Contingency Fee Structure

Most disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees, and the lawyer will only collect a fee if you win your case. The contingency fee is usually a percentage of the back pay (the amount of benefits you are owed from the time you filed your claim to when it’s approved).

• Typical Percentage: The standard contingency fee for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cases is typically 25% of your past-due benefits, but it can’t exceed a cap of $6,000.
• Example: If you’re awarded $30,000 in back benefits, the lawyer’s fee would generally be 25%, which would equal $7,500. However, due to the cap, the maximum they could charge would be $6,000.

No Fees for Denied Claims

If your disability claim is denied and you do not win benefits, you typically won’t owe any attorney fees. Lawyers generally do not charge for the initial consultation or for work on the case unless you win. Some may offer services on an hourly basis or at a reduced fee if the claim is unsuccessful, but this is less common.

Additional Costs to Be Aware Of

In some cases, you may also need to pay for out-of-pocket costs that are not covered by the lawyer’s fee. These might include:

• Medical Records Fees: You may need to pay for copies of your medical records to support your claim.
• Expert Witness Fees: If your case requires the testimony of a medical or vocational expert, you may be responsible for these fees.

Fee Caps and SSA Guidelines

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict guidelines on how much a disability lawyer can charge. If your claim involves a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), the lawyer’s fee might be slightly higher, but still within the SSA’s maximum allowable amount.

• Maximum Fee: The maximum fee a lawyer can charge for representing you in front of an ALJ is 25% of your back benefits or $6,000, whichever is less.

Factors That Can Affect Lawyer’s Fees

While there are guidelines, a few factors could affect the final fee amount:

• Complexity of Your Case: If your case is more complicated or involves multiple appeals, the lawyer may require more work and thus more time. However, the SSA cap still limits how much they can charge.
• Length of the Case: Longer cases may require additional fees, but these should still fall within the guidelines provided by the SSA.

How to Find a Disability Lawyer Who Fits Your Budget

It’s important to choose a lawyer who is transparent about their fees. When considering hiring a lawyer, be sure to ask:

• How much they charge for their services.
• If they have experience with cases similar to yours.
• Whether they charge any additional fees apart from the contingency fee.

Considerations When Hiring a Lawyer for Disability

Hiring a lawyer can make the process of applying for disability benefits easier and more effective. Lawyers have experience navigating the complex disability system and can help you:

• Gather the necessary medical and work-related evidence.
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
• Represent you during hearings if your case goes to an appeal.