July 1, 2026
Increased Guideline for Administrative Tasks (Line 22)
We are pleased to announce that AIDOAC has approved an increase to the administrative time guideline (Line 22).
The new guideline will be 3.0 hours and it will apply to cases appointed on or after July 1, 2026.
It will operate like any other guideline. It is neither a floor nor a ceiling. An attorney claiming more than 3.0 hours must provide an explanation. As with the other guidelines, even when the claimed amount is at or below the 3.0 guideline, we may inquire as to the tasks involved when the amount claimed seems high for the circumstances of the case. Those circumstances would include but are not limited to such things as how many filings there were, how long the case was pending, the complexity of the compensation claim, whether it was necessary to send the record to the client, etc.
Our advocacy to raise this guideline relied heavily on your responses to the AIDOAC audit questionnaire. Your comments give AIDOAC members valuable context on the realities of handling court-appointed appeals while running your own business. These responses are carefully reviewed and discussed at AIDOAC’s quarterly meetings, so please don’t skip them.
Compensation Rate Increase for Cases Appointed On or After July 1, 2026
We’re pleased to share that, effective July 1, 2026, the state budget includes a $25 rate increase for court-appointed appeals. This is a well-earned bump, and we’re glad to see it reflected in the new budget.
The new rates apply to all cases appointed on or after July 1, 2026:
Assisted appointments: $145
Independent appointments: $155
Upper-tier independent appointments: $165
Thank you for the work you do on these appeals — we’re glad to be able to share this update with you.