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.

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Did you know  that the number of new  initial applications has increased by 20% over the last 10 years?  Did you know that in the last 10 years the backlog has doubled?

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report that looks at the reasons for this backlog. The report, Social Security Disability: Better Planning, Management and Evaluation Could Help Address Backlogs, GAO-08-40 (Dec.2007) can be found at www.gao.gov.

According to the GAO the backlog is due to the filing of initial applications by baby boomers, staff losses, and SSA management decisions.

Why the delay at the initial application and reconsideration stages? These stages are handled in each state by the Disability Determination Services unit. These are state and not federal employees.

One of the most fascinating numbers in the report is that Disability Determination Services (DDS) staffing has only grown by 4% in the last ten years while the number of disability applications increased some 20%. Even more important number is this startling  one – DDS employees quit at twice the rate as SSA employees!

Inadequate staffing and double the cases. No reason people quit. All of which means, unfortunately, DELAY!

Contact us here for more information.

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Do you need a social security lawyer, like Nancy Cavey, to help you get your Social Security Disability benefits? It depends on where you are at in the claims application process.

The initial application is pretty easy to file but there are mistakes that you can make in the initial application process. These mistakes can include giving incomplete history about your work history, failing to give an accurate an history about the lightest job you have had, not explaining your medical condition fully, failing to explain the side effects of medication, etc.

I would suggest that you consult with an lawyer before you file the claim for Social Security Disability so  you understand how to file the forms correctly.

If you initial application is denied, you must file a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days or you get to start over. We think you should have a lawyer at this stage.

If your claim is denied, you must file an Application for Hearing within 60 days if the Request for Reconsideration is denied. St. Petersburg Social Security Disability lawyer Nancy Cavey’s help in developing the necessary medical, vocational and lay evidence can make the difference between wining and losing. For more information, and for more help with your claim, click here or call 727-894-3188.

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You have applied for Social Security and have gotten a Notice of Denial. What should you do?

First, and foremost, don’t give up! Over 80% of all initial applications are denied. There are two very important things to pay attention to in any Notice of Denial. At the top of the letter is a date. You have 60 days from the date of the letter to file an Appeal. If you do not file your Appeal within 60 days, you will have to start the case over with a new application unless you can show “good cause”.

Read the denial letter and keep in mind the 5 hurdles we have talked about it earlier postings. Buried in the letter is the reason for the denial. More often than not, the denial will be at Hurdle 4, Past Relevant Work (PRW) or Hurdle 5 Other Work. Now you know what evidence you need to provide the Social Security  Administration (SSA) to win your case.

Appeal the denial immediately! For more information, and for more help with your claim, click here or call 727-894-3188.

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