Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I have to pay my attorney in advance?
  No.  Most Social Security cases are accepted on a contingent fee basis of 25% of past-due benefits.  This means that there is no attorney fee payable if you unless you win.  If you win, the Social Security Administration will withhold 25% of past-due Social Security Disability benefits for payment of attorney's fees.  There is a cap on the attorney’s fee set by the Social Security Administration, currently set at $5300.00.
   
• When should I contact Krause Earwood & Ward, P.C. ?
  You should contact us as soon as you receive any denial notice from the Social Security Administration.  This allows Krause Earwood & Ward, P.C. the maximum amount of time to analyze and prepare your case for hearing before the Administrative Law Judge.
   
• What information will I need to provide my attorney?
  Your attorney will need to know:
  1.  The names and addresses of all doctors you have seen for your medical problems, along with the dates and number of times you have seen the doctors.
  2.  The names and addresses of all hospitals where you have been treated as an inpatient or an outpatient and the  dates of treatment.
  3.  A brief description of each of the jobs you have held during the last 15 years.
  4.  A list of medications you are presently taking, including the dosage and the name of the prescribing doctor.
   
• What benefits am I entitled to receive?
  Once a decision has been rendered that you are disabled, you will receive your first Social Security disability check dating back to the 6th full month from the onset of your disability.  The amount of your monthly disability check is based upon your lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security.  You are automatically enrolled in Medicare after entitlement to disability for two years.
  
  There is no waiting period for SSI benefits; however, SSI benefits cannot be paid for a period of time prior to the date that your claim was filed.  Usually, when you qualify for SSI, you are also entitled to receive Medicaid.  Medicaid benefits are normally retroactive to the date that you are determined to have qualified for SSI payments.
  
  This information does not necessarily apply to all types of Social Security cases.  For more information about cases involving blind individuals, disabled widows or widowers, or disabled children, please contact us.