Blog
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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…
6 days ago -
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…
a month+ ago
News
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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…
3+ years ago -
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…
5+ years ago
IN PERSON HEARINGS TO RETURN THIS SPRING
A Memorandum of Understanding has been developed between the Social Security Administration and the Association of Administrative Law Judges (AALJ), the Social Security Administrative Law Judge’s union.
ALJs can volunteer to hold in person hearings as of May 4th. All ALJs must do so as of June 3rd.
Everyone who enters the Office of Hearings Operations (OHO) must complete a screening questionnaire and wear a mask. Only ALJs, Claimants, parents of minor Claimants & representatives will be allowed in the hearing room. Presumably, vocational experts, medical advisors & reporters will work remotely for the time being.
Hearing offices will also provide opportunities for distancing, plexiglass barriers between ALJs and others in the room, enhanced cleaning measures and HEPA filtration. ALJs will be provided with face shields but will not be required to wear them.
The ability to have remote hearings either by either by Microsoft TEAM or telephone will be preserved for Claimants preferring that option. Those who have previously selected a remote hearing option will have the ability to switch to a in person hearing, so long as the ALJ agrees.
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Call today if you have questions about the Michigan Social Security Disability Attorney and Lawyer Services provided by William Crawforth.
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