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:
- You only pay fees if you win (contingency fee agreement).
- If you win, you pay 25% of the back benefits owed to your or your family; or
- 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.
That part of the Social Security Act is better known as the:By hook or by crook amendment.
Well to each their own.
But, when do you get a better offer? You don't pay upfront, you only pay if you win, and then it's a percentage with a cap on the maximum fee.
Where does it say in the code of federal regulations that this law is in place.
Bada-bing, bada-boom, bada-link: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-2332.pdf
Also see Social Security's own website: http://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreement...
Where does it say in the code of federal regulations that this law is in place.
Bada-bing, bada-boom, bada-link: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-2332.pdf
Also see Social Security's own website: http://www.ssa.gov/representation/fee_agreement...