If you’re thinking about hiring a lawyer to help with your Social Security Disability claim, one of your first questions is probably this: “How much does a disability lawyer cost in 2025?”
At Collins Price, we hear this question every day. We know that money can be tight when you can’t work because of an illness or injury. Many people worry that hiring a lawyer will cost too much or take money they don’t have.
The good news is that getting help from a disability lawyer costs much less than you might think — and you don’t pay anything upfront. This guide explains exactly how disability lawyers are paid, what to expect in 2025, and why having a lawyer can actually help you keep more money in your pocket in the long run.
Why Hire a Disability Lawyer?
First, let’s talk about why people hire lawyers for Social Security Disability claims.
Filing for SSDI or SSI is not easy. The process can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re sick, in pain, or worried about paying your bills. Many people get denied the first time they apply — often because they didn’t know what medical records they needed or what forms to file.
A good disability lawyer:
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Knows the rules and paperwork
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Talks to your doctors for you
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Prepares you for hearings
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Stands up for you if you’re denied
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Gives you peace of mind
Having a lawyer can increase your chances of getting approved. At Collins Price, we focus only on Social Security Disability — it’s what we do every day.
So, How Much Does a Disability Lawyer Cost in 2025?
Here’s the answer that surprises most people: You don’t pay a disability lawyer anything upfront.
In 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) still controls how much disability lawyers can charge. This means you don’t have to worry about hidden fees or high hourly bills.
Here’s how it works:
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If you win your case, your lawyer gets paid a percentage of your back pay.
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If you don’t win, you don’t pay the lawyer a fee.
What Is a “Back Pay” Fee?
Back pay is the money SSA owes you from the time you became disabled to the time they approve your claim. It’s like getting paid for the months you waited.
Your lawyer’s fee comes from this lump sum — not from your future monthly checks.
In 2025, the fee rules are:
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The lawyer can charge up to 25% of your back pay
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The fee is capped at $9,200
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SSA sends the lawyer their fee directly
For example, if your back pay is $10,000, your lawyer would get $2,500 (25%). If your back pay is $40,000, the fee is capped at $9,200 — not the full 25%.
You keep the rest of your back pay, plus all your future monthly checks.
Do I Pay Anything Else?
In most cases, the lawyer may ask you to pay for small case expenses — like the cost of getting your medical records or doctor reports. This is usually less than a few hundred dollars and will be explained clearly in your agreement.
At Collins Price, we explain all costs upfront, so there are no surprises.
Why Are Disability Lawyers Paid This Way?
This pay structure is set by federal law to protect people who need help the most. It means:
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You don’t have to worry about paying out of pocket.
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You can afford good legal help, even if you have no income.
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The lawyer works hard to win your case, because they don’t get paid unless you do.
This system makes disability representation fair and accessible.
How Do Disability Lawyers Get Paid?
When you hire a lawyer, you sign a fee agreement. The lawyer then files it with SSA. If your claim is approved, SSA sends the lawyer’s fee straight to their office out of your back pay.
You never have to write a big check or worry about sending money yourself.
Do Lawyers Charge More If You Appeal?
No — the 25% fee limit applies whether you’re applying the first time or appealing a denial. But appeals often take longer and more work, which is why having an experienced lawyer matters even more if you were denied.
Read What Do I Do If My Social Security Claim Is Denied? to learn more about the appeals process.
Is Hiring a Disability Lawyer Worth It?
Studies show that people with legal representation are more likely to win their claim — especially at the hearing stage.
In 2023, the approval rate at the first application stage was under 40%. But for people who went to a hearing with a lawyer, the approval rate was much higher — around 60% or more, depending on the facts.
A lawyer:
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Knows what evidence SSA looks for
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Can spot mistakes on forms
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Prepares you to answer tough questions
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Handles paperwork and deadlines
This can mean a faster approval and more money in your pocket.
How Long Will It Take to Get Paid?
Unfortunately, getting approved can take several months or even years, especially if you have to appeal. But once approved, your back pay is paid in a lump sum — so the lawyer’s fee comes out at the same time.
What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?
That’s the beauty of this system: You don’t have to afford a lawyer upfront.
You only pay if you win. That’s why most people can get help, no matter their bank account.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Lawyer’s Help
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Be honest: Tell your lawyer the whole story about your health, work, and income.
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Stay organized: Keep copies of doctor visits, test results, and treatment plans.
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Respond quickly: If your lawyer needs you to sign something or get records, do it fast.
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Ask questions: A good lawyer wants you to understand every step.
How Collins Price Can Help
At Collins Price, Social Security Disability is all we do. We’ve helped thousands of people across North Carolina and beyond win their benefits.
We don’t get paid unless you win — and we’ll handle the paperwork, the deadlines, and the tough questions so you can focus on your health.
Visit our blog for more helpful blog posts, like:
Next Steps: Get Help Today
If you’re thinking about filing for disability or you’ve been denied, don’t wait. Contact Collins Price for a free consultation on your claim.
We’ll explain your options, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect — at no upfront cost.
So, how much does a disability lawyer cost in 2025?
Nothing upfront. Just a fair percentage of your back pay if you win — and nothing if you don’t.
Let our experienced team make the process less stressful and help you get the benefits you deserve.
