You've just received the first denial for your disability benefits. The bills keep coming, and the idea of hiring a lawyer feels out of reach when you're already struggling. But here's something many people don't realize: Social Security disability attorneys don't charge anything up front. They only get paid if you win your case.
At Disability Services of America, our team guides you through every step of the SSDI process from your initial application to appeals following a denial. We help you gather medical evidence, complete forms correctly, and meet important deadlines, so you're not left guessing or worrying about the cost of an attorney.
What Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Actually Cost?
Social Security disability lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs, no retainers, and no hourly fees. You don't need to pull out a credit card or commit to a payment plan. Instead, the attorney's fee is paid only if your claim is approved, and it comes directly from your past-due benefits.
Here's what that looks like in practice: if your case is successful, the lawyer receives a percentage of your past-due benefits. The percentage taken has a federally mandated maximum that is adjusted periodically over time. Then, the Social Security Administration withholds that amount from your first payment and sends it straight to your attorney. You never have to write a check or worry about covering legal fees out of pocket.
And if your claim isn't approved? You owe nothing. There are no surprise bills, no collections, and no debt to worry about. The financial risk stays with the attorney and not with you.
Why the Contingency Model Protects You
This fee structure exists for a purpose: to ensure that people with disabilities—many of whom have limited or no income—can still access qualified legal assistance. Without it, you could be left to navigate a complex government system alone, facing experienced Social Security representatives without the support or guidance you need.
The contingency model also keeps your interests and your attorney's interests aligned. Because they only get paid if you win, your lawyer is fully invested in building a strong case, collecting the right medical evidence, and pursuing appeals when necessary. Their success depends on your success.
When and How Lawyers Get Paid From Your Benefits
When your claim is approved, the Social Security Administration calculates your past-due benefits. That's the amount you should have been paid from the date your disability began until your claim was approved. Depending on how long the process took, this lump sum can represent several months or even years of unpaid benefits.
From that total, the SSA deducts the attorney's fee before sending the remaining funds to you. You'll receive a detailed notice explaining the amount withheld and how the fee was determined. Your lawyer isn't paid before you, and the fee is strictly limited by law to ensure it remains reasonable.
Some claims are resolved quickly, while others require multiple appeals or a hearing with an administrative law judge. In every situation, the fee structure stays the same. Your lawyer's compensation depends on the success of your case, not the number of hours worked or forms filed.
What About Other Costs?
While the lawyer's fee is contingency-based, there may be small expenses related to your case, like:
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Medical records. Doctors and hospitals often charge copying fees to release your files.
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Expert opinions. Some cases require statements from medical professionals to establish the severity of your condition.
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Administrative costs. Postage, filing fees, and other minor expenses may apply in some cases.
These costs are typically low, and many disability services absorb them entirely. If your case incurs expenses, you'll be aware of them upfront—no surprise bills, no hidden charges.
Why You Shouldn't Wait to Get Help
Many people put off getting legal help because they assume it's too expensive. Unfortunately, that hesitation can make the process even harder. Claims submitted without proper legal guidance are more often denied, and appeals can take years to resolve without the right preparation and support.
On the other hand, working with an experienced disability professional can significantly improve your chances of success. A skilled representative knows how to strengthen your claim with the right medical evidence, avoid common mistakes, and efficiently move the process forward. Thanks to the contingency fee system, cost doesn't have to be a barrier. You can get help now without paying anything up front.
If you're unsure whether you can afford representation, the truth is: you already can. The system was designed to ensure that financial hardship never prevents you from accessing the benefits you've earned.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Process
At Disability Services of America, our services are designed to remove obstacles, not create them. Whether you're applying for the first time or appealing a denial, we handle the process at no upfront cost to you. Our team answers your questions, gathers your medical evidence, and advocates for your approval every step of the way.
You've worked hard. You've paid into the system. Now it's time to access the support you're entitled to receive. With experience navigating the Social Security system and a commitment to advocating for your rights, we make sure you're not just a file in the system. You're a person who deserves to be heard.