Most Disability Lawyers Work on a Contingency Fee Basis

The most common way disability lawyers charge is by working on a contingency fee basis. This means that they only get paid if you win your case and receive benefits. If you don’t win, you generally don’t have to pay the lawyer anything.

• Percentage Fee: Disability lawyers typically take a percentage of your back pay, which is the lump sum you receive from Social Security for the months between your application date and approval. The standard percentage is 25%, but it can vary depending on your specific case and the lawyer.
• Cap on Fees: Social Security has a cap on how much a lawyer can charge. Currently, the maximum fee is $6,000 or 25% of your back pay, whichever is less. This ensures that lawyers cannot charge excessive fees, providing a level of fairness for clients.

No Upfront Costs

One of the advantages of hiring a disability lawyer is that you don’t need to pay upfront costs. Most disability lawyers will not require you to pay them any money until you win your case. This makes it more accessible for people who might not be able to afford expensive legal fees upfront.

Additional Costs and Expenses

In some cases, there may be additional costs or out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by the contingency fee. These can include:

• Medical Records: You may need to pay for copies of medical records or tests that support your disability claim.
• Expert Witness Fees: If necessary, your lawyer might hire medical professionals or other experts to testify on your behalf. These experts may charge a fee for their services.
• Filing Fees: Although filing a claim with the Social Security Administration is generally free, there might be costs associated with appeals or hearings.

Make sure to discuss any potential extra costs with your lawyer before proceeding, so there are no surprises later on.

Will You Pay the Lawyer If Your Case is Denied?

If your disability claim is denied and you have a lawyer, you won’t owe them anything unless you appeal the decision and win. Lawyers typically work on a contingency fee for each level of your case, meaning if you lose at one stage but win at a later stage (like an appeal), the lawyer will be compensated for their services at that point.

Does Hiring a Lawyer Guarantee Success?

While hiring a lawyer can certainly improve your chances of winning your Social Security Disability claim, it doesn’t guarantee success. Disability lawyers help by ensuring your application is properly filled out, gathering medical evidence, and representing you during hearings or appeals. However, the ultimate decision lies with the Social Security Administration (SSA), which assesses your eligibility.