SSD/SSI Appeal - Atty wants $$ up front?

[osmosis]

What is the name of your state? FL

I am in the process of appealing a denial for Social Security Disability & SSI. Our attorney is now asking for $850 to continue the appeal.

My question is: Aren't the "contingency based" lawyers supposed to work for free until the money is awarded?

also, can i change lawyers this late in the game? Thanks!

 

[BL]

What is the name of your state? FL

I am in the process of appealing a denial for Social Security Disability & SSI. Our attorney is now asking for $850 to continue the appeal.

My question is: Aren't the "contingency based" lawyers supposed to work for free until the money is awarded?

also, can i change lawyers this late in the game? Thanks!

What exactly did you sign ?

 

[osmosis]

I realized my post wasn't informative enough. Sorry about that.

The lawyer that I have initially did NOTHING for me when I began filing for SSD/SSI in March 2005. After the initial refusal & first appeal the lawyer finally stepped in and did something - he canceled my appointment in front of the SS judge so that he had time to "prepare".

2 months later, and after I had already done all of the paperwork & footwork we finally got another hearing set. I was told with "100% certainty" that I would walk away successful. When I got the denial letter in the mail, my lawyer said that there was no reason for the judge to deny the request, other than him having been retired & came back to the bench more conservative.

The lawyer scheduled a meeting with me for last week & allowed me to know that he is certain he can win this & that he needs $850 for an outside researcher. Without the $850, we lose the lawyer.

As far as what I signed, I'm not certain exactly what you mean, and I can't find the atty paperwork at the moment..

 

[BL]

My question is: Aren't the "contingency based" lawyers supposed to work for free until the money is awarded?

To answer that question , If an SSI Attorney takes your case on under "contingency based" , this usually means as is written and signed by both Attorney and client w/ a copy given to the client , that if the attorney wins He/She will get there fee off the top from back allowed amounts 25-30% . If they lose they get no amount .

If you can not find your contract/agreement I'd suggest you ask you lawyer for a copy .

I'd also ask him/her for the request of money in writing .

If this Lawyer won't see your case through , without upfront money , or against your agreement , consult another SSI Attorney , and file a grievance complaint against the Attorney .

Be sure what your agreement was/is first .

 

[osmosis]

To answer that question , If an SSI Attorney takes your case on under "contingency based" , this usually means as is written and signed by both Attorney and client w/ a copy given to the client , that if the attorney wins He/She will get there fee off the top from back allowed amounts 25-30% . If they lose they get no amount .

If you can not find your contract/agreement I'd suggest you ask you lawyer for a copy .

I'd also ask him/her for the request of money in writing .

If this Lawyer won't see your case through , without upfront money , or against your agreement , consult another SSI Attorney , and file a grievance complaint against the Attorney .

Be sure what your agreement was/is first .

Thank you very much for your help!