I have previously written about how Social Security (usually) pays your lawyer directly if you win your Social Security disability case.

But did you know that Social Security charges to do this.  The Florida Social Security Disability Blog (in my old stomping grounds of Ocala and Gainesville), discusses the Social Security “user fee.”

The Social Security Act requires SSA to charge an assessment or “user fee” to a representative who receives all or part of his or her fee through direct payment from SSA. The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 (Public Law No. 108-203) capped the user fee at the lower of either a flat rate dollar amount or 6.3 percent of the amount of the fee payable from past-due Title II and/or Title XVI benefits. The flat rate dollar amount is adjusted periodically based on the cost of living. Currently, the flat rate dollar amount cannot exceed $79.

Yup, Social Security charges $79 to send your attorney a check.  But, do not worry!  It does not come out of your benefits.  The money comes out of the attorneys fees and your lawyer cannot charge the fee back to you!