Employee Disability Benefits Are Becoming Costlier and More Complicated

More employers are asking their employees to pay for their own disability coverage, according to Reuters.  Employers are also placing restrictions and limitations on disability benefits for their employees, such as limiting short-term disability benefits and lengthening the waiting period before an employee is eligible for long-term disability benefits. “We are seeing some gradual slide […]

Increased Medicare Part B Premiums Could Impact Social Security Benefits

Medicare provides health care coverage for most Americans over the age of 65, as well as most social security disability beneficiaries, according to a Congressional Research Service Report for Congress.  Social security disability benefits are generally eligible for Medicare Part A after a two-year waiting period, with some exceptions.  Participants in Medicare Part A may […]

Rise in Unemployment Rate of Persons with Disabilities

The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities has reached its highest rate since tracking began in 2008, according to a survey conducted by Allsup, a nationwide provider of SSD representation and Medicare plan selection services. The Allsup Disability Study: Income at Risk shows that the unemployment rate for persons with disabilities was more than 85 percent […]

Impact of SSA Cuts on Social Security Disability Benefits

Earlier this year Congress cut the operating budget of the Social Security Administration (SSA) by approximately $1 billion and the cuts are having widespread impacts.  SSA offices around the country began closing their offices 30 minutes earlier in August, and field offices in some rural areas have closed their doors completely.  The SSA is also […]

Impact of Social Security Disability Benefits on Other Types of Benefits

If you are unable to work, you are likely eligible to receive social security disability benefits.  You should be aware that receiving social security disability income can affect other benefits to which you may be eligible, such as veteran’s benefits and unemployment benefits. SSDI provides income to persons who meet the definition of “disability” and have […]

Differences Between Social Security Disability Benefits and Social Security Retirement Benefits

Social security disability benefits are administered through the Social Security Administration, as are social security retirement benefits.  There are several differences between social security retirement benefits and disability benefits, however.  The following is a list of the key differences between these two types of benefits: In order to receive SSDI and SSI benefits, a person must […]

Center for Disability Awareness Releases 2011 Long-Term Disability Claims Review

More than $8 billion in disability insurance payments were made by Center for Disability Awareness (CDA) member companies to over 587,000 disabled individuals during 2010, according to the CDA’s 2011 Long-Term Disability Claims Review.  Additionally, CDA member companies approved long-term disability insurance benefits for 139,000 new individuals – a 2.6 percent increase from 2009. Insured lives […]

How an Attorney Can Help With Your Social Security Disability Claim

The process of applying for social security disability benefits – whether Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – can be complex and confusing.  All too often a deserving claim will be rejected due to lack of supporting information or other application shortcoming.  A skilled social security attorney can make a significant […]

How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Social Security Disability Claim Is Denied

Approximately two-thirds of Social Security disability claims are denied, according to some estimates, leaving many to question their options and next steps.  The Chicago social security law firm of Ankin Law Offices, LLC can provide you with the legal advice and counsel necessary to navigate the Social Security disability claims and appeal process. Five Mistakes […]

Significant Increase in SSDI Claims Pushes Social Security to Brink of Insolvency

Social Security disability applications are up nearly 50 percent from a decade ago and, according to new congressional estimates, the trust fund that supports Social Security disability is expected to run out of money by 2017.  Unless Congress takes action, the Social Security disability program would be unable to pay full benefits in just a […]