Tag

Disability Benefits

All articles tagged with #disability benefits

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage
politics8 days ago

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage

The Department of Veterans Affairs will not enforce a newly published interim rule that would base disability ratings on functional status while on medications, halting enforcement after widespread backlash; the rule—aimed at adjusting benefits and published in the Federal Register—drew fierce criticism from the VFW and lawmakers who warned it could penalize veterans who follow doctors’ orders, including concerns about psychiatric medications, and a lawsuit has been filed to block it.

DAV praises VA halt on medication-impact disability rating rule
politics9 days ago

DAV praises VA halt on medication-impact disability rating rule

The Disabled American Veterans welcomed VA Secretary Collins’ decision to halt the implementation of a new rule that would weigh a veteran’s medication use in disability evaluations. After veterans voiced concerns, the halt took effect as of Feb. 19, with DAV releasing an updated statement and a Q&A to address common questions.

VA Disability Ratings May Be Cut as Meds and Earnings Are Considered Under New Rule
politics9 days ago

VA Disability Ratings May Be Cut as Meds and Earnings Are Considered Under New Rule

Rolling Stone reports that the VA issued an interim final rule to rate disabilities partly by medications used to treat conditions and by a veteran’s earning capacity, potentially cutting disability and pension payments. The change departs from decades of rating based on medical impairment and cites the 2025 Ingram v. Collins decision; veterans groups oppose it, arguing it reduces benefits, while VA officials say it formalizes longstanding practice. The rule is part of broader reforms such as Project 2025 and could impact a significant share of VA spending.

Federal Court Rules Social Security Must Address Fibromyalgia Complaints
health2 months ago

Federal Court Rules Social Security Must Address Fibromyalgia Complaints

A U.S. circuit court ruled that in cases like fibromyalgia, where no objective medical tests exist, subjective patient testimony must be given significant weight in disability benefit decisions, reversing a previous denial for a woman suffering from the condition and emphasizing the importance of recognizing such illnesses in the disability process.

Red State Workers Face Disability Benefit Cuts Under New Trump Rules
politics3 months ago

Red State Workers Face Disability Benefit Cuts Under New Trump Rules

The Trump administration is rewriting disability eligibility rules, making it harder for older, physically demanding job workers, especially in red states like West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable workers.

Debate Intensifies Over Potential Social Security Benefit Cuts for Older Americans
policy4 months ago

Debate Intensifies Over Potential Social Security Benefit Cuts for Older Americans

The Trump administration proposes changes to Social Security disability rules that could make it harder for older Americans, especially those in their 50s and 60s, to qualify for benefits by removing age as a factor, sparking concerns about increased hardship for vulnerable workers. Critics argue this could disproportionately impact those with legitimate claims, while supporters say it aligns with longer lifespans and workforce changes. The proposal is part of ongoing political debates over Social Security's future.

Critics Warn Trump's Social Security Changes Harm Vulnerable Groups
public-policy5 months ago

Critics Warn Trump's Social Security Changes Harm Vulnerable Groups

A report criticizes recent changes by the Trump administration at the Social Security Administration, highlighting increased difficulties for disabled and poor Americans in accessing benefits, with issues in field office service, phone system re-routing, and complex eligibility rules, despite some overall improvements in claim processing times.

Controversy Mounts Over Welfare Reforms and Leadership Challenges
politics8 months ago

Controversy Mounts Over Welfare Reforms and Leadership Challenges

Scottish First Minister John Swinney criticizes the UK government's welfare reform approach as 'appalling' and highlights Scotland's decision to fund a more generous social security system through tax increases, contrasting with Westminster's austerity measures. The UK reforms faced significant opposition and were watered down, while Scotland continues to prioritize social investment despite rising costs and budget challenges.

Trends and hotspots in disability and mental health benefit claims across the UK
health-and-social-policy8 months ago

Trends and hotspots in disability and mental health benefit claims across the UK

The rise in disability benefit claims in England and Wales, reaching nearly 4 million by 2025, is largely driven by increased mental health issues and demographic changes like rising state pension age. The government is planning reforms to the Pip benefit system, which are expected to reduce savings but may leave more people in relative poverty. The increase in claims is also possibly influenced by better awareness of benefits and economic shocks, though the exact causes remain uncertain.

Upcoming Social Security Payments and Payouts Schedule
finance8 months ago

Upcoming Social Security Payments and Payouts Schedule

On June 18, 2025, the SSA will distribute Social Security retirement, SSDI, and survivor benefits to recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month, with most retirees receiving around $2,000 on average. Payments are scheduled based on birth dates, with some benefits paid on specific dates regardless of birth date, and SSI payments sent early due to the month starting on a Sunday.

Major Social Security Updates for Retirees and Benefit Recipients
economy1 year ago

Major Social Security Updates for Retirees and Benefit Recipients

The Social Security Administration is implementing changes next year to address inflation and financial stability for over 70 million recipients, including retirees, disability payment recipients, and veterans. Key changes include a 2.5% Cost-of-Living-Adjustment (COLA) to align payments with inflation, potential future increases in the retirement age, and a rise in the cap for taxable earnings from $160,200 to $176,100 by 2025. These adjustments aim to maintain purchasing power and ensure the system's long-term sustainability.

Key Social Security Updates for 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know
finance1 year ago

Key Social Security Updates for 2025: What Beneficiaries Need to Know

The Social Security Administration has announced significant changes effective January 1, 2025, impacting over 70 million beneficiaries. Key updates include a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to counter inflation, potential increases in the full retirement age to 68-70 years, and a higher taxable earnings cap rising from $160,200 to $176,100. These changes aim to maintain financial stability for retirees and people with disabilities, ensuring their benefits keep pace with economic conditions.