If you are disabled, unable to work and needing financial assistance, the definitive next step is to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Hiring an experienced disability attorney to represent your case will significantly increase your chances of getting approved for benefits, but what would you have to pay for legal services? Don’t worry – we break down common disability lawyer costs below, and what you learn may surprise you!
How Do I Know If I Need a Disability Attorney?
Social Security disability applications are long, complicated and have strict deadlines that need to be met. The further you get in the disability application process, the more organized you need to be, and the more important it is that you hire an experienced attorney. A lawyer can help you prepare everything you will need to go into the application process with a good chance of winning your case, especially if it ends up going to court.
When and How Do I Pay Attorney Fees?
In most cases, disability attorneys – including our team at Woodruff and Mathis – will only charge a fee if you win. This arrangement is referred to as a contingency fee. When the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses your claim, they will determine the date of your disability and back pay you to that date in your first disability check. The SSA will subtract your disability attorney fee from that payment.
How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost?
There are limitations to the amount Social Security disability lawyers charge after you win your case. When you hire an attorney, the exact outline of anticipated attorney fees will be laid out before you sign the agreement and the SSA will review this contract to ensure it’s within regulations.
Disability attorney costs are limited to 25% of your back pay, or past-due benefits, but cannot exceed the maximum amount of $6,000, regardless of what the total comes to. For example, if you are awarded $10,000 in back pay, your disability attorney will receive $2,500.
Contact the Disability Attorneys at Woodruff & Mathis
If you are trying to determine whether hiring a lawyer for your Social Security disability case is necessary, be sure to consider all factors that are involved in the final cost. Having professional assistance with your disability case can help you with not only the application process but increase the likelihood of being awarded benefits. To learn more about our services, please contact us at Woodruff & Mathis today for a free consultation!