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Senate Rejects One-time $250 Check for SSA Benefit Recipients

In an effort to make up for the lack of cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) this year for those receiving Social Security disability, several officials proposed that qualifying seniors, veterans, and the disabled receive a one-time $250 check in 2010. Unfortunately, that plan was recently defeated by the Senate.

It was determined in late 2009 that the cost of living would not increase for 2010, which means an increase in monthly payments would not be issued. Yahoo News reports the one-time checks would have been issued to about 57 million disabled individuals, senior citizens, and veterans affected by the lack of a COLA increase.

This supposed lack of cost of living increase did not necessarily apply in the real world, where most disability recipients struggle to pay rising bills for housing, utilities, groceries and medical expenses.

President Obama supported this bill, but the Senate voted against it 50 to 47. The checks would have been part of the job creation package that now stands at $108 billion. The checks would have added about $13 billion to the bill.

Proponents of the one-time $250 check are worried that those affected will struggle financially this year, particularly as the Medicare premiums have risen for some recipients.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The disability lawyers at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Ft. Lauderdale, FL understand the inner workings of the Social Security Administration and will help you navigate the system. Call us today for a FREE legal consultation - 1-888-234-5758.