Attorney Blog

New Government Website Provides Information About Disabilities

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28157 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is attempting to provide information about the medical conditions and disabilities that are covered under the SSA disability benefits programs.

According to eNews Park Forest, Commissioner of Social Security, Michael J. Astrue, announced that the SSA's official Website will provide links to sites that offer information about various disabilities, as well as resources on how to obtain prescription drugs for lower prices.

While the site will now provide important medical information, it is by no means a replacement for the individual medical examinations that you must get in order to build a complete medical history. Your disability attorney needs these medical records in order to establish a body of evidence to fight for your disability case.

Having a complete medical history and solid case are particularly important right now as there are more than 3 million applicants this year for both SSI and SSDI combined. You can find a link to the health Websites via the SSA's official Website.

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.

Minnesota Budget Cuts Affect Disabled Individuals

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28155 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Like many states, Minnesota has been forced to cut several state-funded programs from its budget. This is likely to affect the state's poor and disabled individuals in a myriad of ways.

The Twin Cities Daily Planet reports the new budget proposed by Governor Pawlenty would decrease the budget for health and human services by about $350 million. The reduced budget will affect many families that make between about $8,000 and $27,000 per year, by either dropping their state healthcare or increasing premiums for those still eligible.

In addition, about 4,000 recipients of Supplemental Security Income would lose the cash assistance offered by the Minnesota Family Investment Program, which is a welfare-to-work program. This is because their SSI income would be counted as regular income.

Additionally, fewer people with disabilities will be able to use home-based Medicaid services, meaning that many will now have to be moved to more expensive centers in order to receive the necessary healthcare. Also, Minnesota Supplemental Assistance - Special Diets would no longer be funded. This program helps some elderly and disabled people pay for special, medically necessary diets.

If you or your loved one are suffering from a severe physical or mental disability and you have trouble paying your monthly bills, 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.

Disabled Man Given the Runaround By Various State Agencies

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28153 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many disabled individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits are also eligible for Medicare. But it is important to know that this government funded healthcare program may not offer as complete of coverage as many disabled individuals need. It's important to ask a Social Security expert for help in understanding what the various programs will, and will not, cover.

Seattlepi.com reports that Skip Rodvold, 53, who suffers from polycystic kidney disease, is currently on dialysis and receiving disability payments. Rodvold is a good candidate for a much-needed kidney transplant, which he can receive with the help from the Kidney Disease Program, a state-funded program in Washington.

Unfortunately, Rodvold was in desperate need of dental work at the time of his anticipated transplant, and gum or mouth disease can prohibit people from obtaining transplants because of the risk of infection.

Medicare does not cover dental work, and most dentists do not accept Medicaid. Therefore, some patients, like Rodvold, cannot get transplants simply because they first need dental work, which they cannot afford.

Rodvold was forced to refinance the house he owns with his wife, who is also disabled. He used the $7,500 in savings to pay for his dentures and tooth extractions. This was a hardship for the couple, whose combined income is about $30,000 annually.

While Rodvold was originally told that only a small portion of his dental work could be paid for by state assistance, a recent policy change meant that nearly all of the costs would have been paid. Unfortunately, Rodvold was told of this too late. By later asking questions, he was able to get reimbursed for most of the costs, but not without first having to suffer an unbearably long wait for the transplant that he so desperately needs.

The various Social Security and public aid programs can be very confusing. That is why it is important to have someone on your side. If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Number of Homeless Veterans Down Overall

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28114 — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 12, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is beginning of their second year of fulfilling VA Secretary Shinseki's vision to eliminate homeless veterans within 5 years. So far, the number of homeless veterans has dropped 18%.

VA Secretary Shinseki has made it very clear where he stands: he will not tolerate one single homeless veteran on the streets. At the same time, Secretary Shinseki also recognizes it is going to take a community of resources to make this vision a reality.

The Community Homeless Assessment Local Education and Networking Groups (CHALENG) conducts a well-respected, annual census of homeless Veterans. The numbers reflect the VA's efforts:

154,000 in 2007;
131,000 in 2008; and
107,000 in 2009.

It's not just the VA's efforts alone. The VA teamed up with several other organizations on both the federal and the state level to combat the homeless veteran problem. The VA has almost 4,000 agreements of varying types with community partners. The VA's homeless programs serviced over 92,000 homeless veterans last year; this is a 15% increase over 2008.

The VA partnered with the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 2008 to help in their effort combating veteran homelessness and formed the HUD-VASH program. The VA treats the homeless veterans and HUD supplies veterans and their families with housing vouchers. Since the beginning of the program, HUD has distributed 20,000 housing vouchers.

The VA has improved the lives of homeless veterans in numerous ways over the last couple of years. Of the veterans that have been through residential rehabilitation and transitional housing programs, 79% of them are no longer homeless a year following their discharge.

It's not just about finding veterans a place to live and treating their mental health issues. It is also about doing what's possible to prevent those mental health problems and preventing veterans from becoming homeless in the first place.

New York Tightens Regulations on Discounts for the Disabled

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28076 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many disabled and low-income individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits are eligible for discounts and reduced admissions on various goods and services in consideration of their financial situation.

For example, many states grant free or discounted passes to parks and recreation activities for those with disabilities. Unfortunately, there are some people who take advantage of this perk, and attempt to utilize the discount despite not meeting the criteria. When this happens, it is often the disabled who actually wind up suffering the consequences of other people's actions.

The New York Times reports New York's Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is considering addressing this issue by possibly eliminating or more strictly regulating who can receive free passes to campsites, parks, and golf courses.

Officials will look more closely at semi-ambulatory residents seeking discounted fares, as well as those individuals receiving SSI, disability benefits, or Railroad Retirement Board Disability.

Though officials believe about 65% of those receiving free or discounted park passes would have them revoked, many would still enjoy the benefits. Those who are deaf, blind, nonambulatory, mentally disabled, disabled veterans, and amputees would still receive the Access Pass, which grants free access to select city services.

If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Elderly Man Charged with Social Security Fraud

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28075 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Identity theft is a very real danger, and in some of the more startling cases, it can be used to commit fraud against government entities. One example is when someone steals the identity of a deceased friend, relative or acquaintance and uses that person's identity to obtain Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income payments in the deceased person's name.

These relatively rare, but serious, occurrences merely hinder the process for those individuals who are eligible for and deserve Social Security disability benefits.

OregonLive.com reports an 80-year-old man was recently charged with using his deceased brother's Social Security number and name to unlawfully obtain Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for the past 13 years. The accused man began receiving benefits in 1997, despite the fact that his brother had died in 1989, a detail that slipped past the SSA for more than a decade.

The accused man collected roughly $6,000 each year, amounting to nearly $87,000 throughout the years. The man was also receiving his own retirement benefits at the time. Additionally, he admitted to using his brother's name to vote in his county, while also voting under his own name. He was caught because of a voter fraud investigation, at which time he also mentioned the fraudulent SSI checks.

He has pleaded not guilty to theft of government funds and Social Security fraud; both felony counts.

If you believe you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits and are frustrated by the application process, you have the option of seeking help for your claim. Contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Science Finally Proves Gulf War Syndrome, Will VA Respond?

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28045 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 11, 2010 - Ross Perot has helped Gulf War Veterans achieve a potent breakthrough in their struggle against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in proving the existence of Gulf War Syndrome. In the early 1990's, Ross Perot began funding scientific research needed to support the claims of Navy Seabees returning from the Gulf War with weird illnesses. All that research came to fruition this week.

This research started in the early 1990's and the findings were presented this week at the annual Toxicological Association Meeting. Imagery of brain scans demonstrates the damage inflicted upon the Gulf War Veterans' brains. This means after almost twenty years, the psychological damage veterans have claimed was present this entire time can finally be documented and proven.

Hopefully the DoD Congressional Directed Medical Research Program For Gulf War Illness Research will receive the $25 million in funding Congress is being asked to provide them. Should research program receive the funding, they can begin to move towards developing a treatment.

The VA recently cut off funding for very similar research 3 years into a 5-year project. Once the research was stopped, the VA told veterans they would put the money into comparable research. This promise has not yet been fulfilled.

The Gulf War veterans and their families have been harmed physically, mentally, and financially, especially for those veterans with debilitating and devastating symptoms. Hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans and their families have been left to battle the VA on their own and up until now, were unsure if their disability claims would ever be processed and approved. Hopefully, because of these findings, that day is now sooner rather than later.

IRS Steps in to Help Disabled and Retirees with Tax Returns

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28007 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

If your 2009 tax return was rejected, don't be discouraged - the IRS has promised to offer additional assistance to some taxpayers. Taxes can be a confusing process in the best of times, but during a fiscally tumultuous time like 2009, you may encounter a new set of questions, particularly if you are receiving Social Security disability payments, or other forms of government assistance.

Forbes reports that one of the key areas of misunderstanding is the small stimulus checks that were given out in 2009 to certain senior and disabled individuals. Thus far, 1.7 million people have had their tax returns rejected, many for issues related to the 2009 stimulus bills passed by Congress last year.

The Making Work Pay credit amounted to $400 per worker while the Economic Recovery Payment paid $250 to retirees, veterans, and the disabled. In some cases, if you received the $250 stimulus check, it may have been directly deposited into the same account that your monthly disability benefits are placed into.

If you received disability or other payments from the Social Security Administration last year, but were still able to work and you received both checks, you must subtract the $250 check from the $400 Making Work Pay credit. Because this is a new aspect of the tax scheme, it's perfectly understandable that you may encounter a bit of confusion about how these checks affect your filing.

To clear things up, the IRS has provided a toll-free line that people can call to find out if they have received the Economic Recovery Payment. The number is 1-866-234-2942.

If you're struggling to receive your disability payments, there is help available to you. Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

African American & Latino Populations More Susceptible to Alzheimer's

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)28006 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Some recent good news for those suffering from Alzheimer's disease is that the condition is now on the Social Security Administration's list of Compassionate Allowances. This means that those applying for Social Security disability can typically receive benefits more quickly than usual, sometimes in a matter of weeks or months rather than years.

Unfortunately, the Alzheimer's Association recently reported some troubling news about this devastating disease. It appears Latino and African American individuals are particularly at-risk for developing this condition. Latinos are approximately 1.5 times more likely to get this disease than a white, non-Latino person. Someone who is African American is twice as likely.

Researchers believe this connection may have something to do with medical conditions that are more often experienced by Latino and African American citizens, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

Unfortunately, Latino and African American individuals are much less likely to receive an accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's early on. Therefore, many do not receive the treatment they need for this debilitating disease.

If you or your loved is suffering from Alzheimer's, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights and determine eligibility. The process of securing Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

VA Automating Agent Orange Disability Claims

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27972 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 10, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claims' processing is already lagging behind schedule and the system will continue to fall behind if nothing is done. The VA is facing a tremendous amount of backlog in processing disability claims. Current estimates hold the VA behind on approximately one million disability claims and appeals.

In what is probably the only possible solution, the VA will fully automate paying claims for service-related illnesses due to Agent Orange exposure. This is the first time in VA history claims processing has been automated.

When Eric Shinseki became the VA Secretary he did not want any disability claim to take more than four months to completely process. Despite that goal, the VA reports 40% of their claims take 161 days on average to process. Without the automation, the processing time will jump to 190 days. The increase is due almost entirely to the new service-related illnesses the VA recognizes as resulting from exposure to Agent Orange.

The VA has compensated veterans with monthly payments for their service-related illness linked to Agent Orange exposure in the past, but only for a limited amount of approved conditions. In what is expected to create 228,000 more claims over the next two years, Secretary Shinseki recently added several new service-related illnesses related to Agent Orange exposure that the VA will compensate veterans for, including:

Parkinson's Disease;
B-cell leukemia; and
Heart disease.

For now, the automated process will apply only to the new Agent Orange claims. These claims will complement the automated process because the VA will be able to use computers to verify eligibility as opposed to the deficient records that seem to currently plague the disability claims system.

Should the new automated system work, the VA will possibly expand the automation to the rest of the department. Hopefully, at some point, the VA will realize Secretary Shinseki's goal of processing every claim within four months.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, contact LaVan & Neidenberg. You may be entitled to certain programs and benefits so contact our veterans disability rights firm today.

Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes Project

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27923 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 9, 2010 - Integrating back into civilian life from the structured military lifestyle is often very complicated for female veterans. Yet it is this difficulty in transitioning between worlds that often puts most female veterans on the streets. The situation is made even more difficult if that veteran has children, and many female veterans on the verge of homelessness are extremely reluctant to put their children in a shelter environment.

Unfortunately, according to recent statistics on female veterans:

Female veterans are becoming homeless faster than their male counterparts;
Compared to females that have never served in the military, female veterans are 3.6 times more likely to become homeless.

There are approximately 200 - 300 homeless female veterans in Connecticut alone. An exact number is impossible to obtain because very few female veterans seek help. Out of the 124 beds set aside for veterans in the state, there are less than 10 designated specifically for women. As more women return from Iraq and Afghanistan deployments, more beds will be needed. Out of the estimated 1.8 million female veterans, Connecticut has over 15,000.

It is important that female veterans receive gender-specific services because of their different experiences in the military. As an answer to this demand, Applied Behavioral Rehabilitation Institute formed The Female Soldier: Forgotten Heroes Project. The goal of the program was to build the first Connecticut based transitional housing project for female veterans. This is the third housing program in the area run by this organization.

Currently the organization is waiting for approval from the local zoning board to alter an existing house into a new transitional women's housing facility. Perhaps most importantly, this new facility will include the ability to handle female veterans with children under the age of 2.

Should the conversion be approved, the female veterans will be able to access:

Vocational training;
Job placements;
Life-skills coaching; and
Case management.

This is the third attempt for the organization to find a suitable housing facility for transitional housing; previous efforts have been foiled by zoning issues. If everything goes according to plan, this facility will open July, 2011. Both the Mayor and U.S. Rep Jim Himes, D-Conn. Have pledged their support for this facility.

HIV Can Hide in Bone Marrow & Resurface After Ceasing Treatment

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27920 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Some patients who have been diagnosed as HIV positive are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. These monthly payments can help the sufferer to purchase critical anti-viral medications and other important treatments for HIV, which have recently been shown to be more important than previously thought.

TopNews reports the virus that causes AIDS can lie dormant for years in the body's bone marrow, which means it can easily resurface when the HIV-positive patient stops taking the cocktail of medications that are used to treat this auto immune affecting virus.

This news is troubling for those who cannot afford the costly medications and have lapsed in treatment, or for those who have stopped treatment after symptoms have disappeared.

The research suggests that even patients who have not displayed signs of HIV for years may have a resurgence of debilitating symptoms. The study suggests that HIV treatments should be a lifelong commitment for any patient that suffers from this devastating illness.

If you need Social Security disability benefits in order to help pay for the medications needed to treat your HIV, or any other illness, and you want to know the status of your application, or want to re-apply after a denial, contact a lawyer for help.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Regular Aspirin Use May Reduce Risk of Breast Cancer

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27918 — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

New research suggests that regular use of the pain reliever aspirin may reduce the risks of certain debilitating and devastating diseases.

The Toronto Sun reports there is evidence that aspirin may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. In fact, those who regularly take aspirin have a 20% lower chance of dying from either breast cancer or cardiovascular disease than those who only take it occasionally.

Researchers believe the drug inhibits a particular enzyme, called Cyclooxygenase 2. This enzyme is responsible for creating an inflammatory environment that is conducive to cancer. Preventing this enzyme from being released or reducing the frequency it is released may decrease the chances of creating a tumor-friendly environment inside the body.

Additionally, a regular regimen of aspirin can also reduce the risk of getting breast cancer again if you have already conquered the disease. Of course, aspirin cannot replace conventional treatments for this debilitating disease, but the finding may be used to determine whether aspirin could play a role in future cancer treatments.

Talk to your physician about whether an aspirin regime is right for you. Side effects can include gastrointestinal bleeding. It's important for your doctor to evaluate how aspirin may interact with and alter the effects of any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you may be taking to treat your disability.

If you or your loved is suffering from breast cancer or any 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Protect Your SSA Benefits By Reporting All Income

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27867 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you receive Social Security disability payments, it is likely that you do not owe taxes unless you also have a job, such as one that you found through the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program. However, reporting all income and properly filing your taxes may prevent you from incurring certain penalties down the line.

The Wall Street Journal warns workers about the dangers of not reporting all income that is earned "off the books," or under the table. This practice may diminish your Social Security retirement payments or disability payments, or in some cases, disqualify you from receiving them altogether.

The SSA requires that you work a certain numbers of years, and pay a certain amount of taxes, before you can receive SSA payments. Your monthly check is affected by the number of months that you worked. If the SSA does not know how much you worked, you will not receive credits for those months.

In order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you must have worked for at least 10 years-paying Social Security taxes-in order to qualify for monthly payments. Underreporting your income, or not filing at all, can greatly affect your ability to collect SSA benefits later in life.

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.

Dept. of Treasury May Be Permitted to Garnish Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27865 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

In most cases, creditors are not permitted to garnish Social Security retirement benefits or Social Security disability checks to pay the debts owed to them. The rules can change when a federal government agency is the creditor, meaning some disability benefit recipients who owe money to the government may find themselves in a devastating financial situation.

The Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. Dept. of Treasury presently withholds the benefits of more than 3 million Social Security recipients in order to repay debts owed to the federal government. These debts may include defaulted student loans, unpaid income taxes, and small business loans.

Until recently, the government could not collect debts that were 10 years old. The 2008 Farm Bill changed that, and the government is now permitted to garnish benefit payments in some cases. The Treasury can now withhold up to 15% of Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits for recipients who receive more than $750 per month. If the debt is tax-related, the government does not have to follow the $750 monthly minimum guideline.

While the debts owed to the government should be repaid, it is worth noting that these garnishments are likely to hurt many elderly and disabled individuals who rely on Social Security disability benefits programs in order to make a living.

If you have encountered problems in obtaining your disability benefits, you may consider contacting a disability benefits attorney, who can walk you through the process of applying for SSA benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Transitional Housing Facility for Homeless Female Veterans

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27855 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 8, 2010 - Tampa Crossroads, a social service agency working with the homeless, opened the Athena House on Columbus Avenue in Tampa just over a year ago. It is a transitional home for homeless female veterans. It was the first of its kind and has since become a model for similar programs all over the country. Every occupant here is a veteran of military service and every occupant is also unable to deal with civilian life due to one kind of trauma or another.

Many women living at Athena House have one thing in common: they were sexually attacked while in the military and had their complaints ignored. The Athena House offers counseling for these issues and others because having a safe place to come home to is one of the first steps towards recovery and re-building a life after traumatic sexual abuse.

In the Tampa Bay area alone there are approximately 400 homeless female veterans. The Athena house can house up to 16 at once and offers a number of essential treatment services concerning:

Substance abuse;
Mental illness
Domestic violence; and
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The program also offers job training programs and provides the female veterans with educational opportunities. The success rate speaks for itself: In its first year of operation, 36 women passed through the house and 85% of them are living on their own now. For some of the veterans this means being employed and for others it means receiving benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The Athena house also offers something unheard of in transitional housing programs, although most women only stay 8 months, Athena house allows women to stay for 2 years. While children are not currently allowed in to the program with the veterans, Tampa Crossroads is developing a transitional housing center for homeless female veterans that does allow children, but that is at least a year away from being operational.

Of the estimated 200,000 homeless veterans in the U.S., approximately 6,000 - 8,000 are female. In response to the positive results at Athena house, the VA has approved 10 similar programs based on their model.

The VA is currently on a very aggressive track to end veteran homelessness in the next 5 years. The VA's plan is to work with as many homeless veterans as possible as early on as possible and get them into long-term benefits if necessary to avoid a homeless situation. Female veterans represent a unique problem in that there are often sexual-trauma, family, and child issues that are rare with male veterans returning from duty. Places like the Athena House are critical elements in meeting the VA's goal.

Social Security Disability Hearing Backlogs Slowly Shrinking

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27773 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Despite the fact that there has been a rise in the number of applicants for Social Security disability benefits in the last several years, there may be some signs of reduction to the long wait times experienced by many disability applicants.

Docuticker reports the Social Security hearing backlog is now at the lowest it has been in years. There are 697,437 pending cases - the lowest number since June 2005.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has slowly been finding ways to increase the number of hearings processed each month, which has led to a decrease in the backlog. The SSA says that it has hired more administrative law judges and opened some new SSA offices and 14 more offices are in the works for the near future.

The average wait time for a disability hearing in 2008 was 514 days. It now sits at 442 days. Of course, this is still a long time to wait for disability benefits, but with the help of a skilled disability attorney, you increase your chances of achieving a successful claim.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

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

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27771 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

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.

Disabled Alaskan Residents Get Free Vouchers for New Appliances

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27770 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Those who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability benefits often qualify for extra income assistance. This can range from discounted or free cell phone service, to assistance with paying utilities. Disabled residents of Alaska may now also qualify for help in buying new appliances.

KTVA reports that anyone in Alaska who receives disability payments from either the state or federal government will now be issued vouchers to purchase new appliances. If you are a disabled Alaskan resident, you are encouraged to recycle your old appliances in favor of new Energy Star qualified models, which are known for saving on electricity.

Qualified appliances include washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers. Residents in rural areas may receive extra assistance to cover the cost of shipping. The program is set to begin this month and should continue through September 2011, provided funds last through that date.

Residents are permitted 1 voucher for each appliance type. Those in rural areas will be given $300 for washing machines and dishwashers, while those in more urban areas will receive $150 for a similar purchase. Vouchers for freezers and refrigerators for rural residents will be $500, and those in major cities will receive $300. All participants will have to show proof of their disability status.

If you are disabled and having trouble affording your living expenses, a disability attorney may be able to help you fight for your disability benefits. Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Veterans in ECA Initiative Forced To Waive Rights

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27744 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 5, 2010 - The Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative wants you to believe that quicker is better. The ECA promises fast results for anyone choosing to participate in the program. If you want these faster results, all you need to do is sign away your due process rights.

In the ECA's application and rights waiver, it is required that you to agree to either strictly enforced time limits in which you can act on your claim or appeal. The ECA does not place the same limitation on every situation, but if you choose to participate in the ECA initiative, your attention to deadlines is going to be vital to the success of your disability claim(s).

If you choose to process your claim through standard Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) channels, you will have 90 days after you are notified your claim was transferred to the Board of Veteran's Appeals (Board) in which to supply:

A request for a board hearing;
Additional evidence; or
Request a change in representation.

If you choose to participate in the ECA initiative, your 90 days become 30 days. Signing the ECA waiver means you waive your allotted 90 days and therefore must submit any or all of the above within 30 days of being notified your claim has been transferred to the Board. Depending on the evidence you may need, 30 days might not be enough time.

The shortened time limits the ECA requires will severely impose on your rights. If you plan on signing the ECA agreement and waiver, you must be represented by an attorney or the Veteran's Service Organization (VSO) in order to participate.

Always Be Honest About Your Work Status

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27723 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you receive Social Security disability benefits, but you would still like to be able to work, there is often a way to do both. However, it is critical to your disability case and your benefits that you inform the Social Security Administration of your work status and income.

A woman from New York was recently accused of a felony after she lied about her work to receive Social Security disability benefits. She now has to pay back the more than $66,000 she was paid over the course of several years.

According to Times Union, the 46-year-old woman is said to have lied to the SSA when she said she was too disabled to work. At the time, she worked at the Humane Society and concealed this from the SSA.

The woman-who is affected by medical issues-pleaded guilty to the felony of failing to disclose information that affected her right to disability benefits. Because of this, she must pay back the $66,452 that she has received since 2006. Though this charge carries a 5 year sentence in federal prison, the courts are waiving that penalty in consideration of her health concerns.

This sad case illustrates the need to be forthcoming about your work status and any income that you earn in addition to your Social Security benefits. By speaking to a disability attorney about your situation, you may be able to avoid committing such mistakes and ensure that you probably follow all SSA proceedures.

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.

New SSA Office Opens in San Antonio, Texas

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27722 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

It takes many disability applicants more than 1 year to receive Social Security disability benefits, which is why it is baffling that some states have closed Social Security Administration (SSA) offices or plan on furloughing state employees. These cost-cutting measures only increase wait times. Fortunately for San Antonio, Texas, that area of the country is bucking the national trend.

According to San Antonio Express-News, the SSA recently opened a new SSA office near North Star Mall on Isom Road in San Antonio. Officials cite extensive growth as the reason for opening a new office in that area of the city, which was previously not served by a local office.

About 54 employees work at the new San Antonio SSA office. The city now has 4 offices, which will allow more disabled individuals to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), disability benefits, survivors' benefits, and more. This will ideally reduce the long wait times experienced by most disability applicants. If you would like to learn more about the SSA offices in your area, contact your lawyer.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Kansas Woman Waits More Than 3 Years for Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27721 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have been waiting for months, or even years, to receive Social Security disability benefits, you are not alone. The average wait for a decision is more than 400 days, and many applicants are denied several times.

According to The Lawrence Journal-World, one disabled Kansas woman was denied disability payments for about 3 ½ years, despite the fact that she suffers from sleep apnea, asthma, a degenerative tailbone, arthritis, and migraines. Though the Social Security Administration recently admitted that she is indeed disabled, the fact remains that she was forced to go years without receiving her benefits. Prior to her disability claim approval, she was forced to live on about $100 per month from state assistance.

At one point, Kansas was the worst state when it came to long wait times for an SSA disability decision. Though there has been a slight improvement, Kansas remains among the top 10 states with the longest wait times, with an average of 581 days.

It is unconscionable that disabled individuals who are unable to find employment are forced to live without their due benefits. If you have questions about your disability application, contact an experienced disability attorney.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

The ECA Controls Veterans' Disability Claims Appeals' Hearings

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27690 — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 4, 2010 - At conception, the Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative may have seemed like a good idea. Shortening the disability claims process through the Department of Veteran's Affairs (VA), and in turn speeding up the amount of time in which you receive your disability benefits, is a very attractive offer.

One thing that must be understood at the forefront is the differences between standard VA claim(s) processing and claim(s) processing under as an Expedited Claims Adjudication participant. Filing a substantive appeal on your claim(s) under the standard procedures means your disability claim will be certified and then transferred to the Board of Veteran's Appeals (Board).

Once this is done, you will be given several options as to the location of your Board hearing:

An in-person hearing at the Board's offices in Washington D.C.;
An in-person hearing before the Board at the local VA regional office; or
A hearing before the Board through the use of videoconference technology.

As an ECA participant, however, you will find much different and much more limited procedures on your Board hearing. Board hearings for substantive appeals on disability claim(s) under the ECA operate as follows:

That veteran will receive only 1 hearing before the Board;
The Board, after consulting with the veteran and his or her representative, will determine the type of hearing the veteran will receive so as to make it as timely as possible; and
An in-person hearing will be conducted in Washington, D.C. only if it is geographically convenient for the veteran and his or her representative, or if the veteran agrees to travel to Washington, D.C. at the veteran's expense.

Participating in the ECA in no way guarantees your disability claim will be approved, it is just seemingly a shorter process to get to a final decision. In order to participate in the ECA, veterans must severely limit their own due process rights during their claim(s) process. For this reason, please be aware that if you plan on signing the ECA agreement and waiver, you must be represented by an attorney or the Veteran's Service Organization (VSO) in order to participate.

Some Disability Benefit Recipients Struggle to Pay for Food

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27631 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Encountering a long wait for Social Security disability benefits can be frustrating and exhausting. Many disability applicants are unable to work at the time of their application and have little to no income. For these individuals, bills may not get paid while they await a decision on their application, which on average can take more than 1 year in most states.

BakersfieldNow.com reports that for many individuals, the disability benefit checks aren't enough to cover monthly expenses, including rent, food and medical costs. Some disabled individuals who are unable to find traditional sources of employment may have to turn to methods that they otherwise would choose to avoid, such as asking strangers for money.

BakersfieldNow.com tells of one California woman who regularly holds a sign asking for odd jobs or spare change. She said she needs the admittedly small extra income to purchase food, particularly when she reaches the end of her $800 monthly check from Social Security. The woman said she has trouble securing traditional employment, as she uses a walker.

Because the disabled woman receives disability benefits, she does not qualify for food stamps and she is not mobile enough to reach the closest food bank. Hers is just one story of the financial challenges and hardships that face some disabled Americans.

Many disabled individuals would struggle to make ends meet without the help of monthly disability benefit checks. In some cases, you may even be able to supplement your checks through the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Are You Eligible for a Disability Tax Reduction?

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27630 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Tax season can be a hectic and confusing time, particularly if you have complicated returns with numerous deductions and special circumstances. Whether you already receive Social Security disability benefits, or are awaiting your decision, you might not have extra money to pay a professional to prepare your taxes. If you choose to use tax software, you may still be left with questions about your specific tax situation.

OregonLive.com reports that there may be some confusion about tax credits for disabled individuals, as some tax software asks whether anyone in the household has a disability. Generally speaking, the answer is no, there is not an individual deduction given for having a disability. However, some people can file Schedule R if they fall into certain categories.

If you are 65 years or older by the end of the tax year, you can file using Schedule R, according to Brighthub. If you are younger than 65 but were permanently disabled at the time you retired from work, you can also file for this deduction, as long as you received taxable disability income for the year. For the 2009 tax year, you can file Schedule R if you were disabled prior to Jan. 1, 1976 or Jan. 1, 1977 and you retired prior to 1977.

Read Schedule R carefully before filing your taxes. If you have questions related specifically to your disability payments and the process of applying for disability benefits, an experienced disability attorney can offer you more personalized advice.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Limits Veteran's Substantive Appeals

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27616 — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 3, 2010 - The Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative gives veterans the impression that should they participate in the ECA, their wait time for disability claims adjudication will be shortened. While this may very well be possible under the ECA initiative, the devil in the details is that participants must waive their due process rights to do so.

Should you choose to adjudicate your disability claim(s) through the standard Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) process you have the right to a substantive review of your claim. The Regional VA Office (RO) can consider evidence on your claim after the Statement of the Case (SOC) has been issued. Further, if there are any material changes in any of the information in any of the SOC's issues, you have the right to have a Supplemental Statement of the Case (SSOC) issued.

Should you choose to participate in the ECA, filing a substantive appeal is much different. Under the ECA, if you file a substantive appeal, you are agreeing to the following:

You will waive the RO review of any additional evidence you submit after your SOC is issued;
You waive any re-adjudication of your claim as well as the right to have a SSOC issued; and
You agree to your additional evidence being reviewed in the first instance by the Board of Veteran's Appeals (Board).

Above and beyond those limitations, you will agree to your claim being either granted or finally denied by the Board. While your claim is initially reviewed by your local RO, that will not be the case should you file a substantive appeal.

Because waivers of such important rights are being waived by participating in the ECA initiative, if you plan on signing the ECA agreement and waiver, you must be represented by an attorney or the Veteran's Service Organization (VSO) in order to participate.

If you need legal help fighting for your VA disability benefits or appealing the VA's rating decision, contact a Miami veterans' disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg to schedule your free consultation today - 1-888-234-5758. You have fought for your country; let us fight for you!

March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27559 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March has been deemed Multiple Sclerosis education and awareness month. This disease, often referred to as MS, is a condition for which many people receive Social Security disability benefits.

According to Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, an estimated 400,000 people in the United States have been diagnosed with this condition. It is known for attacking the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, optic nerves, and the brain. Symptoms range from some numbness in the body to vision loss and complete paralysis. Some sufferers of MS may eventually lose the ability to walk, write, or talk in very severe cases.

Many who suffer from MS are unable to work. It's estimated that about 50% of patients receive disability benefits to help pay their bills. Multiple sclerosis occurs most often in Caucasian women, and is usually diagnosed between age 20 and 50.

If you notice that you have extreme fatigue, weaker motor skills, sensitivity to heat, vision loss, depression, or numbness, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and concerns. If you have been diagnosed with MS and your symptoms prevent you from being able to work, you may consider contacting a lawyer to get your application for disability started.

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.

Alabama Disability Determination Center Audited

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27557 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent audit of a Birmingham, Ala. Disability Determination Service center-the state's primary office for evaluating Social Security disability claims-revealed that some workers pressured medical consultants to approve more cases than usual.

According to Alabama Live, Emails were discovered in which supervisors warned medical consultants about their low acceptance rate. The Emails also mentioned a plan if the acceptance rates were to drop below 30%.

While an increase in approved applications certainly benefits those applying for disability, it is more beneficial to everyone in the program if the proper measures are followed to approve applicants for their benefits.

It appears as if some of the Birmingham officials were more concerned about how a low acceptance rate would make them appear, instead of putting a focus on streamlining the application process to make it more efficient and effective for those seeking disability benefits.

If you believe that your disability application has been mishandled in any way, a disability attorney can talk to you about your legal rights and the Social Security Administration's application process.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Veteran's Appellate Time Frame Limited by Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27554 — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 2, 2010 - When veterans are in a position where they are waiting for their disability claim to be processed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), being offered a quicker processing track is a very attractive offer. On its surface, the VA's Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative looks like a faster, better option than going through the standard disability claims procedures.

Many veterans see a quicker settlement to their claim as a blessing. In reality, the ECA forces veterans to relinquish their due process rights if they want to participate.

Should a veteran decide to proceed through normal VA processing of disability claims, they have certain rights of appeal. Eventually the VA will make a decision on a veteran's claim and should the claim be denied, the veteran begins his or her appellate process by filing a Notice of Disagreement (NOD). During standard procedures, the veteran has a year from the notice of decision in which to file his or her appeal.

Compare this process to what the veteran is subjected to should he or she choose to participate in the ECA. Once a veteran signs the ECA agreement and waiver, that veteran agrees to file a NOD within 60 days of the date of notice of the VA's decision.

Not only does the veteran go from having 12 months to file an appeal to 2 months by participating in the ECA, if the veteran does not appeal within those 2 months, the veteran's claim will close. If the claim closes, the veteran will never be able to collect on the claim.

If you need legal help fighting for your VA disability benefits or appealing the VA's rating decision, contact a Miami veterans' disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg to schedule your free consultation today - 1-888-234-5758. You have fought for your country; let us fight for you!

Compassionate Allowances List Includes Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27547 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration's Compassionate Allowances program allows applicants to receive Social Security disability benefits faster than usual; typically within a matter of weeks rather than a few years.

According to eMedicine, one of the conditions on the list is Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects about 1 out of every 380,000 people.

Lesch-Nyhan affects mostly males and includes symptoms such as:

behavioral issues
excess uric acid
neurological disabilities
self-injury
spasms
renal failure; and
impulsive behavior

The symptoms commonly associated with Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome make it difficult for sufferers to maintain steady employment. While severity varies from patient to patient, many sufferers do not live past age 40. Unexpected death is common for those with this condition. It is crucial that those suffering from this disorder receive disability payments in a fast, efficient manner.

If you or a loved one suffers from Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome, contact a lawyer to talk about your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Tutoring Others May Delay Onset of Alzheimer's Disease

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27546 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recent research has shown that Alzheimer's Disease-a condition that is included on the Social Security Administration's list of impairments-may be kept at bay when seniors engage in activities that stimulate their minds. HealthDay.com reports that volunteering as a tutor is a great way for seniors to regularly "exercise" the brain.

One study found that seniors who spent 6 months tutoring children showed improvement in both thinking and organizing. Tutors in the Experience Corps program spend about 15 hours per week tutoring children in various subjects, like English and math. The senior volunteer tutors each spend 40 hours of training before they begin working with kids.

The tutoring and the training combined encourage regular exercise of the brain, which is believed to be a crucial step in staving off symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease.

If you or a loved one suffer from this condition-one of the fastest growing diseases in America-know that Social Security disability benefits are available to help you with your living expenses. Alzheimer's is listed in the Compassionate Allowances program, which means that you may get benefits faster than usual. Contact a lawyer to get started on your application for disability today.

If you or your loved one are suffering from Alzheimer's Disease, 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.

New Drug May Treat Those With Multiple Sclerosis

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27545 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many individuals who suffer from multiple sclerosis are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. If your condition prohibits you from working any job, has lasted 1 year or more, or is expected to continue for the rest of your life, you may qualify for monthly benefits.

If you suffer from multiple sclerosis, you might experience trouble with walking at a "normal" gait. According to WBAY, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new drug, Ampyra, that could help those affected by multiple sclerosis to regain some normal muscle activity.

Multiple sclerosis is a neurological problem in which the brain does not communicate properly with the body, affecting physical activities such as walking, or any other muscle movement.

FDA officials have warned that Ampyra will not work for all patients. Additionally, it has not yet been tested on those who have entirely lost the ability to walk, and it is quite cost-prohibitive at about $1,000 per month. This price tag might mean it is out-of-the question for those who suffer from multiple sclerosis and are unable to work because of the condition.

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.

Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative Limits Veterans' Right to Request Hearings

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27507 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

March 1, 2010 - The normal veterans' appeals process allows you to appeal your Regional Office's (RO) rating decision as many times as you want if you are not satisfied with the outcome.

While the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) does not process disability compensation claims as quickly as you would like them to or need them to, at least during the process, you are not denied any of your due process rights. Veterans signing up for the Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative, however, are trading their due process rights for their disability claim being processed quicker.

When you sign up for the ECA Initiative, you are signing away your appellate rights allotted under the VA's normal processing structure.

Once you agree to an ECA and you request a hearing, you will discover that:

1. You are only allowed 1 hearing per claim before the participating RO;

2. Your hearing will be conducted by a VA Decision Review Officer (DRO - not a staff attorney or judge); and

3. Your hearing is ONLY possible AFTER an RO makes a decision on your claim.

Should the veteran not sign up for the ECA initiative, and not limit his or her due process rights, that veteran can request a multitude of hearings prior to a final disability decision.

While you can request several hearings for your claim at the state level (RO), an experienced veterans' disability attorney can help you appeal your claim to Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA - a staff of attorneys and judges who know the laws and hold the ROs accountable for errors and omissions). A hearing with the BVA can greatly increase your chances of receiving disability benefits if you have previously been denied by your RO.

If you need legal help fighting for your VA disability benefits or appealing the VA's rating decision, contact a Miami veterans' disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg to schedule your free consultation today - 1-888-234-5758. You have fought for your country; let us fight for you!

Batten Disease Added to SSA's Compassionate Allowances List

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27496 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Compassionate Allowances program serves to expedite the disability benefits claims of certain individuals whose conditions fall under the Compassionate Allowances list of disabilities. These conditions are often severe and fast-moving.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Batten disease was recently added to the Compassionate Allowances list. This devastating illness is often fatal and affects children, with many victims not surviving past their teens or early 20s. It affects the nervous system, making it nearly impossible for most victims to seek employment.

Early signs include poor motor skills in young children, typically followed by loss of vision, seizures and dementia. There are few treatment options for Batten disease, though the seizures can usually be reduced with medication. Because of the particularly debilitating nature of this disease, it is important that sufferers of Batten disease obtain disability benefits as quickly and easily as possible.

If you or someone you love suffers from this condition, it may be possible to acquire Social Security disability benefits within a reasonable period of time. Contact a lawyer to get started with your application process.

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.

Get the Insider Scoop on SSA Disability Application Process

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27494 — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

Applying for Social Security disability benefits is often a complicated and time-consuming task. As such, it's helpful to enlist the services of a qualified disability attorney who can guide you through the process and help you to take advantage of any special circumstances or program rules that will make it easier for you to get the benefits that you need and deserve.

Listed below are a few details about the Social Security Administration's disability benefits program that you may wish to discuss with your attorney:

Disability applicants who are legally blind are usually allowed a larger personal income maximum than most applicants
The procedure for obtaining benefits is not the same for disabled adults as it is for disabled children
If your condition is not on the list of qualifying disabilities, it may still be covered; but it may take longer to complete the process
More than 80 diseases call for faster processing of applications through the Compassionate Allowances program
Those in the military who are now disabled, either after October 1, 2001 or during active duty, may also enjoy faster processing of their application

These special rules do not apply to the majority of applicants, but it is beneficial to find out if they apply to you or your loved one. A disability attorney can help to answer your questions about your specific circumstances.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Transition Assistance Resources for Disabled Veterans

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST

As a disabled veteran are you making the transition from the armed services to civilian life?

If so there are resources for available to you. Our staff and attorneys would like to help you make this transition as seamless as possible. To this end we have compiled a list of resources for disabled veterans as they leave the service. Some of the below services are government run and others have non-profit status. Please click on the links below to learn more.

VA Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP)
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities- Veterans who would like to start their own business after leaving the military can use this program. Currently it is being offered at Florida State University, Texas A&M and other colleges across the country.
SBA Office of Veterans Business Development- This program is run by the Small Business Administration. Services include business plan preparations, mentorship and entrepreneurial training and counseling.
HireVetsFirst- This government run website offers help for veterans as they prepare for employment after military service.
Recruit Military- Through this full-service recruiting firm disabled veteran and their families can begin the search for employment.
Enable America- This Florida based organization pairs disabled veterans with work in their community.

In an ideal world the VA disability board would grant disabled veterans a disability rating that is fair and reflects the extent of their service connected disability. Getting proper compensation from the VA shouldn't be a battle; but it is

Our staff and attorneys work with disabled veterans every day. Our goal with each of our clients is to get them the highest possible VA rating. You have fought to defend your country; now let us fight for you. Contact your Florida veterans' disability attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.

Assistance for Disabled Veterans in Florida and Georgia

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27394 — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

With hundreds of veterans returning home wounded each month we strive to help them find the resources and assistance they need. Though our main job is fight for the disability benefits of wounded servicemen and servicewomen we also work to provide injured soldiers with the resources they need to transition to civilian life. Below find just a few of the non-profit and service based organizations that have dedicated themselves to helping our nations' disabled veterans. For a full listing of disabled veterans' resources please click here.

Stand Down |National Coalition for Homeless Veterans- This grassroots organization works to provide homeless veterans with the supplies and services they need.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)- TAPS offers those who have lost a loved one at war the chance to participate in special programs, camps and online discussions.
Wounded Warrior Project- This non-profit was created to provide disabled veterans the chance to experience life at its fullest after returning from war. They are also vocal advocates for disabled veterans.
HireVetsFirst- This government sponsored agency works to help veterans prepare for employment after military service.

If you need legal help fighting for your VA disability benefits or appealing the VA's decision please do not hesitate to contact your Miami veterans' attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation. You have fought for your country; let us fight for you.

Pilot Wins Appeal Against the SSA For Mishandling Medical Records

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27335 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A pilot who sued the U.S. government after the Social Security Administration mishandled his medical records and allowed the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) to learn of HIV-positive status recently won an appeal on his case.

AvWeb reports a Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that the SSA made an error when the agency turned over the pilot's medical records to the FAA. The man-who received a diagnosis of HIV in 1985-had applied for Social Security disability benefits and disclosed the condition to the SSA as part of the disability application process.

The FAA learned of the pilot's HIV-positive status when it launched Operation Safe Pilot to determine which pilots were receiving SSA disability benefits, and why. The SSA turned over the records of more than 45,000 people with pilot licenses in Northern California.

The pilot had not disclosed his diagnosis because at the time, the FAA did not offer licenses to those taking certain medications for HIV. As a result, the FAA sued the pilot.

The rule regarding HIV and the FAA has since changed. The pilot asserted that he suffered embarrassment and mental anguish because of the SSA's mishandling of his medical records and the FAA's reaction. The court awarded his appeal, which also stated that his right to privacy had been violated.

If you believe that the SSA has mishandled any aspect of your disability case, you should contact a Social Security Disability lawyer immediately to learn about your rights. 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.

Gallbladder Cancer is on Compassionate Allowances List

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27334 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is continually adding medical conditions to the Compassionate Allowances program, which expedites the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits. One of the first conditions to be added to this list was gallbladder cancer.

Gallbladder cancer begins in the gallbladder, which is located in the upper right area of the abdomen. The disease is uncommon and carries few obvious symptoms, which means most people are treated too late. The Mayo Clinic said many of the symptoms could be mistaken for another medical issue. Common signs of gallbladder disease include:

Bloating
Pain in the upper right area of the stomach
Loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss
Itchiness
Constant nausea
Jaundice
Fever

Early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer is key to a successful treatment. The condition is more common in women and for aging populations. If you fall into the at-risk category and have experienced these symptoms, it's recommended that you visit a doctor as soon as possible. If you have already been diagnosed with gallbladder cancer, contact a lawyer to begin your application for disability benefits and ask your attorney about the Compassionate Allowances program.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Acute Leukemia is on SSA's Compassionate Allowances List

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27333 — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration's (SSA) Compassionate Allowances program helps disabled individuals with certain conditions to receive Social Security disability benefits as quickly as possible. One of the qualifying conditions on the SSA's Compassionate Allowances list is acute leukemia.

According to the Merck Manual, acute leukemia moves very quickly, and many patients are diagnosed rapidly because symptoms present so strongly. Therefore, the SSA determined that this debilitating condition belongs on the Compassionate Allowances list for expedited approval of benefits.

Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells, which are created in the bone marrow and are essential in fighting off infections in the body. With acute leukemia, abnormal white blood cells are created by the bone marrow, often taking the place of normal cells and making it difficult for the body to fight infection.

Aside from frequent infections, those suffering from acute leukemia may experience exhaustion, weight loss, fever, and the tendency to both bleed and bruise quite easily. Anyone with this disease needs help quickly, particularly since cells spread quickly in acute leukemia.

The good news is that radiation and chemotherapy can sometimes treat this disease. Patients need both money and qualified healthcare to receive sufficient treatment and live their day-to-day lives, meaning they need fast access to disability benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Maine SSI and SSDI Recipients Are Eligible for Discounted Pet Care

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27271 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability benefits are often eligible for other programs that offer discounts and reduced fares for various living expenses. These services range from free cell phone service to discounted veterinarian bills for pets.

For instance, WCSH6.com reports that Maine's Bangor Humane Society is now offering discounted spaying or neutering for cat owners who receive assistance from a number of programs, including SSI and SSDI.

The program is Thursday through Sunday, and as many as 150 cats will be spayed or neutered by participating veterinarians. The discounted cost is $50 cash.

This program is first-come, first-served, and you will need to make an appointment if you are interested in taking part. You will also need to show proof that you are low-income and receiving SSI, SSDI, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Medicaid, or Food Stamps.

In addition to the surgery, your cat will receive a general wellness exam, as well as distemper and rabies shots if needed. Such services can usually cost a pet owner 100s of dollars.

If you are disabled and require assistance in paying for your basic living expenses, contact a lawyer to help you apply for your disability benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Disabled Workers Battled Blizzard in Washington, D.C.

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27270 — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Employees of a non-profit organization that provides jobs for disabled workers in Washington D.C. contributed their efforts to help the nation's capitol to battle the recent blizzards.

The organization, called Melwood, enlisted the efforts of numerous disabled workers to help clear snow from several important parking lots in Washington, D.C.

According to The Washington Post, 19 Melwood employees-who typically spend their days working at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-worked tirelessly for 5 days to shovel the snow from the building's parking lot. The workers went the extra mile by knocking down icicles and clearing snow from the nearby Department of Homeland Security's parking lot.

About 160 disabled workers from Melwood worked around the city and surrounding areas to clean up after the snow storms, with 65 workers shoveling snow at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Many of Melwood's employees are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

If you are disabled and interested in finding a job that is suited to your abilities, the Ticket to Work program may be an appropriate choice.

If, however, your disability prevents you from seeking any type of employment, 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.

Some SSA Disability Applicants Need to File Tax Returns

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27192 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Most recipients of Social Security disability benefits do not earn enough income to worry about paying Federal income taxes. However, it is often beneficial for you to file a tax return, as you may be eligible for some credits.

InsuranceNewsNet reports that if you have other sources of income in addition to your disability benefits, you may have to pay some taxes. The IRS determines this by using a base level that equals one-half the amount of SSDI benefits you receive, plus all of your other sources of income.

In 2009, the base level for individuals was $25,000, and couples filing together had a base level of $32,000. If your income for the year was above either of these figures, about half of your SSDI benefits may be eligible to be taxed.

In most cases, you would need to have another source of income in addition to SSDI to reach that level, as most people receive no more than $1,100 per month, or about $13,200 annually. Note that workers' compensation benefits are generally not taxed.

If you received a lump sum of disability benefit payments after waiting years to finally get them, do not feel the need to pay taxes on these all at once. In fact, that can be quite costly. The IRS allows the payments on your lump sum benefits to be spread out over a few years. If you are unsure of how to do this correctly, consider using a tax attorney or tax preparer to help you to complete the process smoothly.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Pilot Sues for SSA's Improper Handling of Medical Records

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27189 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Social Security Administration (SSA) disability benefit applicants expect and deserve a level of privacy when it comes to their medical records. One pilot experienced a grievous violation of privacy when his medical records, which included his diagnosis of HIV, were turned over to the Federal Aviation Administration.

According to The Washington Post, a San Francisco pilot, Stanmore Cooper, shared his medical records and diagnosis of HIV with the SSA in the course of applying for Social Security disability benefits. The pilot did not choose to disclose this information to the FAA.

At the time that he withheld the condition, those with HIV could not get a license to fly. Though that rule has since been changed, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of making a false statement. He also had to pay a $1000 fine, and has lost his license.

The pilot sued the government in 2007 for violating the Privacy Act by allowing the SSA to turn over his medical records to the FAA. The judge agreed, but did not identify any financial loss, and the case was thrown out.

A 3-judge court of appeals ruled Monday that Cooper's emotional distress counts as damages. Therefore, the lawsuit has been reinstated, citing improper handling of records.

If you believe that the SSA has mishandled your medical records in the course of your disability benefits case, you should talk to your disability attorney about your legal options.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Alaska to Open First SSA Disability Hearing Office

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27103 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Social Security disability benefits may take more than 1 year to begin, and many applicants will not be approved the first time they apply. To compound the issue, it seems that Social Security Administration (SSA) offices frequently have to furlough employees, thereby increasing the wait times. Fortunately, some regions are seeing an increase in the number of SSA offices available to process claims.

According to KTUU, Alaska will be getting its first disability hearing office, where those who have been previously denied disability benefits can request a hearing to fight the initial decision. The hearing office will be located in Anchorage.

Appeals had previously been handled a few days each month, with administrative law judges arriving via plane from Washington. This limited the number of applicants who were able to successfully appeal their original unfavorable decision. Wait times for a hearing typically reached 2 years, especially when inclement weather delayed or cancelled flights.

The new office will have 2 SSA judges, who will be able to see about 8 to 10 people each day. The office will also use teleconferencing to allow those in Fairbanks to appeal their cases. These changes should go a long way to reducing the wait times for disability applicants living in Alaska.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Massachusetts SSA Furloughs Impact Disability Applicants

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)27100 — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Furloughs have impacted the wait times for Social Security disability benefit applicants around the country and Massachusetts can now be added to the list of states that will place Social Security Administration (SSA) employees on furlough.

According to The Boston Herald, more than 80% of the state's disability workers in charge of approving applications have been furloughed as a result of a recent decision by Gov. Deval Patrick. That means that despite the increase in disability applications, 228 out of 272 workers are now forced to take some days off of work without receiving pay.

Officials in charge of the SSA, as well as those who will be affected by the longer wait times this decision will bring, are baffled by the furloughs. Because the SSA is federally funded, the state will save no money through this move. The Governor's reasoning is that state workers have also been requested to take furloughs in an effort to save the state money, and those in charge simply wanted to be fair to all employees.

The typical wait time in Massachusetts for a decision on an SSA disability application was 82 days in 2008 and 87 days in 2009. The wait for 2010 is projected to be 96 days, demonstrating that now is not a good time to cut the hours for SSA employees. Those impacted by the decision have expressed hope that the furloughs will eventually be repealed.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

2 Types of Mesothelioma Added to Compassionate Allowances Program

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26977 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Compassionate Allowances program expedites Social Security disability benefits to those with certain conditions. If you are suffering from a disabling medical condition, it is important to know that new medical conditions are frequently added to the list.

In fact, according to MesotheliomaHelp.net, both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma have recently been added to the ever-growing list. Pleural mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer usually found in the mesothelium, or the outer lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma impacts the lining of the abdomen, but both are usually caused by exposure to asbestos.

There is no cure for these conditions, but radiation, chemotherapy, and some types of surgery may help treat mesothelioma and the symptoms associated with these diseases. Like many other conditions that qualify one for disability benefits, most people cannot work once they are diagnosed, especially since both conditions usually lie dormant for 20 to 40 years and once discovered, move particularly rapidly.

There are about 88 rare diseases on the list of Compassionate Allowances, which just added 38 qualifying conditions this month. If you have questions about the program or about applying for benefits, contact a lawyer for more information about how you may qualify.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

San Diego Trolley System Provides Discount Fares For Disabled

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26975 — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are suffering from a disability, there may be programs available in your area to provide you with extra financial assistance. One service in San Diego attempts to make traveling easier for those with disabilities by providing them with discounted trolley passes. As with any program that provides benefits to the disabled, it is important to protect the system from any method of fraud.

Sign On San Diego reports that those with disabilities can buy trolley passes for $18, whereas the standard price is $72 per month. The system in place does not require much proof from passengers seeking reduced fares, but recent abuses have required changes to be made.

It has been proposed that those wishing to buy a discounted pass should show either proof of Social Security disability, Medicare, a letter from a doctor, or a disabled card from the Department of Motor Vehicles. Though it cannot be proved how many people are abusing the program, it has been discovered that about 82% of those using the disabled or senior trolley passes are younger than 60 years, which has raised suspicions among authorities.

Authorities intend to implement changes to the program in May that will ideally help the trolley system to continue to provide discounted fares for the disabled individuals. Those with disabilities often rely on public assistance programs, and additional assets-such as discounted transportation costs-are a positive resource to improving their quality of life.

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.

Those With Rare Diseases May Have Difficulty Obtaining SSA Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26935 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

You are probably familiar with most of the diseases that are covered by Social Security disability, but some of the conditions that are covered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are particularly rare and unknown to many people.

In an effort to raise awareness of lesser-known, but equally debilitating, diseases that afflict Americans, February 28 has been designated Rare Disease Day. The day serves as an opportunity for people to learn a bit about the little-known conditions that affect 1000s of people.

According to Rarediseaseday.org, the day exists to educate the public about medical conditions that affect no more than 200,000 Americans. Some of the most well-known yet rare conditions include Lou Gehrig's disease, sickle cell anemia, and Tourette syndrome, to name a few.

Though such conditions can be covered by the SSA, often it takes longer to get approved for disability benefits because most rare diseases do not appear on the SSA's Listing of Impairments. Additionally, rare diseases are more difficult for doctors to diagnose and it may take years to collect sufficient medical documentation to be able to prove the disability.

These factors do not mean that rare disease will not be covered, but typically it takes more effort to get benefits since SSA employees are not as familiar with the rare diseases. Therefore, they could mistakenly declare someone able to work simply because not much information is available about the disease's effects.

If you suffer from a rare disease and want help obtaining benefits, contact a lawyer to get started.

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.

Free Cell Phone Service for Virginians Receiving SSI

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26934 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

In some states, the benefits of receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA), extend beyond monthly checks for living expenses. A cell phone company in Virginia will offer free cell phone minutes for qualified Virginia residents who receive assistance from certain programs, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program is similar to a cell phone assistance program recently offered in Missouri.

According to the Chesterfield Observer, Assurance Wireless will provide some customers with a free phone and 200 free minutes each month. The minutes can be used to call either local or long distance within the U.S., and the offer also includes free call waiting, voicemail, caller ID, and unlimited access to 911.

More than 650,000 Virginians will be offered this service, provided they currently receive public assistance, or are able to prove that they are part of a low-income household. Qualifying programs include; SSI, Medicaid, food stamps, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Low Income Home Energy Assistance, Section 8 housing, or the National School Lunch Program's free lunch.

If customers need more minutes, they can purchase them so that their phone service is not interrupted. Assurance also offers similar benefits to New York residents.

If you have not yet been approved for SSI benefits, you may be missing out on valuable benefits besides the monthly living expense checks. If you have questions regarding your application status, contact a lawyer.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Electronic Medical Records Could Impact Disabled Florida Residents

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26886 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The recent movement by the Social Security Administration (SSA) toward electronic medical records rather than strictly paper records will hopefully decrease the notoriously wait times associated with applying for Social Security disability benefits.

According to South Florida Business Journal, South Florida's Health Choice Network was awarded $8.5 million by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This organization plans to use the money to assist Florida healthcare providers install a system that offers electronic medical records.

Health Choice Network officials have said the federal money will be available next year and will hopefully encourage others to also install electronic record systems. This change is expected to help streamline the process of applying for disability benefits for disabled Florida residents.

So far, about 1800 primary doctors in South Florida have indicated an interest in acquiring an electronic medical records system. Health Choice Network will help them by installing the systems and training employees how to use them.

Health Choice Network has acknowledged the issues of privacy and security that are associated with an electronic system, and have promised to train doctors and their staff about security measures. Once the majority of doctors know how to use electronic medical records, disability benefit applicants will ideally experience shorter wait times to receive decisions on disability claims.

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.

Long Wait Times for Disability Applicants a Nationwide Problem

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26885 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Applicants for Social Security disability typically experience long wait periods, but some areas seem to have particularly excruciating and unacceptable wait times for those in desperate need of disability benefits.

According to KansasCity.com, applicants in Kansas City who applied by the end of 2009 will experience an average wait of about 604 days in order learn the decision on their disability application. Unfortunately, many of those who have already waited so long are likely to discover that they have been denied and must appeal the decision.

Those who appeal a denied disability claim do not have an easy road ahead of them, as 4 in 10 disability applicants are denied benefits even after appearing in front of an SSA judge. Some experts assert that the application and appeal process for applicants is difficult, as many of the questions asked during the interview are very subjective.

Nationally, more than 1 million people who are turned down each year simply give up, choosing to not appeal the SSA's denial. Many of these disabled individuals are left with few, if any, options for income assistance.

In a bit of good news, the SSA recently added 38 conditions to the claim fast-track program known as Compassionate Allowances. While this is a positive step for those with the diseases on the list, there are still millions of other applicants who will continue to wait unacceptable times, both in Kansas City and across the country.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Kansas City Group Helps Disabled Workers Find Employment

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26884 — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are disabled and interested in finding a job that is suited to your abilities and health considerations, you may be familiar with the Social Security Administration's (SSA) Ticket to Work program. Additionally, some localized groups are striving to make the process of finding work easier for disabled individuals in their area.

According to KansasCity.com, the down economy makes it particularly difficult for those with disabilities to find work, as some employers may be reluctant to hire disabled workers. This may be attributed to concerns about the cost of creating reasonable accommodations for disabled workers, though it should be noted that-in addition to being discriminatory-the fears are unfounded, as the average cost of such changes is only $200, and many modifications cost nothing at all.

Kansas City's Business Leadership Network is a group of employers that strive to improve the chances of employment for the disabled. So far, the group has found that most employers who hire disabled workers experience a turnover rate that is much lower than average. Additionally, these businesses experience certain tax benefits and often gain the benefit of loyal, hard-working employees, while at the same time, providing critical income for disabled workers. It's a win-win situation for all involved.

If you are disabled and unable to find work, you may have to rely solely on disability benefits for your income. Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Residents of PA Protest SSI Check Reduction

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26794 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Residents in Pennsylvania have expressed concern about how looming budget cuts could affect the state's poorest residents, including those who receive Social Security Insurance (SSI).

According to Philly.com, Gov. Rendell has created a $29 billion spending plan that increases money toward education but reduces the money that goes toward Pennsylvania's poor.

Rendell reportedly asked for a 3.7% increase in education funding, but reduced funding for programs like SSI. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income began seeing a $5 to $10 reduction in their monthly checks starting February 1.

All of the SSI recipients in Pennsylvania are living below the poverty level, meaning an income of less than $22,000 annually for a family of 4. The reductions can amount to the loss of 1 or 2 meals a month, or the inability to pay for a prescription medication.

Opponents of the spending bill argue that while education funding is important, children whose parents cannot afford to feed them will not do well in school despite improvements to the education system. There will be a rally on March 16 at Pennsylvania's Capitol to request restoration of SSI funds.

If you are struggling to make ends meet for your family and you believe you are entitled to disability benefits, a disability attorney might be able to help you get the benefits you deserve.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

New Rule Would Regulate Account Freezing for SSA Funds Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26792 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The United States Treasury department is working to close a loophole through which recipients of Social Security Administration (SSA) funds have been inconvenienced by creditors.

Currently, a federal law prohibits creditors from taking money out of the bank account of those receiving Social Security disability or retirement benefits. This rule does not stop some banks from putting a hold on recipient's account, even though no money can be removed.

According to The Wall Street Journal, many banks do not know what steps to take when they receive garnishment orders from creditors. They know they cannot remove funds received by the SSA, but sometimes it is unclear if the money in the account is all from disability benefit checks, or if some is from another income source, which would make it eligible to be garnished.

This causes some banks to put a freeze on the disability benefits recipient's account, which can result in fees for overdraft protection and bounced checks. If this occurs, the affected person can file an exemption claim to unfreeze the account, but it typically takes several weeks or even months to have access to the money again. This can be devastating to those living on a fixed income, such as those people who rely on disability benefits.

The new rules would require banks to find out whether the customer received a deposit from the SSA within the past 45 days before freezing the account upon receipt of garnishment orders. If they have, the bank must leave enough money available for basic necessities, such as food and rent.

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.

Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease Added to SSA Disability Fast Track Program

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26791 — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Social Security disability benefits can take years to receive, but if your medical condition is on the list of those that qualify for Compassionate Allowances, your application has a better chance of being processed more quickly.

The Alzheimer's Association reports that early-onset/younger onset Alzheimer's has been recently added to the SSA's list of Compassionate Allowances, a program which expedites disability claims for those who suffer from certain conditions.

The majority of Social Security disability benefits applicants wait for more than a year to hear back from the SSA, but those affected by a condition on the list of Compassionate Allowances can expect a shorter wait. In fact, you may be able to expect an answer within weeks.

The Alzheimer's Association was instrumental in persuading the SSA to add early-onset Alzheimer's disease to list of allowances, arguing that this medical condition often progresses very quickly, and many applicants with Alzheimer's are initially denied benefits only to be accepted once they appeal. Therefore, those who suffer from Alzheimer's typically have to wait longer than a year to receive their rightful benefits, all while their condition deteriorates.

If you or a loved one is suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's or a similarly swift-moving disease, you don't have the option of waiting months, or even years, to get the financial support that you need from disability benefits. An experienced disability attorney may be able to help you achieve a shorter waiting period.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

House Bill to Improve Disability Applicants' Access to Legal Help

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26758 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Most people who have been through the process of applying for Social Security disability benefits have found that it is not an easy procedure. In fact, many applicants who do not seek help from a disability attorney will have their claim denied. It's estimated that about 3 out of 4 applicants are usually denied benefits, a challenge that the U.S. government is taking notice of and seeking to address.

According to NWTN Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Feb. 11 that is intended to improve disability applicants' access to quality legal representation. The bill was introduced by Con. John Tanner, and it received a vote of 412-6.

Tanner is Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security, and is just one of the key sponsors for this bill, called Social Security Disability Applicants' Access to Professional Representation Act of 2010.

This bill makes permanent the temporary-originally set to expire on March 1, 2010-provision allowing expanded access to legal representation. In the future, representatives hope to help simplify the process of acquiring disability altogether.

If you've been denied for Social Security disability benefits, you need the help of a qualified disability attorney. Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Get a Head Start on Your Social Security Disability Application

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26757 — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have questions about where to start when it comes to obtaining Social Security disability benefits, it is helpful to have an overview of the often complicated process.

According to the Appeal-Democrat, about 3 million people applied for disability in 2009, but about two-thirds of them were denied. The most common reason given was that they did not provide enough medical documentation to show that they could not work, and therefore qualified for disability benefits.

One of the primary qualifications for Social Security disability benefits is that you must be able to demonstrate that you cannot work, not only at the job you used to hold, but at any job. You should also be able to prove that you have a debilitating medical condition that has lasted a year and is likely to affect you for the rest of your life. Additionally, in most cases, you need to have worked for at least 5 of the past 10 years.

If you believe that you may be eligible for Social Security benefits, you will need to gather the following documents:

Birth certificate
Social Security number
Contact information for any medical personnel who treated your condition
Names of the medications you have taken for the condition
Medical records
A letter from your doctor stating their view of your condition
W-2s and a summary of work you have recently done

After you collect these documents, you may choose to contact a lawyer who can help you through this process.

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.

Disability Providers Steadily Decreasing Benefits and Denying Claims

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26671 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many people assume they would be able to depend upon Social Security disability benefits in the event they ever become too sick or disabled to work. They might feel the same about disability payments offered through their place of employment. However, as the rate of disability claims increase, both the SSA and private disability providers are more hesitant to provide funds, no matter the level of need.

According to SmartMoney, one woman from Washington state has been particularly exasperated with her insurance company's lack of financial support. The woman's many complications from breast cancer made it impossible for her to work, yet Cigna, her insurance provider, began questioning her symptoms, claiming she was well enough to work. After reducing her disability payments on a policy paid for by her employer, Cigna stopped them altogether for a few weeks.

After the woman's attorney appealed, Cigna reinstated the payments, claiming that officials had put the payments on pause because they did not have enough information about her illness.

SmartMoney asserts that these days, many insurance companies not only decrease the amount of payments, but they also scrutinize each case more carefully than ever before. Additionally, many employees pay more in monthly premiums for the chance to be covered by disability insurance should they ever need them.

The number of claims for Social Security disability increased by 17% in 2009 alone, and 2010 will likely show a similar trend. Unfortunately, tightening purse strings may mean that fewer deserving people will obtain their rightful benefits, making it more important than ever to have the help of a qualified disability attorney as you fight for your disability benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Pulmonary Fibrosis Added to List of SSA's Compassionate Allowances

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26670 — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

There is some new hope for those who suffer from Pulmonary Fibrosis, an untreatable lung disease that is fast-moving and quickly debilitating. The Social Security Administration has just added Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) to the list of Compassionate Allowances, which is a fast-track program meant to expedite disability benefits claims for those with certain diseases.

According to PRNewswire, the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis has expressed its appreciation that this devastating condition has been added to the list of 37 conditions eligible for faster case review. If you or a loved one suffer from Pulmonary Fibrosis, know that you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, which can bring financial relief as you and your family cope with this aggressive disease.

Pulmonary Fibrosis, or PF, is so brutal that most patients live less than 3 years after being diagnosed. Adding insult to tragedy, some sufferers wait that long just to get a decision on their application for Social Security disability. About 40,000 people die each year from PF.

Fortunately for those suffering from PF, the new status might allow them to receive their Social Security disability benefits within days instead of months or years.

If you are concerned that your medical condition is rapidly advancing but your benefits claim is continuing to drag, consult with a lawyer to discuss your application for disability benefits.

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.

SSA Error Has Profoundly Negative Impact on Florida Woman's Life

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26566 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

In many cases, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help if you are in need of monthly disability benefit checks after a disabling condition leaves you unable to work. However, for one woman, the SSA has hindered her from living a full life; the agency has incorrectly listed her as being deceased about 1 year.

According to The Palm Beach Post, Karen Paladino from Florida's Seminole County cannot open a bank account, purchase a new car, or upgrade her cell phone because the Social Security Administration accidentally proclaimed her to be dead.

It is believed that the problem started when her husband died suddenly of a heart attack on October 1, 2008, and perhaps an SSA official simply entered the information incorrectly. However, it has taken Paladino at least 1 year to fix this problem and she has had to submit her birth certificate, marriage license, and other paperwork to prove that she is alive.

The SSA is working on fixing the problem, and officials have promised to find out how the error occurred. SSA officials have also said that they will contact the bank and cell phone company to let them know the woman is indeed alive.

These types of errors and oversights in the SSA can lead to huge problems for people who are awaiting disability benefit claims, or who rely on other SSA programs for their monthly income.

If you believe that an SSA error has negatively impacted your ability to collect the disability benefits that you need, 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.

Disability Payments Often Cover Injuries Caused by Drunk Drivers

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26563 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

When you think of Social Security disability benefits, perhaps you think only in terms of chronic conditions or diseases. Did you know that victims of tragic accidents may also be eligible for-and in need of-disability benefit payments? Many victims of drunk drivers depend on the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide their only means of income.

StarTribune.com reports that in the past decade alone, more than 37,000 residents of Minnesota were injured in car accidents involving alcohol. Many of these drunk driving victims were left with disabilities that prevent them from being able to work, meaning they must rely on disability payments to survive.

One tragic example is Rebecca Preston, 51, who suffered a traumatic brain injury 5 years ago when a drunk driver ran a red light and smashed into her car. Today, Ms. Preston cannot drive or walk, let alone work. She collects about $1,100 per month in disability payments, but this does not cover all her bills.

Statistics show that drunk drivers cause more severe injuries than they do deaths. In 2008 in Minnesota, about 337 people were seriously hurt in car accidents caused by drunk drivers. Many of these victims are left to cope with having to make ends meet with Social Security disability benefits, which can be difficult to apply for and receive.

If you have been injured by a drunk driver and want to know if you may be eligible for disability payments, contact an experienced disability lawyer.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

L.A. Homeless Receive Help Applying for Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26531 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Los Angeles County, CA is reaching out to the large homeless population by setting aside about $7.2 million to help those individuals find jobs or apply for Social Security disability, Supplemental Security Income, or Veterans' disability.

According to the Los Angeles Times, those who qualify for this assistance program from the SSA will no longer receive the $221 per month currently sent to them from the county. Instead, they could get up to $850 monthly from SSI and may also qualify for Medi-Cal, a program that offers medical benefits in the state of California.

With impending budget cuts for this state, the focus is on allowing the disabled to use federal programs instead of those funded by the county or state. The money offered for this program will be used to help find housing for the homeless and disabled, as well as helping to locate their medical records, and acquire the health assessments necessary when applying for either disability or SSI.

If you or a loved one is struggling to make ends meet and needs help applying for SSI or disability, a Social Security disability attorney can fight for you to get the highest amount of benefits for which you could qualify. If you are ready to apply for your rightful benefits, contact a lawyer for professional advice.

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.

Proposed White House Plans May Affect Disability Programs

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26529 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

As the White House continues to seek for ways to reduce the federal deficit, many are concerned that President Obama may propose to cut some programs that focus on aiding the disabled and those in need. One of the chief fears is that these cuts would include Social Security disability, which helps millions of people pay their monthly expenses.

According to The Progressive, Obama developed a commission on how to cut such programs, but it was rejected by the Senate in January. In his State of the Union address, Obama stated that he would use executive order to make a bipartisan fiscal commission very similar to the one that was already rejected.

The concern is that if it succeeds, those who receive disability, Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security retirement benefits could be in danger of losing them. While these plans are certainly not solidified at this time, it is important for those that rely on disability benefits to be aware of the current discussions about the future of Social Security.

If you want to stay updated on this ever-changing issue, contact an experienced disability lawyer who can offer knowledge of the process and the latest news regarding the SSA.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Heart Disease is Considered a Disabling Condition

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26466 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you suffer from heart disease, you should know that it is possible to receive Social Security disability benefits to assist you with your living expenses. Like many health conditions, this disease can range in severity, and your inability to hold employment because of your heart disease is the primary factor in whether you qualify for disability benefits.

The likelihood that you will receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) also hinges on whether your particular condition meets the medical listing criteria.

Some examples of heart disease include:

cardiomyopathy;
chronic heart failure;
arteriosclerosis;
congestive heart failure;
ischemic heart disease.

The methods your doctor will likely use to determine if you suffer from heart disease, and to what degree may include; echocardiography, angiography, or electrocardiography. These results will become an important part of your SSA disability case.

In general, you and your doctor need to prove to the SSA that either your heart muscle is too damaged to pump sufficient oxygen-filled blood, or that your blood vessels are blocked. When either of these conditions apply, it is likely that you will have trouble finding employment because of pain, discomfort, or the inability to move sufficiently on a regular basis. If you believe that your heart disease is impacting your ability to make a living, contact an experienced disability lawyer.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Schizophrenia Still Not Qualified for Compassionate Allowances

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26464 — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Many people who suffer from schizophrenia may not know that they are often eligible for Social Security disability benefits. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has held hearings addressing schizophrenia and how individuals affected by this illness may qualify for benefits.

Commissioner of Social Security, Michael J. Astrue, hosted the SSA's 5th hearing regarding Compassionate Allowances and schizophrenia in fall 2009. He noted that this condition affects more than 2 million people in this nation, many of whom are 30 years or younger. Astrue said that many with schizophrenia may suffer experience unemployment and/or homelessness at some point in their lives.

Compassionate Allowances is a program that attempts to distribute disability benefits more quickly than usual to those who meet the SSA's standards for a disability. The list of conditions that qualify for this program was compiled through several public outreach hearings, as well as using input from both experts and the public. Currently, about 50 conditions meet the qualifications for Compassionate Allowances.

Schizophrenia has not yet been added to the list for Compassionate Allowances, but hearings like the fall 2009 may change that. More than 150,000 disability cases were put on the fast track to benefits in 2009. If you think that your case deserves to be processed more quickly, or that your condition should be added to the list, contact a disability attorney for more information about your rights to disability benefits.

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.

GM Reduces Workers' Comp for Injured Employees

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26394 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

For years, many former employees of General Motors who were injured on the job have been surviving using a combination of checks from several sources for disabled and injured workers, including; workers' compensation, disability pension from GM, and Social Security disability benefits. The recent financial woes at GM have meant some changes in how those workers are paid.

According to MLive.com, in the 1980s, a Michigan law made it legal for companies to reduce an injured employee's worker's compensation by the total that they receive for disability pension. After years of vowing to never put that law into use, GM recently cut the payments of about 1800 former employees in an effort to save money.

One example of someone who has been impacted by these cuts is former GM employee Dennis Cheek, who suffered two injuries while working at the Buick City General Motors location. First, he sustained a devastating neck injury when he was hit by a 300-pound machine and broke his neck. In 1999, he fell off a deck at the plant and suffered personal injuries and had to have surgery on his elbow.

Cheek left GM in 2001, and has since survived on the aforementioned three sources of monthly income. Unfortunately, GM's reduction in workers' compensation checks for those also receiving disability pension means that Cheek is struggling to pay his monthly mortgage and other bills.

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.

Missouri Woman Sentenced for Social Security Fraud

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26393 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

A woman was recently accused of Social Security fraud in Missouri, allegedly taking $48,133 over the course of several years. Unfortunately, it is very likely that it will take some time before the woman can pay back the money she took from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to infoZine.com, a 51-year-old woman pleaded guilty in October 2009 to repeatedly using someone else's Social Security number to receive disability payments. In 1997, she used an alias to obtain benefits, eventually returning to work from 2004 to 2008 without notifying the SSA.

In order to hide the fact that she was working from the SSA, she used the Social Security numbers of five people while working for three employers and repeatedly lied to SSA investigators about her work status.

She pleaded guilty to theft of government money and misusing a Social Security number that was assigned to someone else, and was sentenced by a U.S. District Judge to 2 years and 3 months of federal imprisonment. She will not have the benefit of parole, and she will also need to pay back the more than $48,000 that she stole.

These types of case, while rare, do represent a challenge to qualified disabled individuals who already face staggeringly long wait times to collect the Social Security benefits that they rightfully deserve.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Early Detection Is Important With Alzheimer's Disease

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26266 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

News recently broke that legendary singer Etta James was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease more than a year ago. This tragic story is a sad reminder of the importance of being familiar with the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Guardian reports that James made headlines in 2009 when she publicly insulted both President Obama and singer Beyoncé Knowles. The outburst was recently attributed to James' struggle with Alzheimer's, a disease that is known to have a great affect on the sufferers' moods and personality.

Alzheimer's symptoms vary depending on the stage of the condition and the individual. Listed below are early signs of Alzheimer's disease:

Getting lost easily
Difficulty remembering familiar names or words
Losing items often
Losing interest in favorite hobbies
Difficulty conducting typical but complex tasks, like balancing a checkbook

Everyone experiences occasional brushes with forgetfulness, but if you or a loved one have recently experienced any of the above-mentioned symptoms, it is best to seek treatment as quickly as possible. Though there is presently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, early treatment can often slow the progression of the disease. Because Alzheimer's is considered a disabling disease, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits in the event that your condition prevents you from seeking employment.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

February is Heart Disease Awareness Month

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26265 — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

February has been designated as Heart Disease Awareness Month since 1963 in an effort to help Americans learn how to prevent the disabling condition. If you already suffer from heart disease and are unable to work to support yourself, know that Social Security disability benefits are available to those suffering from this disease.

According to Enhanced Online News, it is commonly assumed that only men are susceptible to heart disease, but women are also at risk. The American Heart Association reports that annually, more than 15 million Americans suffer some type of cardiovascular disease. In fact, heart issues are considered the number one killer among both men and women older than age 35.

It is true that women are less likely to be afflicted with heart disease than men during their younger years, but after menopause, their chances increase. This is because menopause typically increases the amount of cholesterol in a woman's body, and can eventually lead to arterial damage.

By engaging in regular exercise and practicing good nutrition, many people are able to lower their risk of developing this disease. These lifestyle choices can also help keep stress, cholesterol, and blood pressure down, leading to a reduction in the risk of obesity and diabetes.

If you or your loved one are suffering from heart disease, or any 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.

SSA Fraud Cases Mean Longer Wait For Disabled Applicants

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26172 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The recent case of Frances Maynard-who fraudulently solicited survivors' benefits on behalf of a child who was not eligible for benefits-caused the Social Security Administration (SSA) to waste valuable time and resources pursuing a case of SSA fraud.

The disability benefit fraud continued for 8 years before the SSA realized the error. The Lincoln Journal reports that Maynard was sentenced for her Social Security fraud and ordered to repay $62,000, plus spend 6 months in home confinement as punishment for her crimes.

This particular case was one part of the US Attorney's Initiative to Combat Theft of Government Benefits. This initiative was created in June of 2008 to punish those who unlawfully take money from public programs, such as the SSA, Department of Labor, the Railroad Retirement Board, and the US Veterans Administration (VA).

This initiative is an attempt to safeguard the public funds that are meant for those who truly need them, such as disabled individuals and their families, as well as low-income disabled individuals who are unable to work to support themselves.

When the SSA fails to catch such cases of fraud early on, there are less funds to be awarded to qualified disabled applicants who rely on disability benefits to survive. Additionally, Social Security fraud cases like this one can further stall applications from being reviewed in a timely manner.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

CA Fiscal Crises Will Impact SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26171 — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Anyone living in California or paying attention to the state's fiscal crises may have heard how possible budget cuts could decrease benefits for those receiving aid from the state. This includes residents who live off of Supplemental Security Income and the State Supplemental Payment (SSP).

According to San Diego News Network, the state may be closer than ever to making the budget cuts that would affect so many. Last month, Governor Schwarzenegger requested about $6.9 billion in aid from the Federal government. On Monday, President Obama offered the state $1.5 billion; significantly less assistance than what was requested.

This unfortunately means that many disabled individuals and low-income families living in California will likely experience a decrease in their SSI benefits. Social services are reportedly next to be decreased because of California's budgetary constraints.

The state also offers SSI recipients the SSP to help pay for routine expenses, including rent groceries and medical costs. California currently offers about $171 per month in SSP. This amount will likely be slashed to $156. In comparison, that figure in 1990 was $244 per month. As the cost of living (COL) has risen, California's poorest residents have received less financial support.

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.

Man Receives Prison Time for Social Security Fraud

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26091 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is owed more than $14,000 after a man committed fraud by taking disability benefits that were not his for nearly two years. This instance of Social Security fraud is another case that can contribute to the long wait times experienced by those who legitimately apply for Supplemental Security Income.

According to WOWKTV.com, 50-year-old Timothy Maynard of West Virginia was charged with fraudulently cashing the SSI checks of a man who was incarcerated.

In September 2006, the recipient of the SSI benefits went to jail, which caused his monthly disability benefit checks to expire. In October, Maynard took an SSI check out of the recipient's mailbox, forged a signature, and cashed it, causing the Social Security benefits to kick back in.

Maynard repeatedly forged SSI checks each month until October 2008, when the SSA realized that the rightful recipient was incarcerated. Upon investigation, Maynard admitted to forging the signatures.

Maynard was charged with theft of government money. He pleaded guilty in October 2009 and was sentenced to prison for six months, followed by 5 years of probation.

Unfortunately, such SSA fraud cases may increase the wait times for disabled and low-income applicants to begin receiving their disability benefits, as the SSA has to take time to look into any suspected fraud.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

CA Proposed Budget Cuts Would Affect SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26088 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

California's furloughs have been shown to negatively impact those receiving help from both the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the state. Proposed budget cuts could work similarly, decreasing the amount of disability benefits that qualified disabled individuals receive.

According to Miami Herald, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger plans to cut social services funds if the state does not receive the billions of dollars in federal money that he recently requested. Currently, elderly and disabled residents receive $845 per month through Supplemental Security Income and SSP, which is the State Supplemental Payment.

Last year, the disability benefits were $907 per month. It was also reported that $845 is the maximum amount that will be paid as a monthly SSI benefit, meaning not every person will receive that amount. The proposed funding cut would likely reduce the maximum amount for SSI benefits and SSP funding to $830 per month.

In addition to the possible funding cut, many SSI recipients have also had their Medi-Cal benefits slashed. Listed below are some of the coverages that have been cut because they are not Federally required:

Vision
Dental
Hearing
Podiatry;
Counseling

Though it is evident that California is in the midst of a severe economic crisis, it is socially irresponsible to withhold disability benefits from the elderly, disabled, and low-income residents who may not be able to find other sources of income.

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.

SSA Contracts May Mean Less Wait For Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26035 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Disability benefit applicants and disability advocates have long voiced their concerns about the long wait times for Social Security disability benefit decisions. If you have been waiting months, or even years, for a decision on your Social Security disability application, there may be some relief in the near future.

According to MSN Money, the SSA recently signed a contract with HealthBridge to provide the agency with electronic medical records for disability applicants. This company is one of 15 companies that the SSA recently partnered with at a total cost of $17.4 million. Hopefully, the money spent by the SSA will mean a decrease in the wait times of disability applicants.

SSA officials claim that most of the medical records that they receive are on paper, and that receiving them electronically should cut down on the time it takes to make a decision. Currently, HealthBridge sends about 2.4 million records every month, electronically transferring results from labs, radiology appointments, and other types of medical visits.

It is unknown how long it will take to set up a system for sending medical documents to the SSA. Therefore, no one knows how much longer you will have to wait for your results. However, this recent contract means that you may not have to wait as long as those in the past did. For information about your disability benefits claim, contact your Social Security disability lawyer.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

North Carolina Agency Recruits Disabled Employees

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)26030 — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you receive either Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income, you might be hesitant to work because you could lose your disability benefits. If you want to work and keep your disability benefits for as long as possible, the Ticket to Work program may be your solution.

According to digtriad.com, an agency, Employment Options, in the Triad area of North Carolina recently announced that they are seeking an increase in disabled workers. The agency recruited about 200 people with disabilities to work in December alone, and now need about 160 more employees.

In order to obtain a job from the company, you must be receiving either SSI or disability. Many of the positions would allow you to work from home. Employment Options works with the Ticket to Work program to employ those whose disabilities make it difficult for them to find employment suited to their needs and skills.

This is not the only work assistance program available to disabled individuals. Many counties have at least one such agency, or a community center that also offers job openings for the disabled. To learn about such centers in your area, or to find out how the Ticket to Work program operates, contact a lawyer well-versed in Social Security disability.

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.

Proposed SSA Program Would Offer Work Assistance to the Blind

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25984 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

For those receiving Social Security disability benefits, there is a way to work while still getting monthly benefit checks for several months until you can determine that the job will be long-term. This is possible under the Ticket to Work program. A similar program has been proposed to cater specifically to the blind and visually impaired.

According to PR Newswire, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) recently introduced the Blind Persons Return to Work Act of 2010. The bill was introduced with the intention of making it easier for the blind to transition to the working world without fear of losing their disability benefits.

Unfortunately, many disabled individuals may want to work but are discouraged by the income limits set by the SSA. Similar to the Ticket to Work program, monthly payments would be slowly phased out as the disabled individual earned new income.

This can be a risky venture for the disabled worker, as employment income is not guaranteed in the same manner that monthly disability benefits are. In some instances, disability payments might have to be reinstated as a safety net.

If you are considering using either this program or the Ticket to Work program, contact a lawyer to find out if you should apply.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Iowa Offers Reduced Phone Services to SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25980 — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:00:00 EST

Supplemental Security Income provides critical financial support for low-income and disabled individuals who often rely on the program as their sole source of income. Thankfully, some businesses and regional governments provide other benefits for SSI-recipients who might be in need of additional financial assistance.

TMCnews reports that Iowa-area residents who rely on SSI can now participate in a program initiated by Iowa Utilities Board to offer reduced prices on telephone service. The program is called Lifeline/Link-Up and lowers connection fees to either half-off or $30 off. It also allows new customers to pay these charges late without interest.

To qualify, you should be participating in SSI, Medicaid, the National School Lunch Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance Program, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and/or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program. You may also qualify if you meet the income requirements, but it is often easier to show eligibility by showing proof of enrollment in any of these programs rather than pay stubs.

To apply, you will need to fill out an application and demonstrate that you are enrolled in any of the above programs.

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.

Are you a veteran with PTSD? Help may be on the way.

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25898 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are a veterans suffering from PTSD good news may be coming to your mailbox soon. A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of over 4,000 veterans. The large lawsuit expands upon an original suit filed on behalf of seven veterans who were suffering from PTSD but were denied a rating that would allow them to receive long-term VA disability benefits.

The outlook is good for the thousands of veterans eligiable for the suit. The Defense Department has agreed to expidate the claims of veterans who respond to the notices. If accepted, a correction will be make to their military records and they will begin receiving benefits for six months or until a further review and resolution is made.

If you belive that your PTSD has not been validated by the VA there is something you can do. Please contact your Ft. Lauderdale veterans' disability attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation.

Southern CA Gas Company Offers Assistance for SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25880 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are considering applying to the SSA for Supplemental Security Income benefits, you likely already feel the pressures of having little to no income. If you have not yet applied for SSI, you might be missing out on having some assistance with paying your utility bills.

According to Blackvoicenews.com, Southern California Gas Co. (The Gas Company) is offering programs to help select individuals pay their gas bill. In recognition of soaring gas bills during periods of cold weather, The Gas Company has recognized that some consumers may struggle making a payment on time.

If you currently receive help from sources like Supplemental Security Income, you will automatically qualify for the assistance program. Recipients of Women, Infants and Children, Healthy Families, Medi-Cal, Food Stamps, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also qualify.

Eligible individuals should contact The Gas Company before the bill due date in order to work out a payment plan or to negotiate having a payment waived for the month. If you have not yet applied for SSI, contact a lawyer to find out how to get started in the process.

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.

Ohio Furloughs Mean Delays for Social Security Disability Claims

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25875 — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Furloughs have affected those waiting for approval of their Social Security disability benefits in a few states, particularly California. Now the issue appears to be spreading to other states, such as Ohio, where more than 600 employees of the Ohio Bureau of Disability Determination have been on furlough since last summer.

According to Cleveland Live, the furloughs are reported to have slowed down an estimated 14,000 disability claims (or, $3 million in benefits), forcing qualified Ohio residents to wait for the financial assistance to which they are entitled.

Michael Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, recently said Ohio's furloughing of Federal employees is actually costing the state money, in addition to prolonging wait times for disability benefits.

At a time when demand for disability benefits is at an all-time high, having fewer workers process applications can lead to significant delays and is likely to inconvenience many people who are in need.

If you have been awaiting your disability decision for months, or even years, and you have questions regarding your payments, contact a lawyer today.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Program Offers Missouri SSI Recipients Free Cell Phone Service

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25816 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Individuals who are experiencing financial difficulty and count on Supplemental Security Income to survive often need additional resources in order to make ends meet. A new program in Missouri aims to help those who receive SSI, State Supplemental Disability Assistance, or a number of other low-income services, by providing those needy individuals with a free cell phone and a limited number of free minutes of cell service.

According to PR Newswire, TracFone Wireless, Inc. is offering qualifying Missouri residents a free wireless cell phone and 68 free minutes of talk time every month. If unused, the minutes will roll over into the next month. Perhaps most important, the phones will have unrestricted access to 911.

Recipients are expected to demonstrate that they are eligible for this plan, typically with income statements or proof of enrollment in a program that requires proof of little to no income. Qualifying programs include:

SSI

State Supplemental Disability Assistance

Veteran Administration Disability Benefits

Low Income Home Energy Assistance

National School Lunch Program

Section 8 housing

Medicaid

If you live in Missouri and have experienced delays in receiving your SSI benefits, contact a lawyer today so that you don't miss out on qualifying for this free service.

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.

Social Security Survivors' Benefits Paid to Wrong Person

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25814 — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent case of Social Security fraud involves a woman collecting Social Security disability survivors' benefits on behalf of a child. However, the SSA neglected to realize that the child was not entitled to the money and that the money was instead being given to the fraud suspect.

According to WOWK-TV, a 39-year-old West Virginia woman filed a claim more than eight years ago for survivors' benefits. Authorities say that she claimed to be applying for the child's benefit, but because the child was not the son or daughter of the deceased, the benefits should not have been disbursed.

An error in the SSA system allowed for the woman to collect roughly $62,000 over the course of eight years, all of which she has been ordered to repay. This doesn't change the fact that a failure in the system led to a mismanagement of a deceased disabled individual's benefits, which could have potential impact on their family.

Using a deceased person's Social Security account to profit is not only illegal, but, as this tragic case demonstrates, it is potentially damaging to the deceased and their survivors.

Negotiating the intricacies of Social Security disability benefits is complex and difficult enough without having to cope with such issues of fraud and dishonesty. If you are having trouble getting the disability benefits that you deserve, you should contact an experienced disability attorney.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Disabled Girl's Parents Accused of Abusing Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25754 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Parents of children with disabilities typically can collect Social Security disability benefits to help care for the disabled child. This is a vital resource for many families that count on the income to provide the care that their child deserves.

Sadly, some parents appear to take advantage of their disabled children, and such abuse of the system makes it even more difficult for parents to obtain the disability benefits that their children need and are entitled to.

According to Disability Scoop, the parents of a disabled Massachusetts girl, who passed away at age 4, are suspected of using their children's disability benefits to their financial advantage.

The young girl died in December of 2006 under suspicious circumstances and her parents are being tried in her death. Prosecutors also allege that although the girl never was approved for Social Security disability benefits, the parents attempted to exploit her disability for their own gain.

This tragic story represents an extremely small and rare minority of cases, but it illustrates the type of incident that can make it more difficult for qualified individuals to receive the Social Security disability benefits to which they are entitled.

If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

SSI Reductions Impact Disabled Recipient

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25747 — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

One of the primary differences between Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income is that the latter program is needs-based. This distinction means that any increase in income, temporary or not, can reduce the funds that you will receive from the SSA.

A recent case involving a disabled 58-year-old man from Arkansas illustrates the impact of this rule. According to The Dallas Morning News, John Dodds won $1,000 through a scratch-off lottery ticket in early December, 2009. Dodds, typically receives $674 per month from SSI, which he uses to pay for rent, utilities, and other living expenses.

Dodds took the appropriate steps after his winnings and filed an unearned income statement to declare the money to the Social Security Administration. On the day after Christmas, Dodds received a letter from the SSA informing him that his annual SSI payments for 2010 would be reduced by $980.

The SSA reduced Dodds' payments by the amount of the winnings, minus $20, which was permitted under an exclusion afforded by federal law. If you have seen a reduction to your SSI payments for any reason, you should contact a disability lawyer that has experience in dealing with Social Security benefits cases.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Cuts for SSI Recipients in Pennsylvania

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25673 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Pennsylvania who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will soon receive less income from their monthly SSI payments.

Philly.com reports that beginning Feb. 1, nearly 350,000 people, most of whom are blind, disabled, or elderly, will receive a cut in SSI payments. The cuts are a result of 20-25% reductions to the state-provided SSI supplement, which adds anywhere from $27 to $42 to recipient's SSI checks.

This means a $5 per month income loss for individuals who receive SSI and $10 per month for couples that receive SSI. The figure may seem relatively low when compared to recent cuts made to other public programs, but a $5-$10 income loss can have a drastic impact on an individual or family that counts on every single dollar that SSI provides.

While these disabled and elderly individuals in Pennsylvania cope with a decrease in their monthly SSI benefits, many people around the country struggle to even receive SSI benefits in the first place. If you are disabled and have been denied SSI benefits, you may have questions about how to receive the financial support you do desperately deserve.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25667 — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, a designation created by Congress to encourage people, particularly women, to understand the symptoms and causes of this potentially fatal disease.

According to DrugWatch.com, cervical cancer usually affects both the cervix and the bottom edge of the uterus. Risk factors associated with cervical cancer include:

Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus
Prolonged use of the contraceptive pill

Like many other forms of cancer, if you are unable to work because you are coping with cervical cancer, you might be entitled to Social Security disability benefits.

Pap smears are one of the best preventative measures in catching cervical cancer in the early stages. It has been found that cervical cancer is more prominent among women with disabilities because they are less likely to get annual Pap smears.

Those without the mobility or financial means to obtain regular medical care are particularly at-risk. If you have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and have questions about your eligibility for disability payments, contact a lawyer for answers.

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.

New Residential Facility in Florida Will Help Women Veterans

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25660 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Everyone could use a helping hand now and then. When the Center for Drug-Free Living opens its new residential center in Cocoa, Florida homeless women veterans and their children will have a place to call home and have their mental health needs met. The center is slated to open its doors in 2011, and for many of central Florida's homeless female veterans the date cannot come soon enough.

As we have reported before, women veterans are just as likely to suffer mental illness and PTSD as their male counterparts. However, when women return from war they are often not given the respect and services they deserve. There is an ongoing and false stigma that women are shielded from war when they serve. In reality thousands of servicewomen see as much action and violence as servicemen do.

At LaVan & Neidenberg we would like to see every veteran taken care of when they return from serving our country. We are encouraged to see good programs like the new center in Cocoa helping veterans. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

We see too many veterans who have been denied VA disability benefits or have been given a disability rating that is too low to cover their injuries and illnesses. The VA is set up to help veterans, yet sometimes it fails to do so. If you are ready to fight for and win your VA disability claim or appeal then please contact our experienced attorneys today for your free consultation.

Stay Up-To-Date on SSA Wait Times in Your Area

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25614 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are waiting to hear back regarding your Social Security disability application in Texas, you are not alone. Approximately 50,000 people in Texas are waiting to hear on their initial application. Of course, those who do hear back still have the chance of being turned down.

In fact, about 30,000 additional applicants are waiting for their hearings after being turned down initially. To add insult to injury, it is likely that about two-thirds of the 50,000 people waiting to hear back about their disability applications will be turned down, adding to the pool of people requiring a hearing. Of course, this means more waiting.

The average wait for a disability claim in Texas is 288 days. While this may feel like an eternity, it is actually hundreds of days shorter than the nationwide average, as the national average wait time for a hearing is about two years.

In most cases, being turned down and having to wait for a hearing simply means several more months without payment. Many states feature varying lengths of time depending on the city. For example, Fort Lauderdale features a waiting period of 264 days, compared to the waiting period in Miami of 592 days.

If you are interested in an up-to-date idea of the average waiting period for your area, contact a lawyer.

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.

Choose the Correct Work Status and Avoid Disability Errors

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25612 — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent fraud case illustrates the importance of choosing the correct work status when filing for Social Security disability benefits. The case arose when it was discovered that a 56-year-old New Jersey woman was being paid about $17,000 in Social Security disability that she was not entitled to.

The excess payments occurred because the woman lied to the SSA about her work status while she received disability payments.

According to New Jersey On-Line, the woman was approved for disability benefits when she said that her back injury prohibited her from working. However, she was employed at a local restaurant owned by her family.

She may have been eligible to receive benefits if she had either informed the SSA of her desire to work part-time, or used the Ticket to Work program.

This case is an example of the type of critical error that can occur when an individual doesn't disclose important information to the SSA, or has confusion about what they are or are not permitted to do when claiming disability status.

This woman's omission is considered fraud, and carries the possibility of up to six months of imprisonment. The punishment is subject to change depending on the federal judge who oversees the case.

Avoid making mistakes that could cost you your benefits and your freedom, by getting the advice of a Social Security disability lawyer who can guide you through the often confusing process of applying for disability benefits.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Public Data on Social Security Disability Benefit Hearings

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25504 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently added made more of its operational procedures and policies public via www.data.gov. The change comes at the urging of President Obama and the Transparency and Open Government Initiative.

Ideally, this initiative will provide disabled and needy Americans with more information about how their SSI and SSDI claims are being processed and what criteria the SSA judges and officials use to decide individual disability cases.

If you are a disabled individual who is awaiting your Social Security disability benefits, the SSA suggests that you can use the information provided on Data.gov to:

Get an idea of how long the current wait time is for a disability claim
Find out about the current backlog of disability benefits claims
Learn about the types of disability benefit claim decisions that have been made by Administrative Law Judges

While it is certainly laudable that the SSA is making an effort to be more transparent in its operations and how it handles the critical disability benefit claims that are flooding its offices, the information on Data.gov really serves to provide a broad overview of what is happening within the SSA.

Disabled individuals who are awaiting Social Security disability benefits, or who have been denied for their disability claim, require more individualized attention and answers about their unique disability case. A Social Security disability lawyer is a great resource in helping disabled individuals get the help that they need.

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date? The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg P.A. represent thousands of disability claimants. Our disability lawyers possess the experience you need to secure your benefits.

Preventing Heart Disease

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25501 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The American Heart Association has announced a new initiative to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths in the United States by 20% by the year 2020. The lofty plan also aims to increase the heart health of every American by at least 20% in the next ten years.

Heart disease is a debilitating disease that affects millions of Americans. The Center for Disease Control estimates that more than 1.25 million people each year suffer from a coronary event. The CDC says heart disease is the leading cause of death for Americans and a "major cause of disability."

In the interest of sparing millions of Americans from the disability associated with heart disease, the AHA has set forth a few guidelines for the 2020 Impact goals.

Listed below are the AHA's program guidelines to improve heart health:

Lower your salt intake - Consume less than 1,500 mg./day (2,300 mg./day was the previous guideline)

Limit your consumption of sugary drinks - No more than 36 oz./week

Monitor your blood pressure - Strive for lower than 120/80

Check your fasting blood glucose level - It should be below 100

Get more exercise - Aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week

If you are one of the millions of Americans who is affected by heart disease, talk to your doctor about which lifestyle changes are best for you and how to approach improving your health. If heart disease has limited your ability to work, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits, which can provide you with the financial support that you so desperately need.

If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

New Drug Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25430 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

New medical studies show that two emerging drug treatments for multiple sclerosis have a positive impact on reducing flare-ups of multiple sclerosis symptoms.

Doctors said the two new drugs are taken in tablet form, as opposed to the standard treatment, which involves routine injections of the multiple sclerosis treatment.

Patients responded quite well to one of the treatments, though there is a potential of very serious side effects with the new drugs. Researchers said that several people involved in the study contracted serious, and even fatal, infections during the course of treatment.

Though it is always promising to learn of new treatments for multiple sclerosis, the fact remains that those who suffer from multiple sclerosis often are faced with significant medical and financial challenges.

Common symptoms of multiple sclerosis include:

Fatigue
Depression
Pain
Tremors
Difficulty speaking

These health afflictions can make it difficult for someone with multiple sclerosis to find work and generate income to support themselves and their families.

If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Doctors to Get $15 From SSA For Every Disability E-File

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25419 — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are disabled and awaiting Social Security disability benefits, you are well aware of the significant wait time for receiving benefits on an SSA disability claim. The Social Security Administration (SSA) admits that there is a growing backlog of unprocessed claims.

A new program from the SSA has been proposed to address the increase in individual claims for disability insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The SSA said it will now pay doctors $15 for each disabled applicant's records that are submitted to the SSA in electronic form. These records are used by the SSA when determining disability claims, so it is important that they are accurately submitted in a timely fashion that also protects the privacy of each disabled individual.

While this is a positive step to addressing the growing number of unprocessed disability claims, it doesn't help the disabled individuals who have already waited months or years for their disability claim to be processed. An earlier move to electronic filing, or e-filing, might have cut down the wait times for thousands of disabled individuals who are entitled to receive Social Security disability benefits.

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Ask Questions Before You Sign the VA's ECA Initiative

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25349 — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The waiting period for a veterans' disability benefits claim can cause undue stress and difficulty for a disabled veteran who needs financial assistance to support themselves and their family.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA) Initiative says that it is "designed to speed up the processing" of a veterans claim. This of course is an attractive offer to any veteran who has waited months or years to obtain a successful ruling on a disability claim.

Before you sign the ECA agreement and waiver, be aware that in order to participate in the ECA, you must be represented by an attorney or the Veteran's Service Organization (VSO).

If you are considering signing the ECA waiver, here are a few questions to discuss with your disability attorney:

Does this limit the number of appeals that I can submit?
Does the ECA affect the time limits for disability claim appeals?
What other veterans' rights are affected by the ECA?
Does this change the way that the VA investigates my disability claim?

To learn more about the ECA Initiative, read our article Understanding the VA Expedited Claims Adjudication (ECA).

If you need assistance with your veterans disability claim, contact the veterans disability rights law firm of LaVan & Neidenberg. Veterans disability rights lawyers can help you win your claim against the VA.

Missouri Man Committed Social Security Disability Fraud

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25260 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A recent incident of Social Security fraud in Missouri demonstrates some of the flaws in the Social Security Disability Insurance benefit (DIB) claims system.

Southeast Missourian reports that Matthew H. Myers was recently charged with making a false statement to the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding his disability benefit claims.

According to Social Security disability guidelines, an individual is eligible to collect Social Security disability benefits if they have a lasting disability that prevents them from working enough to support themselves.

Authorities said that Myers had applied for Social Security disability benefits in early 2001 and his claim had been accepted. It was later discovered that he had maintained a fulltime job that involved manual labor, even while accepting disability benefits.

Myers had told the SSA that he was not employed and reported all of his job earnings under his wife's Social Security number. The SSA said it paid Myers $95,504 since 2001, when he first filed the claim.

Meanwhile, there are many disabled individuals who are genuinely unable to work and support their families and who have been unfairly denied the Social Security DIB to which they are entitled.

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Psoriasis Linked to Heart Disease

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25257 — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new medical study finds that severe psoriasis may be a high risk factor for heart disease, a debilitating disease that can lead to such deadly health complications as heart attack or heart failure.

Research shows that inflammatory skin disease, such as psoriasis, can be a precursor for heart disease. Researchers involved in the study urge sufferers of the skin condition to take steps to reduce their risk of heart disease by controlling weight and monitoring high blood pressure.

In the course of this study, the link between psoriasis and heart disease appeared even stronger than the link between heart disease and high blood pressure.

The study, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia, found that severe psoriasis also increased the risk of death from stroke.

Researchers said the connection between heart disease and psoriasis relates to genetics and lifestyle risk factors. Common symptoms of psoriasis can include:

Scaled skin
Stiff joints
Swollen joints
Itchy skin
Thick nails
Very dry skin; skin may crack and bleed
Redness

If you have symptoms of psoriasis and are concerned about risk factors for heart disease, consult your physician. Heart disease can be a debilitating disease, with high associated healthcare costs. If you suffer from heart disease that has made it difficult for you to work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

If you or your loved is 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 and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be difficult and overwhelming. Don't go it alone! The attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia, 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.

Common Law Marriage and Social Security Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25188 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you and your spouse are bonded in a common law marriage, you might have questions about whether or not you are entitled to Social Security survivor or spouse benefits.

The Social Security Administration adheres to individual state regulations on common law marriages. You might be entitled to collect spouse benefits in the event of your spouse's death if you were living in a state that recognizes common-law marriage:

At the time of your spouse's death
When your spouse applied for Social Security disability benefits

A common law marriage is only valid if entered into in a state that legally recognizes common-law marriages, though it may be recognized elsewhere:

Florida common law marriage regulations - Florida is not a common law state, though it will recognize common-law marriages entered into in a state where common law marriages exist.
Georgia common law marriage regulations - Georgia recognizes common law marriages, provided the union occurred prior to Jan. 1, 1997.

It is important to understand the regulations of common law marriage in your state in order to ensure that you receive any Social Security benefits to which you are entitled. A qualified Social Security Disability attorney can help you to determine if you have been unfairly denied survivor or spouse benefits.

When you are interviewing Social Security Disability attorneys ask critical questions, like: how many Social Security Disability hearings do you have per month; do you understand the SSA's POMS (the manual Social Security employees use to process claims); and, do you understand the date last insured and how it affects my disability onset date? The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg P.A. represent thousands of disability claimants. Our disability lawyers possess the experience you need to secure your benefits.

Disabled Homeless Man Finally Receives Social Security Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25183 — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A homeless man who has been denied Social Security disability benefits for eight years recently received a $2300 check from the Social Security administration. The SSA has said it will also send him weekly checks of $761.

The New York City resident, Male Aquino, is disabled and homeless and has opted to not stay in public shelters because of the high incidence of drug use in city shelters. Mr. Aquino was denied Social Security disability benefits as recently as Oct. 2009.

Male Aquino believes that he might have received the recent Social Security payment because his story of past denials had been featured on NBC affiliate Channel 4 in New York. He said the TV coverage likely played a role in the Social Security administration finally responding to his requests.

Homeless individuals have a right to receive Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. If you or someone you love is homeless and disabled, you deserve to have access to certain public financial assistance programs.

Living in a homeless shelter may affect your ability to collect SSI benefits. In some cases, residing in a public institution might mean that you are unable to collect some Social Security disability benefits. Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a complicated process, particularly for those who are denied.

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in Atlanta, Georgia represent more than 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Protect Your Social Security Information

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25099 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The news of actor Antwon Tanner's recent legal woes for selling stolen Social Security numbers is yet another reminder of the importance of protecting your personal information, such as your Social Security number.

CBSNews.com reports that Antwon Tanner, of the WB's "One Tree Hill," was sentenced to three months in prison and fives months of home detention for his role in a scheme to sell stolen Social Security numbers.

This story is a sad reminder of how important it is to protect your Social Security number and other personal information from those who commit identity theft and other types of fraud, including Social Security fraud.

The Social Security Administration offers several tips for protecting your Social Security number:

Store your Social Security card in a safe location, do not carry it around
Do not give your number out over the phone to any unsolicited calls

If you believe that your Social Security number has been stolen or compromised, and you have concerns about whether this could affect your Social Security retirement payments or Social Security disability benefits, contact the Social Security Administration.

An experienced Social Security Disability attorney will be qualified to answer more specific questions about disability benefit denials and problems getting approval for benefits.

Multiple Sclerosis

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25094 — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Individuals who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) face many challenges in their day-to-day lives, including trouble controlling small movements, difficultly with walking and fatigue. These health problems can make it challenging for patients with MS to hold steady employment.

If you have been diagnosed with MS and are struggling to maintain employment, or are faced with high medical bills and healthcare costs, you might be in need of additional financial support, such as Social Security disability benefits.

MS is an auto-immune disease that affects the central nervous system. Many of the symptoms of MS can place limitations on how a person moves and feels. Some of the symptoms of MS include:

Pain in extremities
Fatigue
Muscle weakness
Tremors, shaking
Deterioration of the muscles
Change or loss of coordination
Shorter attention span
Memory loss
Vertigo
Vision

Because MS is considered a disability, you might qualify for receiving a form of Social Security disability benefits. The process of obtaining either Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be complicated and confusing. Individuals who suffer from disabilities, such as MS, and are in desperate need of SSI or SSDI may find that their claims are denied.

SSI Benefits for Children

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25032 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are the parent of a disabled child, you are likely to experience a world of physical, emotional and financial complications. Caring for a child with a permanent or severe disability - whether caused by illness or injury - can be a significant economic strain for any family.

Parents of a disabled child might qualify for government aid, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for children. These benefits can be used to pay for such things as:

Childcare
Medical equipment
Food and housing
Physical therapy

The Social Security Administration has strict guidelines for determining how children qualify for SSI. In order to qualify for SSI child benefits, your child must:

Have a physical or mental impairment(s)
The impairments must cause a demonstrable limitation to your child's ability to function
The disability must be expected to last at least one year, or for your child's lifetime
Your child cannot be employed in a substantial manner

These guidelines provide a very broad overview of determining eligibility for SSI benefits for children. Each individual case will vary and your child's disability and needs are unique and dependent upon his or her individual circumstances.

Tax Help for Social Security Benefit Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)25031 — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you or your spouse receive Social Security benefits, you are likely living on a very fixed income and in no position to spend much money on getting help with tax preparations.

Preparing your yearly income tax can be a stressful and complicated task, particularly when factoring in Social Security - or SSI and SSDI benefit - payments. Generally speaking, if SSI or SSDI were your sole sources of income for the year, you will most likely not pay income tax.

The Social Security Administration offers a few guidelines for determining your federal tax status:

If you will file your federal tax return as an individual and your total yearly income for 2009 exceeded $25,000, you will have to pay taxes on your benefits
If you and your spouse file a joint return, and the total household income exceeded $32,000, your benefits will be taxed

If you're looking for guidance on your tax preparation, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers a free program to individuals living on fixed incomes. The program, Tax-Aide, is especially intended for seniors ages 60 and older and those with disabilities.

Listed below are a few key points to know about Tax-Aide:

An estimated 2.6 million taxpayers use Tax-Aide to file their federal, state and local income tax returns

Volunteers can help with basic tax forms, and suggest that individuals with complicated tax questions seek a paid service

Remember that these AARP volunteers can only assist with basic tax preparation. They will not be providing information about how to apply for and receive Social Security disability benefits, such as SSI or SSDI.

Always Alert SSA to Change of Address

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24966 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The New Year is a common time for significant life changes. If your plans for 2010 include moving to a new home and you receive Social Security disability benefits, be sure to alert the SSA to your change of address as soon as possible. This applies to anyone who receives DIB or SSI payments.

Alerting the SSA to your new address can help ensure that you won't encounter unnecessary delays in the payment of the disability benefits to which you are entitled. Even if you receive your payments via direct deposit, it is always helpful for the SSA to have your most up-to-date information.

A few other reasons and considerations for promptly changing your address with the SSA:

Your disability benefits may change, depending on your address
You won't miss out on important SSA alerts and notices
If you alert the SSA immediately of your move, there should be no delay in receiving your disability benefits payment

You can change your address online at the SSA's webpage. To do this:

Click on the item that says What You Can Do Online
Choose If You Get Benefits
You can use your Social Security password to change your address
Even if you do not have a Social Security password, this option is available to you

Be sure that everyone at your home who receives Social Security disability benefits completes this process individually. Changing your address does not automatically change the address of everyone else who lives in your home.

TBI and Head Trauma

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24959 — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you suffer from TBI, also known as acquired brain injury or head injury, and you are unable to work, you might be eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits.

A head injury victim can acquire a TBI after a sudden trauma, such as an auto collision or other type of accident. The symptoms of a TBI will depend upon the severity of the accident and injury. Listed below are a few common symptoms of mild TBI:

Pain
Disorientation
Changes in personality
Dizziness
Trouble with memory
Fatigue
Blurred vision

More severe cases of TBI might also include other symptoms, such as:

Ongoing headaches
Seizures
Frequent upset stomach
Changes or loss in coordination
Slurred speech
Loss of strength in limbs
Increased confusion or changes in personality

The symptoms of TBI can make it difficult for a victim of a head trauma to effectively hold steady employment. If you are suffering from severe TBI, you might find that you need additional financial assistance, such as Social Security disability benefits.

Nonprofit Employee Charged With Stealing Social Security Funds

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24915 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A nonprofit organization in Ohio that provides assistance for homeless and impoverished individuals - many of whom rely on Social Security disability benefits to survive - has recently learned that one of its employees allegedly was stealing funds from the people whom she was charged with helping.

The Toledo Blade reports that Lisa Duda, an employee of St. Paul's Community Center in Toledo has been charged with stealing thousands of dollars from the nonprofit organization, which seeks to help the homeless to better care for their finances. Authorities say Duda illegally withdrew money from a bank account into which program participants' money was deposited for use in paying bills and other living expenses. She is said to have used the money to pay for her own household costs.

Many of the victims of Duda's alleged theft are unable to obtain employment and rely on Social Security disability benefit checks. Authorities believe that the bulk of the stolen funds were derived from the nonprofit's client's Social Security benefits. The theft is alleged to have taken place over the course of five years.

Social Security Disability Medical Reviews

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24903 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you know that if you receive Social Security disability benefits, the government will establish a schedule to routinely review your medical case to verify that you still qualify for disability benefits?

The reviews are intended to ensure that all individuals receiving the disability benefits are truly unable to work because of their injuries. Unless the reviewer can find strong evidence that your medical condition no longer prevents you from seeking employment, you should never experience a lapse or cancellation of your benefits.

The frequency of the medical reviews depends on the severity and nature of the disabling injury or condition. If your doctor has indicated that a medical improvement is likely, you should expect a review within six to 18 months from the time you begin receiving Social Security disability benefits.

If your medical team indicated that a medical improvement is possible, expect a review of your disability case every three years or so.

If the severity of your disability is such that no improvement is expected - for instance, paralysis from a complete spinal cord injury - you should expect a medical review every five to seven years.

Your Social Security disability benefits award letter should tell you when you will have your first review. You should also receive formal notification of all subsequent medical reviews and information about your right to appeal the medical evaluation.

Waiting Period for Social Security Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24899 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you have suffered from a disabling injury or illness and are facing a difficult financial situation and long-term health problems, you may consider applying for Social Security disability benefits. This program is intended to provide disabled individuals with essential monetary support in order to pay for things like:

Medical care
Housing
Groceries
Bills, such as electric and heating

Applying for Social Security disability benefits can be a time-consuming, and sometimes, confusing, process. If you are applying for Social Security disability benefits, you should know that there is a five-month waiting period before the benefits will kick in. This is assuming that your application for benefits is accepted and there are no additional holds placed on your application.

Why is there a five-month waiting period? The Social Security Administration does not provide benefits for individuals with "short-term" disability. They will only provide financial support for those with long-term disability. You must be disabled for five continuous months in order to qualify for long-term disability payments.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Social Security Disability

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24896 — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Victims of spinal cord injuries may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance Program (SSDI) benefits, which provide financial support for disabled individuals who are coping with economic hardship.

Spinal cord injuries occur when the spinal cord undergoes a trauma and the vertebrate that surround and protect the spinal cord sustain impact or injury. A spinal cord injury may be the result of an auto accident or similar traumatic event and can leave the accident victim with numerous health and physical complications.

Some of the classifications of spinal cord injuries include:

Complete spinal cord injuries - The victim has lost motor or sensory function.
Incomplete spinal cord injury - There are several degrees of "incomplete" spinal cord injuries, wherein the victim has lost or maintained a combination of motor function or sensory functions.
Normal - The victim has maintained sensory and motor function.

An individual who has suffered a spinal cord injury may have difficulty returning to work, or finding employment. If you have suffered a spinal cord injury, you might find that you need assistance paying the medical expenses related to your injury. Some of the expenses may include:

Physical therapy
Prescription drugs
Medical devices, such as wheelchairs and walkers

Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24870 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may find that you are in need of Social Security disability benefits. This source of monthly income can be used to pay vital household and personal expenses, including grocery bills, medical costs and rent or mortgage payments.

Applying for Social Security benefits can be a confusing process, particularly for first-time applicants. It is important to apply for these benefits in a timely manner, as the Social Security disability application process can take as long as three to five months to process. This can be a significant economic burden for those who are in desperate need of the financial resource of disability benefits.

To expedite the process, you should gather all the materials necessary for your application, including:

A birth certificate
Social Security number
List of prescription drugs that you currently are taking
Medical records that are relevant to your disability
Dates of your visits with doctors or hospitals
Information about your past employment and most recent tax forms

Once the Social Security office receives your application, this information will be used to determine whether you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

Social Security Disability Benefits for Adult Children

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24869 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you are the parent of a disabled adult child, you may have concerns about your child's long-term financial well-being. You should be aware that in specific circumstances, Social Security benefits are available for adult children.

The definition of an adult child can include an adopted child, a stepchild, grandchild or a step grandchild. The adult child cannot be married and they must be 18 years or older. In order for your child to qualify, he or she must have acquired the disability before they reached the age of 22.

Social Security dictates that an adult child may qualify for Social Security benefits if:

The adult child's parent is deceased OR
The disabled adult's parent is receiving Social Security disability benefits or Social Security retirement payments

Another critical aspect of adult child Social Security disability benefits is whether or not your child earns a monthly income and whether it qualifies as "substantial" by government standards. In order to qualify for benefits, the adult child's monthly earnings cannot exceed this figure.

Each year, the Social Security administration raises the income value considered to be substantial. In 2010, an adult child cannot earn more than $1,000 a month if they wish to qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Qualifying for Extra Help With Medicare Prescription Costs

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24867 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

A new aspect of Social Security law may help qualified candidates receive more assistance with Medicare prescription drug costs. The recently enacted change to Social Security law is intended to provide extra assistance to people who meet certain qualifications. Specifically, those who wish to qualify for the additional Medicare assistance must meet the prescribed resource and income limits.

There are two changes in the new Medicare law which should help more people to meet the requirements for assistance:

The cash value of a life insurance policy no longer counts as a resource for the Social Security or Medicare recipient
The Social Security administration no longer counts the money you receive from outside sources for use in household expenses - such as food and rent - as a source of income

Another change to Medicare law enables those who apply for extra help to also apply for the Medicare Savings Program. These state programs are intended to help Medicare recipients with Medicare costs, including Medicare Part B premiums.

These changes are examples of how Social Security laws can evolve in ways which impact Medicare benefits for the elderly and disabled.

SSI Checks Will Not Increase in 2010

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24864 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index found that there was no significant increase in cost-of-living in 2009. Unfortunately, this seemingly positive economic trend represents a potential financial burden for beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSI recipients may already have noticed that their monthly SSI benefit checks did not increase at the start of the new year. This was not an error by the Social Security Administration, but rather, the effects of there being no cost-of living- adjustment (COLA) increase for 2010.

This means that individuals who rely on monthly Social Security Disability benefits and SSI checks as their primary - or sole - source of income may struggle with the lack of an increase, particularly if they individually have experienced an increase in:

Rent or mortgage payments
Medical expenses
Grocery bills
Childcare costs

Schizophrenia

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24836 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Recently the Social Security Administration held hearings on schizophrenia about possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for young adults suffering from the mental illness. Compassionate Allowances is a new program launched by the SSA in October 2008 to expedite the social security disability claims process.

The SSA's Commissioner, Michael Astrue, said, "The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness." This hearing will help us to potentially identify the most severe cases and consider bringing them under our Compassionate Allowances umbrella."

The SSA's current listing for Schizophrenia is below. Contact an attorney at LaVan & Neidenberg to find out if your condition may be compensable.

12.03 Schizophrenic, paranoid and other psychotic disorders: Characterized by the onset of psychotic features with deterioration from a previous level of functioning.

The required level of severity for these disorders is met when the requirements in both A and B are satisfied, or when the requirements in C are satisfied.

A. Medically documented persistence, either continuous or intermittent, of one or more of the following:

1. Delusions or hallucinations; or

2. Catatonic or other grossly disorganized behavior; or

3. Incoherence, loosening of associations, illogical thinking, or poverty of content of speech if associated with one of the following:

a. Blunt affect; or

b. Flat affect; or

c. Inappropriate affect;

4. Emotional withdrawal and/or isolation;

AND

B. Resulting in at least two of the following:

1. Marked restriction of activities of daily living; or

2. Marked difficulties in maintaining social functioning; or

3. Marked difficulties in maintaining concentration, persistence, or pace; or

4. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration;

C. Medically documented history of a chronic schizophrenic, paranoid, or other psychotic disorder of at least 2 years' duration that has caused more than a minimal limitation of ability to do basic work activities, with symptoms or signs currently attenuated by medication or psychosocial support, and one of the following:

1. Repeated episodes of decompensation, each of extended duration; or

2. A residual disease process that has resulted in such marginal adjustment that even a minimal increase in mental demands or change in the environment would be predicted to cause the individual to decompensate; or

3. Current history of 1 or more years' inability to function outside a highly supportive living arrangement, with an indication of continued need for such an arrangement.

Compassionate Allowances

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24832 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Does your disability qualify for an expedited disability claims process? In October of 2008, the SSA launched its "Compassionate Allowances" program which is intended to allow for an expedited application process for individuals suffering from certain illnesses.

A list of approximately 50 conditions, ranging from schizophrenia to stroke was released and the Social Security Commissioner, Michael Astrue, said that they hope to add more impairments to the list. He also stated that they hope to fast-track more than 150,000 cases under the program in fiscal year 2010.

According to the SSA, "Compassionate allowances allow Social Security to quickly target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly."

View the list of 50 conditions that are considered under the Compassionate Allowances program.

Social Security Administration's January Payment Mistake

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24829 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Did you receive a notice from the SSA in December regarding your January benefits payment? If so, it may have erroneously stated the payment date for your January benefits as one week prior to the actual payment date.

According to a press release made by the Administration, approximately 6 million people received a notification that their benefits for January would be paid on a certain date. The annual benefit notice for some of the recipients was incorrect and due to human error. If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits and want to verify your payment date for January, contact the SSA. Your payment should arrive on the same day of the month as previously paid.

The SSA has mailed a letter to recipients of the incorrect information. Read more about the mix-up.

Idaho Teen Fights for Disability

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24826 — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

According to an article in the Spokesman-Review, an Idaho teen afflicted with a hereditary disease that killed his father last year is fighting for Social Security disability benefits. Jacob Walk, is afflicted with type-2 neurofibromatosis which is a genetic condition that causes tumors to grown on nerves throughout the body. Walk was diagnosed with the disease at age 4, and his father recently died from it at age 41.

Jacob Walk is currently blind in his right eye and deaf in his left ear. He underwent surgery on his eye when he was just 4 years old, and has had eight surgeries on his brain. He currently has 14 tumors on his spine. However, the SSA has denied the young man benefits twice now and he is fearful that he will receive yet another denial, and has hired an attorney to assist him with the disability claims process.

Read more about Jacob's disease and his application for Social Security benefits.

The Law Offices of LaVan & Neidenberg, located in South Florida and Atlanta, Georgia represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your case. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

CA Furloughs Challenged in Court

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24428 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

If you believe that your Social Security disability decision has been delayed as a result of furloughs in your state, you might be relieved to know that the issue has been addressed in court. Hopefully, this means that a shorter wait could be on the way.

According to The Wall Street Journal, California governor Schwarzenegger recently put over 200,000 state workers on furlough for three days each month. They do not get paid for these forced days off. This was in an attempt to save the state money, but there are unions pushing lawsuits that claim that the employees are now owed money.

Employees of many state agencies have been affected by the furloughs. They include workers of Department of Motor Vehicles, Transportation Commission, and Social Security disability offices, to name a few. Those against the furloughs complain that not only do they not save the state money, but they also simply reduce the salaries of state employees and inconvenience customers due to increasingly long wait times.

The most recent lawsuit was brought on by Service Employees International Union Local 1000, which won the case against the governor's furlough decision. This union only represents some state employees, about 95,000, who are all excited about the ruling.

So far, the ruling is to stop the furloughs of many state workers, though it is likely that the governor will appeal the case eventually. In fact, some officials claim that it will go to the Supreme Court for the final decision. Nonetheless, many are excited about the fact that the court ruled in the union's favor, as at least furloughs will likely be stopped until the case is appealed.

If you live in California and feel you have been waiting a particularly long time for a decision on your case, this news may be good. It does not mean that your case will be decided immediately, but it could put more employees back in the SSA offices, which means that you will probably get a decision sooner than if the furloughs had continued.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Tax Liability Regarding Disability Checks

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24427 — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 08:00:00 EST

Keeping track of what you will owe, or perhaps what you will receive back, from the government is important all year, not just at tax time. This way, you will not be surprised if you do owe money. In some cases, you have to pay taxes on your Social Security disability benefits.

If disability payments are your only source of income, you will likely not have to pay taxes. However, if you have other sources of income, or even if your spouse makes a decent living, you will have to pay taxes on some of your benefits. Consider the following rules of thumb regarding benefits and taxes:

·        If you file as an individual and your total income is more than $25,000 and less than $34,000, you will likely pay taxes on 50% of your benefits.

·        If your income is more than $34,000, you will pay taxes on 85% of your benefits.

·        If you and your spouse file jointly and make more than $32,000 and less than $44,000 together, you will pay taxes on 50% of your benefits.

·        If your total income with your spouse is more than $44,000, you will pay on 85% of the disability benefits.

·        If you are married but file separately, plan to pay taxes on at least some of your benefits.

Hiring a disability lawyer to help you collect your benefits is typically advised, but many people wonder if they must pay taxes on what their lawyer received, as well. The answer is that your legal expenses are tax deductible as long as you itemize your deductions.

Obtaining disability benefits can be confusing in itself, but dealing with taxes afterward is even more foreign to many people. If you are not sure if you will have to pay taxes on your benefits, contact your lawyer. If the case if particularly complicated, he can likely refer you to a tax lawyer so you can get the answers you need.

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.

2010 VA Disability Rates are Announced- No Changes in Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24331 — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

There will be no change in benefits for disabled veterans. The US Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that neither SSA COLA or VA COLA will be increased. Therefore there will be no COLA for disabled veterans in 2010.

Increases in COLA occur if/when inflation rises enough to warrant an increase. The VA compensation COLA is based on the Social Security Administration (SSA) COLA. If SSA COLA rises so does compensation COLA. However, this year the inflation rate for the fiscal year is at -2.0%. Because of this there will be no COLA for disabled veterans in 2010.

At LaVan & Neidenberg we are proud to say that we do our best, day in and day out, to protect the rights of disabled veterans. Our goal is to take on the VA, getting you get a fair disability rating. If you have been denied VA disability compensation or need to appeal your VA disability rating please contact your experienced Atlanta, Georgia disability attorney today for your free consultation. You have given your all for your country; please let us fight for you.

How Children Can Get Disability Benefits

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24233 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

While collecting Social Security disability benefits can help you pay your bills and at least provided some income, what is enough for a single person living alone is not enough for someone raising children. Rather than having to give up custody of your children or forcing teenagers still in school to get a job, the SSA can help.

Parents who receive disability benefits and have dependent children can get more than just income for themselves. Children of dependents can receive benefits as long as they meet at least one of the following requirements:

·        They are under age 18

·        They are 19 and still in high school fulltime

·        They have a disability that began prior to age 22

Dependents' benefits are available if the child's parents receive disability or other benefits from the SSA. Additionally, if one or both of the child's parents have passed away, and at least one parent paid Social Security taxes, they are likely eligible for survivors' benefits.

Each child is eligible to receive up to half the amount of their parent's retirement or disability benefit. If they receive checks because their parent died, they can receive up to 75% of what that parent's benefit would have been. The limit per family is about 150 to 180% of the parent's full benefit.

You will need to apply for the benefits for your children, in which case you will need their birth certificates and the Social security numbers for both of you. If you are the surviving parent applying for survivors' benefits for your children, you will need proof of their other parent's death.

Of course, disabled children are also eligible for benefits. To apply, you will need proof of the disability, such as evidence from a doctor. The benefits will be paid until they reach age 18, and as long as the disability began before age 22, the benefits will continue into adulthood. You can contact a lawyer for help during this process.

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.

Learn How COLA is Calculated

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24231 — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Most people who receive Social Security disability benefits are now aware that there will be no cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, in 2010. This is because those in charge have decided that it is not needed due to a lack of the inflation that typically occurs every year. Therefore, they do not believe COLA is necessary.

Clearly, most people who are barely getting by with their disability income beg to differ. They might wonder how those in charge decided that the adjustment is unnecessary.

According to Tennessean.com, the Social Security Act is responsible for developing a way to configure the COLA each year. In general, the disability wage is adjusted depending on the increase in percentage of the consumer price index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The increase is studied, starting by comparing the previous year's third quarter to that of the next year. It is simple to discover if there should be a COLA this way, since if there is no increase, there is no adjustment for the year.

For years when there is a COLA, your primary insurance amount, or PIA, is increased by the amount of adjustment that everyone will receive. Any monthly Medicare coverage that you pay for monthly will be subtracted, and then you will get your check.

While the lack of COLA is worrisome and frustrating to many, it is comforting for some to know that the increase in benefits is not decided randomly. It is based on a somewhat complex formula that does not lie. However, this fact does not help if you cannot pay for housing, food, or necessary prescriptions.

Instead, one can only hope that substitutions, such as a proposed one-time check, are approved at some point to make up for the lack of COLA. If you have questions about the amount you will receive in the New Year, contact an experienced lawyer.

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.

Disability Benefits Open Doors to Other Assistance Programs

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24102 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

One woman was recently helped by a charity that regularly assists low-income individuals, most of whom receive some benefits from the SSA. According to TimesRecordNews in Texas, a 48-year-old woman just lost her husband to cancer, leaving her with a young daughter to care for.

She receives disability benefits and has a part-time job, but she has no life insurance or extra money, which means that she could not afford to pay for her husband's funeral. Additionally, some of her utility bills were late enough to cause disconnections, such as her electricity.

The good news is that she reached out to a local charity, called Faith Mission. The caseworkers looked at her income, and circumstances, and were able to offer her nearly $400 to pay for her electricity. The Texas charity accepts donations from people who want to help those in need.

Each case is reviewed before any money is offered. Receiving money from a program like disability is not necessarily required, but many people who are helped by this charity do in fact get money from the SSA. It is often easier to prove that you need money when you show that you are disabled or elderly. Often, once one program accepts you to receive money, it is easier for other programs to quickly accept you as well.

If you are tired of missing out on programs that help low-income or disabled people, such as this one, consider talking to a lawyer to make sure that your application for disability or SSI is complete. Having proof of this type of assistance can open the doors to benefits from other agencies.

SSA to Keep Track of Representative Payees

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24101 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Some recipients of Social Security disability are either considered not able to handle their own funds, or simply prefer others to do so. For this reason, it is possible to appoint a representative payee to receive and handle monthly disability checks. Not surprisingly, there is some potential for fraud and abuse when disability recipients allow someone else to take care of their money, which is why the SSA has decided to keep track.

More specifically, the SSA is planning to create a database of companies and individuals acting as both representative payee and employer. Eventually, officials hope to also record all representative payees, not just those also acting as employers.

The issue came to light after it was discovered that Henry's Turkey Service in Atalissa, Iowa was home to several dependent men. They all worked on the property, and since they lived there as well, the company began accepting their Social Security retirement or disability funds, deducting a large portion each month for room and board. It was determined that the men were being paid much lower than minimum wage, and thus being taken advantage of.

Currently, there are about 7 million disability recipients who have allowed a friend, family member, or employer to act as representative payee. Clearly, not keeping track of these payees could lead to unfortunate situations in which the recipient is taken advantage of. It might not necessarily be on as large a scale as Henry's Turkey Service, nor is the fraud limited to employers, but keeping a database of payees can be considered a good start to keeping recipients' money safe.

Of course, choosing the right person to look after your monthly checks can prevent any issues from occurring. If you are wondering if you need a representative payee, or want to know some tips for selecting one, you can contact a lawyer.

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.

Homeless Man Given a Chance to Apply for Disability

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24100 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Plenty of homeless people on the street would likely qualify for Social Security disability benefits, but they never get a chance to find out. Fortunately, some people have made it possible for the local homeless to at least apply for the SSA program.

According to Chicago-Sun Times, a businessman started a conversation with a homeless man in 2008. After talking about the man's history, including how he became homeless, he decided to set up a fund to get the man off the streets. He raised about $15,000, and was able to get him an apartment.

Now, it's a year and a half later, and he is still in the apartment. However, the businessman cannot continue supporting him for much longer, so the formerly homeless 54-year-old is determined to make enough money to pay most of his own bills. Most of all, he wants to make sure he can stay in his apartment.

He currently sells newspapers in Chicago to make some money. Since he has had a stroke in the past and has medical issues stemming from that, he is likely eligible for disability benefits. Thus, he has applied, and is waiting for his hearing. The businessman who first set up the fund to help him get an apartment believes in him so much that he has said he will testify for him at the hearing. If he gets the benefits, he will be able to support himself instead of relying on others to give him charity.

This is just one example of a homeless person who likely qualifies for disability payments. If the businessman had not taken a chance on him to begin with, he would probably not have much stability in his life, such as an apartment. He would likely not have even known that he was eligible. It is hoped that he will get an answer about the benefits soon.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.

Employers Have Incentive to Hire SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24099 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you receive Supplemental Security Income, you might still be looking for a job, just like many people these days. Despite the condition of the economy, you might be in luck if you seek employment, as there is some incentive for companies to hire recipients of SSI and other assistance programs.

According to the Herald Banner, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program is a federal tax credit for companies that hire new employees from certain groups. The program was created in 2007. Fortunately, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expanded it recently in an attempt to reduce the unemployment rate.

It mostly helps certain low-income groups, since employers can only receive the tax credit if they hire from a certain pool of workers. The low-income groups include those receiving SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or food stamps. Additionally, many veterans, ex-felons, and disconnected youth not currently in school are also eligible employees. The program has recently been renewed until August 31, 2011.

The program is such that the employer stands to benefit, as well. Employers can get a credit of $2,400 for each adult hire, $1,200 for every youth hire, $4,800 for each disabled veteran hire, and $9,000 for each new hire who receives long-term family assistance.

Specifically, those who work at least 120 hours but not more than 400 hours allow the employer to get a credit of 25 percent of the first year of wages. The employer can get a tax credit of 40 percent of the first year's wages for each employee working more than 400 hours. Clearly, the more money the workers make, the more the employers can make via tax credits.

If you receive SSI benefits and are interested in finding out how to get hired by employers through this program, contact your lawyer. You stand a better chance with this type of assistance than you do in the normal job search, and using every advantage is important.

Employer Tries to Withhold Workers' Comp Due to Disability

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24098 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are deemed eligible for Social Security disability benefits because the SSA considers you disabled, and are subsequently fired, know that you are still typically qualified to receive workers' compensation, if applicable. Unfortunately, some employers might try to get out of this responsibility by using your disabilities to claim that you would not normally make money anyway, but one recent case showed that they cannot get away with this tactic.

According to Risk and Insurance, a Nebraska woman was declared to be disabled by the SSA for mental conditions. She was on disability, but eventually found a job as a truck driver. After she was injured due to her truck going off the road, she was fired, as her employer declared that her negligence caused the accident. She then filed for workers' compensation since her mental condition appeared to get worse after the accident.

Unfortunately, her employer refused to pay the benefits, citing that since she had received disability benefits at one time, she had no earning capacity. Thus, the company officials assumed that they owed her no benefits, despite the fact that she had been making a wage through them long after she got the disability benefits. In fact, she worked there for just over a year.

The Nebraska Supreme Court sided with the woman, ordering the company to pay the benefits she was owed and then some. This was because the company had failed to pay within a month of being informed of the former employee's disability after the accident, and had not properly proved that she had been negligent.

Clearly, this employer was attempting to take advantage of the fact that the woman had received disability benefits. However, since she was working for over a year, she obviously had some earning power, which means that she was owed workers' compensation just like anyone else would be. If you are having issues involving past or present disability payments, contact a lawyer today.

CA Furloughs Still Affect Disability Applicants

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24097 — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have recently applied for Social Security disability benefits, you have probably noticed a long wait time. You might have expected to wait about five months, as that is the period most people must wait to start receiving benefits, but many people have waited over a year. Some states, such as California, have been hit particularly hard with wait times, yet SSA workers have been furloughed.

Many do not believe that the decision to impose a furlough was the best one, and the government may now be trying to reduce any negative impact it might have had recently. According to Capitol Weekly, the California government has attempted to solve the issue by making the furloughs self-directed.

This means that SSA workers on furlough may choose to work without pay on the days they were supposed to stay home. The pay-off is that they can accrue days off later, perhaps when the economy has recovered a bit and the disability applications are caught up.

The idea might sound promising, but few workers have taken advantage of it. In fact, workers who have been furloughed have spent a lot less time on the job in general than before the new policy was put into place. Additionally, many have questioned how much money the state has saved, as additional workers had to be hired in some areas to handle the influx of disability applications.

The wait time to hear back about applications has of course increased greatly since workers have gone on furlough, frustrating many people who depend on the possibility of receiving their benefits soon just to pay their bills.

Most workers are forced to take off two to three days per week, so it is no wonder that the lesser amount of work days has had an effect on the waiting period. Up to $99 million in disability checks have been delayed in one year alone, mainly due to the decision to furlough workers.

CA Agencies Help Homeless Apply for Disability

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24024 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many people with bona fide disabilities have trouble receiving financial assistance. Not only is the average wait for Social Security disability benefits over a year, but many people are turned down more than once, forcing them to appeal and wait even longer. Those who are homeless often need the money the most, yet they have a particularly high amount of trouble getting benefits.

One of the issues is that many do not know about the assistance available to them. Additionally, they have no regular doctor, so there is no way for them to know they have a problem. Even if they are aware of it, there is typically no way to obtain a letter from a doctor that they can send to the SSA to explain their condition. However, some services are attempting to change this.

According to the Press-Telegram, the Long Beach Police Department has been teaming up with other agencies, such as the nonprofit Long Beach Connections, to get homeless people into apartments and approved for disability checks if they have any eligible conditions. So far, they have gotten just shy of 15 homeless people off the streets, and intend to assist more. A few of the drug and alcohol-addicted victims that they have helped are even in treatment now.

Despite the fact that some of the homeless they have helped were recently turned down for disability benefits, the agencies involved have helped them appeal. Meanwhile, they are receiving food stamps and general relief. This means that they currently receive about $200 per month instead of the approximately $800 they would receive from the SSA. However, it is certainly a start, and much more than they would have fending for themselves on the street.

Officials at the agencies wish to help the homeless get back on their feet. Paying for their housing for at least a few months gives them a stable address, possibly helping them when it comes to qualifying for government programs or getting jobs.

Alcoholism is Considered a Disability by ADA

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)24022 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Some disabilities quite clearly are considered out of the victim's hands. As such, many expect that they will be able to qualify for programs like Social Security disability. After all, many conditions obviously affect the quality and length of life, and the ability to work at all. However, some conditions that are considered disabilities might surprise you, such as alcoholism.

According to The Spokesman-Review, alcoholism is recognized as a disability by the Americans with Disabilities Act. At the same time, imbibing in excess can actually cause your application to be denied by the SSA, so be sure to get treatment for this condition before applying.

One case in the news brings the issue of alcoholism as a disability to the forefront. Recently a police sergeant in Spokane, Washington was fired for driving drunk, allegedly hitting another car, and subsequently fleeing the scene.

He will need to have an ignition interlock device installed in his car, which the department does not want to pay for. That was part of the reason for his firing. However, the 44-year-old man did offer to pay for it, along with the amount of the insurance should it increase for the department as a result of the accident. His offer was refused.

The police department chief has attested that even if the officer is an alcoholic, it does not mean he should not behave responsibly. His lawyer says otherwise, attesting that the department has not made any concessions to accommodate this disabled individual. Additionally, the car accident occurred when he was off-duty, and his condition has supposedly not affected his work performance. For these reasons, the city of Spokane is being sued for $4 million.

If you have problems with alcoholism, it is possible that you qualify for disability benefits. Of course, this does not mean that you should expect to drink as much as you want because it is a condition, but it does mean that help could be available if you are attempting to get your life back. Talk to a lawyer to find out the solution that is right for you.

Managing Funds While Awaiting Your Disability Decision

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23863 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you are applying for Social Security disability, you probably already have little money. You might be out of a job, which is partly why many more people have applied in the last few years. In fact, you may have been unable to work a fulltime job for years. Consider some ways to stay afloat while you wait for a decision from the SSA.

In a perfect world you could apply for disability while still working. That way you could have some income as you await the decision. Unfortunately it is not possible to approach the waiting period this way. Instead, you will have to get creative with managing your money. Consider the following tips to make it through the wait financially:

·        Try to save up as much money as possible before you quit your job

·        Restructure your budget, eliminating any costs you can do without temporarily

·        Accept the kindness of local charities, such as food banks

·        Look for programs that assist low-income individuals and those that qualify for disability in order to get help paying for utilities

You will find that some local assistance requires proof that you already receive disability benefits, but in some cases, you can show that you have applied and have little to no income. This way, you can at least get help with bills like electricity, phone, and even free entrance to nearby attractions, such as parks.

You will likely learn quickly how to make do with very little. It might not be easy, and you will probably have to rely on the kindness of charities and family. However, you will know how to live on a small budget, meaning that you can possibly manage your budget quite well once you start receiving your monthly payments from the SSA.

Also remember that you may be entitled to back payments, which can help you pay off any debt accrued during the waiting period. If you have any questions about your case or local programs available to you, contact your lawyer.

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.

Man Accused of Disability Fraud Was Paid Under the Table

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23861 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Once again, a person committed Social Security fraud by neglecting to tell the SSA about his employment while he received benefits. According to the Billings Gazette, a Montana resident received over $120,000 in Social Security disability benefits over several years after defrauding the SSA.

The 58-year-old man started out legitimately getting monthly checks in the 1980s because he had a back injury. He eventually returned to work in the late 1990s, but only earned less than $10,000 annually, which meant that he was still able to receive disability benefits.

Years later, he began making in excess of $25,000 annually from his jobs, which made the SSA suspicious. Officials reviewed his case, finding that he made more money than he was supposed to while still receiving benefits. He began getting paid under the table from a few employers in 2002, and this continued until 2008.

During this time, the SSA officials tried contacting him to find out what was going on, but he continually avoided them. He never updated his employment information on the forms for disability. He finally admitted the fraud recently.

Over the years, he collected about $77,000 for himself. His daughter received about $39,000, as the dependent children of disabled people typically get paid about half of what their parent receives. His punishment may include up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

Many fraud cases involve people who start out receiving their rightful disability payments, but they neglect to inform the SSA when they start working again. It could be a simple mistake due to not knowing the rules or forgetting to update the case. However, you can still be penalized for such a big mistake. Having a lawyer to go over the rules with you may help ensure that you are not accused of committing fraud against the SSA.

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.

Maine Man and Woman Accused of Medicare Fraud

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23859 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many people who commit fraud against the SSA typically start off receiving Social Security disability benefits that they actually deserve. However, they usually end up neglecting to update their file when they get a job, whether purposely or mistakenly. Such people often collect money for years from the SSA through disability payments.

Some people do not stop at taking disability money. Instead, they also prey on other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income and Medicare. According to Maine Public Broadcasting Network, a local man and woman defrauded Medicare, and attempted to qualify for programs like food stamps and SSI by making false statements.

A 74-year-old Maine man reported to Medicare officials that a 58-year-old woman was caring for his health at his home. MaineCare typically reimburses people with disabilities when they receive healthcare, so the program officials acted accordingly and sent out checks. Unfortunately, it was soon found that the health services the man was receiving were not necessary.

The plot allowed the two to receive about $61,000 from Medicare. Both were indicted on several counts, a few of which could result in up to ten years of imprisonment.

The fact that these two attempted to supply other programs with false statements in order to qualify shows that this was not a mistake. The man essentially received free medical care that he did not necessarily need, and the woman was paid with funds that should not have been afforded to either of them. There is no telling how much money each of them kept before they the scheme was discovered.

Programs like Medicare have specific standards that recipients must meet before getting coverage. Rather than risking providing false information to officials, talk to a lawyer to make sure you qualify before you apply. This can also help ensure that your statements are as accurate as possible before your application is sent in. A lawyer can also help you find out what treatments are available for reimbursement for you, if any.

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.

Fewer PA SSI Recipients Get Money for Heating Bill This Year

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23858 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Proof of Supplemental Security Income is known for obtaining certain additional benefits for recipients. The assistance you receive when you show your evidence of having qualified can vary depending on your state.

In Pennsylvania, one of the benefits SSI recipients might notice is help paying heating bills through a program called Low-Income Home Energy Assistance. Despite all the good the program can do, it has not affected everyone as positively as one would hope.

According to the Pocono Record, some Monroe County residents who qualify for the program still have not received help with their heating bills, or perhaps just recently did. The program started in November, which means that some eligible applicants have been waiting over a month for either an answer or a check.

A wait is expected, as this year experienced almost double the number of households applying for the program. However, the amount the program paid out this year for heating bills is not even one third of what was paid last year. Fewer families have been helped overall this year, and many have not even received a reason why.

Applicants are instructed to call a hotline, after which they will receive a letter in the mail to inform them whether or not they qualify for the program. Anyone who lives in an area where it snows in the fall or winter can likely imagine how long each day of waiting can seem when you are expecting money to pay the heating bill at any minute.

Perhaps you live in the area and cannot even apply because you are still waiting to hear back regarding your SSI application. If that is the case, the long wait period to get an answer from the SSA is not only preventing you from obtaining your monthly benefits, but it is also obstructing you from obtaining extra benefits like this one. If you have questions about your SSI application, contact your lawyer immediately to find out how to get answers.

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.

Nursing Home Takes Charge of Residents' Money

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23856 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Choosing a representative payee to handle your funds if you are unable to is not uncommon. Typically, it is someone you know and trust. However, residents at one adult home are upset because they claim that those in charge are handling their money, despite the fact that they are perfectly capable of doing so themselves.

According to recordonline.com, the administrative staff at The Eliot at Erie Station adult home has taken control of residents' money, without their consent. The New York rules do state that the staff of adult homes can take control of residents' Social Security disability payments. However, this is only if they cannot handle it themselves, and many residents claim that there is no proof of that.

Currently, the staff must give disability recipients $178 of their money every month to spend as they wish, but new rules at the house state that residents must provide a 24-hour notice if they want to receive more than $50 at one time.

Though some residents might be better off with someone else handling their funds, many are quite able to balance their own budget. A doctor's signature is required in order to put someone else in charge of benefits, and most residents do not have that.

Thus, according to the SSA, there is no reason that the adult home has taken control of finances for residents. An investigation is being completed, which may result in fines if it is found that the adult home is in the wrong.

There is nothing wrong with having a representative payee, but it stands to reason that you would want to choose the best one for you. Having officials that you do not know very well handle your finances without you asking is understandably uncomfortable. Residents at the home deserve to select their own representative payee just as much as any other disability recipients do, and they will likely get the chance once the case is resolved.

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.

Actor Accused of Defrauding the SSA

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23855 — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

You might assume that people who defraud the SSA have little or no income, which is why they require monthly checks. However, some people already have income and simply want more, such as in the form of Social Security disability benefits. In fact, some people who turn to fraud are somewhat successful in their careers, but just want more money.

An actor who played a small part in 5 episodes of the television show The Sopranos was recently accused of defrauding the SSA. According to SILive.com, 46-year-old Raymond Franza was injured in a 2008 car accident that rendered him unable to work. Thus, he was eligible for disability benefits. However, when Franza applied for Social Security disability benefits, he neglected to tell the SSA that he was already receiving $4,000 per month in private disability benefits.

You might be wondering why Franza wasn't upfront about his private disability benefits. Could he have collected disability payments from the government as well as from a private insurer? The answer is yes. If you receive benefits from a private insurer, you may be eligible to also receive Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). If you are awarded benefits, however, the amount of your private disability payments will be offset by the amount you receive from Social Security.

If Franza would have applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) on the other hand, he would have been denied since one of the program's guidelines state that you cannot receive any monies or monetary gifts over $674 per month.

Within about a year, Franza collected nearly $13,000 in checks. After an investigation, the truth about his income was revealed. He paid the $5,000 bail and will be seen in court in January. Charges include completing a false written statement, third-degree grand larceny, and third-degree criminal possession of stolen property. Clearly, this type of behavior has not been taken lightly by the court.

Government money is already in short supply, and many people who need to qualify for disability just to pay the bills are denied. People like Franza, who defraud the system simply to collect thousands of dollars every month, likely make it more difficult for the truly needy people to qualify.

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.

WA City Offers Utility Assistance to Disability and SSI Recipients

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23791 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Having proof of Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income can help many people obtain assistance that does not include being sent monthly checks. Instead, some types of assistance typically help make certain bills more affordable.

According to Federal Way News, those who are disabled have been eligible for the City of Federal Way's Utility Tax Rebate Program since 2007. This service is meant to help both low-income seniors and disabled people in the Washington city of Federal Way pay for their utility bills. The program covers the cost of the city's utility tax on bills like gas, landline phones, cell phones, garbage and recycling, electricity, cable television, and pagers.

The tax rate is 7.75%, and the program appears to lend just over $100 to each recipient on average. Of course, the actual amount varies depending on the total bills.

While applicants must show proof of limited household income, such as thorough bank statements, they are also required to have proof of disability or SSI benefits. They can qualify this way, or they can qualify as a senior by being 65 or older. Additionally, utility bills will need to be presented.

In some cases, applicants are allowed to show proof that a doctor finds them disabled, but typically, being able to merely prove the existence of SSI or disability benefits is easier because it does not require a trip to the doctor.

This is not the only program that offers assistance to people who can prove that they receive checks from the SSA. Clearly, having monthly benefits is helpful in and of itself, but having the ability to qualify for local programs like this one can help save hundreds of dollars per month.

If the SSA has not yet approved your benefits, consider contacting your lawyer immediately. You deserve to obtain as much assistance as you can in order to pay the bills and live a comfortable life in spite of your disability.

SSA Needs More Employees Now

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23790 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

These days, seeing a company downsize significantly is not surprising at all. In fact, many companies implemented a hiring freeze long ago because their business has slowed down so much that they need few employees. The SSA has begun to follow suit, even furloughing workers in some states.

Unfortunately, the SSA's business has increased substantially over the last year, which makes having fewer employees a bad move on their part. In fact, as available job positions decrease all over the country and the unemployment rate increases, more people will turn to the SSA for programs like Social Security disability. In turn, the SSA will need to increase their workforce.

Their resistance to hiring more employees has created unacceptable waiting periods, with the national wait time over a year. The recently implemented furloughs at some branches have frustrated applicants who feel they have already waited too long to get a decision.

The good news is that the SSA has finally recognized that they need to increase their workforce rather than reduce it. Soaring unemployment numbers signify that the slow economy will likely continue into the new year, which means the SSA should prepare for another possible influx of applications.

Some of the states that have been hit particularly hard, such as California, Ohio, and Wisconsin, will likely get more hearings offices and additional employees soon. However, it takes time to train new employees, so SSA officials have advised that people not expect an immediate decrease in wait times.

Approximately 12 million people received disability benefits in 2009, and 2010 will likely bring in more than 3 million more recipients. Clearly, a reduction in the SSA workforce is not a good idea, unless Americans are okay with waiting a few years to start getting benefits. Though there will likely be little impact for several months, if not years, the SSA's newfound commitment to increasing the number of employees is definitely good news.

Texas Receives an Influx of Disability Applications

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23727 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

It seems nearly every state has issues with waiting periods relating to Social Security disability applications. Some are worse off than others, but every state is full of people with stories to tell about their particularly agonizing wait times. Texas is no exception.

According to Star-Telegram, the number of disability applicants in Texas is expected to double this year compared to last year, and about 50,000 people have yet to hear the decision on their application. Another 30,000 or so were denied recently and await their hearing to appeal the decision.

The good news for disability applicants in Texas is that the average waiting period for a hearing is about 288 days, which is about 150 days less than the national average. That doesn't mean that applicants aren't pinching pennies and barely surviving like those in other states, though.

The increase in applicants and the reduction in SSA workers handling the applications have combined to create long and difficult waiting periods. Most applicants have little, if any, income while they wait. They depend on the possibility of receiving about $1000 per month, which is what most people can count on when they start getting their benefits. Of course, the amount changes depending on how many work credits they have.

Despite the shorter waiting times in Texas, many feel that applicants should not have to wait anywhere near as long as they often do. The number of applicants has simply increased due to a reduction in jobs over the last few years, and it is expected to get worse next year. The likelihood of fewer jobs available means more disability applicants, longer waiting periods, and even fewer employees at the SSA offices that handle the cases.

If you have applied for disability in Texas, be sure to stay informed regarding your case by talking to your lawyer. If you have applied in another state and want to find out the average wait period there, you can also contact your lawyer for the latest statistics so that you know what to expect.

SSI Recipients Can Get Inexpensive Telephone Service

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23724 — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you currently receive Supplemental Security Income, it is likely your sole source of income. Many recipients find that they can barely survive on the average amount, which is why they are often grateful for other programs that help pay the bills. If you have already qualified for SSI, you are likely eligible for myriad money-saving programs, as well.

Some recipients of SSI cannot afford to install or pay monthly for a phone, which is why the Link-Up program can help. According to the Jacksonville Daily Progress, a program called Link-Up assists qualifying consumers in each state pay for a phone that is connected to CenturyLink telephone service.

The details vary depending on the state, but in many cases, the one-time fee to hook up the phone will be cut in half for eligible residents, which is up to a $30 value. Another program, called Lifeline, also offers monthly phone service discounts for those who qualify.

Many states have their own eligibility requirements; however, some states adhere to the federal rules for the program, which means that customers must also receive assistance from one of several specific programs. They include Medicaid, SSI, food stamps, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Additionally, you may just be at or under about 135% of the national poverty level to qualify.

Clearly, if you already get SSI payments, you need to show proof of them in order to obtain the discount to get a phone. If you have applied for SSI and have not heard back about your application yet, you need to talk to your lawyer.

Clerical Error Delays Disability Payments for Struggling Family

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23606 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

A mix-up at the SSA recently led to a long delay of Social Security disability payments to an 8-year-old boy. In a frustrating and strange turn of events, the boy was listed as deceased in the Social Security Administration's computers, when it was actually his mother who had died.

According to SoMdNews.com, the boy's father has been receiving disability payments for years due to being legally blind. Dependent children of parents on disability typically get a monthly amount equal to half of their parents' payment. However, the boy's mom had died in August, so he moved in fulltime with his father and stepmother. Thus, they should have started receiving his payments to help care for him, but none appeared. The total amount was over $3500, which would have greatly helped make up for the extra person in the household.

Months went by without a payment, and the couple began struggling financially as their expenses had just increased and they were living on a fixed income. To correct the issue, the boy and his father had to go into an SSA office with numerous forms of identification. The young boy also had to sign on a form that he was indeed alive and living with his father fulltime. Considering that he had just lost his mother, and then had to miss school to travel to the office just to write that he was alive, the boy was understandably frustrated.

Though it was a clerical error on the part of the SSA, the missing payments were unable to get straightened out by phone. The process took months and required some travel and inconvenience on the part of the SSDI recipients. Additionally, they had all just had a difficult time due to the loss of the boy's mother. However, the family is just glad that the issue is finally resolved, especially before the holidays.

CA SSI System Could Improve with More Oversight

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23604 — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

You likely know by now that most California recipients of SSI are struggling. If they have managed to receive a decision at all, they have typically found that the benefits of Supplemental Security Income are not enough to pay for their monthly bills. Many are even homeless, relying on shelters to have a roof over their head at night.

According to Capital Public Radio, part of the problem could be that the state's Department of Social Services, which is in charge of the SSI program for California, keeps little track of who gets the money and how it is spent. While it is not necessarily the responsibility of the state to tell recipients how to spend the SSI benefits, it has been found that a disturbing number of people use it to purchase drugs and alcohol.

Of course, there are also plenty of people who spend it only on food, housing, and bills, and find that it is not enough. Many people have questioned why the state has not taken a closer look at the program to find out if the average recipient can live on their monthly checks. The two cuts to checks in 2008 have definitely not helped, either.

In fact, it has been found that the average check amount is not even enough to rent a one-bedroom apartment in many areas of California. One proposed change is that program directors look into providing food stamps for eligible SSI recipients. Currently, the state does not allow them to receive food stamps, though most meet the requirements. This could allow people to save hundreds of dollars each month, but of course it would cost the state more money to initiate the program.

Others propose that the program have more oversight in general. Taking a closer look at the SSI system could implement positive change, or at least let officials know that another cut in check amounts could devastate the already struggling SSI recipients.

State Furloughs Extend Wait Period for Disability Decision

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23560 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many private companies have struggled so much with the economy lately that they have forced furloughs on employees. Likely, you or someone you know has had to deal with this reduction in hours, and therefore, income. Since several government agencies have experienced similar issues, they have also implemented furloughs for employees. However, such breaks affect more than just the employees, as plenty of people rely on government agencies, such as the SSA, to give them a decision on their application within a reasonable time period.

According to FederalTimes.com, many states are furloughing workers just as an increased flood of applications has shown up for various programs. They include unemployment, Social Security disability, and food stamps. The average time to make a decision on an application for disability is now 83 days instead of 81, which was last year's number.

Although budget cuts in some states have greatly affected recipients of SSI and disability, the plan to furlough employees of government agents that help the needy is not the answer. Having fewer employees available to process claims means that more people will wait longer for a decision. There are several stories that can easily be found about people losing their home and going hungry while waiting for a decision, and there is no guarantee that the letter they finally receive will even afford them benefits.

Having a lawyer to work with you on the case might not necessarily mean that you will get benefits right away, if at all, but it can certainly ensure that you have done everything possible to increase your chances of benefits. If your state has chosen to furlough government agency employers, you should expect to wait a long time to hear back. Meanwhile, you and your lawyer can work together to make sure your application is complete the first time, and sent in as soon as possible. You can then rest assured that everything on your end is finished and accurate.

Know What Affects SSI Benefits Before Giving Cash Gifts

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23557 — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

If you have loved ones who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security disability payments, you might be considering giving them something to make their holidays a bit easier. Since many do not receive sufficient funds to live comfortably due to many recent budget cuts, a cash gift is often appreciated. Before you write a check to your family member however, find out how a monetary gift could affect their current benefits.

You should know that disability benefits are not typically affected by extra income. This is because people become eligible by meeting all the criteria and also paying into the system for years through a job. Thus, they are usually able to receive cash gifts without affecting their case either way. The problem arises when they also receive Medicaid or SSI, as these programs do consider any additional income.

Recipients of SSI payments can very well be negatively affected by receiving extra money. When it comes to calculating the amount of benefits they can receive, income is considered anything received, either in cash or free items, to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. This includes earned income, unearned income, and charity.

Those receiving SSI are not supposed to have over $2000 at one time, or they could become ineligible for benefits, including Medicaid. If you think your relative needs $2000 or more from you, be sure to create a trust. That way, anyone else who wants to give the disabled loved one a cash gift in the future can simply add it to the trust, which should be controlled by a trusted family member.

Attempting to help someone and ending up taking benefits away from them in the process can be devastating, but luckily you can avoid the issue. If you are still unclear on how much money you can safely give your loved one, consider talking to a lawyer well versed on Social Security topics.

Women Veterans Continue To Fight After War

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23537 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Though women veterans often engage in combat as much as their male counterparts many come home to a public that does not understand their struggles. Beyond their crucial role while deployed women are much more likely to be sexually assaulted while serving their country. Though their rates of PTSD are high many try to hide their symptoms for fear they will be dismissed as "whiney."

This is why Genevieve Chase of Alexandria, Va., gathered a few of her peers and had a simple brunch. Now their organization, American Women Veterans, has well over 2000 members. Female veterans are able to get together to talk, vent and most of all fight for their rights as women of the armed services. Their motto is to, "Enlighten. Engage. Empower." They have worked hard to do just that and will continue to do so as the need for peer support grows among women service members.

If you have received a VA disability rate that is too low please contact your Miami, Florida veterans' disability attorneys at LaVan & Neidenberg today for your free consultation. We can help you appeal and win your VA disability claim. You have dedicated your life to the military and have given your best in the name of your country; now let us fight for you.

Dealing with Debt While You Wait for Disability Payments

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23499 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Money problems typically go along with the waiting period required to get approved for Social Security disability payments. Most applicants do not have a job when they apply since that is a major hindrance to getting approved, but they do have a stack of medical bills adding up. Considering that it often takes over a year to get approved for benefits from the SSA, and several months to a couple years after that to get Medicare coverage, most people waiting for a decision are compiling significant debt.

If this describes you, receiving daily phone calls from bill collectors is also probably familiar. Many people trying to get money from you will say whatever it takes to get you to pay, no matter how often you tell them you have no money. Some might go so far as to lie to you and threaten that you will go to jail or have your income snatched out of your bank account if you do not pay.

While this type of experience can be devastating, the good news is that such claims are simply lies. According to ScrippsNews, you cannot go to jail for not paying a debt. Additionally, once you start receiving disability payments, your account cannot easily be levied unless the debt owed is to the government.

Sometimes debt collectors can get permission from a court to levy your bank account, but if you have only Social Security payments in it, it is illegal for them to do so. As long as you can prove that all the money in the account is solely from disability, there is no way for them to take it. However, you must prove this to the court to avoid your account being wiped out.

If you are concerned about getting into legal trouble due to your debt, whether you are waiting for disability benefits or already receive them, you should contact a lawyer. A Social Security lawyer can instruct you on your rights and legal options, and if it is determined that you need a lawyer specializing in dealing with debt collection, you may be referred to one that can help.

Accidental SSD Overpayment Inconveniences Texas Man

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23498 — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Getting an overpayment from the SSA when you receive disability benefits can often seem like a positive thing. After all, you probably have several bills that you would like to catch up on with the extra money. You might even plan to pay it back eventually, but many people find that they never can, and an overpayment gets them into financial trouble. Others simply never make the connection between an accidental overpayment and the extra money.

TimesRecordNews reported how an overpayment recently affected a man in his forties who receives Social Security disability payments. Apparently the disabled Texan did not realize why he had a bit more money than usual. However, the SSA certainly noticed.

The next month, his check was reduced dramatically, leaving him without money to pay his rent. Fortunately, a local charity called Faith Mission reviewed his case and deemed him eligible for a cash donation. They offered a few hundred dollars so that he could pay his rent in full for the month and avoid eviction.

Clearly, an overpayment is not as good as it sounds. Though it is typically the fault of the SSA, if officials notice the excess money, they will do more than ask for it back. They will usually simply withhold it from your next check, often without you even realizing you were overpaid to begin with. If you tend to spend what is in your account, not anticipating a mistake on the part of the SSA, you might consider keeping good track of your exact payment from now on.

You will usually receive a letter in the mail following the payment to explain how the mix-up occurred. If you got the same amount in your account as usual and want to know how it constitutes an overpayment, you should contact a lawyer. In some cases, your benefits might have been reduced without proper warning, and you can appeal to get the missing amount back.

LaVan & Neidenberg, P.A. Named "Favorite Place on Google"

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23454 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Congratulations to Ken LaVan and Adam Neidenberg whose Social Security Disability and Veterans' Disability Compensation law firm was named "Favorite Place on Google"!

Between July 1 and September 30, Google users found the South Florida disability claims law firm's business listing 4097 times, and requested driving directions or other information about the firm 156 times!

Special thanks to We Do Web Content for creating a highly-customized, search engine optimized Google business listing for the firm.

For Many, Long Waits for Disability Put Bills On the Backburner

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23412 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Many people waiting for a decision on their application for Social Security disability have little, if any, income. This means that most bills probably go unpaid, and this could continue until an acceptance letter is received and the payments start. In fact, many people are not only dependent on the payments they expect to receive in the future, but they also expect back payments, which could help them get up-to-date on all their bills.

According to The Franklin News-Post, one Virginia couple is in a financial bind due to their long wait for a decision on a disability application. A 60-year-old former truck driver was recently told by his doctors that he cannot work due to his bad health. He just had a quadruple bypass and has been out of work since the summer.

Disability payments appear to be his only hope of having any income, but he has been waiting nearly six months to hear a decision. Considering that the average wait time for a decision is over a year, and he currently has no income, things do not look good. His wife does receive disability benefits for her own injuries, so they live on just over $1000 per month.

Since this is not enough money for the couple to comfortably live on, they have had to go without a lot. They have not been able to purchase necessary medications, nor have they made a mortgage payment in months, which appears to be leading to foreclosure for the couple. They hope that disability back payments can help them catch up, enabling them to keep their house.

The only beacon of hope seems to be the fact that they asked a Virginia congressman to implore the Veterans Administration Hospitals to release the medical records of the 60-year-old man, as he was previously in the Air Force. Hopefully, this action will speed up the application process before the home is foreclosed on.

Unfortunately, this couple's story likely sound very similar to that of many other disability applicants. If you wish to get your benefits as soon as possible and have not spoken to a lawyer, do so immediately. Nothing can be guaranteed, but having a lawyer on your side to make sure the SSA has everything necessary to make a decision may help the process go faster so that you do not have to face foreclosure or bankruptcy.

Some CA SSI Recipients Still Homeless

yvettevalencia@live.com (Blog Author)23410 — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST

Obtaining Supplemental Security Income or disability benefits is usually a major boost to recipients who have spent months or years in the waiting period. Many applicants believe it will solve all their problems related to money, as they might be in danger of becoming homeless while they wait for their benefits to kick in.

Sadly, some disabled or elderly people who currently receive benefits from the SSA claim that their monthly income still does not cut it. According to California's Capital Public Radio, the state's budget crisis makes it nearly impossible for recipients of government money to live much better than they previously did without the payments.

In fact, some recipients claim that their monthly checks are hardly enough to purchase food. Many people who get SSI are even homeless, as evidenced by the fact that about one third of residents of the New Image Emergency Shelter in Los Angeles receive SSI checks. Every morning, the disabled and elderly that frequent the center are sent to an area with several food banks so that they can have at least one meal for the day.

The increased number of people applying for SSI and disability benefits could have something to do with the struggle, but the state's budget cuts are also a major issue. The cuts will save over $700 million for this year, and were likely necessary. However, the more than one million residents who get SSI benefits have clearly been impacted negatively as a result.

One interesting detail is that California even adds to the SSI checks to offset the rather high cost of living in the state, and yet for many people, it is still not enough. Unfortunately, over half of the recipients of SSI in California are over age 55, which means their medical bills are usually substantial. Undoubtedly, California, like the rest of the country, is facing some issues that need to be cleared up before more disabled and elderly citizens are hungry and homeless.