How Social Security Lawyers Get Paid
Social security lawyers specialize in assisting individuals seeking disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). These lawyers help their clients navigate the complex and often confusing process of applying for and appealing disability benefits.
Most social security lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. It means that they only get paid if their client’s disability claim is successful.
If the client wins the case and is awarded disability benefits, the lawyer will receive a percentage of the back pay owed to the client.
The exact percentage that a social security lawyer can charge varies by state, but it is typically around 25% of the back pay owed to the client, up to a maximum amount set by the Social Security Administration. For example, if a client is awarded $20,000 in back pay, the lawyer’s fee would be $5,000.
A social security lawyer cannot charge upfront fees or request payment from their clients before the disability claim is approved. This is because disability claimants are often in financial distress, and charging upfront fees could burden the client unfairly.
These lawyers may also charge their clients for expenses incurred during their representation, such as obtaining medical records, filing fees, and other related costs.
Since they’re typically paid on a contingency fee basis, they only get paid if their client’s disability claim is successful. This fee structure ensures that clients have access to legal representation without having to pay upfront fees.
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