Congress finally came to an agreement and on the evening of October 16, voted to end the 16-day shutdown of the federal government. The news was dominated for two weeks by stories about the shutdown and its immediate impact. National parks were closed. Trash collection stopped in Washington DC. Even the panda-cam at the National…
Continue readingSince a segment about the federal disability program aired on the CBS show 60 Minutes last Sunday, there has been tremendous public outcry. 60 Minutes is being denounced by many sources for its anecdotal investigative techniques and one-sided reporting. The National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR) issued a strong statement: Despite criticizing the…
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Individuals who have either filed for Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) and are awaiting review, or are already collecting SSDI benefits, are naturally wondering how the October 1, 2013 shutdown of the government will affect them. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue limited service in its Offices of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODARs). …
Continue readingThe short answer is Yes, but deserves a bit of explanation. First, a definition of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): SGA is work that brings in over a certain dollar amount per month ($1,040 in 2013). The Social Security Administration (SSA) figures if a person is able to earn a certain amount of money (SGA), then he…
Continue readingOn Wednesday, June 19, at 10 :00 a.m., the House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee will hold a hearing on “Encouraging Work Through the Social Security Disability Insurance Program.” The hearing will take place in room B-318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. In the Hearing Advisory, Subcommittee Chairman Sam Johnson (R-TX)…
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