Social Security Disability Benefits Blog » Administrative law Judge

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.

The Costs of Your Social Security Disability Application | How Much Does It Cost?

Nancy Cavey — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:19:53 +0000

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.

Should I Bring Anybody to Testify For Me at the Social Security Hearing | St. Pete Beach Social Security Disability Lawyer

Nancy Cavey — Thu, 01 May 2008 01:32:11 +0000

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.

Getting to the Social Security Hearing On Time | Port Richey Social Security Disability Lawyer

Nancy Cavey — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:40:18 +0000

Where you late to your high school graduation? Your wedding?

Don’t get lost and don’t be late.

Use Map-quest and have directions. Plan enough travel time to get lost. Plan to get to the hearing in time to sign in, look at your file, and compose yourself.

Social Security Disability hearings are informal and you do not have to dress up. You may have to wait if the Administrative Law Judge is running behind. The hearing will last about 45 minutes to 60 minutes and the time will fly. Be prepared for your big day! For more help and information search here.

The Magic Day – You Get a Notice of Hearing | New Port Richey Social Security Disability Lawyer

Nancy Cavey — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:16:51 +0000

You have filed your Request for Hearing and you have waited, waited, and waited some more. You may waited for over a year but the mail man has just delivered a letter from Social Security with a Notice of Hearing.

The Notice of Hearing will tell you the date, time, and location of your hearing. Don’t be surprised where the hearings can be held. I have had hearings at the local Marriott hotel where the visiting ALJ was staying and in bank buildings!

You will generally get 30 days notice of the hearing and be asked to send a form back to the local office that confirms you will be attending that hearing.

So, now the big day is approaching what should you do?

First and foremost, if you don’t have an experienced Social Security attorney such as Nancy Cavey or Sharon Barrett, get one immediately. You have a better chance of winning with representation than without.

If you choose to do it yourself (this in not a Home Depot type project) you should immediately get all your medical reports from any medical provider who saw you from the date you filed your initial application until the day you got the Notice of Hearing.

Make two copies. One should be sent to the local office by certified mail immediately. Take the second and put in date order. Then sit down at your kitchen table with a pad of paper. Start reading and taking notes. What did I complain about? What did the doctor say about my ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and stoop? Probably nothing!

That should be enough to send you to a social security disability attorney who can get from your treating physician information about your physical or emotional abilities. Getting your doctor to say your are disabled is a waste of time and money. That is not what the Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is looking for.

Since you have decided that you are Perry Mason, what are you going to do next?

You are going to get ready to testify. OK, are you now ready to admit you need an attorney? You may have talked your way through life before but it is not going to work before the (ALJ). A Social Security attorney will prepare you for the most important day in your Social Security claim.