How much does a Disability Lawyer charge?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 02/05/2025
When considering hiring a disability lawyer, one of the most common questions people ask is, "How much does a disability lawyer charge?" While hiring a disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of securing disability benefits, it’s important to understand how legal fees work. Here’s an overview of how much you can expect to pay and what the costs typically include.
Find out if you qualify for SSDI benefits. Pre-qualify in 60 seconds for up to $4,018 per month and 12 months back pay.
Please answer a few questions to help us determine your eligibility.
Contingency Fee Arrangement
Most disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. This type of fee arrangement can be beneficial because you don’t have to pay upfront fees, and the lawyer’s payment is tied to the success of your case.
- Typical Fee: In most cases, disability lawyers will charge a percentage of your back pay (the amount of money owed to you for the time you were disabled before your case was approved). The typical fee is about 25% of the back pay you are awarded, up to a maximum amount of $6,000.
- Maximum Fee: The Social Security Administration (SSA) limits the amount a lawyer can charge. Even if 25% of your back pay exceeds $6,000, the lawyer can only charge the maximum fee of $6,000.
No Fees if You Don’t Win
The major advantage of working with a disability lawyer on a contingency fee basis is that you won’t owe any fees if you don’t win your case. This means there’s little financial risk involved in hiring a lawyer since you won’t be required to pay out of pocket if your claim is denied.
Other Potential Costs
While most disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, there may be other costs associated with your case. These additional costs typically cover:
- Medical Records and Documentation: You may need to pay for the retrieval of medical records or other documents that your lawyer requires to build your case.
- Expert Witnesses: In some cases, a lawyer may hire an expert to testify on your behalf (for example, a medical expert). These experts may charge fees for their services.
- Administrative Fees: Some administrative costs, such as copying fees or filing fees, may also be passed on to you, though they are usually minimal.
Before you hire a disability lawyer, it’s important to ask about any additional costs you might incur.
Fee Agreement
Before you sign an agreement with a disability lawyer, make sure you fully understand the fee structure. A reputable lawyer will provide you with a written agreement that outlines their fees and the terms of payment. Be sure to clarify:
- The percentage of your back pay they will charge.
- Any additional costs you may be responsible for, such as expert fees or document retrieval costs.
- Whether there are any fees upfront or if payment will only be made after a favorable decision.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we understand that navigating the disability claims process can be stressful, and legal fees are an important consideration. That’s why we offer contingency fee arrangements for all our clients. We believe that everyone should have access to legal representation without financial barriers. Here’s how we can help:
- No Upfront Fees: We don’t require any upfront fees, and we only get paid if you win your case.
- Clear Fee Structure: We offer a transparent fee structure with no hidden costs. We’ll explain everything in detail before you commit.
- Maximized Benefits: Our experienced team will work tirelessly to ensure you get the maximum benefits possible, including helping you with medical evidence and representing you through the entire appeals process if necessary.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re considering hiring a disability lawyer but are concerned about the costs, Hogan Smith is here to help. We offer contingency fee arrangements that ensure you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we’ll help you understand your options and guide you through the disability claims process.
Further Reading
Boost Your Chance of Being Approved
Get the Compensation You Deserve
Our experts have helped thousands like you get cash benefits.
How It Works
1
Briefly tell us about your case
2
Provide your contact information
3
Choose attorneys to contact you