Most of our clients prefer a “contingent fee.” This means they pay us an attorney’s fee only if they get approved for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Our fee is 25% (one-quarter) of back benefits up to a maximum of $6,000. This is the maximum fee set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
The attorney’s fee is paid from past due benefits (i.e. those benefits that build up by the time the SSA finds you disabled and pays you disability benefits). No fee is paid from monthly benefits that begin after you are awarded.
We are not limited to $6,000 in attorney’s fees if we have to appeal an unfavorable decision after the first administrative law judge hearing. If we have to pursue your case beyond the administrative level, then we are paid 25% of back benefits, with no cap.
Some clients prefer to pay a non-contingent hourly fee. We negotiate those fees on a case-by-case basis.
Along with the attorney’s fee, you will pay for costs associated with obtaining medical records and medical opinion letters. If your health care provider has an online portal where you can view and print records, your disability lawyer will be able to minimize costs associated with gathering medical records and reports.
If you have a question about attorney’s fees for disability lawyers or disability representatives, please give me a call.
Virginia Disability Lawyer Blog 