Allsup charges a fee only if you win your case

Allsup is a for-profit company that helps people file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). They do not charge you anything upfront. If Social Security denies your case, you pay nothing. If Social Security approves your claim, Allsup takes a percentage of your back pay — the money owed to you from the date you became disabled until the date Social Security approves you.

The fee is set by federal law, not by Allsup. Social Security allows representatives to charge up to 25 percent of your back pay, or $7,200, whichever is less. Allsup typically charges the full 25 percent allowed. This means if you receive $20,000 in back pay, Allsup takes $5,000. If you receive $30,000 in back pay, Allsup takes $7,200 (the legal cap), not $7,500.

You should know that you do not have to use Allsup or any company to file for SSDI. You can file on your own through Social Security's website, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office, at no cost. You can also work with a disability lawyer or non-profit organization instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Allsup charges nothing if Social Security denies your claim; you only pay if you win.
  • The fee is 25 percent of your back pay or $7,200, whichever is smaller — this is the legal maximum set by federal law.
  • You can file for SSDI on your own at no cost through Social Security's website, phone line, or local office.
  • Disability lawyers and non-profit organizations are alternatives to Allsup and may charge different fees or none at all.
  • Allsup's fee comes from your back pay only, not from your ongoing monthly SSDI payments.

How Allsup's fee works in practice

When Allsup represents you, they handle the paperwork, gather medical records, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf. If Social Security approves your claim, you receive a notice showing the total amount of back pay owed. Allsup's fee is deducted from that back pay before you receive your portion. You do not pay the fee out of your own pocket after approval — it comes directly from what Social Security owes you.

Your ongoing monthly SSDI payment is never touched. If Social Security approves you for $1,200 per month going forward, you receive the full $1,200 every month. The fee applies only to the lump sum of back pay, which is a one-time payment.

The fee agreement must be in writing and signed by you before Allsup can represent you. You have the right to review this agreement and ask questions before you sign. If you change your mind and want to stop working with Allsup, you can request a new representative or represent yourself instead.

Why people use Allsup despite the fee

Filing for SSDI on your own is free, but the process is lengthy and complex. Social Security denies about 65 to 70 percent of initial applications. If you are denied, you can appeal, but each appeal stage takes months. Many people hire representation because they believe it increases their chances of approval, or because they do not have the time or energy to manage the paperwork themselves.

Allsup advertises that they have experience with medical conditions and know what evidence Social Security looks for. They also handle communication with Social Security, which means you do not have to make phone calls or visit the office yourself. For someone who is very ill or disabled, this can be valuable.

However, research on whether representation actually improves approval rates is mixed. Some studies show that having a representative helps; others show that the quality of your medical evidence matters more than who represents you. You should weigh whether the convenience is worth 25 percent of your back pay in your specific situation.

Other representatives and how their fees compare

You can also work with a disability lawyer instead of Allsup. Lawyers are bound by the same federal fee cap — 25 percent of back pay or $7,200, whichever is less. Some lawyers charge less than the maximum, and some charge a flat fee instead of a percentage. You can ask a lawyer's fee before you hire them.

Non-profit organizations like the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) can refer you to representatives in your area. Some non-profits charge reduced fees or no fee at all, depending on your income. Your local legal aid office may also help with SSDI cases for free if you meet their income limits.

If you file on your own and later want to hire someone, you can do that at any stage — even after you have been denied and are appealing. You do not have to decide on representation before you start.

What to watch for when working with Allsup

Allsup is a legitimate company, but you should understand what they can and cannot do. They cannot may provide approval. They cannot speed up Social Security's timeline. They cannot change Social Security's rules about what counts as a disability. If someone tells you they can may provide approval or get you benefits in a certain timeframe, that is a red flag.

Before you sign with Allsup, ask them to explain in writing what they will do for you, how long the process typically takes, and what happens if you are denied. Ask whether they have experience with your specific medical condition. Get the fee agreement in writing and keep a copy.

You also have the right to fire your representative at any time. If you become unhappy with Allsup's work, you can request a new representative or handle your case yourself. If you switch representatives before approval, the new representative's fee will be deducted from your back pay instead — you do not pay both.

The difference between Allsup and Social Security

Allsup is not part of Social Security. Social Security is a federal government program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Allsup is a private company that contracts with people to represent them. When you work with Allsup, you are hiring a private representative, not a government service.

This matters because Social Security's own website and phone line (1-800-772-1213) can answer questions about SSDI for free. You can file your claim through Social Security directly without paying anyone. Allsup's value is in handling the work for you, not in giving you access to Social Security that you would not have otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am denied — do I owe Allsup anything?

No. Allsup's fee applies only if Social Security approves your claim. If you are denied, you owe nothing. You can then decide whether to appeal on your own, hire a different representative, or stop pursuing the claim.

Can Allsup charge me a fee upfront or for paperwork?

No. Federal law prohibits representatives from charging upfront fees or charging for things like gathering medical records. The only fee allowed is the percentage of back pay after approval. If someone asks you for money before your case is decided, that is illegal.

Does Allsup's fee come out of my monthly SSDI check?

No. The fee comes only from your back pay — the lump sum owed for the months before approval. Your monthly SSDI payment is never reduced. If you are approved for $1,200 per month, you receive $1,200 every month, even after Allsup's fee is paid.

What if I file on my own first and then hire Allsup?

You can hire a representative at any point, including after you have been denied and are appealing. If you hire Allsup after you have already filed, their fee still applies only to back pay if you win. You do not pay a fee for the work you did yourself before hiring them.

Is there a cheaper way to get help with SSDI?

Yes. Non-profit organizations, legal aid offices, and some disability lawyers charge less than 25 percent or charge no fee at all. You can also file on your own through Social Security's website or by calling 1-800-772-1213. The trade-off is that you do the work yourself instead of having someone else handle it.