Disability lawyers in California
Atticus has helped thousands of Americans get disability benefits with our national attorney network.
Disability lawyers or representatives near California
Here are just a few of our high-quality, professionally vetted lawyers and non-attorney representatives who serve your area. Take our quiz, and you’ll be connected to the perfect firm for your case.
Joshua Potter / Potter, Cohen, & Samulon
3852 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California 91107
Potter, Cohen, and Samulon have been serving clients since 1960. Their team of caring staff provides knowledgeable, comprehensive advice and can support clients in multiple languages (English, Spanish, and Mandarin). Clients have told us working with Potter, Cohen, and Samulon has put their mind at ease and made the disability process much easier to understand.
Disability Advocates Group
17525 Ventura Blvd., Encino, California 91316
Michelle Shvarts, principal attorney at Disability Advocates Group, left behind a career in civil litigation to work in a field of law that helps more people. She’s been helping people win their disability claims ever since. Clients like working with her team at Disability Advocates Group because they're receptive to concerns, dedicated, and hardworking.
Hadley and Fraulob
2207 J St., Sacramento, California 95816
Joseph Fraulob, principal attorney at Hadley & Fraulob, has practiced Social Security Disability law exclusively since 1994. Their team has worked hard to build a strong reputation with the Judges who decide on case outcomes, and do everything possible to get their clients’ claim approved. Over the years, they’ve won benefits for thousands of applicants.
How California stacks up
See how disability in California compares to the rest of the country.
678,680
residents on disability
$180,000
average lifetime payout
18
mo. average time to hearing
This is about three months longer than the average hearing wait time. SSA waiting periods are long, but a lawyer can help you file paperwork prompty and accurately.
$1,396
average monthly benefit
This is slightly more than the national average. Your benefit amount will depend on the amount you've paid in taxes to the SSA.
$3,627
max monthly benefit
The maximum monthly SSDI benefit is the same for everyone, regardless of your location or condition. It's adjusted regularly for the cost of living.
63%
application denial rate
This is slightly lower than the national average. If you're denied, don't be discouraged! Most successful applicants win benefits during the appeal phase.
41%
case denial rate
This is slightly lower than the national average. A lawyer can help you prepare for a hearing, cross-examine witnesses from the state, and significantly improve your chances approval.
SSDI + SSI: Why work with a lawyer?
SSDI + SSI: Why work with a lawyer?
The disability application process can be stressful, and a lawyer can help at every stage of your claim — gathering your medical records, submitting your initial paperwork, appealing if you’re rejected, and representing you at a hearing. 83% of disability applicants have representation by the hearing stage. And you’re three times as likely to win benefits when you apply with an attorney. Best of all — you don’t pay lawyers until you’re approved, and their fees are capped by law.
Learn more about disability benefits
Disability Benefits in California: State and Federal Programs
Do I Need a Lawyer to Apply for Disability?
What Do Social Security Disability Lawyers Do (That I Can’t)?
FAQs about disability
Do I need a disability lawyer in California?
You're three times as likely to win benefits with a disability lawyer, and 83% of applicants have legal representation at the hearing stage. While there are some exceptions (e.g. individuals with terminal conditions), working with a disabiltiy lawyer is useful for almost everyone. They make it easier to apply, improve your odds of approval, and charge nothing until you win.
How much do disability lawyers charge in California?
Disability lawyers cost nothing until you win. Once you're approved, they'll take 25% of your first check (capped at a maximum of $7,200). These limits are set by law, nationwide, so lawyers can never charge you more for working with Atticus.
How does Atticus find the right lawyer for me?
Our Harvard and Stanford-trained lawyers vet disabiltiy firms nationwide, and invite the top firms into our network. To get matched, you'll fill out our 2-minute disability quiz and talk briefly with one of our client advocates. They'll consider your case details and find the lawyer who's the best fit for you.