Maximum attorney fees increase to $6000

If you hire a lawyer on a Social Security case after today, you may be surprised to learn that the maximum fees are $6,000.

I thought the most a lawyer can charge in a Social Security case was $5,300?  That’s what the attorney who helped my cousin said.

Don’t worry, no one is trying to pull a fast one. Social Security has just increased the fee cap (for the first time since 2002).

I have to pay $6,000 to hire an attorney?!?

No, the $6,000 amount is the cap on attorney fees. In most fee agreements:

1. You only pay fees if you win (contingency fee agreement).
2. If you win, you pay 25% of the back benefits owed to your or your family; or
3. the maximum amount, $6,000 as of June 22, 2009.

So, you only pay if you win and then only 25% or $6,000, whichever is less.

Additional Posts

• The Social Security disability hearing decision says my case will be reviewed in 12 months
• Increase in Full Retirement Age increases disability claims
• What if I am earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity amount?
• “What I Learned From My Son”