Social Security Disability Benefits Blog » Benefits Overview

How Long Do I Have to Wait Before I Get a Decision from an Administrative Law Judge?

Nancy Cavey — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:26:28 +0000

Well you finally had your at court and the judge has asked you questions. You’ve answered all your attorney’s questions. You’ve heard the testimony of a vocational expert or medical expert. And you are wondering, when am I going to know if I have been granted Social Security Disability benefits?

The administrative law judge normally makes a decision shortly after the hearing so long is that there is no additional evidence that they have requested or that we wish to submit. The administrative law judge takes about six to eight weeks to issue a decision.

Unfortunately, in the Tampa Bay area you can expect to wait 24 months from the time you file your request from the time until you have your actual hearing and then expect to wait yet another two months before you get the decision.

We always ask for a ruling, on the record, reserving our rights for a hearing. At Cavey and Barrett, we ask our clients to provide us with ongoing information about their medical treatment and gather records to support your claim. We continue to provide this information to the Social Security Administration and do a pre hearing “Memo of Law” asking that the judge accept your claim based on the evidence that we have gathered. You can help us help you by keeping us updated about your physicians and treatment that you have rendered. At Cavey and Barrett, attorney Sharon Barrett, knows how important it is to work closely with her clients to ensure the best results possible.

Social Security Disability attorney Sharon Barrett has written the consumer guide to the Social Security Disability claims process called Your Rights to Social Security Disability Benefits. Get Your Copy Today!

If you would like more information about your rights regarding Social Security Disability Benefits, you can order our FREE book,"Your Rights to Social Security Disability Benefits" by submitting the form in the sidebar. We will send it out immediately along with other important information.

For more information about Social Security Disability Benefits, visit our law firm web site at CaveyLaw.com. If you would like to speak with one of our Social Security Disability Benefits attorneys about your case, feel free to call us anytime at (727) 897-9117 or simply submit our contact form and we will get back to you quickly.

Are There Any Ways my Social Security Benefits Can Be Reduced? Social Security Benefits

Nancy Cavey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:35:21 +0000

Yes, your Social Security Disability benefits can be reduced if:

You receive other government benefits.
You receive Workers’ Compensation disability benefits.
You have a pension from a federal, state or local government based on work where you didn’t pay Social Security or taxes.

If you have any questions about how your Social Security Disability benefits may be reduced contact Cavey and Barrett, your Pinellas and Hillsborough County Social Security Disability experts

What happens if I collect Social Security benefits while working? | Brandon Social Security Disability Attorney

Nancy Cavey — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 17:38:20 +0000

Well, you’re in big trouble! There can be an assessed overpayment that can run into thousands of dollars that will follow you to the grave. Social Security can recoup over-payments until you die. Alternatively, they can stop your benefits, which means you’ll have to start all over again in the disability evaluation process and prove that you are disabled. Remember that you are jeopardizing your entitlement to Medicare or Medicaid if you work while receiving Social Security Disability benefits or SSI.

Please note that at the Tampa Bay Social Security Law firm, Cavey & Barrett, we do not represent individuals who work while collecting Social Security Disability benefits.

Is It Hard to Get Social Security Disability Benefits for Mental Problems? | Bradenton Social Security Disability Lawyer

Nancy Cavey — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:30:53 +0000

At Cavey and Barrett, your Pinellas and Hillsborough County Social Security Disability lawyers, we are ofter asked “Is it hard to get Social Security Disability benefits for a mental problem?”

Unfortunately, Social Security Disability applicants with psychiatric problems are routinely denied Social Security Disability benefits.

Unfortunately, disability claims examiners who make the decision about your initial disability application and reconsideration have very little training in evaluating mental impairments and their insight into those conditions is non-existent.

They will read and summarize your medical records and take them to a unit psychologist for review.

Unfortunately, the unit psychology consultants are not very good and routinely render inaccurate opinions about the mental Residual Functional Capacity forms.

At Cavey & Barrett we work closely with disabled Social Security applicants with psychological and psychiatric problems. We consult with your mental health counselor and secure documentation of your ongoing treatment. We will have your mental health counselor complete Residual Functional Capacity forms that accurately reflect the impact that psychological problems have on your ability to function.

Social Security Announces Cost of Living Adjustment for 2009 | Clearwater Social Security Disability Lawyer

Nancy Cavey — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:47:35 +0000

The Social Security Administration has announced that the 2009 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will be 5.8%. This is the largest increase since 1982. In 2008, the cost-of-living adjustment was a meager 2.3%.

If you have any questions about the cost-of-living adjustments, go to the Social Security Administration’s website which is found at www.SSA.gov. You’ll find a complete chart of the 2008 changes and a wealth of other information on this website.

For information about your rights to Social Security Disability Benefits, order your free copy of “Your Rights to Social Security Disability” which was written by Tampa Bay Social Security disability experts, attorneys Nancy Cavey and Sharon Barrett.