What Is a Disability Advocate?

A disability advocate is a professional who assists individuals with their SSDI or SSI claims. Advocates may be attorneys or non-attorney representatives who are certified and approved by the SSA to represent claimants.

Advocates can:

• Help you prepare and file your application
• Gather and organize your medical evidence
• Represent you at hearings or during appeals
• Communicate with the SSA on your behalf

Both attorneys and qualified non-attorneys are bound by the same fee structure when representing clients in Social Security Disability cases.

How Are Disability Advocates Paid?

In almost all cases, disability advocates work on a contingency basis, which means:

• You don’t pay anything unless you win your case.

If you are awarded benefits, the SSA will automatically deduct the advocate’s fee from your back pay (the lump sum you receive covering benefits owed from the date of your disability or application).

How Much Does a Disability Advocate Charge?

The Social Security Administration regulates how much a disability advocate can charge. As of now:

• The maximum fee is 25% of your back pay, with a cap of $7,200.
• This fee is only taken from your back pay, not from your ongoing monthly benefits.
• If there is no back pay awarded, the advocate doesn’t get paid—you owe nothing.

For example, if you receive $10,000 in back pay, the advocate's fee would be $2,500 (25%). If you receive $40,000, the advocate would only receive $7,200, due to the cap.

Do Disability Advocates Charge Other Fees?

In some cases, advocates may charge for out-of-pocket expenses, such as:

• Obtaining medical records
• Postage or photocopying
• Travel (in rare cases)

These costs are usually minimal, and most advocates will discuss any potential expenses with you in advance. You can also ask for a written agreement that explains all fees and costs.

What If You Hire an Advocate Later in the Process?

Even if you bring in a disability advocate after your initial application is denied, the same fee rules apply. The advocate will still receive a percentage of your back pay, regardless of when they begin representing you.

If you hire someone for an appeal or hearing, their fee is based on the total back pay amount you’re eventually awarded, not just from the point they joined your case.

Is Hiring a Disability Advocate Worth It?

Yes—especially if:

• You've already been denied
• Your condition is complex or hard to prove
• You're unsure how to present medical evidence
• You feel overwhelmed by the SSA’s paperwork and deadlines

Disability advocates significantly improve your chances of winning, and since their fee is tied to the outcome of your case, you don’t take on financial risk by hiring one.