Applying for disability benefits can be intimidating, especially when you know most attorneys don't work for free. Still, you might be surprised just how affordable it is to get an attorney's help with your application. Here's the rundown on how much you can expect to pay, and how billing is determined.
Can Your Attorney Charge Hidden Fees?
It's not common knowledge, but the Social Security Administration actually has to review every fee agreement between disability lawyers and their clients. Once your case is won, the government will pay your lawyer directly, instead of giving you the fee amount and having you pay your attorney. Since the government itself will be dealing with your legal counsel, agreements are met with due scrutiny.
What Are The Fee Limitations For Disability Lawyers?
When drafting an agreement for the fee amount, your lawyer must follow a strict set of rules regarding which services are billable and how they are categorized. For example, disability lawyers may only charge a contingency fee for their services, which means they can never charge up front for consultations or other time spent on your case.
Moreover, the contingency fee is capped at either $6,000, or 25% of your back payments, whichever is the lower amount. This ensures that you don't have to pay an unfairly high amount just to get your disability benefits.
In cases where you aren't owed any back pay, or the amount owed to you is small, your attorney must petition the SSA before drafting any upfront fee arrangements. If the fee is approved by the administration, payments will come out of your future disability benefits.
Can Attorneys Charge Additional Fees?
All time spent on your case may only be billed as a part of the contingency fee, but other fees may be incurred throughout the legal process. Filing fees, securing medical records, and other paperwork fees will all cost your attorney money. Legally, he or she may pass these costs on to you as upfront legal fees. Fortunately, costs rarely exceed $200, even for complex cases.
Applying for benefits with the help of an attorney can be surprisingly affordable. Since the bulk of the fee will come out of your back payments or future benefits, you don't have much to lose by letting an attorney take a look at your case. If you think you qualify for disability assistance, don't let your bills continue to pile up. Talk to an attorney and get the money you need.
Contact a professional like Bruce K Billman for more information.
Share9 September 2015
When it comes to fighting in court, it isn't always easy to stay strong, stable, and secure in your convictions. Fortunately, by working with a great lawyer, things become much easier. About ten years ago now, I was accused of a crime that I didn't commit, and it was really heartbreaking. I started thinking about what to do, and a friend of mine suggested working with a great lawyer. It was incredible to see how much help the lawyer was, and within a few months, I was proven innocent. This blog is here to help people who might be fighting legal battles of their own.
