Social Security Disability Advocacy Services – What is the Cost?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines a standard fee paid to all Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) advocacy groups, including advocacy lawyers and attorneys. Freedom Disability is only paid if you are awarded cash benefits.
The Fee for Social Security Disability Representation Services
Advocacy groups, such as Freedom Disability, are paid 25 percent of the retroactive dollar amount of a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) cash award. Again, this fee rate is set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For the average person who may wait up to a year to get approved, the fee would be approximately $2,000 out of the total $8,000 in back pay awarded to them. But if the wait is longer and the retroactive award is larger, both the claimant and the advocate (Freedom Disability) are paid more. The maximum fee is capped at $6,000 and would only apply in situations where the applicant was awarded at least $24,000 in retroactive payments (i.e. 25%).
What is the Retroactive Dollar Amount?
If your application or appeal is approved, SSA will award you a monthly cash benefit. SSA also compensates you for the period of time it takes to approve your application which is the retroactive portion of your award. This retroactive award is a one-time-only lump sum that represents the number of past months you were entitled to benefits. Your entitlement date is set after a mandatory waiting period of five full months after SSA determines the date of your disability.
Here’s an example:
- SSA determines you became disabled in June, 2008.
- SSA requires a waiting period of five full calendar months in a row before you are entitled to benefits.
- Your entitlement for benefits begins December, 2008 (five full months after disability date)
- You receive your “notice of award” letter in December 2009.
- You receive a retroactive cash lump sum, minus the 25% fee paid to your representative (e.g. Freedom Disability), which is set by SSA.
- The sum represents the months of benefits due to you from date of entitlement: December 2008 through November 2009 (12 months).
- Your first on-going monthly cash benefit is for December 2009.
Sample Calculation of a Retroactive Dollar Amount and Representation Fee
- Your monthly Cash Award: $1,000
- The period of time for approval process from date of entitlement of benefits: 12 months
- Total Retroactive Lump Sum: $1,000 x 12 months = $12,000
- Representation Fee: 25% of $12,000 = $3,000
- Remaining retroactive lump-sum payment = $9,000
You receive a one-time-only lump sum of $9,000 followed by ongoing payments of $1,000 per month.
What You Can Expect from Freedom Disability
You can count on our experience as Social Security Disability experts to build the highest quality, first-time SSDI application, as required by SSA, to win disability benefits. Should SSA initially deny benefits, we know how to build a strong case to appeal SSA’s decision.
- There are no upfront fees for our application or appeals services.
- There are no consultation fees for assessing your eligibility for benefits.
- There are no upfront costs for collecting medical records on your behalf.
- We receive a percentage fee on back benefits for you and your dependents.
- Our fee is determined by SSA and is paid to us by SSA only if we win your case.
Why Work with Freedom Disability
We want you to win Social Security Disability Insurance benefits because your health and financial future is too important to risk. Our goal is to give you back the freedom to live your life.
If you have any questions about our services, or if you would like us to evaluate your disability case, please contact us.
Learn More About Your Disability Benefits:
Do I Apply On My Own, Or Use An Advocate?
How the Social Security Administration Will Calculate Your SSDI Cash Benefits
Social Security Disability and Retirement Benefits – What’s the Difference?
What is Disability Advocacy?
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability FAQ’s
Get Your Life Back with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits
96 comments to “Social Security Disability Advocacy Services – What is the Cost?”
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I have multiple health issues that prevent me from being able to work sitting or standing very long as well as tendonitus in my wrists and hands. All can be substantiated by my doctors. My husband had a severe massive stroke in 2002 and I have to stay home with him due to severe right side handicap. My health issues have come up in the last 9 years. Since I have been home with him my credits have not been in the last 10 years as required. Is it possible that I could qualify for disability under these circumstances? I am 56 y/o and have worked since I was 16. Please help!!
Nancy, Unfortunately, you do have to have recent enough work credits to be insured for Social Security disability. If you haven't worked in the past nine years you wouldn't qualify for SSDI. If your husband is getting SSDI but your combined income and resources are low, you could qualify for SSI based on disability. This is a needs-based program from Social Security. Your local Social Security office can best help determine if you could get supplemental income through SSI.
This answer might be wrong. This person should be refered to a SSA office for a careful assesment of their insured status and the actual date last insured.
Yes, this is good advice, Nancy. My first answer is based on assuming that your condition has now become disabling enough to prevent you from working. But if the onset of your disabling condition can be proven to have occurred, for example, in 2002, then you could be eligible because your current work history requirement would have been the 10 years prior to the onset date. You said you left work to help your husband, not because of a disabling condition, so you would have to have clear medical records to prove the onset date of your disabling conditions and that these condtions were the reasons why you stopped working. The work history requirement for your age is to have worked and paid into Social Security five out of the last 10 years from when you became disabled.
I was injured 2 years ago now I had spinal surgery on my neck but it has not helped I am actualy worse. 10 years ago I suffered from a collapsed lung in which I underwent surgery for I still have trouble with that lung due to scar tissue and have not been able to work since. I am a mother of two and a wife of a military member. I really need the extra income to help feed our family but since I can't Work I want to apply for disability my sister has ssi she has never worked but got the benefits because of mental and physical disability. Yet what I read from your site you Had to have worked in the last 10 years. I'm a bit perplexed I need info about this since Its looking like I won't be able to work again at least not in the foreseeable future. Please help...
Glow, SSI is a needs-based program from Social Security that doesn't require the strict work history that SSDI does. Perhaps your disabilities will qualify you for SSI if also your combined income and resources are low. Please read our article that explains the difference between SSI and SSDI. Since your husband was in the military perhaps there are VA benefits you both can qualify for. Our sister organization, Alpha, advocates for veterans. Perhaps it would be worth it for you to contact Alpha to find out if you can get more help through the VA. Please check out www.alphadisability.com.
my sons both have medical problem that prevent both them from working one is legially blind, and very bad back problems. the other has bleeding problems that flair up when the try to work he is alway in the hospital will they qulifly for disibility?
Mary, Without knowing more specifics about your sons, such as age and work history, it is hard to answer this question. They must meet specific qualifications for SSDI. They could qualify for Supplemental Security Income, which helps people with disabilities who have few resources. The SSA Web site explains benefits for disabled children. Your local Social Security office can better guide you. If you would like to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants please call 866-347-2910.
I am sixty years old have worked at the same job for thirty five years. At the age of fifty five I had a heart attack, had angioplasty two weeks later I hemorrhage from the combination of the plavix and ASA I had been put on. I returned to work six weeks later, felt horrible had more blood work my blood sugar was sky high since then I have been on insulin four times a day. The middle of last year I started having GI problems severe vomiting was hospitalized multiple times for dehydration lyte imbalance and blood sugar out of control put on insulin drip to bring it down. In april I had to start FMLA I was hospitalized on average of two to three times a month.Every time I am in the hospital I have IV mag Iv calcium Iv Potassium thats how far my lytes are off. I tried to work through this but my employer frowned upon vomiting often at work. August of this year they more or less told me to go out on the FMLA and try to get this under control, by the way I am a nurse at the hospital. I have been to more specialist than I can count, still no diagnosis my GP now wants me to go to yet another specialist in Pittsburgh at the end of the month. On Thanksgiving I was hospitalized and my kidneys failed this time my bun and creat. had been elevated but never like this time creat. >five. I have my own short term disability for six mo but it will run out eventually and as it stand right now I am unable to work. How can you apply for this if you have no diagnosis? I'm a nurse and I have no idea what this is I thought diabetic gastroparesis but the endoscopy showed a very ulcerated esophagus from all the vomiting no Persis, was told to take previsid twice a day only thing is I have been on it for four mo prior to the EGD and previcid once daily since the hemorrhage years ago. Right now I walk like a drunk my legs feel like jelly most of the time I am a wreck I hate to think of being disabled it was never in my vocabulary I guess but I have to face the facts. What would you advise.
LettyLane, You certainly have the medical history and work history required to be insured for Social Security disability. If you think you can't work, one of our Elilgibility Consultants can help advise you on whether you should apply for disability insurance benefits. Please call 866-347-2910 for more guidance on what to do.
i am 40 and have not work in three years. im bi polar with depression and bad back. my son is 18 and bi polar . my husband is our only income. we are drowning in debt . i was turned down. im at my end now what to do should i start over or do i have a case to try and do over.
Chrissie, Sorry about your financial worries. Considering your age, it is possible that you were denied because Social Security felt you are young enough to learn skills to allow you to adapt to some kind of work and your condition is not severe enough to keep you from working at any job. To find out if you do have a case, please call in to 866-347-2910 to speak to an Eligibility Consultant.
my son is 25 years old and a very brittle type 1 insulin dependant diabetic with a hga1c of 11.3 with neuropathy, he takes 3 different insulins a day and has to check his sugar 5 times a day,he was denied disability, he also has acute pancreatitis
I have tried to get disability for my 16 year old daughter. She has been diagnoise with ADHD and deppression and anixety. Her case was denied but we suppose to have a hearing sometime in March ,2011. I have a lawyer. Should , I wait to see what happen or should , I try freedom disabilty. Thank you, Teresa Drewery
My mom has real bad arthritis in her leg and arm.Does she have to have a like a doctor's note or referal before she can apply for disability?
Latoya, A person's medical history is a crucial component to a Social Security disability application. Please read our article "Can You Medically Support Your Social Security Disability Claim" for more information.
I developed panic disorder and worsening depression due to a high stress workplace and a job that I was overqualified for. Does this qualify for disability? The documentation inlcudes multiple ER visits and months of psychological therapy.
Christina, You must have a medical condition that is so severe it prevents you from working at any job for 12 months or longer, or could result in death. If Social Security approved you for disability benefits it would be because you were found to be disabled, which would mean that you are a person who does not have the functional capacity or learning capability to develop new work skills to earn substantial gainful activity ($1,000 a month.)
I am already a recipient of social security disibility. Why do you have too wait 2 yrs for medicare. I have no medical insurance at all..my doctor's appointments costs me anywhere from $299.00 too $400.00 a visit plus i still have my rent light, and phone and try too buy my meds. So how can i get help with my medicare like ASAP.. Thank you, Sandra Freemount
Sandra, The two-year wait period has been a rule for a long time. An article on this site "Waiting for Medicare - Another Hardship for People with Disabilities" discusses this issue. There is not much you can do but wait. You could look into Medicaid in your state. Eligiblity is based on income. That may be an option for you for now.
Thank yiou, Suzanna Laker; I know the wait time is 24 months to be eligible for Medicare but; the issue i have with that is most of the people that is waiting for Medicare usually die off because the $$ amount they get is too much too qualify for medicaid and most free clinics don't accept you over income being so whatever is wrong with you will die along with you. The federal government knows the ratio of how many of us will live too see the 24 month marker and most of us won't make it too see age 62. Really sad and the Health Care Reform is whack!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you
i am 38 yrs old-been type 1 diabetic for 34 years. Laid off 2009 and had bad luck trying to find jobs around here. My a1c's been like 13 which is bad--my doctor wanted me to try for disability. I dont know if i qualify or not.
I am 29 y/o. I have mental health issues. I've seen the neurologists like 4 years ago. When I had a job, it only last for 6 months. Now, I had applied for a few job, and the never called me for an interview. I would like to know if I am qualified or not. Now as far as for my mom, she is 58 y/o. She has been in a car accidents a long time ago. She has back pains all the time. She wants to know, would you be able to help her out?
Natasha, For you to be eligible for SSDI you need to have worked enough credits to be insured. Your condition must also be so severe that it prevents you from working at any job. This may be hard to prove considering your young age. For you mom, she may have a stronger case because she's older. But, we need to know more about her condition and past work to better determine if she could qualify. It would be best to call one of our Eligiblity Consultants at 866-347-2910. Also, if you have low income and resources you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income based on disability. Perhaps you should talk to your local Social Security office about options for you.
I suffered a TBI in 1991. I have epilepsy, physical disorders, speech impediment,, and memory problems. I was able to go to college (but my degree is misleading as I was permitted to use classnotes during exams, was permitted extra time, and permitted a private test setting). I have worked hard for almost ten years, but I am continuously being fired from my job... simply because I can't do the work directly related due to my disabling condition. I am qualified with my degree, but I am not aloud "accommodations" on a job. I have a lot of documentation from disability services in Ohio (where I am from) as I just moved to North Carolina 8 months ago. I have been advised to take SSDI previously. I just was let go again last week (for the third time now). It is time to consider SSDI. I can't keep getting fired.
During a doctor's visit in 2002, I learned there were signs of degenerative arthritis in my back. I am 58 years old and have not worked since 2008. I do not have health insurance. Because I was constantly in pain, I tried to apply for medicaid last year but was denied. They determined I was not disabled although I was diagnosed with severe arthritis from the office visit that they made for me. At the time this determination was made, the doctor at the community health clinic advised me that not only did I have severe arthritis, but also a dislocated bone in my neck which would require a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. I am assuming that I did not get the referral because I don't have insurance. My fingers constantly lock up and leave me unable to move them while at the same time causing excruiating pain in my joints. My neck hurts when I turn it and my head feels heavy on my shoulders; I suffer silently in pain when bending to pick up something, have trouble sitting and standing for long periods of time, and over the counter medication offers little or no relief. I am afraid to lift something heavy because pain shoots up and down my spine. When I was trying to get a disability determination, they set up one doctor visit for testing and were supposed to pay $150 for that visit. I am now being billed for services from that visit for which I do not have the funds to pay. I recently received a rude and threatening phone call from the radiology group and was told that I should not have used their services if I couldn't pay for it, adding insult to the injuries I am already suffering from. I have worked all of my life, have paid into SS, and desperately need help in getting benefits I believe I am entitled to.
Rose, It sounds like you have tried to file for disability on your own, which is very difficult. We may be able to help you but we must first assess your situation to find out if we can. If you're interested, please call to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants toll free: 1-866-347-2910 for a free evaluation. If we can help you, we will.
My Sister was awarded her Social security disability.She was told she would receive $16,000 back pay.Does she get that in one lump sum or in payments some this year and $12,000 in 2012?Thank You.
Georgine, Her back pay, which represents the months it took for SSA to approve her for the benefits she was entitled to from the SSA-determined onset date of her disability is paid in one lump sum.
My daughter has been mentally disable, bipolar, squizophrenic and paranoic. She can not work because her illness. However she refuses to believe that she nis ill and rejects any suggestion to apply for social security disability and medicare. She is 41 years old. I mam taking care of her. I retired when I became 62 to provide for her and it has resulted in hardship for me because my retirement is for one person not two.
I have Sprengles deformity, carpel tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, lupus, back pain, and scoliosis. I am only 28 yrs old. I have filed for SSI in 2009, and just had a hearing in March 2011. I was denied. I then appealed, and also filed a second claim. They said that I could still work, but every job that I've had, I'm always taking off work due to my illness, resulting in either termination, or myself having to quit. I was also in a car accident in Aug. 2010, which made my back and shoulder pain even worse. I know it's hard for a young man like myself to receive benefits, but it's very hard to hold any kind of job. I don't have insurance to see a Dr. like I want to, which also makes it hard to prove my case. I don't know what else to do.
Jason, So sorry about your health problems. Perhaps the Health and Human Resources Web site http://www.hrsa.gov/index.html can help you find health care. You need to have medical support that proves that your conditions are severe enough to prevent you from working at any job. SSI is needs-based so your income and resources also must meet SSA's criteria for eligibility. The longer you can work and pay into Social Security through payroll taxes the better it could be for you to get Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) down the road, but you must have the work credits to be eligible. At this point in time, for your age you would need approximately 14 work credits. But realize that the longer you pay into Social Security through work the more your benefit will be if you qualify.
I am writing with regards to my wife (of 2.5 years). She is 24 years old, and has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Joint Hypermobility Syndrome, among other things; what this amounts to is debilitating fatigue and widespread pain. She has a good doctor that can attest to these diagnoses. She graduated from a Big Ten university in May of this year after 6 years of college; the last two years, she took no more than 2 classes per semester, and struggled at that. While she was in school, she worked a few different jobs, amounting to no more than $2,500 of income annually; each time, she had to quit because of her health. I have a full-time job with decent pay ($34,000 annually), but with medical expenses and all the usual bills (including school debt, which piled up in part because of her inability to work), we're struggling to make ends meet. From reading earlier posts, it seems that she would not qualify for SSDI based on her lack of sufficient work history. Given the aforementioned details, what do you think about the possibility of her qualifying for SSI? Thank you for your time.
Dave, SSI is a needs-based program for people with a severe medical condition that meets SSA's definition of disability. As a married couple, all your income and resources would be considered to meet the income-level criteria for SSI. You both sound well-educated and on your way to building a good life in spite of your wife's physical problems. SSI may not be an option for your wife, but perhaps your local SSA office can better guide you on this, as well as our articles in the Supplemental Security Income section of our Web site. This article, "What is Supplemental Security Income" gives you a view on how income and resources are factored in to eligiblity for SSI.
I am 54 years was working for walmart, until I got hurt on th job had 28 pounds of caking icing fell on my head, I was the cake docorator,due to the mass head injury, I recieve aoncussion,cervical strain,neuralgia,neuritis,andradiculitis,contusion of the face,neck,scalpe,,,had phyisacal therpy ,, did nothing but worse,,had an MRI findings degenerative disc disease,c5-6 c6-7,subarachnoid space narrowing the central neural canal,flat cord and cord,myelomalacia,burning and painful,my left hip like my leg is twisting in side my skin,I barely can get out of bed,, I get migraines,I went to the docter they did put me on temp disable for 8 months until 4/1/12,,I got one payment,it stopped .. I was told I can get my uneployment which they sent me one week pay, now i am waiting because that stoped my disabitily,,,, ,, I can't work, I need my disabiity and my question was How can I get perm disablitiy ,I was told my disease is not going to get any better.I have no income my pg&e will be turned off ,soon, I have ran out of propane no hot water,.very little food
Alana, You should call in to talk to one of our Eligibility Consultants. You'll get a free evaluation of your case and guidance on help in applying for Social Security disability. Please call 866-347-2910.
Hi, I am 25 yrs old. I have Interstititial Cystitis, this is a very hard to prove thing with SS and I have applied 1 time in the past when I first was diagnosed and it was very new to me. Basically I haven't worked since about the end of 2007. I might not even qaulify for SSD but possibly SSI? I have chronic pelvic pain, nocturia, urinary urgency/frequency, wake up about 7-10 times a night every night for hte past 2-3 years. I have really bad lower back pain, I can't get xrays or anything because I'm pregnant, I am now doing physical therapy but I don't know how do I prove that I have back pain if I can't get offical answers to wether I have an actual back injury. I lack sleep so bad because of the IC, my body won't let me stay asleep and then I wake up and can't go back to sleep because my back hurts so bad I can't even lay down. I am always fatigued, I can't remember stuff, I don't comphrehend things the way that I used to, I have zero energy most of the time, I generally feel sick/unwell. Frequently dizzy and when I take narcotics they tend to make me dizzy as well. I am a mother of 1 soon to be 2, and at the end of my rope, so I wanted to try to apply again but I clearly need to see if there is any assistance out there for me in making a decent case and if this backpain makes it easier to win a case. Thank you. Sorry that was long! Sara V
Sara, To qualify for Social Security disability you must be able to prove that your medical condition is so severe it is expected to prevent you from working for a year or longer, or could result in death. There are also other factors to determine disability, called "Vocational Gudelines" that takes into consideration a person's age, education and work history to determine if the person is able to retrain for different work. Unless your condition clearly meets SSA's definition of disability, the younger you are the harder it seems to be to prove disability. You may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) which is a needs-based program for people with disabilities who have low income or resources. Your local SSA office should be able to help you determine if this program is an option for you.