Skip to main content

HOW MUCH DOES A GOOD SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER COST?

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GET A GOOD SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY LAWYER?

 The truth is, it may not cost anything at all.  

The Social Security Administration (SSA) regulates the way lawyers get paid to represent claimants.  Lawyers usually do not charge any upfront fees and will collect a fee only on successful cases that result in a recovery of past due benefits.  

So, why would there never be a fee for your lawyer?

1.  If you don't win your case the lawyer can't charge a fee.

2.  If you win the case but don't get any past due benefit, there's no fee.

3.  Since Social Security disability has a 5 months waiting period, there would not be a fee if your claim is approved within the first 6 months of your disability.  

How does this protect you, the claimant?

Under no circumstances can a claimant run up a bill for legal fees without getting "back pay" or a past due settlement.

The lawyer's fee will be a percentage of the back pay awarded to the claimant (usually 25 percent).  And the fee is currently capped at $7,200.  So, the lawyer's fee is 25 percent of back pay OR $7,200, whichever is the smaller amount.

DO LAWYERS PROVIDE FREE INITIAL CONSULTATIONS?

Yes.  Most legal professionals will provide a free initial consultation without obligation or pressure.  Often, the consultation takes place by telephone.  With a 10 minute telephone conversation, your lawyer may be able to evaluate your case and advise you on the next step to take.

For a free consultation in Huntsville or surrounding areas, call The Forsythe Firm at (256) 799-0297.  

 

 

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

MOST IMPORTANT FACTORS IN A SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CASE

What are the top 3 most important factors in a Social Security disability case? 1.  Medical Evidence. 2.  Medical Evidence 3.  Medical Evidence 4-10     Medical Evidence Federal regulations set the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits.  A claimant must meet these strict legal requirements More than anything else, the claimant's medical evidence will determine the outcome of the claim or appeal.  Without strong objective medical evidence Social Security cannot legally pay you a benefit. Objective Medical Evidence means the result of medical examinations, laboratory tests or imaging studies (X-rays, PT scans, MRI or CT scans). This type of evidence can only be obtained by going to your doctor. There's an old adage that says truthfully:  "The path to Social Security disability benefits runs straight through your doctor's office."  Being approved for an SSDI benefit requires objective medical proof. ...

SOCIAL SECRITY DISABILITY: THE DECISION WRITING PROCESS

  By Charles W. Forsythe - The Forsythe Firm in Huntsville An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has made a decision on your Social Security disability appeal hearing. The decision must now be sent to to a process called "Decision Writing" - where an attorney or paralegal will draft the formal binding decision, explaining the judge's legal rationale for the decision and explaining the mandatory 5-Step decision making process. The decision writing process translates a judge's ruling into a formal, legally binding document. It is a vital but time-consuming phase that ensures all medical evidence and vocational factors align with the law. A typical written decision will be 10 to 20 pages, thus very detailed.  It takes time to write one. There are many decisions ahead of yours and usually they are written in the order received. The step-by-step process breaks down as follows: The Judge’s Ruling & Instructions:  Following your hearing, the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) r...

UNDERSTANDING THE 5-STEP SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROCESS

Receiving Social Security disability payments depend on one thing:  Proving that you are not able to work. The one and only thing that SSDI pays for is the physical and/or mental inability to work for a period of at least 12 months.  Who decides if you are able to work?  The Social Security Administration (SSA) will decide.--according to their own strict rules and regulations. In reaching that important decision, are you disabled or not, Social Security must use a 5-step examination process.  It's important to understand these 5 sequential steps. STEP 1:  The work Test .  Is the claimant now engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?  If yes, the claim is denied at Step 1.  They look no further.  You cannot be eligible for SSDI benefits if you are working at SGA, regardles of your medical condition.  (In 2026 you are working at SGA if you earn at least $1,690 per month from work or self-employment). STEP 2.  The Medical Requirem...