For people with disabilities, the process of getting disability benefits can be difficult. The good news is that there are disability lawyers who can help guide and get you the benefits that you deserve. But how much does it cost to hire disability lawyers?
Standard fee structure
The fee that a Social Security attorney can charge is restricted by federal law. This is generally based on a percentage of your back pay, or the retroactive disability benefits you are owed from the date you applied for disability. This is called a contingency fee, and it is around 25% of your past due benefits, capped at $6,000.
So, for instance, if you are awarded $20,000 in back pay, your lawyer would get $5,000. And if you receive $60,000, then they would get $6,000. Also, disability lawyer fees are paid automatically out of your disability benefits award, so you will never have to write a check to your lawyer. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send the disability lawyer’s fee directly to the attorney, and then send the balance of your disability benefits to you.
If your lawyer wins your case but you are only entitled to future disability benefits — and no back pay — then they won’t receive any fee for their services. And if you lose your disability case, you won’t owe your lawyer anything.
Ultimately, you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, by working with a disability lawyer. And while their fees may seem high, keep in mind that they are only a fraction of the disability benefits you stand to receive if your claim is successful.
Other fees
As mentioned earlier, disability lawyers typically work on a contingency basis. This means that they only get paid if they win your case and you receive disability benefits. However, there are instances where they may charge additional fees.
For example, your attorney might need to retrieve your medical records, which can cost around a hundred dollars per request. Or, if your disability case goes to a hearing, your attorney might also need to pay for a medical expert to testify on your behalf, which can cost several hundred or even a few thousand dollars. If the costs are minimal, your disability lawyer may simply absorb these additional fees. But if the costs are significant, they may require that you pay them upfront.
Additionally, if you hire a disability lawyer but then fire them before your case is resolved, you may be responsible for paying them for the work they’ve already done. So, if you do decide to hire a disability lawyer, be sure that you are comfortable working with them and that you feel confident in their ability to win your case.
In the end, hiring a disability lawyer is an important decision. But it’s one that can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. And, when you consider the potential benefits of working with a disability lawyer, the cost is definitely worth it.
If you are considering hiring a lawyer, the best way to get started is to contact a few different disability lawyers and ask for a free consultation. This will allow you to get a better sense of their experience, expertise, and fee structure. And it will also give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the disability claims process.
So don’t wait; the sooner you get started, the sooner you could be on your way to receiving the disability benefits you deserve.
