-due benefits, from which the capped attorney fee is paid.
Red flags to watch for when hiring a disability lawyer in Plano
Guaranteed outcomes. No ethical attorney can promise a specific result. If a firm guarantees a win, a number, or a court ruling, walk away.
The disappearing senior partner. You meet a named partner at intake, then never hear from them again while an unsupervised junior runs the file. Ask in writing who handles your matter day to day.
Pressure to sign on the spot. Reputable firms give you the engagement letter in writing and time to read it. High-pressure intake is a volume-mill signal.
No verifiable track record. Look for named results, peer rankings, board certifications, or bar recognition — not "we have helped thousands of clients."
Vague fees. Every legitimate firm will put the fee structure, what is covered, and what triggers extra charges in a written engagement letter.
10 questions to ask in your free consultation
Most of the firms on this list offer a free or low-cost initial call. Use it. Bring a written list and write down the answers, then compare across two or three firms before you sign anything.
Who, specifically, will handle my matter day to day? Get a name and a direct email, not just the firm.
How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? You want a number, not a brochure line.
What is your fee, and what does it cover? Get the structure in writing before you sign.
What out-of-pocket costs am I responsible for, and when? Filing fees, records, and experts add up - ask now.
What is the realistic range of outcomes? A good lawyer gives a range; a weak one promises the high end.
How long will this take? An honest estimate, with the assumptions stated.
What is my deadline, and is it at risk? Many disability matters carry hard filing deadlines.
How often will I hear from you? Set the communication cadence now.
What can I do to help my own case? The best lawyers will give you homework.
What is the worst-case outcome? A lawyer who refuses to discuss downside risk is selling you something.
What to bring to your Plano consultation
You will get more out of the first call if you arrive organized. For most disability matters, gather:
A short written timeline. Dates, names, and what happened, in order.
The key documents. Any contracts, letters, agreements, court orders, or filings you have received.
Your correspondence. Relevant emails, texts, or messages - and do not delete anything.
Any deadlines you know about. A court date, a signing deadline, or an agency notice.
Your questions. The 10 above are a good place to start.
If you are not sure whether something is relevant, bring it anyway. It is easier for a lawyer to set aside what does not matter than to chase down what you left at home.
Talk to a vetted Disability attorney in Plano
Tell us about your situation. We'll match you with one of these firms or a similar one. Free, confidential, no obligation.
Frequently asked questions about disability lawyers in Plano
My claim was denied. Is it over?
No. Most initial disability claims are denied, and many are later approved on appeal. You generally have 60 days from a denial to appeal, so the most important thing is to act quickly and not let the deadline pass. A disability lawyer can take over the appeal and build the record for your hearing.
What does a disability lawyer cost in Plano?
By federal law, the fee is a percentage of your back pay — 25% up to a cap the SSA sets — paid only if you win, with no hourly billing and nothing up front. The fee comes out of past-due benefits only, never your future monthly checks. You may owe small medical-record costs.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is for people with a qualifying work history who can no longer work; the benefit is based on your earnings record. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Some people qualify for both. A lawyer can tell you which program fits your situation.
How long will my case take?
Expect months, not weeks. The initial decision takes roughly three to six months, reconsideration another few months, and getting a hearing before a judge can take a year or more depending on SSA backlogs. The wait is frustrating but normal; using the time to build a strong medical record is what wins.
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I do this myself?
You can file on your own, and some people do. But represented claimants generally fare better at the hearing stage, where most cases are won, because a lawyer knows how to develop the medical evidence and question the vocational expert. Since the fee is capped and contingent, hiring help usually costs you nothing unless you win.
What medical evidence matters most?
Consistent treatment records, objective findings (imaging, test results), and detailed statements from your treating doctors about your limitations carry the most weight. Gaps in treatment hurt. A good disability firm will gather these records and frame them against SSA's specific rules.
Can I work at all while applying for disability?
Limited work may be possible, but earning above SSA's substantial-gainful-activity threshold can sink your claim, and even lower earnings can complicate it. Talk to your lawyer before taking on any work so you do not accidentally undercut your case.
How do I choose between two Plano disability firms?
Ask each what share of their practice is Social Security disability, how many judge hearings they have handled, whether any attorney is board-certified in disability law, and how they gather medical evidence. Since the fee is the same by law, choose on focus and hearing experience.
One last thing. Choosing a lawyer is personal. Read the reviews. Call two or three firms before you sign. Ask each one: How many matters like mine have you handled in the last three years? The answer tells you a lot. — The LawFirmSquare team
LawFirmSquare is a directory. We do not represent clients or refer cases for a fee.
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