Byron White

“ The Court somehow concludes that this clear legislative purpose militates for a construction of the statute which is against its clear wording and which has the result of once again permitting attorneys to obtain a very high percentage of the benefits payable to Social Security claimants. ”

“ Section 206 (b) (1) deals with the attorney's fees payable with respect to 'a claimant under this title who was represented before the court by an attorney * * *.' The attorney may receive no more than 25% of the benefits payable to such a claimant 'by reason of such judgment. * * *' Only plaintiffs can meet the § 206 (b) (1) definition of a 'claimant.' Therefore, dependents who are not joined as parties in a suit for past-due benefits are not 'claimants,' for they are not before the court, are not represented in court, and do not receive a judgment. ”