The best Social Security disability lawyers in Chicago in 2026 include Nash Disability Law, which focuses on disability claims and has two offices, Spector & Lenz in Oak Park, the Law Offices of Stacey J. Dembo for adult and children's claims, the Law Offices of Timothy R. White, and DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino for workers who also have an injury claim.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Nash Disability Law | The Loop | SSDI and SSI appeals | Claimants at any stage |
| 2. Spector & Lenz | Oak Park | SSDI, SSI and federal appeals | Oak Park and West Side clients |
| 3. Law Offices of Stacey J. Dembo | The Loop | SSDI, SSI and children's SSI | Parents of a disabled child |
| 4. Law Offices of Timothy R. White | Northwest Side | Social Security disability only | West Side and near suburbs |
| 5. DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino | The Loop | SSDI with workers' comp | Workers with a comp claim and disability claim |
Many disability claims are denied at first, and most of the real work happens on appeal. Deadlines are short, generally 60 days from the date you receive a decision, so don't wait. Lawyers can help most at the hearing stage, but it's easier to win if the medical record is built early. Social Security must approve the lawyer's fee.
A disability-focused firm with 40-plus years in Chicago.
Nash Disability Law focuses on Social Security disability from South Michigan Avenue and Palos Hills, and says it has helped Chicago-area claimants for more than 40 years.
Good to know: Bring your denial letter and a list of your doctors.
8 S Michigan Ave, Suite 1616, Chicago, IL 60603
A disability practice in Oak Park.
Spector & Lenz helps people in Illinois and nearby states with disability claims and says it has done so since 1981. It also handles federal court appeals, the last stage after an unfavorable hearing.
Good to know: Ask about federal court experience if you've lost at hearing.
1116 Garfield St, Oak Park, IL 60304
Handles children's SSI as well as adult claims.
The Law Offices of Stacey J. Dembo handles SSDI, SSI and children's SSI from West Wacker Drive. Claims for children have their own standard, so naming them is useful.
Good to know: Bring school records as well as medical records for a child's claim.
211 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606
A practice that says it does nothing else.
The Law Offices of Timothy R. White says it has practiced only Social Security disability law for more than 20 years, from an office on West North Avenue.
Good to know: Keep a daily log of what your condition stops you from doing.
6832 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60707
Combines disability work with workers' comp.
DePaolo Zadeikis & Pino handles Social Security disability along with workers' compensation and injury claims. Comp benefits can affect SSDI payments, so it helps when one firm understands both.
Good to know: Tell them about any comp settlement, since it can affect your benefits.
29 N Wacker Dr, Suite 650, Chicago, IL 60606
Fees are generally contingent on winning, and Social Security limits them, typically to 25% of back pay up to a cap the agency sets. Ask for the current cap, and ask about out-of-pocket costs such as medical records.
SSDI is based on your work history and payroll taxes. SSI is a needs-based program for people with limited income and assets. You may apply for both, and the rules differ.
Generally 60 days from receiving the decision, plus a short mailing period. Each level of appeal has its own deadline, and missing one can force you to start over.