Q. How much will a lawyer cost me?

The ALJ must approve any fee charged by a lawyer. Lawyers will take Social Security cases on a contingency or percentage (%) basis. The standard percentage is twenty-five percent (25%) of any past-due benefits you might be entitled to. If your claim is rejected by the ALJ, you will not owe any money for attorney fees. Although if you lose, you are still obligated to pay any “out of pocket” expenses such as costs to obtain medical reports, copies, long distance phone calls and other related calls. No fees will be charged on future benefit payments.