I Need a Disability Attorney. Do I Have to Pay Up Front?

Looking to hire a disability attorney in Knoxville? The Garza Law firm can help! In other blog posts, we discussed the lengthy timeframe a claimant can expect, along with the numerous tasks the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Disability Determination Services may ask of a claimant.  Because of this, most folks choose to be represented and have experienced help along the way.  

Once you’ve made the decision to hire a disability attorney, I’m often asked if anything must be paid up front. The answer is, NO. In fact, we do not ask for any money up front for representation or to obtain your medical records for you. 

The fee arrangement is set by the SSA.  According to the Social Security Act, a representative may be entitled to 25% of the claimant’s past-due benefits (or “backpay”), or a maximum fee of $6,000, whichever is less; this is for claims won at the initial, reconsideration, or hearing levels.  In the event you are approved, the SSA pays the representative their fee directly.  If your claim is lost, the representative is not entitled to a fee.   

Regarding your medical records and related expenses, we do not ask for money in advance – these costs we front for our clients.  Most claimants are out of work and we realize the added expense of medical records can be too much to financially bear.  As your disability attorney, we work diligently to obtain all of your medical records, no matter how many doctors you have, well before your hearing date.  

Having a knowledgeable attorney in your corner can help your chances of winning your case.  If you have any questions or need help with your disability claim, please feel free to contact our office and speak to Haley Henry or one of our qualified attorneys.