In an analysis of the VA’s 2010 National Survey of Veterans which examines the state of America’s veterans every ten years, McClatchy Newspapers has found that 59 percent of all veterans have “little” or a “not at all” understanding of benefits that are available to them. Breaking down the results even further, 55 percent of
Read MoreWhat happens to my Social Security disability benefits when I reach full retirement age? If you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the amount of your disability benefits will not change when you reach full retirement age. When you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits will become retirement benefits. Starting with the
Read MoreThe self-service web portal, designed and run by both the Veterans Administration and the Department of Defense, provides information and faster delivery of service-related benefits. This article explains some of the many features that are prompting more and more veterans to join the already two million registered users on eBenefits. 30,000 veterans use eBenefits every
Read MoreOn November 8, 2012, The World Institute on Disability (WID) launched Vets101.org, a site dedicated to information and free career planning tools for veterans. In the works since 2008, Vets101 is a service made possible with the invaluable collaboration of veterans’ organizations, wounded warriors, veterans with disabilities, and their friends and family. Vets101 will feature
Read MoreFor the millions of disabled veterans who are applying for disability benefits, there is hope of faster processing times for their payments. The Recovering Service Members Disability Benefits Act (HR 6445), a bipartisan bill proposed by Reps. Glenn Thompson, (R-PA) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA), would eliminate the customary five month waiting period between the claim
Read MoreThe Social Security Administration has announced that benefits payments will increase by 1.7% in 2013; this increase is down from the previous year’s 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase. That means that if you are receiving the average benefit of $1,236, you will see about $21 more per month. The Social Security COLA is based on
Read MoreAll three of Social Security’s programs- retirement, SSI, and SSDI– have seen increased numbers in caseloads, but administrative funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has been suspended since 2010. Furthermore, the Budget Control Act of 2011 put a cap on discretionary spending that will reduce non-defense programs by 16% by 2021. Between now and
Read MoreAt some point after your Request for Hearing has been filed, you may receive a notice by the Social Security Administration that your case has been transferred to the Virtual Screening Unit (VSU). What is the Virtual Screening Unit? The Virtual Screening Unit is a division in the Social Security Administration comprised of senior attorneys
Read Moreby William Carr, Supervising Attorney Obtaining Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income benefits can be a long process spanning, in many cases, well over a year. This can place claimants in difficult situations due to the inability to perform significant work for pay during this process. Fortunately for some, there are situations where Social
Read MoreAnother important factor in people’s decision to apply for Social Security disability benefits is the decreased access to health insurance. As employer-sponsored insurance programs deteriorate and private policies become more expensive and unobtainable, some workers apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for eventual Medicare benefits. SSDI beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare after two years,
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