About
About Me
My name is David Carvalho. I am a former Social Security Claims Specialist with 20 years agency experience, now retired and working as a Social Security benefits advisor.
I started my career with the Social Security Administration in 2003 working as a customer service representative. I then advanced to a technical support advisor, and then a Claims Specialist where I processed over 45,000 retirement and Medicare applications. I retired from the agency in December 2023 after 20 years of service. I now work as a private benefits advisor, assisting clients with Social Security planning, walking them through the filing process and helping them avoid the countless mistakes I observed while processing applications.
Why Should I Use a Benefit Advisor?
Some might ask, why not just file myself, or schedule an interview with the Social Security office?
This can work well for some people with basic, straight forward applications. But shrinking staff levels have resulted in fewer Claims Specialists, less appointment availability and longer processing times. As a result, the agency is increasingly pushing applicants to file online and unassisted. Fewer Claim Specialists also means less time for follow up interviews. It is more important than ever to minimize errors before submitting an application.
How much does it cost?
Because I focus entirely on Social Security benefits rather than overall financial planning, my fees are a fraction of what most benefit advisors and financial planners charge. This makes my services more affordable and available to a larger group of clients.
Simply Google "How much does a Social Security Benefit Advisor cost?" and you will see the following:
"The cost of a Social Security benefits advisor varies, but generally ranges from $650 to $900 for a comprehensive report. Some advisors may also charge an hourly rate, typically between $120 and $400 per hour."
Then you can compare this to my rates using the "RATES" button below.
Experience Matters
Use caution when selecting a consultant or benefit advisor. Actual agency experience matters.
Most consultants and benefit advisors do not have actual Social Security employment experience. They are unaware of countless internal agency procedures not generally known to the public. This can be a critical missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to benefit planning, filing your application and preparing you for what to expect once it's submitted. Consultants and advisors who assist with multiple types of retirement and government benefits can provide outdated or inaccurate benefit information. As a Claims Specialist I helped correct many of these mistakes, but many others will go by unaddressed once you hit "submit".
Social Security Benefit Advisor vs. Financial Planner
Many people wonder what the difference is. Can't I use my Financial Planner for assistance with my Social Security benefits?
I have had many discussions with financial planners about this very issue. While well versed in finance, they frequently admit they are not the best resource when it comes to Social Security benefit assistance and can struggle to provide accurate information. Several have actually referred their clients to me. As a Social Security benefit advisor, I focus only on Social Security and Medicare benefits at a fraction of the cost.
How can I help?
After a short pre-interview, we will schedule an appointment to address any questions you have about current or future benefits. If you decide to file and need assistance, I will walk you through the entire application page by page, helping you avoid the common and sometimes uncommon mistakes.
Although filing online can appear to be a simple process, I have found that one third or more of all online applications contain errors. Some mistakes are simply time consuming, extending application processing times, or even requiring application withdrawals. Other mistakes can affect your benefit amount or result in months or years of lost benefits or Medicare eligibility. Many applications summitted online never receive call backs, even if they contain errors.
I am also expanding my assistance with disability applications.
I am not always able to help with every disability case, but please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss your disability claim.
Filing for Retirement and Medicare Benefits While Working
Many people choose to continue to work while receiving Social Security benefits or Medicare.
The income restrictions associated with retirement benefits are frequently misunderstood, resulting in benefit suspensions or overpaid benefits. Others pay unnecessary Medicare premiums while they still carry insurance through employment, or file late resulting in permanent premium penalties. I will help you avoid these sometimes costly mistakes.
Medicare
Medicare coverage can be a critical part of many people's retirement as their work insurance comes to an end or they approach the age 65.
Medicare enrollment can be easy and straightforward, or fraught with complications, particularly if you file after age 65 or have not paid into Medicare. Navigating Medicare enrollment periods can be very confusing. I will walk you through each stage of enrollment and can assist with any required enrollment forms. Mistakes on Medicare enrollment forms are common. They can delay your application processing time and result premium penalties or lost coverage.
Advocacy Services Available
I also offer advocacy services to clients having issues with their existing benefits or pending claims. As a former claims specialist, I am well versed in the internal language used by the agency. I can therefor communicate with them more effectively. Depending on your situation I can assist in communication with the Social Security customer service line via conference calls. In some situations, I can also accompany Washington State residents on visits to their local Social Security offices depending on their location.
Retirement Communities
I offer free, in person question and answer sessions for retirement communities and senior centers located in the Pacific Northwest and Hawaii where I spend part of the year. Additionally, I can offer sessions to communities outside these regions through zoom calls or video meetings.
I can also negotiate group discounts for qualifying retirement community residents. Consulting fees can be paid either by the resident or by your community as a membership incentive. Simply contact me or have your community administrator contact me for more information.
YouTube Channel
I have a YouTube channel where I post informational videos, answer viewer questions, offer advice and discuss other related topics. Please give it a look and follow me for regular of updates.
Legal Disclaimer
My Social Security Guy, LLC. is a privately owned company and has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. I am no longer employed by the Social Security Administration. Consulting services offered here are not endorsed by the Social Security Administration. The Social Security information and assistance provided on this website do not, and are not intended to, constitute financial advice. All information and content available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Consult with your financial advisor for information to assist with your retirement and financial planning.