Understanding SSDI Lawyer Fees: How Much Does Legal Representation Cost?
If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or if you’ve already applied and your claim was denied, you might be considering hiring a lawyer to help with your appeal. And you may be wondering, “How much do SSDI lawyers cost?”
It’s one of the first questions a lot of folks have. And the answer should put you at ease.
As a Memphis SSDI lawyer, I want to clear up some of the confusion around the costs associated with hiring an SSDI lawyer, so you can make an informed decision about whether to seek legal assistance.
No Upfront Costs
First off, it’s important to know that most SSDI lawyers, including myself, work on a contingency fee basis.
This means you don’t pay any upfront fees. We only get paid if you win your case.
This setup is great for you, because it reduces your financial risk. If for some reason your appeal is not successful, you won’t owe us anything. In addition, it means if we take your case, it’s because we really believe in it. After all, we have to cover the cost until we win your case.
Contingency Fee Limits
Once you win, your lawyer then receives a fee based on your claim. And this fee is set by law.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) enforces strict guidelines on how much a lawyer can charge for SSDI cases. As of 2024, the fee is capped at 25% of your back pay, or past-due benefits, up to a maximum of $7,300 – whichever is less.
This means that if you are awarded benefits, the SSA will automatically deduct this fee from your back pay before sending you the remainder.
What Are Back Pay and Past-Due Benefits?
Back pay, or past-due benefits, are the benefits the SSA owes you from the time you were eligible for SSDI up until when your claim is actually approved.
For example, if it took a year from when you applied until your approval, your back pay would be calculated based on the monthly benefits you should have been receiving during that year.
Essentially, back pay refers to all the money you waited on all this time – money you needed but didn’t get… until now.
It doesn’t include any future payments. All of that is yours to keep.
What Does the Fee Cover?
The contingency fee covers all the work your lawyer does on your case, including:
- Reviewing your claim and medical records
- Preparing and filing any necessary paperwork
- Communicating with the SSA on your behalf
- Representing you at disability hearings, if needed
- Negotiating settlements or handling further appeals
And because it’s set by law, you should never have to pay extra for these services.
Why Pay for Legal Help At All?
You might be wondering if it’s worth hiring a lawyer, especially when there are costs involved if you win. But statistics show that applicants who work with a lawyer are much more likely to have their application approved.
This is especially true at the hearing level, where having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. In fact, if you get denied and need to appeal, you should consider a lawyer part of the process.
Experienced SSDI lawyers know how to efficiently navigate the system and can often help you receive a decision quicker than if you were handling the process alone. And we can help find mistakes you might not see otherwise, which prevents you from repeating the same cycle over and over.
Is It Worth How Much SSDI Lawyers Cost?
Because SSDI fees are regulated, your future benefits are entirely yours. And a great lawyer can make all the difference in securing those benefits for you.
Our award-winning Memphis SSDI lawyers have helped hundreds of people get the benefits they need. We’ve built a reputation for success, integrity, and compassion. All while fighting for our clients with everything we have.
And we can help you, too.
With no upfront costs and fees contingent on winning your case, you don’t really have to risk much – and you have so much to gain.
If you’re facing an SSDI appeal, reach out today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and see how we can help you secure the benefits you deserve.