Social Security | Fleschner Stark Tanoos & Newlin

Archive for the ‘ Social Security ’ Category

Feb

Right To Work Bill Signed Into Law In Indiana By Governor Daniels

February 8, 2012

Changes in the way companies conduct business have come in Indiana after Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law the Right-To-Work Bill. An article released by Businessweek stated that the new law prohibits labor contracts that require workers to pay union representation fees.

Supporters of the law say that the move will create a pro-business climate in the area that will bring new companies, and therefore new jobs, to the state.

Opponents of the law disagree with this statement saying that there is no evidence to prove that right-to-work laws actually create jobs.

The law can also create an unfair work environment if you consider that it creates a free-rider problem where employees can reap the benefits of working at a unionized company without paying dues.

Opponents add that prohibiting the contracts will actually take away any protection to rights that unions can provide to workers. Now, if a worker is injured, they will face the battle of collecting workers’ compensation or disability benefits on their own, rather than having the backing of a union.

The Indiana Social Security Disability and workers’ compensation attorneys with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin are here to help you if you have been seriously injured while on the job and are having trouble getting the compensation you need in order to cover your expenses such as medical bills and property damages. Contact an experienced attorney today.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Nov

Indiana Medicaid Now Allows For Birth Control Coverage

November 16, 2011

Indiana Medicaid is about to undergo some positive changes that could allow hundreds of recipients to receive birth control. News Channel 10 reported Monday that the changes were passed six years ago, but were delayed because of a processing error.

The law, designed to prevent unwanted pregnancies and at-risk births, was passed in 2005 by the Indiana House of Representatives, but recent reports found that paperwork was never processed. Estimates show the mistake cost Indiana taxpayers more than $1 million. However, the government estimates a $8 million savings over the next five years from the correction.

The law will now allow for state-covered Medicaid recipients to obtain birth control pills, IUD’s, and tubal ligation for free or at heavily discounted rates. Lawmakers hope the change will cut the state’s healthcare costs. Utah and Wisconsin have laws that are comparable for the same reason.

The Indiana Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin know the importance of having access to programs like this for those who cannot work and need medical coverage. If you are disabled and are having trouble getting coverage you need, contact us today by calling (800) 618-4878 or by filling out a free initial consultation form.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Oct

New Social Security COLA Not As Great As It Sounds

October 26, 2011

At first, many recipients of social security benefits were overjoyed when they learned that the Social Security Administration (SSA) had announced a 3.6 percent increase in payouts beginning next year as part of a cost of living adjustment (COLA). With an increase in Medicare costs though, and a bleak future for the social security program as a whole, many people are questioning if the increases will do any good.

According to FOX 19 News, the 3.6 percent increase means an estimated $30 billion additional dollars will be paid out to the millions of retirees and beneficiaries in the country. This sounds like a big number, but only equivocates out to about an extra $39 per month for someone receiving social security checks, and only an additional $18 per month for those with Supplemental Security Income. While this seems great on the surface, the majority of this newly allotted money will be eaten up by the government’s increase to Medicare Premiums. This is not the only problem that has Americans casting shadows of doubt on the system.

It has been estimated that the program may not have the budget to survive to the next generation of retirees without benefit cuts or tax increases. Also, higher unemployment rates in the country means that less people are paying into the system. In other words, the program is spending more money than it can bring in, and will eventually dry up.

The Indiana Social Security Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark. Tanoos & Newlin want you to tell us your opinion on the Social Security payment increase by posting to our Facebook page.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Jun

Social Security Benefits Gone By 2036

June 1, 2011

The Social Security Board of Trustees released their annual report on the status of Social Security Trust Funds in mid-May with bleaker findings than expected. They estimate that the combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be completely depleted by the year 2036. That is one year sooner than was calculated last year. The study also found that the DI Trust Fund will be gone after 2018, causing a need for immediate legislative action. This means that the equivalent of close to $6.5 trillion in present value dollars would have to be raised over the next 75 years in order to pay out on all benefits.

Micheal J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, was quoted in the press release as saying, “The current Trustees Report again reflects what we have long known to be true — we need changes to ensure the long-term solvency of Social Security and to restore younger workers’ confidence in the program.”

157 million individuals had earnings that were covered by Social Security benefits in 2010.

See the report here.

With benefits drying up at a faster rate than expected,those filing claims will likely find it more difficult to receive benefits. The processes will become more complicated and the denial process can become very drawn out. If you are filing a social security claim, contact the Social Security Disability lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin. Our attorneys may be able to answer questions you have about your claim.

Popularity: 1% [?]

May

No Increase In Social Security Payments Again This Year

May 25, 2011

It looks as if recipients of Social Security benefits will go another year with no increase in benefits. According to an article from the Associated Press, the government is expected to give the first cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) since 2009; however, rising Medicare premiums will erase any increase in payouts. This will leave millions of retired and disabled individuals with no increase in Social Security benefits for the third year in a row.

Law states that these COLAs are to be determined each year by the government based on rates of inflation. In other words, when prices go up, so do payments.

About 45 million people receive both Medicare and Social Security. Most will not see a drop in payments due to the rising health care premiums because they are protected by hold-harmless provision, which ensures that payments will not decrease.

The trend is expected to only get worse. In fact, the government expects by the year 2078, retirees will be spending one-third of their benefits on Medicare premiums and their Medicare prescription drug program.

As benefits slowly begin to dry up, receiving them will become increasingly difficult. The Indiana Social Security Disability Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can answer many of the questions you have about your benefits in a simple, straightforward manner. See some of the frequently asked questions they receive here.

Popularity: 1% [?]

May

Treasury Department will phase out Social Security paper checks

May 5, 2011

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the Treasury Department will start phasing out paper checks.

The Treasury has started to send notices to individuals that receive checks from Social Security. The notice states that if you are currently receiving checks, you have until March 1, 2013 to switch to direct deposit. The Treasury Department expects to save $1 billion dollars over 10 years.

Additionally, all new Social Security applications must receive their benefits check through direct deposit. The Treasury Department says this will also be more secure.

Many people already receive their checks through direct deposit, but 11 million people still receive paper checks. If you wish not to get your checks direct deposited into a banking account, you can get your money deposited into a debit card that the Treasury Department has made for this purpose.

Do you think getting rid of Social Security paper checks is a good idea?

If you think you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Mar

Your Social Security amount could change

March 17, 2011

The Chicago Tribune reports that the projected Social Security benefits at retirement number could change by the time you retire.

Each year before your birthday, many working Americans receive an annual statement that shows the projected retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration. These Social Security benefits could change by the time your retire.

A Chicago Tribune reader’s Social Security benefits keep shrinking each year, and she was confused why these numbers kept changing.

You should not plan your retirement based on those exact numbers because they may change. You can estimate your proposed benefits at socialsecurity.gov/estimator which is maintained by the Social Security Administration.

Do you think the Social Security Administration should stick with the number given in your annual report?

If you think you may qualify for Social Security Disability, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Mar

Social Security poll finds people should work longer

March 10, 2011

A new Harris Poll shows 40 percent of people think we should work longer before drawing Social Security benefits, reports United Press International.

The poll surveyed 3,171 U.S. adults about issues regarding Social Security. The majority of people did not think Social Security benefits should be reduced. Only 11 percent of those surveyed agreed that Social Security benefits should decrease.

Over a quarter of respondents believe that taxes should be raised to pay for Social Security benefits. The most popular idea, with 40 percent agreeing, is people should work longer before drawing Social Security. On the same note, 37 percent of respondents believe the Social Security age should be raised.

What do you believe will work best to help Social Security? Do you think people should work longer or should we raise taxes to support Social Security?

If you think you may qualify for Social Security Disability, the Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Feb

Social Security Disability: Do you qualify for compassionate allowance?

February 24, 2011

If you have applied for Social Security Disability, you understand that it can be an arduous process. However, the Social Security Administration has identified a list of conditions that are so serious that they will pre-qualify for disability payments, according to the Social Security website.

These conditions are known as compassionate allowances and are a way of quickly identifying individuals in need. This process allows those in dire need to receive their Social Security Disability payments in an efficient manner.

Recently a public hearing was held to discuss cardiovascular disease as an addition to the compassionate allowance list. Do you think cardiovascular disease should qualify as a Social Security compassionate allowance?

If you think you may qualify for Social Security Disability, the Social Security lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Feb

Do taxes apply to Social Security Disability benefits?

February 10, 2011

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that millions of Americans received Social Security Disability benefits in 2010. It is time to file those 2010 taxes, which leaves many Americans wondering if they will be taxed for their Social Security Disability benefits.

If your earnings combined with your Social Security Disability benefits are above a certain base amount, then a portion of your disability benefits will be taxed.

Do you think it is fair to pay taxes on your Social Security Disability benefits?

If you think you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Disability attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin can help you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Pages (3): 1 2 3 »

Fleschner Stark Tanoos & Newlin | Injury Law Blog

Archive for the ‘ Social Security ’ Category

Pages

Archives

Categories