what does it usually cost for ssd laywer?

[hollyb2]

what do you need when applying for ssd. How hard is it and how long does it usually take.

[Hidden]

It depends on what all is wrong with you and your doctors saying you can not work .The lawyer you get charge according to how long it takes to get it . When you do get it they take it out of your first paycheck. Mine did not take but 4 months and I started receiving a check 2 or 3 months later.. They charged me $500.00 .I love the lawyers that took care of mine, they did everything . If you do get turned down the first time they appeal it and try again. It took my mother 3 years, she did not have a lawyer. When she did get her first check it was a whopper. This is the State of Virginia but from what I understand it is about the same. Good Luck

[RoDias in reply to Hidden]

I don't know where you live, but in the State of Florida, IT IS FREE. When you get your disability, Social Security PAYS the attorney. In FL, we usually ask the client to make the first claim on their own. Be sure to get copies of your medical records and submit them with your claim. Advise your doctors (this includes primary) that you need copies of your records from the date you first started seeing him/her for your symptoms. If you tell your doctor that you are applying for Social Security Disability, they should give the records to you at no cost. The first attempt is usually denied. THEN, promptly call a reputable Social Security Disability attorney BEFORE the 60 day appeal period runs. They can help you from that point on. If you they find you disabled on your second request, and your disability onset date doesn't allow for back benefits, your attorney may not get paid by SS. Then you may have to pay him/her for their costs incurred. This happened to us. Having worked SSD for many years, I could have done it on my own, but I know how SS works and thought we should employ the attorney. She is an excellent attorney, having worked for SS, and knows the "ins and outs". If you are denied the second time, the attorney will request a hearing. If you are denied at the hearing level, be sure your attorney is qualified, or knows of a qualified attorney to take it to the Federal level. Many attorneys are not qualified to go to the Federal level. They can try but personally, I would want one who has taken appeals to the Federal level. I can only take the case as far as the hearing level and that's why I opted to get an Federal level attorney involved.

[RoDias in reply to RoDias]

Forgot to tell you. Make your onset date the date that you were actually unable to work in any capacity, or in a diminished capacity. SS does not allow you to make more than $1,000 a month in addition to your SS benefits.

[Hidden]

I don't remember, but their fee is taken out of your first check, before you receive it.

[Crbee3]

2000.00 for Indiana

[Barb070]

I would love to hear as many stories about this process as people who are willing to share. I believe this process could be in my near future and I don't understand it at all. - And by "whopper" do you mean enough to pay a couple of bills?

[Hidden in reply to Barb070]

Yes, she got back pay for the whole time she had to wait to be approved. I don't think they work on them that long now. The lawyers always say you get turned down the first time and most do but thank God I didn't. My Mother wouldn't have to if she had a lawyer, she died at 58 years old.

[Hikoi]

Use a different process in UK without attorney involvement.

[etterus]

From what i understand.... The lawyers get anywhere from 20-30% of the back pay from when you file. If your case is is very severe and the doc's have certainty that you can't work you might be able to do it yourself. You'll need to be accurate with the paperwork but I did it in 9 months. There is usually a 1st time denial but you need to appeal. Talk to your Doc and see if they think you'll need a lawyer. File ASAP... good luck.

[hollyb2]

Thank you for all your help everyone !!!

[par004]

I used a national firm that specializes in SS Disability. Was approved the first attempt. Got 6 months BACK benefits less their fee . I got over $12,000!. Didn't need an attorney.

[MagicMax]

You should not need an attorney. My brother is an attorney. He looked into it and said PD is one of six diseases that are automatically approved as long as you do not let them know that you can work for more then 20 minutes. My first check was for over $22,000.00 with no fees paid.

[wifeofparky]

Hubby got SS DBL without an attorney. I filed the application on line, he got called for an IME and within 6 weeks total he got approved.