When you are applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, hiring a disability lawyer can greatly improve your chances of success. However, it’s important to understand how disability lawyers charge for their services. Most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. Let’s break down how disability lawyers typically charge.
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Contingency Fees: You Pay Only if You Win
The most common way disability lawyers charge for their services is through contingency fees. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront: Disability lawyers work on the assumption that if they win your case, they will be paid a percentage of your back pay from Social Security.
- Fee Percentage: The fee is generally 25% of the back pay you receive from Social Security.
- Maximum Fee Cap: The Social Security Administration (SSA) caps the fee at $6,000, regardless of how much you’re awarded. This ensures that fees remain reasonable.
What is Back Pay?
Back pay refers to the amount of money you’re owed for the time period between when you became disabled and when you were approved for benefits. For example, if your case is approved after a year-long wait, you may be entitled to a year’s worth of benefits, and your lawyer’s fee would be calculated based on this back pay.
Additional Costs or Expenses
While the contingency fee is the primary cost, there may be additional expenses involved in your case:
- Administrative Costs: Some lawyers may charge for things like copying medical records, filing court documents, or obtaining your work history.
- Expert Witnesses: If your case requires testimony from medical or vocational experts, these fees would typically be separate from the lawyer’s fee.
- Appeal Fees: If your case goes to appeal, you may face additional costs, but the contingency fee structure often still applies.
Free Consultations
Many disability lawyers offer free consultations, where you can discuss your case without any obligation. This is a great opportunity to understand:
- How much the lawyer will charge if you win your case.
- Any additional fees or costs that may arise during the process.
- Whether the lawyer has experience handling your specific type of case.
What Happens if You Lose Your Case?
If you lose your disability claim, most disability lawyers won’t charge you for their time. Since they work on a contingency basis, they only get paid if you win. However, be aware that some costs related to things like medical records or expert witnesses may still apply.
Why Choose a Disability Lawyer?
Even though you don’t have to pay upfront, a disability lawyer can be incredibly valuable. They can:
- Help you gather and organize medical evidence.
- Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
- Represent you in hearings and appeals.
- Maximize your chances of winning your case.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we understand how important it is to have clear information about fees and charges. We offer:
- Contingency-based fees: We only get paid if you win your case.
- Full transparency: You’ll always know what to expect with regard to costs and fees.
- Expert assistance: We’ll help you every step of the way, from initial application to appeals.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re ready to apply for Social Security Disability benefits or need guidance through the application process, Hogan Smith is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation and get the help you need with no upfront fees.
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