How Payment Works with a Social Security Disability Attorney

Like other wings of the law, a Social Security Disability attorney is only paid if the case is won.  Very often in Social Security disability cases, the claimants are not wealthy individuals and cannot afford the cost of a high-price lawyer who charges at an hourly rate.  Additionally, claimants have increased financial distress due to loss of wages that have led to the claim for benefits in the first place.  It is a mistake to automatically assume that a lawyer is prohibitively expensive, as you will only be paying money if your case is won.

As hiring a SSI attorney makes it more likely that you’ll win your case, there is a limited financial risk with hiring an attorney.  An SSI attorney will be able file all of your paperwork accurately and on time, ensuring that your claim is met as soon as possible.  So not only will you be more assured of receiving benefits, but the cost will be minimal – and only a portion of the benefits you may not receive otherwise.

The payment structure normally works by the Social Security attorney receiving 25% of back pay, with a maximum of $5300.  What this means is that it is in the Social Security attorney’s best interest to see the case to fruition – including appeals – because that is the only way he or she will receive payment for work.  What this also means is that a Social Security attorney will want to make certain before proceedings begin that a claim can be met.  In other words, the attorney wants to have some assurance that the claimant has a valid claim before taking on the case.

To do so, you should have medical proof available to offer the Social Security lawyer.  The lawyer will potentially request that other medical reports be filed that are in direct compliance with disability regulations, but your initial medical reports will let the attorney know that you have a viable case.

Features of a Good SSD Attorney

As mentioned, an SSD attorney will want to take your case to appeal if a claim is not immediately met because this means he will be paid.  Of course, this is not the only reason to go to appeal, as a good SSD attorney will have your best interests at heart as well. So generally, you should look for an SSD attorney who is willing to take a case into the appeal process, if necessary.

Additional features of a quality SSD attorney include:

1. The lawyer should explain how the back pay system works, as well as what you should expect from your settlement.  Setting realistic expectations is part of the lawyer’s job.  If you are approved for both SSI and SSD, back pay terms can be confusing.
2. The attorney should also explain how he or she intends to get the claim approved and should walk you through each step of the process.
3. The attorney will gather together all relevant evidence and likely request more to make the strongest case possible.

All told, this is not a process you should do alone because it is a vastly complicated process, and given the fact that you will only owe money on the back end, it is highly advisable for anyone seeking a claim.