Social Security Disability Attorney Fees: How It Works

Understanding the Social Security Disability (SSD) claims process can be complex and overwhelming. Many applicants choose to hire an SSD attorney to help them through the process, increasing their chances of approval. However, one common concern is: how much does it cost to hire an SSD attorney? Understanding how SSD attorney fees work can help you make an informed decision.

How SSD Attorneys Get Paid

At Morgan & Morgan, our Social Security Disability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. In other words, you won't pay any upfront fees when you hire us to represent you. Instead, we’ll take a percentage of the settlement awarded to you at the end of your case. 

How Much Does an SSD Attorney Cost?

Under federal law, SSD attorney fees are regulated by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure fair pricing. Here’s how it works:

• No Upfront Fees: You don’t pay anything upfront for legal representation.
• Pay Only if You Win: If you don’t win your case, you owe nothing.
• Fee Cap: If you are awarded benefits, the attorney’s fee is capped at 25% of your past-due benefits (also known as back pay), with a maximum of $9,200 (as of 2025).
• No Fees from Future Payments: The attorney’s fee only comes from your back pay, not your ongoing monthly SSD payments.

Example of Attorney Fees in an SSD Case

Let’s say your SSD claim is approved, and you receive $20,000 in back pay. The attorney would receive 25% of this amount, or $5,000. However, if your back pay were higher, say $40,000, the attorney’s fee would be capped at $9,200, not $10,000, because of the SSA’s maximum fee limit.

Additional Costs to Consider

While attorney fees come from your back pay, there may be additional minor costs to consider, such as medical records requests and copying and mailing fees. However, most reputable SSD attorneys, including Morgan & Morgan, will discuss these potential costs with you upfront.

Why Hire an SSD Attorney?

Hiring an attorney can significantly improve your chances of winning your SSD case. Applicants with legal representation have higher approval rates, especially during the appeal process. Attorneys understand the complex rules and regulations governing SSD claims, making it easier to navigate the system. Additionally, since SSD attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, there is no financial risk. If you don’t win, you don’t pay.

Your Benefits, Your Freedom

If you’re applying for SSD benefits or appealing a denial, hiring an experienced attorney can be a game-changer. With Morgan & Morgan’s contingency fee model, you can get legal representation without worrying about upfront costs. This means you can focus on your case without financial stress, knowing that your attorney is motivated to secure the benefits you deserve.