Social Security disability benefits are available, but getting them is not easy. The majority of initial claims in Chicago are rejected, and when this happens, it is necessary to appeal the decision. Being disabled often causes considerable financial strain; it is fair for people to wonder if they can afford to hire a skilled disability lawyer to help them. Disability lawyers do not charge any up-front fee; they get their money once they win the case on your behalf.
Disability Lawyers Work on Contingency
When you first hire a disability lawyer, you and the lawyer will enter into an agreement that will be reviewed by the Social Security Administration. The agreement lays down the fees and stipulates that the legal fee will be taken from the past-due benefits awarded and paid directly to the lawyer.
How Much is the Legal Fee?
Your lawyer, under federal law, can charge you 25 percent of the back pay awarded, up to a maximum of $6,000. This is a “one-time” fee; if you are denied benefits, or you are not granted any back pay, the lawyer will not receive the fee.
Although disability lawyers work on contingency, you may be asked to pay any small, out-of-pocket expenses as the case progresses.
Back Pay
Once your claim is approved, the SSA will calculate the back pay you are owed. If the request was for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), the back pay starts on the date the SSA determined you became disabled. Back pay can be awarded for no more than 12 months from the date you first applied. If you are awarded Supplementary Security Income (SSI), back pay is dated back to the month you applied, not the actual date.
If you are awarded back pay of $10,000, your lawyer will receive $2,500, and you receive the balance of $7,500.
With in-depth knowledge of the system, it makes a great deal of sense to hire a disability lawyer. To discuss your claim, contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. in Chicago. Visit them at https://www.rabinsslaw.com.
