Ssa.gov Fee Agreement
If you are seeking disability benefits, you may have heard about the Social Security Administration (SSA) fee agreement. This agreement allows you to hire an attorney or a representative to help you with your disability claim, and the fee will be paid out of your eventual benefits if your claim is approved.
The SSA fee agreement is an important tool for those who need assistance with their disability claim. However, it is important to understand how it works so that you can make informed decisions about your representation and potential fees.
Here is what you need to know about the SSA fee agreement:
1. The fee agreement is optional. You are not required to hire an attorney or representative to help you with your disability claim, and you may choose to represent yourself if you wish. However, many people find that having an experienced professional on their side can improve their chances of success.
2. The fee agreement is limited to a percentage of your back pay. If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to back pay for the time between your application date and when you are approved for benefits. The fee agreement allows your attorney or representative to collect a percentage of that back pay, up to a maximum of 25%. This means that if you are awarded $10,000 in back pay, your attorney or representative can collect up to $2,500 as their fee.
3. The fee agreement must be approved by the SSA. Before your attorney or representative can collect any fees, the SSA must approve the fee agreement. This is to ensure that the fee is reasonable and that you are aware of the potential costs involved.
4. The fee agreement does not affect your ongoing benefits. Once your attorney or representative has collected their fee, they are no longer entitled to any further payments from your ongoing benefits. This means that you will continue to receive the full amount of your monthly benefits, and your attorney or representative will not receive any additional compensation.
If you are considering hiring an attorney or representative to help you with your disability claim, it is important to understand the potential costs involved. However, the SSA fee agreement can provide you with valuable assistance without requiring upfront payment. Be sure to discuss the fee agreement with your potential representative and understand the terms before signing any agreements.