Social Security numbers show that at least 60% of Social Security Disability applicants who are represented are approved for disability!

In my experience, anyone who thinks the Administrative Law Judge is going to simply award benefits after hearing their story is naive and misinformed. As the saying goes, “a person who represents themselves has a fool for a client.” That is particularly true in Social Security as it is a medical and factual complex area of the law.

It is in your best interest to get representation are early as possible. You get help in filing out your initial application and forms, gathering your medical records (Social Security does not always get our whole chart), filing your Request for Reconsideration, filing for a hearing, developing the evidence need for the hearing and getting your ready to testify before the Administrative Law Judge.

Your lawyer can explain the Social Security Disability process and answer your questions.

A representative is paid from your back benefits up to 25% of the back benefits up to $5,300.00. If the representative does not win, there is no fee.

Some people don’t want to pay for representation and would rather take their chances. Most get what they paid for – nothing.

Understanding how the system works and having representation can make the difference in getting your benefits.

Contact skilled attorneys Cavey & Barret to give yourself the maximum chance of success.

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The very first thing that should be done is to look at your Social Security file to see what is in your file. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will send your lawyer a CD with a copy of your file.

Some lawyers will do a cursory review of the file but we believe the file should be reviewed cover to cover! Why? We want to learn what happened at the initial and reconsideration level, what evidence was in your file, and the reason for the denial.

We then formulate a strategy for the file handling. Since SSA’s file development stops at the Request for Reconsideration, the medical in your file is out of date by the time a hearing is scheduled. Remember it can take 18 to 24 months to get a hearing and a lot can happen medically in your case.

We obtain a complete copy of your medical records to show when your disability started, how it progressed and how your disability continues to impact your employability. It is important that you keep your lawyer updated on your medical treatment.

We also contact your treating physician to have them complete the appropriate residual functional capacity form. (RFC)

We also prepare a brief summarizing your case and pointing out what evidence supports each of the 5 hurdles. We make sure the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) has all your medical records and a strong argument for awarding you the social security disability benefits you deserve.

Before your hire a lawyer, make sure you understand what will be done to prepare your case for your Social Security hearing. Without a doubt it would be in your best interest to hire an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer such as Nancy Cavey or Sharon Barrett to review your file and help you with your case.

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Can you still talk with the Social Security office after you hire a lawyer? What should you do with correspondence you get from Social Security after you hire a lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer to represent you in your Social Security disability claim, the lawyer will send a notice to the Social Security office telling them to make sure all contact with you is through your lawyer.

The purpose of the letter to make sure that your lawyer knows what is going on, whether SSA has set up an examination you must attend, whether additional material is needed or whether your claim has been granted or denied.

If you are contacted by SSA by phone contact your lawyer, so your lawyer can respond to SSA immediately.

Don’t assume that SSA sends your lawyer a copy of letters they send to you. If you get any correspondence from SSA, immediately call your lawyer so you can discuss what needs to be done.

Communication is key to the success of your claim. Don’t make a mistake by failing to tell your lawyer about any communications from SSA. To hire an experienced lawyer to represent you contact us here at Cavey & Barrett.

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The attorney’s fee in a Social Security case is paid from your back benefits. The fee is 25% of your back pay (called retroactive benefits) or $5300.00 The fee is capped at maximum of $5300.00.

If your attorney has paid to get copies of your medical records, paid your doctor to fill out a residual functional capacity form (RFC) or paid a vocational evaluator to testify you will, most likely, be responsible for paying back those costs. The repayment of the costs will be in addition to the fee.

If your Social Security Disability benefits are not awarded, you are not responsible for the payment of the fee but will still be responsible for the payment of costs. Since the attorney won’t be paid a fee unless your benefits are awarded, they have reason to make sure your case and the evidence is fully presented to the Social Security Administration. (SSA)

Here at Cavey & Barrett we specialize in Social Security Disability cases and we really do care. Contact us here at www.caveylaw.com or call 727-894-3188 for the help you need with your claim.

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Unfortunately, hiring an attorney will not generally speed up getting your Social Security disability benefits. So, why should you get a Social Security Disability lawyer?

You don’t hire a lawyer to speed up a case, you hire a lawyer to improve you chances to obtain your benefits because your lawyer will develop the necessary evidence to meet the 5 Hurdle test we have explained in early postings.

If you have been denied your claim for Social Security Disability benefits you are going to end up, most likely, in front of an Administative Law Judge (ALJ). Do you want to be in front of the ALJ by yourself? Do you want to rely on the ALJ to do the right thing?

An attorney will make sure that your medical records are obtained, develop the evidence, get your physician to fill out a functional residual capacity form (RFC), prepare a memorandum for the ALJ explaining your case, and prepare you for the hearing.

The reality is that you really do need a lawyer. If you live in the Tampa Bay area and think you qualify for benefits, contact the Law Office of Nancy Cavey and Sharron Barrett to arrange a consultation. Click here or call 727-897-9117 or 727-894-3188.

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