Substantial work is defined by Social Security rules as “physical and mental work that you’re paid to do by your employer. Work can be substantial even if you are doing it on a part time basis.” The Social Security Administration looks at the kinds of job duties you are doing, your skills and experience you need to do the job and most importantly: how much you actually make.

The Social Security Administration will find that work is substantial if you have gross earning of $830 per month.

You may be self-employed. If so, the Social Security Administration considers the time and value of your work, including your role in the management of the business in deciding whether or not your work is substantial.

This does become an issue in Social Security Disability cases and Sharon Barrett, your Sarasota and Pinellas County Social Security Disability attorney can help you with any problems involving substantial gainful activity defense. Use the contact form on this website to contact us today to help you with your Social Security Disability claims process.

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 March 09th 2010 to The Claims Process | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

83% of Americans do not believe that their Social Security Disability Claims Will be Handled Fairly by the Social Security Administration

Attorney Carl Kazmierczak of Kazmierczak and Kazmierczak, a Social Security Disability firm recently asked the question, “Do you feel the Social Security Administration will handle your Social Security Disability claim fairly?”

This poll was taken by the Office of Disability guide and the response was amazing, 83% said that they did not trust the Social Security Administration to handle their Social Security Disability claim fairly.

The Social Security Administration proved Commissioner Astrue is making many efforts to improve the Social Security Administrations ability to quickly handle Social Security claims and reduce wait times.

The office of Commissioner Astrue fully assists in improving the public opinion of the Social Security Administration and how Social Security Disability claims are handled. http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/09/prweb2842904.8tm

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 March 04th 2010 to The Claims Process | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

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.

Posted January 26th 2010 to Benefits Overview, Getting a Lawyer, Social Security Disability, The Claims Process | Comments (0)| Permalink | Trackback |  Print This Post |  Email This Post

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

The Social Security Administration can issue a subpoena for your medical records upon written request to the administrative law judge. While this is rarely done, the administrative law judge does have the power to issue subpoenas.

At Cavey & Barrett, we feel that the administrative law judge should not have to exercise that power because we submit all relevant medical records from your treating physician to the administrative law judge when making the determination of your entitlement to Social Security benefits.

If you have any questions regarding your rights to Social Security Disability benefits, contact Social Security Disability attorney Sharon Barrett, your St. Petersburg based Social Security Disability attorney at www.caveylaw.com or give her a call at 727-894-3188.

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