Contingency Fees

Most SSI lawyers charge a contingency fee, meaning they are paid a percentage of the benefits you are awarded if your claim is successful. This allows you to get legal assistance without upfront costs, as the lawyer is only paid if you win your case. The standard contingency fee for SSI cases is typically 25% of your back benefits (the retroactive payments you receive for the time you were waiting for your application to be approved). However, there are certain limits:

• Maximum Fee: The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets a cap on how much a lawyer can charge for SSI cases. As of 2023, the maximum fee is $6,000. This means the lawyer can only take up to $6,000 of your back benefits, regardless of the total amount of the awarded benefits.
• Hourly Rates: In rare cases, an SSI lawyer may charge an hourly rate instead of a contingency fee. This is less common and typically occurs if the case is very complicated, but it can vary widely depending on the lawyer's experience and location.

No Fees if You Lose

If your claim for SSI benefits is denied and you do not receive any back benefits, the lawyer will not receive any payment. This is one of the major advantages of working with a contingency fee lawyer—if you don’t win your case, you don’t owe them any fees.

Additional Costs

While the contingency fee covers most of the legal expenses, there could be additional costs associated with your SSI case. These might include:

• Court filing fees: If your case goes to a hearing or court, there may be small filing fees.
• Medical records and evaluations: Obtaining your medical records, expert opinions, and other documents required for your case may involve additional costs.
• Administrative expenses: Some lawyers may charge for administrative expenses, such as copying, mailing, or other related tasks.

However, most SSI lawyers will cover these costs upfront, and they are typically deducted from the back benefits if your case is successful.

Free Consultations

Many SSI lawyers offer a free consultation for new clients. During this consultation, they will assess your case, explain their fee structure, and help you determine whether you have a good chance of winning your case. This is an excellent opportunity to ask about the lawyer’s experience and how they handle fees.