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WHAT IS A CONTINGENCY FEE AGREEMENT

 There are two ways you can agree to pay an attorney or legal representative:

BY THE HOUR:  You agree to pay a certain amount per hour.

CONTINGENCY FEE:  You agree to pay only if a certain thing happens (usually you agree to pay if you win your case and recover money).

In the world of Social Security disability, the legal fees are controlled by the Social Security Administration.  If you sign a contingency fee agreement with your lawyer/representative, you agree to pay an attorney fee only if:

1. Your application or appeal is approved, AND

2.  You receive past due benefits or "back pay."

If these two things do not happen, you won't owe your attorney/representative any fee.

The Social Security Administration also imposes limits on how much the legal fee can be.  It may never exceed 25 percent of the past due benefit OR $9,200 (whichever is less).

EXAMPLES

  • You get $10,000 in past due benefits.  Your attorney's fee is $2,500.
  • You get $80,000 in past due benefits.  Your attorney's fee is $9,200 (the maximum allowed).

What happens if you win your case (meaning, you get monthly benefits) but there is no lump sum back pay?  In this case you pay no attorney fee.  Legal fees must come only out of past due benefits.

The contingency fee agreement was established to protect Social Security disability claimants from paying excessive legal fees or paying fees in cases where no past due benefit (back pay) was recovered.

 

WHAT DO YOU PAY UPFRONT TO GET A SOCIAL SECURITY LAWYER?

 Nothing.  Your representative handles your case with no upfront fee and will be paid only at the conclusion of your case IF you are awarded past due benefits or "back pay."

At the Forsythe Firm, we do not charge for the initial consultation.  So you may meet with us, ask questions, tell us about your claim or appeal--at absolutely no cost or obligation.  Also, there is no pressure on you.  You may meet with us completely at ease, knowing that we will never ask you for money.

___________________

The Forsythe Firm, 7027 Old Madison Pike NW, Suite 108, Huntsville, AL 35806.  Call (256) 799-0297. 


 

 


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