Social Security Lawyers
What does a Social Security attorney do?
Social Security is the U.S. federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that provides income for retired and disabled people. Social Security attorneys represent claimants in the application process and in disputes with the SSA. Most Social Security cases that require an attorney’s help are disability claims.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are the disability programs administered by the SSA. To qualify, claimants must meet the government’s definition of disability, and proving you are sufficiently disabled to receive benefits is an often-difficult process. A Social Security Disability attorney can assist claimants by:
- Finding evidence to prove that the claimant meets the definition of disability.
- Helping to complete the initial application.
- Filing a request for reconsideration if the initial application is denied.
- Representing the claimant at a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ).
- If necessary, appealing the ALJ’s decision to the Appeals Council.
The Social Security Disability process is complex, and most initial applications are denied. Most successful claims are won on reconsideration or appeal. As such, having experienced legal representation can be critical.
How much does a Social Security attorney cost?
Social Security Disability cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning the attorney only gets paid when the claimant gets a successful outcome. The specific fees used in an SSDI case are set by law: 25% of the retroactive (past due) benefits, up to a maximum of $6,000. For instance, if the claimant is awarded $4,000 in past due benefits, the Social Security Administration would pay $1,000 of that to the attorney and the remaining $3,000 to the claimant.
The only potential out-of-pocket expenses are costs of moving the case forward that the attorney may pass on to the client: fees to acquire documents, such as medical or school records, and other minor administrative costs like copying or postage.
How can I find the right Social Security attorney?
Keep in mind that applying for Social Security benefits is a lengthy process, and while an attorney can ensure you meet deadlines and move that process forward as efficiently as possible, there is little a lawyer can do to make the Social Security Administration act faster.
Look for an attorney who has been through this process before and can give you a candid, realistic assessment of your case. Having a high comfort level with your attorney is also critical, as you will be discussing sensitive health information. Look for an attorney who has experience and a proven track record getting Social Security claims approved.
Most Social Security attorneys offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with a lawyer sooner rather than later. Remember that the attorney’s fee is based on your retroactive benefits, so your fee may end up being lower if you hire an attorney sooner and thus finish the process that much sooner. Get started today by finding an experienced Social Security lawyer in your area.
