It costs, on average, $1,180 to process a single Social Security Disability application. The initial review is generally denied. The costs of the initial application, reconsideration and hearing by an administrative law judge costs the Social Security Administration on average $4,759.

Just think how much money the federal government could save if they had competent reviewers at the initial application and reconsideration stage where over 90% of applications are denied. Statistics show that over 70% of Social Security Disability applicants who have a hearing by the administrative law judge, win their benefits, ultimately costing the Social Security system and the American public $4,759. We at Cavey and Barrett support any legislation that would streamline the Social Security disability claims process. If you need help with your Social Security Disability application, contact a lawyer who can guide you through the process 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.

Posted January 19th 2010 to Social Security Disability, Social Security Hearning, The Claims Process | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

There are only three circumstances in which you might be able to get a fast hearing on your Social Security Disability claim. To get an expedited hearing you must show:

1. That you are 55 years or older. The claim is more easily decided by a Social Security Administrative law judge if you are older than 55 because under the Social Security rules you fall into the less restricted disability category. Sharon Barrett, an experienced Social Security Disability attorney, practicing in Florida may file a request for expedited hearing once her clients reach the age the of 55.
2. If you are at critical risk of death because emergency life saving surgery can’t be performed, you may be able to get an expedited hearing. However, you are going to need a letter from your doctor explaining the medical urgency which necessitates an expedited hearing.
3. You received a notice of eviction, foreclosure or acceleration of mortgage payments. That might also a ground for asking for an expedited hearing.

There really are no guarantees that any of these three situations will result in the Social Security Administration scheduling an expedited hearing. You must understand that despite the most compelling circumstances, the Social Security Administration does not always grant requests for expedited hearings.

If you have any questions about whether your personal circumstances might entitle you to an early Social Security Disability hearing, contact Social Security benefits denied attorney Sharon Barrett at www.caveylaw.com or by calling us at 727-894-3188.

Posted January 07th 2010 to Social Security Disability, Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

ODAR is an acronym. Once your Request for Hearing is received by the Social Security Administration it is forwarded with your file to the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review known as ODAR. They will send you a letter confirming receipt of your case and will review it to see whether or not hey can issue a favorable decision without scheduling a hearing. If not, you get to wait in line as your case waits its turn to be prepared for hearing.

The file is prepared for and reviewed by an administrative law judge and scheduled for a hearing, unfortunately in the Tampa Bay area, this can take almost twenty-four months.

You will receive notification from ODAR of the hearing date in the mail 20 days in advance and if you have an attorney, such as Social Security Disability benefits denied attorney Sharon Barrett, they will also be notified.

It is important in this twenty four month period of time that you continue to get medical treatment and that medical records be obtained to document your continuing disability. Sharon Barrett, Tampa Bay area Social Security Disability attorney, monitors the progress of your file within the ODAR office, updates your file with medical records, submitting them to ODAR, and notifies you of the hearing.

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.

Posted December 15th 2009 to Social Security Disability, Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

Are you a veteran who’s been given a disability rating and are applying for Social Security disability benefits?

If the Veterans Administration found that your disability is “permanent and total” and “you are unable to secure and follow a substantially gainful occupation due to disability”, the administrative law judge in a Social Security hearing must give great weight to the Veterans’ Administration disability rating.

Make sure you provide Social Security with documentation of any VA disability ratings you’ve received as this will help with your Social Security disability claim. Another crucial step in obtaining a successful claim is to contact an experienced Social Security Disability attorney such as Nancy Cavey.

Posted July 17th 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

Generally, the answer is no! The hearing  will take 45 to 60 minutes. The Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) may ask all the questions or let your attorney ask the questions. The ALJ knows what questions he wants answered and does not want to hear your life story.

The ALJ wants to hear about the 5 hurdles I talked about in earlier posts. Nothing more and nothing less.  The time will fly by.

The ALJ makes a decision about your case primarily based on your medical records and your testimony. Unless a friend or family member can add something new, it is generally not helpful to have additional witnesses at your hearing.

It is your time to shine and tell the ALJ the 5 Hurdle story. It is better for the ALJ to hear it from you than anyone else. You are your best witness!

For more information contact Cavey & Barrett, and consider reading this informative free book about Social Security Disability.

Posted May 01st 2008 to Social Security Hearning | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post