 | Social Security Law
The Social Security Administration was created in 1935 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. The Social Security Administration issues Social Security numbers and pays retirement, disability and survivors benefits to workers and their families. The Social Security Administration also administers the Supplemental Security Income ( SSI ) program. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program. Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.
A lawyer can help you when you do business with Social Security. Lawyers experienced with Social Security issues can act on your behalf in most Social Security matters by: | - | Getting information from your Social Security file | | - | Helping you get medical records or information to support your claim | | - | Coming with you, or for you, to any interview, conference or hearing | | - | Requesting a reconsideration, hearing or Appeals Council review | | - | Helping you and your witnesses prepare for a hearing and questioning any witnesses |
Your lawyer cannot charge or collect a fee from you without first getting written approval from the Social Security Administration. Your lawyer cannot charge you more than the fee amount approved by the Social Security Administration. If you or your representative disagree with the approved fee, either of you can ask Social Security Administration to look at it again. However, your lawyer may accept money from you in advance as long as it is held in a trust or escrow account.
If you appeal your claim to the federal court, the court can allow a reasonable fee for your attorney. The fee usually will not exceed 25 percent of all past-due benefits that result from the court’s decision. Your attorney cannot charge any additional fee for services before the court.
Where can I get legal advice about my Social Security issue or case?
If you have a Social Security Law, Retirement Benefits, Medicare or Social Security Disability matter or case and want legal advice for your specific situation, click on the Social Security related ads on the right or above to find a law firm and schedule an initial consultation.
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