Noteboom The Law Firm

Social Security Disability Payments Will Not Increase in 2010

Many people are concerned with the recent news that the Social Security Administration (SSA) will not be dispensing a raise in disability benefits in the beginning of the year. This has been performed since the 1970s, and it is called a cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA. The news is sobering for many who normally rely on the extra bit of money it brings in, usually totaling about 2 to 3%. Additionally, the COLA will not be seen in 2011, either, according to reports from Congress.

However, recipients of Social Security disability payments should understand that it is not the choice of those in office. Social Security's COLA increase was created to make up for inflation, as stagnant payments during periods of high inflation could drastically decrease the ability for recipients to even put food on the table. The fact that we presently have low-inflation might help some beneficiaries swallow this bitter pill a little easier.

One concern of many is that the cost of some Medicare programs is set to rise, but the truth is that the majority of recipients will not be affected. This is due to a hold-harmless clause that states that their Medicare costs cannot increase if their Social Security payments do not also rise. Fortunately, this clause should help protect many from an increased payment.

While recipients are anxious over the lack of payment increase in the New Year, government officials have offered some possible ways for the country to cut back on spending so that the COLA could return in the near future. They include rejecting the application for Social Security to illegal aliens, getting a better assessment of the cost of living, and letting prescription drugs be imported from Canada to decrease costs, to name a few. In general, most citizens, even those not directly affected by Social Security, are disappointed with the decision to discontinue the COLA for now, and want to help in any way they can.

If you, or your loved, 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.