Just when the Social Security Agency finally had a progressive, engaged commissioner in former mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland, he’s gone. Effective November 29th Martin O’Malley is resigning to run for chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Among other positive changes made during O’Malley’s all too brief tenure as commissioner was modification of…
The annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for more than 72.5 million Social Security and SSI recipient for 2025 will be 2.5% as inflation comes under control. The COLA for 2024 was 3.2%. The average retiree will receive $48 more per month next year. The earnings limit for workers younger than full retirement age will…
Summer 2021 Newsletter STILL STANDING…AND PRACTICING I published the first issue of Social Security & You in Spring of 1993. Some years I’ve published more issues than others. The most recent issue was dated Spring 2019: over 2 years ago. The world was a much different place then. Especially for me. Read the full newsletter…
Spring 2019 Newsletter An Opioid Story I’ve changed his name. Let’s call him Gerald. He was a laborer. And by that I don’t mean that he just did physical work. He was a card-carrying member the Labor’s Union local. And that meant a lot to him. I represented him for Social Security disability and Michigan…
For years I have dealt with clients who have applied for Social Security benefits simultaneously with applying for unemployment benefits. In Michigan you must certify every 2 weeks that you are ready, willing and able to work. And most people are seeking Social Security disability benefits must be unable to work. Obviously there is an inconsistency there.
Some judges care and some don’t. There are judges who take a practical approach understanding that people do what they have to do to keep a roof over their heads. Other judges will not award benefits to a person drawing unemployment.
Now that point may be moot.
On April 12, 2013 a bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives preventing persons from drawing Social Security disability benefits and SSI benefits at the same time. President Obama’s proposed FY2014 budget contains a similar proposal.