The purpose of Compassionate Allowances is so that decisions on claims are made quickly for claimants with certain diseases that clearly meet the “statutory standard for disability.” The program allows for decisions on claimants with serious disabilities to be made with in days. Commissioner of Social Security recently announced 52 new compassionate allowance conditions. The latest additions mainly focus on neurological disorders, cancers and rare diseases.

The agency is also working on efforts to better and expedite the online disability application process; claimants will be able to see these changes beginning April 21, 2012. For more information visit the Social Security Administration’s press release at http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/compassionate-allowances-0412-pr.htm.

The Wounded Warriors Act was set in place to assist military service members in obtaining disability benefits fairly and quickly. Unfortunately, due to a lack of understanding of the regulations in place, administrative law judges continue to wrongfully deny claimants. After 28 years and three tours of service, one of our clients has been denied with issues relating to income level. The Wounded Warrior Act allows for special exceptions to be made for military service members in active duty with regard to military income. Our client has been before the same judge two times over a time frame of approximately a year and a half only to be wrongfully denied each time. After the initial appeal was filed, the case was immediately remanded only to be presented before the same uninformed judge for yet another denial.

Because some of the judges are unaware of the regulations or simply refuse to acknowledge the information when presented to them, this individual continues to live in uncertainty about his future. He is likely going to lose his home to foreclosure in the near future as JBA’s attorney continues to fight for him at a higher level through the appeals process. For more information visit our website’s Wounded Warriors Benefits page at http://jenkinsblock.com/wounded_warrior_benefits.php. The JBA team wants to thank all of those who have served or currently serve to protect this country.

After inflation rates are announced by the government on Wednesday, social security recipients should expect to see an increase in payments. Senior citizens will see a cost of living adjustment of 3.6% (cost of living adjustments are based upon government inflation index). However, a lot of recipients may not see a significant net increase due to the fact that there will also be increase in Medicare Part B premiums, which are reduced from most Social Security checks. Social security is a critical factor in helping many senior citizens survive financially. A cost of living adjustment has not been seen since 2009.

When receiving Social Security benefits you may be entitled to receiving back pay. If an individual is found eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration decides when those benefits should have started. Supplemental Security Income can be paid as early as the date of the first application and DIB may be paid back as far as one year before the date of the application. Contact us if this is your first time filing, or you have been denied and need assistance.