Because of the complexity when filing a claim, hiring an SSDI benefits lawyer is highly recommended, but you may be wondering how do disability lawyers get paid?

If you are applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may feel overwhelmed and confused by the process. Applying for benefits can be lengthy and complex, you must complete substantial paperwork to submit a claim and then wait for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review and decide on your application. Because of the complexity when filing a claim, we highly recommend hiring an SSDI benefits lawyer, but you may be wondering how do disability lawyers get paid?  Many claimants refrain from seeking legal representation because they fear it will cost them a lot of money.  

In this article, we will break down how disability attorneys get paid. 

No Up-Front Fees

Some disability law firms offer free consultations for SSDI benefits cases. At Nyman Turkish, you do not pay any fees upfront. We will work with you, review your case thoroughly, and do everything possible to ensure your benefits are approved. We only get paid if we win your case. 

Payment Process

Typically, when you hire an SSDI lawyer, you will sign a retainer agreement outlining their fee structure. SSDI lawyers get paid on a contingency basis, meaning their payment depends on whether your case is approved. If they do not win your case, they do not get paid.    

The SSA will determine the amount of your monthly benefit, and any back payment owed to you. You only pay an attorney fee if you are awarded back benefits, and the SSA strictly regulates this fee. Once the SSA approves your case, it calculates your total benefits and directly manages the payment process. The SSA reviews the signed fee agreement and pays your attorney directly from your back award to ensure accuracy, prevent overpayment, and simplify things for you. This one-time payment covers attorney fees without any monthly obligations on your part.

Is Hiring an SSD Lawyer Worth the Cost?

Without a disability attorney, you could be at a higher risk of having your benefits claim denied. Many individuals who apply for benefits alone are not approved. About 60% of initial applications get denied. Although there are several stages to the appeals process, most applicants are approved during the hearing stage in front of an Administrative Law Judge. At this stage, it is essential to have experienced professional legal help from an SSDI lawyer. 

An attorney that specializes in disability law can provide guidance to you during this difficult time and help navigate the application process. 

The SSA allows both non-attorney representatives and attorneys to assist with SSDI claims. When you hire our Firm, you will always have an attorney representing you—one of the best in the country, as our win rate is significantly higher than the national average. Surprisingly, non-attorney representatives get paid the same amount as a disability attorney, despite not having a law degree.  

The fee cap, set by the SSA, is the same whether you have an attorney or a non-attorney representative. So why settle for a non-attorney when you can have an attorney for the same fee? 

What is the Maximum Attorney Fee for Social Security Disability?

The SSA federally regulates SSDI benefits, and there are limits on attorney fees. The SSA caps the amount an attorney can receive for representing SSDI claimants. Currently, the maximum attorney fee for Social Security disability cases is 25% of the claimant’s back award, capped at $9,200. This cap is designed to protect clients, ensuring they are safeguarded throughout the process. 

Attorney Fees are Intimidating

Disability lawyers don’t bill by the hour as traditional attorneys do. All attorney fees for Social Security Disability cases are regulated by the SSA, meaning every disability attorney in the country charges the same fee.  

Because you sign a retainer agreement with an attorney or firm, there is technically no such thing as a free disability lawyer. However, most firms offer free case reviews and consultations. The SSA pays SSDI lawyers directly when your case is approved, so you do not pay anything out of pocket.

At Nyman Turkish, our interests are fully aligned with our clients’—if we don’t win their case, we don’t get paid. Unlike traditional attorneys, we don’t bill for our time spent reviewing the application or guiding clients through each step. 

If you are curious about obtaining legal representation for your SSDI claim, visit our website or call us at 877-529-4773 for a FREE case review.