COSTS & REPRESENTATION / YOURABLECASE
Understand the fee before you sign.
Requesting an initial case review through this site costs nothing. Representation is a separate decision, with fee rules overseen by Social Security.
THE GUIDE / 01
The intake review
There is no charge to complete the YOURABLECASE review request. Completing the public form does not hire a lawyer, obligate you to pay a fee, or establish an attorney-client relationship.
THE GUIDE / 02
If you choose representation
An appointed representative may seek a fee under SSA’s rules. SSA generally must authorize the representative fee before the representative may charge or collect it. Fees can be handled through a fee agreement or fee petition depending on the situation.
Any specific contract, reimbursable costs, fee allocation, or legal-services terms must be provided and approved by the firm before representation begins. We do not publish a blanket guarantee about fees or case outcomes.
THE GUIDE / 03
What to ask before you sign
- Who exactly will represent me before Social Security?
- What work is covered at each appeal stage?
- What fee arrangement, expenses, and authorizations are involved?
- What happens if I stop representation or change representatives?
- How will I communicate with my assigned team?
THE GUIDE / 04
Formal representative appointment
SSA uses the current Form SSA-1696 process for appointments. The named representative must be a qualified individual, and the form process is separate from a law-firm website inquiry.
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions worth asking.
Is there a fee for filling out the online form?
No. The initial case-review request is free.
Does SSA approve representative fees?
SSA generally must authorize representative fees. Specific rules and exceptions depend on the arrangement and case.
Does submitting the form mean I hired the firm?
No. A separate engagement and representative appointment process is required.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Get a clearer direction.
Tell our intake team where you are in the process. There is no obligation to request a review.