Blog
Social Security 2019 COLA Adds Little
Posted on December 3rd, 2019 by Francis Jackson
Each year, Social Security benefits are adjusted based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) from the 3rd quarter of the prior year through the 3rd quarter of the current year. This year, beneficiaries will be receiving an increase of 1.6 percent for 2020. Sadly, this hardly feels sufficient to keep up with […]
New SSA Ruling on Obesity
Posted on November 4th, 2019 by Francis Jackson
In its ongoing efforts to revise and refine the guidance given to Judges and Adjudicators on how to determine total disability, the Social Security Administration has again revised its analysis of obesity and its impact on the ability to sustain work activity. Historically, Social Security clearly felt that severe obesity was a critical issue and […]
Gender and Race Disparities Impact Social Security
Posted on October 2nd, 2019 by Francis Jackson
Women and minorities generally receive smaller monthly benefits from the Social Security retirement, disability and survivors programs. Decades long discrimination in wages paid to women and minorities translates into future decades of lower benefits. In addition, the “deeming” concept in Supplemental Security Income calculations often diminishes, or eliminates, SSI benefits for stay-at-home parents (most often […]
Social Security Disability Often Aids Cancer Patients
Posted on September 3rd, 2019 by Francis Jackson
A diagnosis of cancer shakes a patient. Regardless of the type, just the word changes the life of patients and their family. Often the symptoms of both the disease, and the treatment, may make full time work impossible and allow for an award of Social Security disability benefits. Several years ago, Social Security instituted the […]
New Commissioner, New Proposals, Old Issues
Posted on August 1st, 2019 by Francis Jackson
Let’s start with the basics: the Social Security system is critical to life in the United States. As of May, 2019, more than 68 million Americans receive some benefits from Social Security – either retirement, disability or survivors benefits, or Supplemental Security Income. Social Security keeps millions of Americans out of poverty and for many […]