What is this going to cost me?

I get lots of telephone calls from people with Social Security Disability claims who are worried about the fee for an attorney. In most cases, my client and I both sign a Fee Agreement. No fee is owed unless we win your claim for Social Security Disability or SSI benefits.

If we win, the fee is 25% of the back benefits, subject to a cap set by SSA. There is no fee on future benefits.

If you are interested, you can read all of the details about the Fee Agreement process here.

What can I do to improve my chances of winning my Social Security disability claim?

First, be honest and complete in giving information to Social Security about what is disabling you. Many claimants, for instance, fail to mention their psychiatric problems to Social Security because they are embarrassed about them. In almost all cases, individuals who were slow learners in school fail to mention this fact to Social Security, even though it can have a good deal to do with whether or not the Social Security disability claim is approved.

Second, keep appealing. Most claims are denied in the early stages. Many people who have good claims give up. Don't give up.

Most important, hire an experienced person to represent you. It is important to hire an experienced person who understands the way Social Security works. Statistically, people who employ an attorney to represent them are much more likely to win than those who go unrepresented.

Disability Benefits and Income Taxes

Each year we get questions from former clients about how their Social Security benefits affect income tax. Here is a good handout from NOSSCR that is worth reading.