Do you have to file a disability benefits claim and would like a professional lawyer’s assistance? Do you wonder how much an attorney charges and if you can afford one?
Most people in your situation ask themselves the same questions.
If you can’t work due to an impairment, spending money on a lawyer may not sound so appealing. However, fighting an SSDI case is a complex and lengthy process. A disability attorney Indianapolis will speed up your case and enhance your chances of winning.
Individuals with legal representation are 3 times more likely to win Social Security disability benefits. Working with a lawyer is an investment that can lead you to your benefits significantly faster.
But the question remains: how much does a disability attorney charge?
In this article, we’ll discuss how disability lawyers’ fees work and how much they charge. We’ll also mention the 4 core benefits of hiring an attorney to represent you in your SSDI case.
Do SSDI Lawyers Charge Upfront Fees?
No, Social Security disability lawyers don’t charge any upfront fees.
The initial consultation (whether you hire their services or not) is free.
So when will you have to pay your lawyer?
Social Security disability attorneys work on contingency. Contingency means they charge for their services after the Social Security Administration (SSA) approves your claim. Therefore, you only have to pay if you win your case and secure disability benefits.
What happens if you don’t get approved? In case of being rejected, you can file for appeal or a second review. In this instance, your lawyer will not charge you unless the appeal is successful.
Be aware that, in some cases, your attorney may ask for an upfront payment, but this should never be for their legal services. They might require it for some specific paperwork you need, such as printing your medical records.
All disability law firms and attorneys have a set fee of 25% of your back-due benefit.
What is the back-due benefit?
A disability benefits case can extend for months or even years. Once you get approval, the SSA will pay you for all the months you didn’t receive benefits since the onset of your disability. You’ll receive this retroactive payment in one lump sum.
Social Security will pay your lawyer by discounting their fee from your back-due benefits.
Not all Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) monthly benefits are the same. The sum depends on how long you’ve worked, your work credits, and how much you used to earn.
Therefore, the SSA puts a cap on disability lawyers’ 25% fee. As of November 2024, the limit is $9200 of your back-pay check.
4 Benefits of Working with a Seasoned Disability Law Firm
How can a seasoned disability attorney help you enhance your case?
These are 4 of the core benefits of hiring legal assistance for your SSDI claim:
Collecting Crucial Medical Evidence
To win your case, you need strong medical evidence that supports your disability or impairment.
A professional attorney will contact healthcare providers and clinics to obtain up-to-date and relevant medical documentation.
Furthermore, they’ll gather and compile essential information from your hospitalizations, treatment, and medical diagnosis to create a compelling narrative and build a solid case.
Exhaustive Case Overview
About 30% of claimants get ejected for technical reasons.
A significant number of applications are denied each year for reasons that have nothing to do with the applicant’s disability or medical condition.
Forgetting to submit paperwork, missing a deadline, or neglecting a question from the initial questionnaire can quickly disqualify you.
Securing disability benefits is a rigorous process that requires a detailed and careful approach. Your attorney will review your claim and ensure everything is in order at every step of the process.
They Can Represent You in Court
If your case gets denied, you can file an appeal. In this instance, you must defend your case before an Administrative Law Judge.
Speaking before a judge can make people stressed or anxious. After all, it’s not something most individuals are used to do
Disability attorneys know how the appeal process works and are experts in defending a case in court. They will represent you, and prepare you in case you need to speak or answer questions.
Efficient Paying System – Only Get Charged if You Win
One of the biggest advantages of hiring a disability lawyer is their paying system.
Since they work on contingency, you only pay if you win. After your case, once you receive your back-pay check, the SSA will give your attorney their fair share.
Since most applicants can’t work due to their medical condition, they don’t have a steady source of income. This system allows them to have professional legal assistance despite their financial situation.
Looking For Legal Assistance For Your Disability Benefits Claim?
Now you know how disability attorneys’ paying systems work and how much they charge.
This information is crucial when seeking a disability lawyer. No attorney or law firm should charge you upfront fees (unless the money is to cover extra expenses).
Before signing any contract, ask the attorney about their fees and payment method. It should look something like what we discussed in this article.
You can reach out to any lawyer and request an initial consultation to present them your case. That meeting is free, and you are not bound to hire their services.
Feel free to try different law firms until you find one with a team of professional, experienced, and educated disability attorneys.
