Disability lawyers are only paid if you are awarded disability benefits. They typically take cases on a contingency fee basis which means you aren’t required to pay any legal fees until the attorney has been successful and won your disability benefits on your behalf. Many disability attorneys also offer a free consultation which will help determine if you are eligible for disability benefits.
How Much Do Disability Attorneys Cost?
The amount a disability attorney is paid depends on the backpay you are awarded. However, there is usually a calculation made once your backpay is known. This is either 25% of your backpay or $6,000, whichever is less.
On average the fee was between $3,000 and $4,000 of the backpay owed by Social Security. If you are not awarded backpay, your attorney will not be able to collect a fee unless they petition the SSA.
Are There Other Fees Attorneys Charge?
There are usually other costs associated with a disability benefits case which you may be asked to pay. They may request payment for postage, or fees associated with gathering medical evidence. When your disability attorney agrees to take up your case you should ask about any other costs you are likely to be asked to pay while the attorney is working on your behalf.
Is an SSD Lawyer Worth the Cost?
If you believe you have a high chance of winning your SSDI claim but you need that extra bit of help it is worth consulting a disability attorney. To begin with it may seem like a lot of money, but it’s coming from you backpay and you don’t pay any upfront fees.
The disability attorney can help prep for different types of questions that a disability examiners may ask. Because many claims are denied in the initial phase and require appeals, a disability lawyer can help make sure you present a better claim and may be able to represent you in court if needed.
Many studies have found that working with an attorney doubles the chances of getting your disability benefits approved. If you are worried about the hidden costs you may be charged by a disability attorney before going through the hiring process you could contact your local legal aid organization to see if they accept disability cases and can provide a disability lawyer and what their fee policy is.
Get Help With Your SSD Claim
Winning a disability benefits claim is often about proving that your medical condition is likely to persist for at least 12 months. This usually means providing sufficient medical evidence. If you work with an attorney, they may be able to help you gather all the required medical evidence to win your claim and maybe able to prevent the chance of getting your claim denied and having to resort to filing an appeal.
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