Social Security

Social Security Disabilty Insurance Benifits *

The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, but whether we provide enough for those who have too little.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt

Social Security disability benefits are earned protections designed to provide stability and dignity when work is no longer possible.

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY (SSDI)

HOW FEES & COSTS WORK:

Do I have to pay a lawyer up front?

No.
You do not pay any attorney fee unless you win your case.

How does the lawyer get paid?

If you win:

• Social Security takes the fee out of your back pay, not your monthly checks.

• Social Security sends the fee directly to the lawyer.

• You do not write a check for attorney fees.

• How much is the attorney fee?

• By law, the fee is:

• 25% of your back pay, or

• The legal maximum set by Social Security (currently $9,200),
  whichever is less, for cases won at the initial or hearing levels.

• The 9,200 cap does not apply cases appealed to the Appeals Council or Federal Court where the 25%of back pay can exceed this amount.

• If you do not win:

• You owe no attorney fee.

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• What is “back pay”?

• Back pay is the lump-sum money Social Security owes you for the time you were disabled before your approval.

• It does not include:

• Your future monthly disability checks.

• Are there any other costs?

• There may be small out-of-pocket costs, such as:

• Medical record fees

• Copying or postage

• These are separate from attorney fees.
  We will explain any costs before they are charged.

• Many lawyers advance these costs and only recover them if the case is won.

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• Can Social Security change the fee?

·        Can Social Security change the fee?

·        Yes.
All attorney fees must be approved by Social Security.
If Social Security believes a fee is not reasonable, it can reduce it.

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·        Can I stop the lawyer if I want?

·        Yes.
You may end representation at any time.

·        If you stop the lawyer and later win:

• Social Security may still allow the lawyer to be paid for work already done.

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• Does hiring a lawyer improve my chances?

• A lawyer:

• Gathers medical evidence

• Prepares you for hearings

• Handles deadlines and appeals

• No lawyer can guarantee approval, but legal help often improves case quality.

·        Key Points to Remember

·        ✔ No upfront attorney fee
✔ Lawyer paid only if you win
✔ Fee comes from back pay only
✔ Social Security approves all fees

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Legal Representation

Helping Disabled Individuals Obtain Monthly SSI Benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides monthly payments to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. SSI is different from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and does not require a work history.

I represent individuals applying for SSI and those who have been denied benefits and need to appeal.

Who May Qualify for SSI

You may be eligible for SSI if:

• You are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older, and

• You have limited income and limited assets, and

• You are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen

Disability means a physical or mental condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Attorney Fees for SSI Cases

There is no upfront attorney fee.

• Fees are regulated by federal law

• If your claim is approved, the fee is typically 25% of past-due benefits, capped by law

• If you are not awarded benefits, you owe no attorney fee

Costs (such as obtaining medical records) are discussed in advance.

Why Legal Representation Matters

SSI claims are complex and technical. Common reasons claims are denied include:

• Missing medical evidence

• Incomplete forms

• Failure to meet strict income and asset rules

• Difficulty explaining limitations

Legal representation increases the likelihood that your claim is properly presented and fairly decided.