We are often used to attorneys requiring a “retainer” up front to represent us in matters. Therefore, some clients wait to call an attorney for their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim because they think they can’t afford it.
However, SSDI and SSI attorneys who assist you with your first claim for benefits often work on contingency. This means if you don’t win your case, they do not get paid. If you do win your case, the attorney receives 25% of your back-due benefits, with the maximum fee being $6,000. You do not have to pay out of pocket for the attorneys fee, as Social Security often separates the money before sending you your portion of the back-due benefits.
In addition to the attorneys fee, though, you may be responsible for the cost of the medical records and other costs to prove your case. Some attorney ask for this funding up front, some ask for it the day of the hearing, and others ask for it at the conclusion of the case. Some attorneys request payment for medical records regardless of whether you win or lose your case and some attorneys will only request reimbursement for medical records and other costs if you win the case. In any event, it is important to have some money set aside for the medical records and other costs incurred while your case is pending, in the event you are required per the contact to reimburse the attorney for those costs.
It is important to note that for cases involving SSDI or SSI benefits that are not at the initial application, reconsideration, or hearing phase, may require up front retainers. If you need assistance with your SSDI or SSI case, contact an experienced lawyer today. Don’t be embarrassed to ask about how they are paid, including what the payment of medical records and other related costs looks like. They are happy to answer those questions, in addition to any other questions you may have.