Minneapolis · MN · Vetted Directory

Top Disability Lawyers in Minneapolis

If your Social Security disability claim was denied in Minneapolis, you are not alone, most first applications are denied, and the appeal is where many people finally win. Social Security disability (SSDI and SSI) is a federal program, so the rules are the same in Minnesota, but a local lawyer who knows the Minnesota hearing offices and the administrative law judges can make a real difference. The best part: disability lawyers work on contingency and are paid only if you win, capped by federal law. Below: vetted Minneapolis disability firms that handle SSDI and SSI claims, appeals, and hearings.

25%
Fee, capped by law
$9,200
2026 fee cap
$0
Unless you win
Most denied
at first - appeal

Updated May 14, 2026

When you need a Minneapolis disability lawyer

You can apply for disability on your own, but a lawyer sharply improves your odds, especially after a denial. Talk to a Minneapolis disability lawyer if:

  • Your SSDI or SSI application was denied and you need to appeal.
  • You have a hearing scheduled before an administrative law judge.
  • A medical condition keeps you from working and you are unsure whether you qualify.
  • You are getting conflicting information about SSDI versus SSI.
  • Your benefits were reduced, stopped, or you face an overpayment notice.

What a Minneapolis disability lawyer costs

$0
Unless you win
25%
Of back pay
$9,200
2026 cap
Free
First consult

Disability lawyers in Minneapolis work on contingency set by federal law: they are paid 25% of your past-due benefits (back pay), capped at $9,200 in 2026, whichever is lower. If you do not win back pay, you generally owe no fee. Starting in 2026 the cap is reviewed each year for cost-of-living adjustments. You may owe small case costs for medical records. There is nothing to pay up front, and the first consultation is free, so there is little reason to face an appeal alone.

How a Minneapolis disability case moves — and the deadlines

  • Initial application: most are denied; this is normal and not the end.
  • Reconsideration: you appeal the denial within 60 days; many are denied again at this stage.
  • Hearing: you appear before an administrative law judge, often the best chance to win; a Minneapolis-area wait can run roughly 9 to 15 months.
  • Decision and beyond: if approved, you receive back pay and ongoing benefits; if denied, your lawyer can take it to the Appeals Council.

For a national overview, see our disability guide, or browse all Minneapolis lawyers. Minneapolis also has dedicated pages for Minneapolis personal injury, Minneapolis medical malpractice, Minneapolis workers' comp.

Minneapolis firms that handle disability

1

Midwest Disability, P.A.

Minneapolis (Coon Rapids)SSDI, SSI, veterans disability

A Minnesota firm focused heavily on Social Security and veterans disability claims. A fit for clients who want a high-volume, disability-only practice.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult
2

Fields Law Firm

MinneapolisSSDI, long-term disability, SSI

A Minneapolis firm handling Social Security and long-term disability claims. A fit if your case also involves a private disability policy.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult
3

Livgard & Lloyd, PLLP

MinneapolisSocial Security disability, SSI

A Minneapolis practice concentrating on Social Security disability and SSI appeals. A fit for clients who want a focused, local disability firm.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult
4

Kirk C. Thompson Law Office, P.A.

MinneapolisSSDI and SSI appeals

A Minneapolis attorney handling Social Security disability claims and hearings. A fit for individuals appealing a denial.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult
5

Disability Help Center of Minnesota

MinneapolisSSDI, SSI, hearings

A Minnesota disability practice helping claimants through applications, appeals, and hearings. A fit for clients who want hands-on help with the process.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult
6

Sapientia Law Group, PLLC

MinneapolisDisability, employment, appeals

A Minneapolis firm with a disability and employment practice handling SSDI and related claims. A fit for cases that overlap with work issues.

Free ConsultationFree / low-cost consult

See the full ranked write-up in our Top 10 disability lawyers in Minneapolis guide. Firm details are gathered from public sources; ratings not shown are not yet aggregated.

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Disability in Minneapolis — FAQ

How long does a Social Security disability case take in Minneapolis?
The initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and appeal to a hearing, the wait for a hearing before a Minnesota administrative law judge commonly runs about 9 to 15 months. The whole process from application to a hearing decision can take well over a year, which is why filing your appeal on time matters.
Is my case better at the initial level or at a hearing?
Most people are denied at the initial and reconsideration stages and approved at the hearing, where you can testify and a lawyer can present your medical evidence to the judge. That is why having a lawyer for the hearing makes such a difference.
How much does a Minneapolis disability lawyer cost?
By federal rule, the fee is 25% of your back pay, capped at $9,200 in 2026, whichever is less. You pay nothing unless you win, and the first consultation is free. You may owe small costs for medical records.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid; SSI is a need-based program for people with low income and few resources. Some people qualify for both. A lawyer can tell you which applies to you and file accordingly.
Should I appeal or just reapply after a denial?
Almost always appeal rather than start over. Reapplying usually resets the clock and can cost you back pay, while a timely appeal keeps your original filing date. You have 60 days from a denial to appeal, so act quickly.

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