Can I afford a Florida disability attorney or representative for my claim?   Many people who give thought to filing for disability in Florida with the social security administration start off with the mistaken assumption that they cannot afford a disability attorney. As a disability examiner, I regularly spoke with individuals who expressed a desire to get assistance on their case but then stated "I can't afford a lawyer". And this may be a natural and logical assumption. However, it is an incorrect one. To get representation from a disability lawyer (or a qualified non-attorney representative) on a Social Security Disability claim or SSI disability case in Florida or any other state, you will not be required to pay anything upfront. Why is this? Because disability representatives only receive a fee if they win a claimant's case. In other words, they are paid after a case has been won. Naturally, this implies that no fee is paid upfront. In the event that a disability claim is won by a disability attorney or non-attorney representative, how much is the fee? The amount of the fee is regulated by the social security administration. Currently, this fee is equal to one-quarter of a disability claimant's back pay, and as of 2016 the maximum fee for a disability attorney or non-attorney disability representative was $6000. Visit this page to see the current maximum fee allowed by Social Security. Therefore, to use an example, if a claimant wins Social Security Disability or ssi benefits and receives $24,000 in backpay, the disability representative will be eligible to receive $6000 as the fee for representation (21% of the total backpay). If the claimant won $50,000 in back pay, the fee would still be only $6000 because that is the maximum cap. Related: What Expenses Will A Social Security Attorney Charge In Addition To The Fee? About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Tips and advice for Florida disability claims Florida Disability Lawyer Advice for Social Security Disability Claims Florida Social Security Disability Application tips Tips and insight for getting disability in Florida Tips for consultative medical exams for SSDI and SSI in Florida Can I afford a Florida disability attorney or representative for my claim? General questions about getting disability in Florida How Much Can You get in Monthly Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida? What if you receive a disability overpayment in Florida Can you get permanent Social Security Disability in Florida? If they review my disability in Florida, will I lose my benefits? Do disabled children qualify for benefits in Florida? Denied for Disability with Depression in Florida Should you appeal a disability denial in Florida? How long does disability take in Florida? How Long Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits in Florida? How long for a Social Security Disability Decision Letter in Florida? How long does it take get a decision after a Florida Disability Hearing? How Long Do you have to be disabled to Get Disability Benefits in Florida? The disability decison process in Florida Can you get disability benefits in Florida if you have never worked? Will you be awarded disability in Florida if you are unable to return to your old job? Who makes the disability decision in Florida? Will I Be Evaluated For Both SSDI and SSI in Florida? The Florida Disability awards determination process What happens after a Social Security Disability claim gets taken in Florida? Filing applications for disability in Florida Applying in Florida, the criteria to qualify for Benefits An application for disability in Florida will be time-consuming Filing for disability in Florida is not easy What are reasons to file for disability in Florida? When should you file for Disability Benefits in Florida? Starting an application for disability in Florida Applying for SSD in Florida - Disability Application Information Disability Lawyers and Representation in Florida Getting a disability lawyer in Florida Representation on a Social Security Disability Claim in Florida Do I need a Lawyer for My Florida Disability Hearing? Social Security Disability Attorney Fee - What a Disability Lawyer in Florida can be Paid How do Disability Lawyers in Florida get paid their fees? Finding a lawyer for a Florida disability claim Is the Disability Process Faster in Florida if you have a Lawyer? Applying for SSI in Florida Applying for SSI disability in Florida Can you receive Social Security Disability and SSI in Florida? Applying for SSI Disability for a Child in Florida Doctors, medical records, and medical exams Social Security Disability in Florida and What Your Medical Records Say Will a Disability Attorney in Florida Help You Obtain Your Medical Records? SSDI and SSI disability applications in Florida and Doctors Social Security Administration Medical Exams in Florida Disability hearings in Florida How long will my case be at a Florida Social Security Hearing office before it is scheduled? How long does it take to see a Florida disability judge? Getting ready for a disability hearing in Florida Disability denials in Florida What if you are denied disability in Florida and do not get the notice? If you are turned down and denied for disability in Florida If your disability is denied in Florida, file an appeal quickly Why did I get Denied on my Florida Disability Request for Reconsideration? Disability appeals in Florida If you are requesting an appeal in Florida Social Security Disability and Appeal options in Florida Do you have to appeal your Florida SSD Claim over and over? Qualifying for disability in Florida Will I Qualify For Disability Benefits in Florida? Can I win my disability case in Florida? What are my Chances of Qualifying for SSDI in Florida? Will I get approved for disability in Florida if my doctor supports my claim? If you are trying to win disability benefits in Florida How Can I Win My Social Security Disability Case in Florida?