All articles tagged with #disability benefits
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.
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.
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.
The Trump administration is planning a policy change that would make it more difficult for older Americans to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, potentially leading to hundreds of thousands losing their benefits.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In June 2025, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments are scheduled to be distributed on June 11, 18, and 25, based on the beneficiary's date of birth, with payments staggered across these dates.
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.
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.
Millions of Social Security recipients will receive their June payments on May 31 instead of June 1 due to the first falling on a Saturday, resulting in two SSI payments in May and none in June. Similar adjustments will occur in August and November.
The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to expand disability benefits for veterans exposed to Agent Orange in the United States, following the passage of the PACT Act. This move will provide fast-track disability benefits to veterans suffering from illnesses dating back to the Vietnam War era, including those who served in locations where herbicides were tested, used, or stored outside of Vietnam. The new rules will take several months to go into effect and will benefit veterans who may have been exposed to Agent Orange in various states and foreign locations. This expansion aims to provide easier access to benefits for veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their military service.
Christopher Stultz, a New Hampshire veteran, admitted to faking his need for a wheelchair for 20 years, resulting in over $660,000 in fraudulent benefits. He pleaded guilty to making false statements and faces a maximum prison term of five years. Prosecutors revealed that he was observed walking normally despite claiming 100% disability, and he was seen using a wheelchair at VA medical centers but then walking around normally outside.
A New Hampshire veteran, Christopher Stultz, has pleaded guilty to faking his need for a wheelchair for 20 years, resulting in over $660,000 in unentitled benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Stultz faces a maximum prison term of five years and admitted to making false statements. Prosecutors revealed that he was observed walking normally despite claiming he couldn't use his feet, and he was seen lifting the wheelchair into his car and walking around stores after leaving VA medical centers.