Our view: Don't stop Oct 11, 2009
At stake is what could be billions of dollars in veterans' disability benefits. Much more important, what's at stake is the health of up to one in four Gulf War vets who may be suffering from chemical exposures inflicted by their own forces with the best of intentions. (Anchorage Daily News)
Girls death renews psychiatric drug debate Oct 7, 2009
They claim the Rileys also concocted symptoms for Rebecca in an attempt to collect additional disability benefits. Bourbeau would not comment, but in court papers he called the prosecution's theory "simply illogical.". (MSNBC -- Health)
Social Security collectors up 19%; more retiring early Oct 2, 2009
"We have the combination of more people filing for early retirement and disability benefits at the same time that we have a reduction in the size of the workforce," said Stephen Goss, Social Security's chief actuary. The figures are affected both by the lengthy recession, which has sent unemployment to 9. (USA Today)
Seven Insurance Myths That Can Cost You Oct 1, 2009
Plus, if you purchase your own policy, disability benefits are not usually taxed (as they are if your employer pays for coverage). Before you buy disability coverage, read the coverage explanation closely; some plans pay only if you cant work at all, while others kick in if you cant do your current job. (CBS News)
AP: Social Security Strained by Early Retirements Sep 30, 2009
5 million receive disability benefits ... The recession is also fueling applications for disability benefits, said Stephen C. Goss, the Social Security Administration's chief actuary ... 5 million people apply for disability benefits, including Supplemental Security Income. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Death From Collection Calls? Sep 23, 2009
The McLeods fell on hard times in 2002, when a heart attack forced Stanley McLeod to leave his job as an alarm technician at a Sears store and instead rely on government disability benefits. By 2003, the Keystone, Fla. (ABC News -- Business)
Low expectations for mortgage help program Sep 21, 2009
Their unemployment and disability benefits run out next year, and the couple's one-story manufactured home in Corona, Calif. is worth around $150,000, far short of their $280,000 FHA loan. (MSNBC -- Business)
Klein: Don't cut our (public) health care Sep 16, 2009
Social Security disability benefits and federal rehabilitation programs aided thousands of disabled miners, many of whom had been bedridden for years. By picking up the tab for rehabilitation and disability support, the federal government also kept the UMW program financially sustainable. (CNN -- US)
A 'work in progress' (956) Sep 15, 2009
The 53-year-old former truck driver continues to get by on disability benefits. He said the Social Security Administration is aware of his marijuana use but has not stated any objections. (St. Joseph Herald-Pallidium, MI)
La. Senate panel to weigh soldier benefits law Sep 11, 2009
(AP) - A state Senate panel is scheduled to consider changes to a 2007 law that allows special disability benefits for Louisiana National Guard soldiers. The head of Louisiana's veterans agency says the law is so restrictive that no soldier has yet qualified for the $100,000 benefit. (KSLA.com, LA)
Former Vinal Tech Teacher Accused Of Workers' Compensation Fraud Sep 9, 2009
The state says that Kinsman-Cabelus failed to disclose earnings she received while collecting disability benefits. She reported injuring her ankle, back and in December 2003 when she slipped on an onion while working as a culinary arts instructor at the Vinal Regional Vocational-Technical School, the state says in its arrest warrant. (FOX61, CT)
Pension system facing a $1.2 billion deficit9:24 am | (No comments posted.) Sep 8, 2009
Instead they are looking at limits on cost-of-living adjustments and reducing income replacement for survivor and disability benefits. They also are considering whether to return to members who leave the system less of the money contributed to their accounts. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Executives should understand the terms of disability insurance Sep 8, 2009
He was awarded benefits for roughly six months, but when he applied for long-term disability benefits, the insurance plan's administrator denied them. The plan administrator was also the same company that determined whether benefits would be paid out -- as well as the amount that would be paid. (Pittsburgh Business Times, PA)
HELPING THE FAMILIES OF HEROES Sep 2, 2009
Government death and disability benefits offer no assistance for college and similar costs for family members. We raise private funds to help do the job. (New York Post -- Opinions)
EDITORIAL: California's model for a public health option Sep 1, 2009
That company, known as State Fund, sells workers compensation insurance -- the policies every California employer must carry to pay for medical care and disability benefits for workers injured on the job. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed and the Democratic majority in the Legislature passed -- over objections from the Republican minority -- a measure to sell part of the plan as a way to bail out the state budget. (Fresno Bee)
Editorial: A 'public option' that GOP loves Aug 31, 2009
That company is known as State Fund, and it sells workers' compensation insurance the policies that every California employer must carry to pay for medical care and disability benefits for workers who are injured on the job. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proposed and the Democratic majority in the Legislature passed over objections from the Republican minority a measure to sell part of the plan as a way to bail out the state budget. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
SSA testing Microsoft HealthVault Aug 29, 2009
The use of personal health records holds great promise for ensuring that the medical information we collect from someone applying for disability benefits is accurate and complete, SSA Commissioner Michael Astrue said in a news release. Combined with other advancements in health information technology, our use of HealthVault should result in faster decisions for disability applicants, he said. (FCW.com)
VA will compensate veterans for error Aug 28, 2009
The letters were intended to alert ALS sufferers of disability benefits available to them as well as surviving spouses and children. The VA estimates that about 1200 letters were correctly sent to people in those groups. (MSNBC -- Health)
With apologies to all Aug 26, 2009
Letters dated Aug. 12 were intended to notify veterans who have Lou Gehrigs disease of disability benefits available to them. Calls to the VA were not immediately returned Monday. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Group: Vets Wrongly Told They Have Fatal Disease Aug 26, 2009
Letters were sent to 1,864 veterans about disability benefits for those with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and a "small number" have contacted the VA indicating they received the letters in error, VA spokeswoman Katie Roberts said Monday night ... The Resource Center said at least 2,500 letters informing veterans of disability benefits for ALS sufferers were sent, with almost half a mistake. (Newsmax)
VA mistakenly tells 1,200 veterans they have fatal disease Aug 25, 2009
Letters dated Aug. 12 were intended to notify veterans who have Lou Gehrig s disease of disability benefits available to them. No one knows for sure exactly how many letters were mailed to veterans treated at VA hospitals and how many were a mistake. (Boston Globe)
Officer shot in head hires lawyer to get job back Aug 25, 2009
He must also consider the risk of a re-injury on the job, which could mean the loss of the disability benefits he currently receives. "I'm very realistic in my situation, and I know I have my limitations," Hernandez said. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Inside the Courts: Calculating child support Aug 24, 2009
Gross income includes income from salaries, wages, pensions, trusts, worker s compensation, unemployment, spousal maintenance, Social Security (but not SSI) disability benefits and most other sources. In the absence of proof of disability or other exceptional circumstances, most parents are considered to be able to earn at least minimum wage. (Sierra Vista Herald, AZ)
Step One: Can we all agree health care is rationed today? Aug 23, 2009
4 million surviving children and spouses of deceased workers and disability benefits to 9. 1 million disabled workers. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Making sure money is still there when you cant work Aug 22, 2009
If premiums for the policy are paid by your employer or taken out of your paycheck before taxes, this means any disability benefits received will be considered taxable income. Typically, workplace benefits provide enough coverage to replace 60 percent of their regular income. (Lincoln Journal, MA)
Our readers speak: People have right to speak; are politicians listening? Aug 20, 2009
Gypsy wrote on Aug 18, 2009 1:44 PM:" Mr. Salvagni does not speak for all. I, for one, appreciate my Social Security retirement benefits. They are all that keeps me from living under an overpass somewhere. I worked hard, and did contribute to a "defined contribution" retirement fund for about 15 years. At that time it was invested in a "fixed annuity," and did not grow very much. After retirement, I rolled it over into IRA mutual funds. Alas, I lost nearly 50% of my funds during the past year... (Montana Standard, MT)
Special-needs trusts can provide for disabled children Aug 18, 2009
Anyone receiving Social Security disability benefits cannot have more than $2,000 in his own name without losing the benefits. "If a family member leaves $10,000 to a child, it would disqualify them for social programs, but it could go into the trust," said Mark Stallsmith, a special care planner for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in Valencia, Butler County. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Veterans Agent Gill set to retire Aug 18, 2009
He may have to help file a claim for disability benefits or a pension with the federal Veterans Administration. With so many World War II veterans passing away, he often has to provide answers and assistance to new widows trying to get their bearings. (Harwich Oracle, MA)
Gov. Paterson appoints insurance superintendent Aug 15, 2009
Wrynn was previously executive director of the state Insurance Fund, a non-profit that competes with private insurers to offer workers compensation and disability benefits insurance. The fund is the largest workers compensation provider in New York, with more than $1. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Suspect held in delivery man’s death Aug 15, 2009
In return, the state agreed to help them sign up for social services such as subsidized housing, food stamps, and disability benefits if they are eligible. Some residents complained that the state suggested they move to a campground in Narragansett, which is not near social services and would have cost them $16 per night per tent. (Boston Globe)
Judge OKs $500 Million Settlement by Social Security Administration Aug 13, 2009
One plaintiff allegedly bounced a check in Texas and was unaware of his outstanding warrant until his disability benefits were cut off, for example. Plaintiffs also argued that the government's use of a computer system that matched names in warrant databases to those at the Social Security Administration led to people without any outstanding warrants being denied their benefits. (Law.com)
America's Wounded Warriors -- Honor, Courage and Sacrifice Aug 13, 2009
Shockingly, out of the 755,000 veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, the Department of Veterans Affairs says more than 181,000 are collecting disability benefits of some type -- many requiring grueling physical therapy and continuing care in an attempt to get about with their daily lives. And not surprisingly, many young men and women are returning with emotional scars that may take years to uncover and resolve. (Townhall.com)
Former Senate Employee Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Government Aug 11, 2009
Former Senate employee Theodore Holmes pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to defrauding the U.S. government of more than $259,000 in disability benefits. According to a Justice Department statement, Holmes, a former printing and reprographics specialist, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. (Roll Call)
Switch to digital starts in Wales Aug 11, 2009
" Help schemeOlder and disabled people are able to use a special scheme to help them make the switch. Gareth Earle, regional project co-ordinator for the Switchover Help Scheme, said: "People are eligible if they're aged 75 or over, if they're on certain disability benefits, if they're blind or partially sighted, or if they have lived in a care home for six months or more. "Everyone who is eligible will be contacted by us and the standard option for most people will be 40.". (BBC News)
Lawyer aids in disability fight Aug 7, 2009
Friday August 07, 2009. Stewart J. Diamond, Esq. (Queens Chronicle, NY)
Peter KingINSIDE THE NFL Aug 7, 2009
And over the phone from his Washington office, Smith told me he was concerned by "a lack of progress on a new CBA'' after two meetings between owners and players. Now, we all know a new deal between the two sides to stave off a work-stoppage in this $8-billion-a-year industry will take 52 meetings -- not two -- but for Smith to voice his frustration this early, I believe, is significant. As was his point about the NFL guaranteeing disability benefits for the 2010 season. Under the terms of the... (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NFL)
Goodell, NFLPA rhetoric escalates amid pension funding dispute Aug 6, 2009
By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY commissioner has assured retired NFL players that they won't be subject to reduced pension and disability benefits during 2010. At that point the league could be operating under rules for an "uncapped year" during the final campaign of its collective bargaining agreement with the NFL players union. (USA Today -- Sports)
Goodell refutes union claims on retiree benefits Aug 6, 2009
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reassured retired players that their pensions and disability benefits would not be reduced in a labor dispute next year, refuting statements made by the NFL Players Association. In a letter to the NFL Alumni Board of Directors on Wednesday, Goodell wrote that claims made by the union -- including NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith -- that retired players have the potential to be affected next year "have no basis in fact.". (ESPN -- Football News)
Twitter intolerance: Some NFL teams wage clampdown on tweets, even by fans Aug 6, 2009
STEVEN WINE AP Sports Writer. 4:39 AM EDT, August 6, 2009. (FOX61, CT)
Lefty makes his return at Bridgestone, with Woods and Cink also coming back Aug 6, 2009
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell reassured retired players that their pensions and disability benefits would not be reduced in a labor dispute next year, refuting statements made by the NFL Players Association. 00004000. (FOX61, CT)
Early Alzheimer's Rises for Under-65-Year-Olds Aug 3, 2009
to Fast-Track Social Security Disability Benefits to 40-, 50-Year-Olds With Disease ... The government hearing sought to bring more Social Security disability benefits to those in their 40s and 50s suffering from Alzheimer's disease -- with less red tape -- and to fast-track the disability benefit claiming process. (ABC News)
BBQ helps storm victims Aug 3, 2009
She praised the swift community effort and said later that considering she survives on disability benefits, she isn't hopeful she'll ever come up with $6,000 for her insurance deductible. "I don't expect anybody to help financially, but if they do, that would be wonderful," said Kelly, who was home at the time of the twister and still has "jitters" about the weather. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
In Rural America, Skepticism of Healthcare Reform Aug 2, 2009
A former grocery clerk, Tenorio's been scraping by on disability benefits for more than a decade. The 60-year-old, and many of her neighbors, are skeptical healthcare overhauls pending in Congress will change much in Colorado's rural San Juan Valley. (Newsmax)
Disability Benefit Claims Begin Surge Aug 1, 2009
Social Security disability benefits are available to people who can no longer work due to injury or illness. The disability program has been the fastest rising part of Social Security, with spending on disability benefits growing at almost twice the rate of spending on retirement benefits. (Time.com)
VA medical center, doctor reach settlement Jul 29, 2009
"As a result of negligent medical treatment by the VA you may file a claim for disability benefits with the Fort Harrison VA Regional Office.". Bell has said that Casebeer's patients were notified that their doctor had come under investigation. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
Vets Seek Compensation for Hospital Errors Jul 28, 2009
(AP) The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will be asked to pay disability benefits and possibly other compensation for hospital mistakes that possibly exposed veterans to infectious body fluids. An attorney said he is preparing to file claims with the VA for about 60 veterans, including three women. (CBS News)
Vets affected by VA hospital errors to file claims Jul 28, 2009
- An attorney is preparing to ask the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to pay disability benefits and damages for hospital mistakes that may have exposed veterans to infectious body fluids a complaint that he said could ultimately multiply into many more such demands. The attorney, Mike Sheppard of Nashville, said he is preparing to file claims with the VA for about 60 veterans, including three women. (MSNBC -- Health)
Questionable judgments Jul 27, 2009
According to the Pentagon, there are only 566 surviving U.S. prisoners of war from the Vietnam era and 21 from the first Gulf War, but the Veterans Administration has been paying POW-labeled disability benefits to 966 and 286 people, respectively, according to an April Associated Press investigation. The AP found that, even though the Pentagon POW list is posted online, the VA does not routinely check it when a veteran applies for POW status. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Agent Orange linked to serious heart disease Jul 25, 2009
A VA spokeswoman said the department is reviewing the study to determine the full extent of the toxic effects of Agent Orange so exposed Vietnam veterans get the disability benefits they are entitled to. advertisement. (MSNBC -- Health)
Glazier: The ADA, Social Security and the economy Jul 23, 2009
As the disability community celebrates the 19th anniversary (July 26) of President George H. W. Bush s signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we find our numbers swelling if the upswing in applications for Social Security disability benefits is any indication. Why does this happen every time the U.S. economy is threatened with a recession. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
State's giant pension funds post big losses Jul 22, 2009
The teachers' fund is the second-largest public pension fund and administers retirement and disability benefits for 833,000 public school educators. Both systems say they have enough cash through investment income and contributions to meet their pension obligations for now, but to remain solvent long-term, they will have to raise contributions. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Call for Child Trust Fund change Jul 19, 2009
At the moment, disability benefits are not means-tested so if that does not change, Dr Lancaster's granddaughter would still be able to claim even if she has a large amount of savings when she reaches 18 ... A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions which administers benefits said: "The government is not currently considering amending the capital limits of our means-tested benefits for disabled people. "Our disability benefits, like Disability Living Allowance, are not means-tested... (BBC News -- UK)
From the News Desk — Veterans need support from Washington Jul 18, 2009
It has been reported that nearly 18,000 applications for disability benefits are waiting to be processed in Houston alone, with over 25 percent of those pending for more than six months. The Houston regional office reports 11,389 claims are on appeal, more than anywhere else in the country. (Brenham Banner, TX)
Cut pay at the top Jul 16, 2009
A story Tuesday on page A3 by The Associated Press about veterans waiting for disability benefits incorrectly reported that Army policy gives 90 days of transition pay after discharge. The policy allows transition pay for 90 days after a medical board assesses the soldier's injuries, not after discharge. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
How to Lower the Cost of Disability... Jul 16, 2009
If premiums are not paid by a third party such as an employer, disability benefits are tax free. Depending on the after tax amount of money needed per month, it may be prudent to reduce the monthly benefit to save on premiums. (Suite101.com)
Manic man in the promised land’ Jul 12, 2009
He was overmedicated and fighting for his Social Security disability benefits. Wayment divorced him, saying she couldn t handle his mental illness. (Helena Independent Record, MT)
What is he smoking? Jul 10, 2009
Q: I currently receive Social Security disability benefits ... For more information about Social Security disability benefits, visit www ... Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can continue receiving Social Security disability benefits. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
5 Ways to Cut Costs Without Cutting Services Jul 9, 2009
OTDA is responsible for most types of assistance that New York citizens can receive, from food stamps to heating assistance to housing to disability benefits. Until a year ago, anyone applying for assistance had to visit an OTDA office in-person, where an agent would fill out paperwork and enroll them in the program. (CIO Information Network)
Schwarzenegger's welfare cuts angers Dems Jul 9, 2009
She said the governor's proposals would take away her caregiver and reduce the state's contribution to her Social Security disability benefits. That would force her out of the two-bedroom apartment she shares with her 88-year-old mother, who suffers from Alzheimer's, she said. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
False alarms, true conceit Jul 5, 2009
In 2001, he freed them to use the king for a day rule, which allows those who claim an injury while acting in a superior s position the right to disability benefits at the higher pay grade - even if they do the superior s job for only a day. So the firefighters have declared war again. (Boston Globe)
Child Term Life vs Whole Life Insur... Jul 5, 2009
Some term life insurance policies for children combine disability benefits, in the event that the child may lose a limb or an eye. Premium protection: Life insurance for kids can help them when they are older and wish to purchase their own life insurance, especially if there are genetic traits in the family that may preclude the child from obtaining life insurance in later years. (Suite101.com)
'Murder' actress cheated benefits Jul 4, 2009
An actress on disability benefits said she was agoraphobic with a paralysed leg while performing in her own murder mystery plays, a court has been told. Edwina Stocker, 57, from Blackpool in Lancashire, admitted falsely claiming more than 10,000 of disability living allowance, Preston Crown Court heard. (BBC News -- UK)
GUEST COLUMN: Be wary of stimulus check scams Jul 3, 2009
In May, the federal government sent out $250 economic recovery payments to more than 50 million people who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) or Veterans Administration (VA) disability benefits. As you can imagine, all that money has attracted scam artists. (Easton Journal, MA)
Unions sue overpension changes Jul 3, 2009
With the new pension law, disability benefits will be based on workers salaries for the year prior to when they became disabled, not the year prior to their retirement ... Panagiotakos also said legislators did not mean to change the way disability benefits are calculated for most injured police officers or firefighters, only to crack down on the practice in Boston of allowing firefighters to enhance their pensions by claiming injuries while filling in for a superior. (Boston Globe)
Backlogged claims still an issue for VA Jul 2, 2009
The programs are part of the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (P.L. 110-389), which hopes to modernize the VA s disability benefits claims processing system by, among other things, authorizing temporary ratings and claimant substitution. The law also calls for additional training and certification of VBA employees to speed the claims process along. (Burlington Union, MA)
