Jenkins Block

JBA Is On The Web!

JenkinsBlock — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 19:27:22 +0000

In case you haven’t already, be sure to check us out on Facebook & Twitter:

www.facebook.com/jenkinsblock
www.twitter.com/jenkinsblock

If you give us a “like” or “follow” you’ll be able to stay up to date with the happenings at the JBA offices, Social Security Administration and related news, and even other local updates! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so be sure to leave us a comment or tweet!

We’re also on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/jenkins-block-&-assoc.-p.c.

Another way to get in touch or leave us your feedback is through our Google listing. We’re always happy to hear from you, so leave us a review!

-The JBA Team

New Conditions for Compassionate Allowances Program

JenkinsBlock — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 18:50:00 +0000

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.

Wounded Warriors: Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

JenkinsBlock — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:55:31 +0000

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.

February Update from the JBA Team

JenkinsBlock — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:17:03 +0000

Jenkins, Block & Associates wish all of our former and current clients a happy Valentine’s Day. We hope that you all get to spend some special time with a loved one.

In our efforts to continue to improve our professional service, we are continually updating and improving our website. Please take a moment to check it out – www.JenkinsBlock.com. We are adding further information relevant to our Social Security, Workers’ Compensation, and Personal Injury clients. We try to provide information that helps our clients better understand their cases. We also hope that the website helps our clients stay in touch with us. For example, you may not know that our firm has four locations: Baltimore, MD, Cambridge, MD, Hagerstown, MD and Richmond, VA. The “About Us” section provides the address and directions to all four of our offices. Hopefully one of our offices is close to you. Mark our website as a “Favorite” and periodically check it out for important updates. You can also check us out on Facebook and Twitter. We are always looking for your feedback.

To our Social Security clients – we expect that you are noticing a large number of companies advertising in local markets in hopes of gaining SSD/SSI clients. Be aware that some of these national outfits do not use attorneys to represent their claimant when the matter is heard before an Administrative Law Judge. Social Security regulations allow claimants to be represented by non-attorneys. The non-attorney representatives do not have the legal education and degree that attorneys do, nor are they held to the same professional conduct standards as attorneys. Rest assured, by having Jenkins, Block and Associates represent you, your case is being handled by an experienced attorney. Our attorneys take pride in fighting for you in your claim for SSD/SSI benefits.

If you know of someone in need of an attorney, please consider referring them to Jenkins, Block & Associates. All referrals are appreciated.

-The JBA Team

A Look Back at 2011 Highlights

JenkinsBlock — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 14:35:38 +0000

2011 is coming to an end and the team thought it would be great to share not only some Social Security Administration highlights, but some of our own office changes in the past year. Some of the major updates at Social Security that you may remember included:

• May: SSA implemented policy change on Probation/Parole Warrants.
- What this means: According to a NOSSCR update, “The Social Security Administration (SSA) has issued instructions stating that effective immediately it will no longer suspend or deny Old Age, Survivors & Disability Insurance (OASDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based solely on a probation or parole violation warrant.”

• August: Due to the significant budget crisis, the Social Security Administration announced office hour changes.
- What this means: Local SSA offices now close half an hour earlier to the public. The Baltimore office hours are Mon – Fri 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

• December: Change to ALJ Assignment policy
- What this means: A new policy was implemented that does not disclose the identity of the Administrative Law Judge to the claimant/claimant’s representative until the time of hearing.

JBA Office Changes:

• Baltimore:
- New office hours: 8:00AM-4:30PM
- New team addition: Joshua Fleischer (Legal Assistant, Workers’ Compensation)

The JBA team is excited and ready for a new year! And as always, feel free to give us a call with any questions. Happy New Year!

Bruce Block Visits Loyola University as Guest Lecturer

JenkinsBlock — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 18:14:04 +0000

Mr. Block recently paid a visit to Loyola University as a guest lecturer to speak on the topic of persuasive speaking. A topic Mr. Block knows and understands very well, he discussed the importance of persuasive speaking and the law to a class of mostly upperclassmen. Mr. Block went over the basics of persuasive speech, including how to dress and the importance of eye contact and preparedness. He also taught the class the different elements of a well prepared speech. His lecture led to an open and engaging discussion with the class about many different powerful speakers in history. Mr. Block’s visit was an enlightening experience for the undergraduate students, as well as for him.

President Obama Announces New Student Loan Debt Relief Plan

JenkinsBlock — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:12:45 +0000

On Wednesday, President Obama announced a new plan that makes federal policy changes involving student loans. Beginning January 2012, the plan will limit loan payments for some students to 10 percent of discretionary income. As a result, monthly payments towards student loans could be reduced significantly for many borrowers. This change will come about two years before the plan was scheduled to take effect. In addition, any debt that remains on federal loans will be forgiven after twenty years, instead of twenty five. The plan also offers students the option to consolidate loan debt on federal loans which could significantly reduce interest rates. With student loan debt now exceeding credit card debt in the United States, the President’s policy changes are a significant step towards addressing the economic issues dealing with higher education.

Increase in Social Security Payments – First since 2009

JenkinsBlock — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:18:38 +0000

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.

Best of Baltimore 2011

JenkinsBlock — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 18:22:52 +0000

Jenkins, Block & Associates was listed in the Baltimore City Paper’s Best of Baltimore Edition. The magazine awards professionals who demonstrate “excellence in the fields of law, healthcare & medicine, social services, business, finance, technology & education.” (Baltimore City Paper) Jenkins, Block & Associates was recognized as Best of Baltimore for Social Security Disability. You can read more about it here . Also check us out on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jenkinsblock or on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/jenkinsblock. Congrats Team JBA!

Did you know?

JenkinsBlock — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 16:17:50 +0000

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.