The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to those who are blind and are unable to work. If you are blind and have worked in the past under the SSA’s rules you may qualify for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB). If you are blind and do not qualify for DIB benefits, you may still be… Read more »
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Social Security disability claims on the rise
A number of contributing factors have resulted in an increase in the number of Social Security disability claims filed over the last 40 years. In 1970 there were 1.4 million disabled workers who received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). That number nearly increased six fold by 2011 as 8.3 million people were collecting SSDI benefits… Read more »
Proposed Cuts to Social Security Budget Would Result in More Costs
A recent piece in the Huffington Posts demonstrates the absurdity of a proposal to cut $752 million dollars from the “program integrity” department of the Social Security Administration. The department is responsible for periodic reviews of recipients’ continued income eligibility and medical status. According to the article, Social Security Chief Actuary Stephen Gross estimates that every… Read more »
COLA Versus ‘Chained’ CPI
President Barack Obama and congress have both offered plans that would change the calculation of annual Social Security payment increases. When Social Security began in 1935 there were no provisions for annual increases in payments for the first 15 years of the program. Since 1950 the Social Security Administration uses Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)… Read more »
How does President Obama’s proposed budget affect Social Security?
The White House is set to release their budget for the federal government’s fiscal year 2013 on April 10, 2013. Some of President Obama’s proposals have already been released to the public. One the proposals includes making changes to both the Social Security and Medicare entitlement programs. In an effort to get the Republicans in… Read more »
The Consequences of Trying to Hide Income from Social Security
Earlier this month an Amarillo, TX woman pled guilty in federal court to participating in a scam that allowed her brother-in-law to collect $42,000 worth of Social Security disability payments he was not eligible for because he was working. The woman, who co-owned a concrete business, hired and employed the man who was allegedly collecting… Read more »
Public Radio Program Airs Unflattering Portrait of Disability Applicants
Slightly over a week ago, the popular National Public Radio show “This American Life” devoted their entire program to examining the Social Security Disability program. The program was dividing into three parts: 1) interviews and analysis focusing on one Alabama county where 25% of the population receives disability benefits; 2) a not-entirely-flattering portrait of the… Read more »
Can I Receive Benefits if I Live Abroad?
According to the Social Security Administration if you are a U.S. citizen, you can travel to or live in most foreign countries without impacting your Social Security benefits, but there are a few countries where they cannot send Social Security payments. These countries include: Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Cambodia, Georgia, Kazakstan, Kyrgzstan, Moldova, North Korea, Tajikistan,… Read more »
Rare Lung Disease: Obliterative Bronchiolitis Explained
Obliterative Bronchiolitis is a very rare and non-reversible form of obstructive lung disease. When someone suffers from this condition a small airway in the lungs becomes compressed and narrowed by scar tissue or inflammation. In these types of cases, the disease is extremely serious and can be fatal. Common symptoms of the condition include obstruction… Read more »
How does my living arrangement effect my SSI benefits?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are paid to disabled individuals who also have little or no financial resources. Since SSI benefits are paid based on financial need your living arrangement may impact the amount of benefits you are eligible for. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers where you live and who pays for your food… Read more »
