If you believe you or a loved one qualifies for disability benefits, you’re likely in need of financial help. Social Security Disability attorneys know this, which is why they usually do not charge a fee until you’re approved for your security and peace of mind.
What are Contingency Fees?
The most important cost to be aware of is a contingency fee. Most Social Security Disability lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only collect a fee if they win your benefits. In that case, you should expect a percentage of your awarded benefits will go to your attorney in contingency fees.
Federal law currently allows a contingency fee of 25% up to $7,200 of your past-due benefits (if approved after November 30th, 2022). Your fee would be whichever is lowest (25% or $7,200), subject to change by the Commissioner. However, there are exceptions, like if your case goes to federal court. Federal court fees are separate and may exceed the $7,200 limit.
The fee is only a percentage of your past due benefits, which are the beneifts that are owed to you once the Adminstration finds you disabled. Fees are not allowed out of your ongoing benefits on a monthly basis while you are still disabled. And because the fees are only out of your retroactive past benefits, in some cases, if there are no past due benefits awarded, then there is no attorney fee owed.
Fees generally cover the attorney work product portion of your claim, so you are not billed separately for calls to the office, mail sent to and on your behalf, or other staff time spent on your case.
Outside of your attorney’s fee, there may be other out-of-pocket expenses related to developing the claim, like obtaining expert opinions or gathering records. Different attorney offices will vary, but at Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we ensure that the client authorizes any out-of-pocket expenses after a thorough discussion with your attorney. Always be sure that you are clear what expenses are your responsibility. Fortunately, there are laws in both Oregon and Washington that require providers to give your medical records to you for free while you pursue your disability case. At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we have an entire team of legal assistants dedicated to obtaining your medical records, so we will do our best to get those fees and costs waived for you.
You can count on us to make the claims process as affordable as possible. We’re here to answer all your questions about contingency fees, court costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses and ensure that you go into the Social Security claims process with confidence and peace of mind.
We’re On Your Side
Social Security makes the claims process lengthy and confusing, discouraging many from seeking the help they need. Fortunately, you don’t have to face it alone. We make the claims process as stress-free as possible and will be your advocates every step of the way.
Contact us today by submitting a form below or calling our office at 503-255-9092 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.