Archive for August 2014
Social Security Guidelines on Fibromyalgia and Disability
The Social Security Administration published new guidelines for evaluating fibromyalgia in its disability cases on July 25, 2012. The purpose of the Ruling is to assist SSA’s decision makers in evaluating disability claims with allegations of fibromyalgia. According to the Ruling, fibromyalgia “is a complex medical condition characterized primarily by widespread pain in the joints, muscles, tendons…
Read MoreSocial Security Benefits and Debit Cards – Some things to consider
Starting March 1, 2013, all Federal benefits, including Social Security payments, went electronic. There are no more paper checks. Social Security beneficiaries here in Colorado as well as across the country will receive their payments by direct deposit or on a debit card. For any Social Security beneficiary who does not choose an option for…
Read MoreNew Report Recommends Changes to Social Security Disability Programs
According to an August 8, 2012, PRNewsire press release, D.C.-based advocacy group “Our Generation” has released a report entitled “Social Security Disability Insurance – an Entitlement in Need of Reform.” In the report, the non-profit think-tank elaborates on the problems with the current Social Security disability system and suggests ways that the federal disability program…
Read MoreSenate’s Report Misses the Point on Social Security Disability
A report from the US Senate Subcommittee on Investigations minority staff released this month alleges that SSA erroneously awarded disability benefits in more than 25% of the claims it processes. The investigation looked at 300 cases over three counties in the US to come to this conclusion. The very small sample size is the…
Read MoreTemporary FICA Tax HOLIDAY is likely over at the end of 2012
Congress is not likely to extend the payroll tax deduction began in 2010 when it expires at the end of this year. FICA taxes are workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust fund. The purpose of the reduction of the FICA tax rate from 6.2 % to 4.2% was to stimulate the economy by putting…
Read MoreSocial Security Field Offices to Reduce Hours Again
The Social Security Administration informed its field office employees their offices will close to the public at 3:00 instead of 3:30 as of November 19, 2012. This is the second reduction in office hours for SSA. The agency reduced its office hours to the public by 30 minutes daily back in August 2011. The email…
Read MoreWorkers Also Need Disability Insurance
The fascinating thing about life is that one is never certain about what will happen. Although this can result in wonderful surprises, it can also manifest in unfortunate ways. Since it is impossible for individuals to predict the future, the only other option to deal with future unfortunate events is to prepare for them in case they…
Read MoreSocial Security Announces Its 1.7% Increase In Benefits For Next Year
The Social Security Administration announced today that the cost-of-lining adjustment or COLA for 2013 will be 1.7%. Monthly Social Security payments will increase by 1.7% as will monthly Supplemental Security Income payments. Social Security will make other changes beginning January 2013 based on the COLA. For example, the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security…
Read MoreSocial Security Disability Benefits and Long Term Disability Benefits
When you receive Long Term Disability (LTD) benefits from a private insurance policy, your insurance company will probably require you to file for Social Security Disability benefits. Most LTD policies have requirements that you file for Social Security benefits after you begin receiving LTD benefits from their policy. The insurance company wants you to file…
Read MoreSocial Security Administration Stops Mailing Paper Statements Again
SSA has suspended mailing out their Social Security earnings and benefits statements effective October 1 due to their very tight budget. The Social Security statements showed a person’s earnings covered by Social Security and estimates of the person’s potential retirement and disability benefits. SSA had previously suspended mailing out the paper Social Security statements as…
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