Social Security

For specific topics on Social Security, click on a link to the side of this page.

The Eighth Circuit Social Security Disability Conference is going to be in Des Moines at the Hotel Savery, from August 12 to 14, 2009. For more information,  click here for the Eighth Circuit Disability Brochure 2009. For a one-page summary of the topics being covered, click here for a copy of the Eighth Circuit Disability Summary Brochure.

On June 22, 2009, the maximum attorney fee for attorneys in Social Security Disability and SSI cases will increase from $5,300.00 to $6,000.00. That will cover all cases decided in favor of the client on or after June 22, 2009. That maximum amount was set by the Social Security Commissioner, Michael Astrue. Most attorney fee agreements for disability appeals now contain language that the maximum fee will be $5,300.00 or whatever amount is set by law or regulation, so that will allow payment of $6,000.00, if back benefits are $24,000.00 or more. Click here for a copy of the regulation from Commissioner Astrue. Click on 74 FR 6080 for a copy of the regulation, or click here to see the regulation on the SSA site.