Social Security Lawyer Sitting at a DeskIf you’re unable to work and need Social Security disability benefits, you may be concerned about the cost of hiring an attorney to help with your claim. Because many people believe that legal representation is expensive, they don’t immediately think to talk to an attorney when filling out their application. However, statistics show that by hiring a Social Security disability attorney, you increase your chances of receiving an approved claim.

If you’re worried about whether you can afford an attorney, how much you’ll have to pay, and if there’s an advantage to working with a legal professional who understands the Social Security disability claims process, here’s some information to help you understand that having legal representation is not only helpful, it’s not as expensive as you may think.

The Cost of Hiring a Disability Lawyer

When you’re considering legal representation, it’s important to know that there’s usually no cost to hire a Social Security disability lawyer. You pay no initial fees or upfront expenses. In most cases, your attorney gets paid after your claim has been settled from your disability benefit award. 

Generally, the cost breakdown looks like this:

  • Your attorney’s fee is limited to 25% of any past-due benefits awarded you by the Social Security Administration.
  • Your attorney’s fee is capped at $6,000.
  • Your attorney gets paid out of your past-due benefits—also referred to as back pay.
  • Your attorney receives no fee if you are not awarded back pay benefits.

It’s important to note that once you receive back pay benefits, you don’t pay your attorney directly. Instead, the Social Security Administration deducts all attorney fees from your first back pay check before you receive it.

Call Smith Klein Law

If you’re unable to work and need help with your Social Security disability claim, hiring legal representation is very affordable and can make the difference between a denied claim and one that gets approved. Smith Klein Law has the experience and skill to assist you in filling out your paperwork, collecting your medical records, and managing your application process. Contact us for a free consultation, and we’ll evaluate your case and let you know how we can increase your chances of receiving an approval on your claim. 

Colin Smith
North Texas Estate Planning & Probate Attorney