Phoenix Social Security Disability Lawyer. A local office, and one attorney on your case.

A Phoenix office, and one attorney on your case

J Disability Law Firm, PLLC
18444 N. 25th Ave, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85023
(602) 607-0000 · Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We are near Union Hills Drive and I-17, with free on-site parking. Our office is on the same floor as Social Security’s North Phoenix hearing office. You can meet with us in person, by phone, or by video.

Get directions on Google Maps

Your case is handled by Mr. Duerst, who is admitted in Arizona (State Bar No. 029907) and is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives. He has represented claimants at more than 3,500 Social Security hearings.

Who we help in Phoenix

• Workers denied SSDI at the initial or reconsideration stage.
• People with a hearing date and no representative.
• Claimants age 50 and older, where Social Security’s grid rules may apply.
• People with limited income applying for or appealing SSI.
• Disabled adult children and disabled widow(er)s claiming on a family member’s record.

If you have been out of work about six months and do not expect to return, contact us. If you already have a hearing scheduled, call now.

How a Phoenix disability claim works

1. You apply with Social Security online, by phone, or at a local field office.
2. Arizona’s Disability Determination Services reviews your medical records and makes the first decision.
3. Reconsideration. After a denial, you have 60 days to ask for a second review.
4. Hearing. After a second denial, you have 60 days to ask for a hearing. Phoenix-area cases go to a Social Security hearing office serving the Valley. Social Security has two hearing offices in Phoenix, downtown and north Phoenix. The judge hears your testimony and usually testimony from a vocational expert.
5. Decision. The judge issues a written decision. Further appeal is available.

A full walk-through is in What to Expect at Your Hearing and The Appeals Process.

What we do before your hearing

• Request your complete Social Security file and read every page.
• Order missing records from your Phoenix-area providers.
• Send your doctors medical source statement forms that describe your work limits in the terms Social Security uses.
• Check your earnings record and the date your coverage ends.
• Prepare you for the questions the judge is likely to ask.
• Prepare questions for the vocational expert.

Conditions we see most often

Social Security decides claims on function: how long you can sit, stand, walk, lift, concentrate, and keep a schedule. Common conditions in our Phoenix cases include back and spine problems and mental health conditions, though the mix varies. See what conditions qualify.

What it costs

We charge no fee unless you are awarded benefits. Federal law sets the fee at 25 percent of past-due benefits, up to a cap of $9,200, and Social Security must approve it. You may be responsible for case costs such as medical record fees. We explain those before you sign.

Areas we serve

We represent claimants throughout Maricopa County, including Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert, and across Arizona. Hearings by phone and video mean you do not need to live near our office.

What clients say

J Disability Law Firm has a 4.8-star rating from 78 Google reviews as of November 10, 2026. Read the reviews on Google.

Phoenix disability questions

How long does a hearing take to schedule in Phoenix?

In our recent experience, hearings are scheduled about six months after the request is filed. Wait times change and are set by Social Security.

Will I have to appear in person?

Not always. Many hearings are held by phone or video. You choose with advice from your attorney.

I was denied twice. Is it worth going on?

Many claims are decided at the hearing, where a judge sees you and a complete record for the first time. We will give you a candid view of your case before you decide.

Can you take my case if I applied on my own?

Yes. Most of our clients come to us after a denial.

Do you handle long-term disability insurance claims?

No. We do not handle private long-term disability insurance claims. We can refer you to a firm that does.

J Disability Law Firm, PLLC · Joseph J. Duerst, Attorney · 18444 N. 25th Ave, Suite 420, Phoenix, AZ 85023 · (602) 607-0000. This page is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Past results do not predict the outcome of your case.