Attorney Fees
You pay nothing out of pocket and there is no fee unless we are successful in getting your benefits. The fee will be paid out of the disability award you eventually receive. The attorney will be paid only out of your past-due benefits, or “backpay.” If no back-dated benefits are awarded, the attorney will not receive a fee. The maximum fee is 25% of past due benefits or $6,000 whichever is less. In the majority of cases, this ends up being less than $6,000 (and you never have to write us a check).
We do not charge, nor are repaid, for costs (of obtaining medical records and other miscellaneous costs).
Initial Application
It is best to have an experienced SSDI/SSI attorney assist you from the beginning of your claim. We can assist you in completing the initial application and assist you in completing subsequent forms sent by SSA inquiring as to your work history and medical treatment. It is vital that these forms are completed correctly. While most claims are denied at the initial stage (even with the assistance of counsel), the answers on the forms completed at this level often determine the ultimate outcome on appeal.
If you are Denied
If your claim has been denied before you have appeared for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (“ALJ”), you should continue pursuing your claim for benefits. In fact, statistical evidence shows that the best chances for success are at hearing before an ALJ (who is not bound by the earlier “bureaucratic” decisions). At the Dean Law, we can guide you through the appeal process. We will make every effort to win your case without the need for you to attend a hearing (though “On the Record” decisions before hearing are rare). If we are not able to do this, we will ensure you are fully prepared for such a hearing (which usually less than 1 hour in length). To discuss your claim, contact us today for a free consultation.