Government Sets Lawyer Tax Rate for Disability Claims
Published Date: 12/11/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting in 2026, the Social Security Administration will keep the fee assessment rate at 6.3% when paying representatives directly from past-due benefits. This means if you have a representative helping you, a small percentage of their fee will cover SSA’s costs. The maximum fee cap is $123, and these rules help keep things fair and clear for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Assessment capped at $123 or 6.3% in 2026
If the Social Security Administration pays your representative directly from past‑due benefits in 2026, SSA will take an assessment from that fee equal to the lesser of $123 or 6.3% of the fee. The notice sets the assessment percentage rate at 6.3 percent for 2026 and confirms the maximum dollar limit is $123.
Up to 25% of past‑due benefits may be withheld
If you are entitled to past‑due Social Security benefits and you were represented by an attorney or an approved non‑attorney representative, SSA may withhold up to 25% of those past‑due benefits to pay the representative's approved fee. That withholding is the statutory mechanism SSA uses to pay representatives from past‑due awards.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13420 — Revised Medical Criteria for Evaluating Cardiovascular Disorders
The Social Security Administration updated the rules for deciding disability claims related to heart and blood vessel problems for both adults and kids. These changes use the latest medical info and public feedback to make sure decisions are fair and clear. The new rules kick in on October 30, 2026, and could speed up or improve benefit approvals for people with serious heart conditions.
2026-11585 — Penalty Inflation Adjustments for Civil Monetary Penalties
Starting June 10, 2026, the Social Security Administration is updating its civil penalty amounts to keep up with inflation. This means fines for breaking certain rules will be a bit higher to match today’s prices. If you deal with SSA rules, watch out—penalties are now adjusted every year to stay fair and current!
2026-11050 — Notice on Penalty Inflation Adjustments for Civil Monetary Penalties
The Social Security Administration is keeping civil monetary penalties (fines) at the same 2025 levels through January 14, 2027. This means anyone who might face these fines won’t see increases for now, even though they usually adjust for inflation every year. So, if you’re involved with Social Security rules, the penalty amounts won’t change for a while.
2026-10817 — Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance
This new rule updates how federal financial help is given and managed across many government agencies. It affects anyone who gets federal grants or aid, making the process clearer, fairer, and easier to follow. Changes kick in soon and could impact how money flows and how quickly folks get support.
2026-10439 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Request
The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on updating some forms they use to pay benefits, especially for spouses choosing reduced payments. They’re asking for comments by July 27, 2026, to make sure the forms are clear and easy to use, and to keep paperwork as light as possible. This affects spouses applying for reduced benefits and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or delays.
2026-10316 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request
The Social Security Administration wants your thoughts on how they collect info to fix earnings records. If you’ve spotted mistakes in your Social Security earnings, this affects you! They’re asking for comments by June 22, 2026, to make the process easier and less time-consuming—no extra costs involved, just your feedback to help improve things.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22532 — National Council on the Arts 218th Meeting
The National Council on the Arts is holding its 218th meeting on January 8, 2026, from 1 to 2 p.m., and everyone can join online! They’ll chat about important arts topics, with some private talks if needed. This meeting affects artists, arts groups, and the public, keeping everyone in the loop about arts funding and plans.
Next: 2025-22535 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposed Collection; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 32a-4
The SEC is asking for comments on extending a rule that lets investment funds skip a shareholder vote when picking their independent auditor—if they have an independent audit committee instead. Boards just need to adopt and keep an audit committee charter, which takes about 2.75 hours one time. This keeps things smooth and saves time without extra yearly paperwork or costs.