Phoenix · AZ · Vetted Directory

Top Disability Lawyers in Phoenix

If Social Security turned down your disability claim in Phoenix, that is the normal first step, not the end of the road. Most first applications in Arizona are denied, and many people win only after they appeal and get a hearing. Social Security disability (SSDI and SSI) is a federal program, so the rules are the same in Arizona, but a lawyer who knows the Phoenix hearing office and how the local administrative law judges weigh medical evidence can change the outcome. Disability lawyers work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless you win, and the fee is capped by federal law. Below are vetted Phoenix firms that handle SSDI and SSI applications, appeals, and hearings.

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

Updated May 9, 2026

When you need a Phoenix disability lawyer

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

  • Your SSDI or SSI application was denied and you have 60 days to appeal.
  • You have a hearing scheduled before an administrative law judge.
  • A medical or mental health condition keeps you from working and you are unsure whether you qualify.
  • You are getting conflicting answers about whether SSDI or SSI fits your situation.
  • Your benefits were reduced or stopped, or you received an overpayment notice.

What a Phoenix disability lawyer costs

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

Disability lawyers in Phoenix work on a contingency fee set by federal law: 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. The cap is reviewed each year for cost-of-living changes. 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 Arizona appeal alone.

How a Phoenix disability case moves — and the deadlines

  • Initial application: most Arizona claims are denied at this stage; that is normal.
  • Reconsideration: you appeal within 60 days; many claims are denied again here.
  • Hearing: you appear before an administrative law judge, often at the Phoenix hearing office or by video; the wait commonly runs about 9 to 14 months.
  • Decision and beyond: if approved you receive back pay and ongoing benefits; if denied, your lawyer can take it to the Appeals Council and then federal court.

For a national overview, see our disability guide, or browse all Phoenix lawyers. The full ranked write-up is in our Top 10 disability lawyers in Phoenix guide. Related Phoenix pages cover Phoenix personal injury, Phoenix workers' comp, and Phoenix medical malpractice.

Phoenix firms that handle disability

1

Roeschke Law, LLC

PhoenixSSDI, SSI, disability hearings

An Arizona firm focused on Social Security disability and SSA hearings, working on contingency. A fit if your claim was denied and you are heading to a hearing.

Free ConsultationContingency • free consult
Request Free Consult
2

Slepian Smith Englander

PhoenixSocial Security disability, SSI

Eric Slepian is a board-certified Social Security disability specialist with more than 25 years in this area of law. A fit for complex or long-running disability claims.

Free ConsultationBoard-certified specialist
Request Free Consult
3

Owen Law Firm

PhoenixSSDI, SSI, appeals

A Phoenix disability practice led by Amy Owen with strong client reviews. A fit for individuals who want a focused, responsive disability firm.

Free ConsultationFree consult
Request Free Consult
4

US Disability Group

PhoenixSSDI, SSI, denied claims

Handles Social Security disability claims including cases other firms passed on. A fit if you have already been denied and want a fresh look.

Free ConsultationFree consult
Request Free Consult
5

J Disability (Joseph J. Duerst)

PhoenixSSDI, SSI, hearings

Joseph Duerst has represented disabled clients for over a decade and handled thousands of disability hearings. A fit for clients who want a high-volume hearing practice.

Free ConsultationFree consult
Request Free Consult

Firm details are gathered from public sources (Justia, Expertise, ThreeBestRated). Ratings not shown are not yet aggregated. See the full ranked guide: Top 10 disability lawyers in Phoenix.

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Disability in Phoenix — FAQ

How long does a Social Security disability case take in Phoenix?
The initial decision usually takes 3 to 6 months. If you are denied and appeal to a hearing, the wait at the Phoenix hearing office commonly runs about 9 to 14 months. From application to a hearing decision, the whole process can take well over a year, which is why filing each appeal on time matters.
Is my case stronger at the application or at a hearing?
Most people in Arizona are denied at the initial and reconsideration stages and approved at the hearing, where you can testify and your lawyer can present your medical evidence directly to the judge. That is why having a lawyer for the hearing makes such a difference.
How much does a Phoenix 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, and a lawyer can tell you which applies 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 in Arizona, so act quickly.

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