It can be difficult to get the Social Security benefits you need. The application and approval process can be lengthy and, often, disappointing. Most Social Security applicants get turned down on their initial try, and that leads to an appeal. Read on to find out why you need legal help and how to pay for it so that you can get the benefits you need.

Support at the Appeal

Social Security doesn't necessarily make things easy for applicants, and the appeal hearing is no different. You must be able to identify and refute the negative finding that resulted in your denial. To do that, in-depth knowledge of the Social Security system and its rules is necessary. Social Security lawyers understand what is needed at the appeal, and they understand what to do and say at the hearing to convince the administrative law judge that you deserve benefits. Social Security lawyers are experienced in arguing on your behalf about medical conditions, the ability to work at your most recent job or any job, and more.

Social Security Contingency Fee Arrangements

The thing that holds many unsuccessful applicants back from seeking legal help is the fear of legal fees. Lawyers can be expensive, but Social Security lawyers often have in place what is called a contingency fee arrangement. Lawyers who participate in this type of arrangement typically have to be approved of by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and must abide by strict regulations and limits. Here's what else to know about Social Security contingency fee situations.

1. A contingency fee means you won't need to pay your Social Security lawyer any money to get your case started and to have them represent you at your appeal. That's important because applicants have only a limited amount of time between the receipt of their denial letter and requesting an appeal.
2. After meeting with your Social Security lawyer, you will come to a fee agreement. The agreement must be filed with the SSA and approved of before you can proceed.
3. Contingency fee arrangements are based on the expectation that you will receive back pay. Back pay is the money you would have been paid if your benefits had begun immediately after you became unable to work. A five-month waiting period is deducted from the back pay, however. Back pay is paid once your benefits are approved, and it is paid to recipients in a single lump-sum payment.
4. The SSA will approve of fee agreements in which the attorney receives no more than 25% of your back pay with a top limit of $6,000. For example, if your back pay comes to $10,000, your attorney receives $2,500 as their fee.

To find out more about contingency fees and how a Social Security lawyer can help you, speak to a Social Security attorney today.