Federal Practice · All 50 States & U.S. Territories

Social Security disability is federal law. We can represent you anywhere.

Social Security Disability is a federal program governed by the same rules in every state. Because of that, Downard & Associates can represent claimants nationwide — in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and the U.S. territories — and most of the work happens by phone, video, and secure document exchange.

States we can represent claimants in

D.C. & U.S. territories incl. Puerto Rico

Federal rulebook — the same SSA law everywhere

Upfront fees · no fee unless we win

How Nationwide Representation Works

Why a nationwide disability lawyer beats a local-only one.

One federal rulebook

SSDI and SSI are federal programs. The medical listings, the five-step evaluation, and the appeals process are identical whether you live in Tennessee, Texas, or Puerto Rico. The lawyer who knows that system can help you anywhere.

Hearings are remote

Since 2020, the vast majority of SSA disability hearings are held by phone or video. You don't need a lawyer down the street — you need one who knows how to win the hearing, wherever it's scheduled.

Document-driven cases

Disability claims are won on the medical record and legal argument, exchanged securely online. We build that record the same way for a claimant in Memphis as for one in Miami or San Juan.

Where We Work

All 50 states. D.C. The territories.

Select your state to learn more, or start a free case review from anywhere. States with a dedicated page are marked — we're adding more regularly.

States

Washington D.C. & U.S. Territories

Washington, D.C.Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Guam American Samoa Northern Mariana Islands

Out-of-State Client

Distance was never a problem.

“I didn't live anywhere near their office, and it didn't matter at all. Everything was handled by phone and email, my hearing was by video, and they won my case. I never felt out of the loop for a second.”

Denise M.

Out-of-state SSDI client · Verified Google review

Nationwide SSDI FAQs

Common questions about out-of-state representation.

Can a Tennessee-based firm really represent me in another state?

Yes. Social Security disability is a federal program, and representatives can practice before the SSA in any state. The rules, medical listings, and appeals process are the same nationwide, so a firm that knows the federal system can represent you regardless of where you live.

Do you handle claims in U.S. territories like Puerto Rico?

Yes. The Social Security Administration operates in Washington D.C. and the U.S. territories — including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam — under the same federal disability rules. We can represent claimants in those jurisdictions.

Will my hearing be in person if I live far away?

Almost never. Since 2020, most SSA disability hearings are conducted by phone or video. You can participate from home. In-person hearings remain available on request, but they're no longer the default.

How do you handle my case if we never meet in person?

Disability cases are document-driven. We gather your medical records, build the legal argument, prepare you for testimony, and represent you at the hearing — all through phone, email, and secure document exchange. Distance has no effect on the quality of representation.

What does it cost to hire you from out of state?

The same as anywhere: nothing upfront. SSDI attorney fees are set by federal law and paid only if you win — capped at 25% of your back pay with a statutory maximum.

No matter where you are, let's talk.

Free case review. No obligation. We respond within 2 hours.

Start My Free Review Call (615) 255-4307