Social Security Releases Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2019

Each year the Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine whether they can increase monthly Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits for disabled Americans based on an increased cost of living.  This is known as the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

Earlier this month, SSA stated in their blog[1] that more than 67 million Americans will see a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits in 2019 to account for the increased cost of living.  SSA will begin posting individual notices detailing a beneficiary’s new benefit amount in December of 2018 for those who have a my Social Security account.  COLA notices will also be mailed to the individual beneficiaries.

[1] https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-benefits-to-increase-in-2019/#more-3534

By: Devon Brady of Premier Disability Services, LLC^®

Social Security National Disability Forum

The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) will hold a National Disability Forum on October 30, 2018, at the Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. The topic of this forum will be “Advance Designation of Representative Payees.” The morning session of the forum will have panelists discussing how advance designation can improve future financial management. The afternoon session will feature panelists sharing how to leverage advance designation to improve the Representative Payee selection process.

The SSA’s Representative Payment Program provides benefit payment management for beneficiaries who are incapable of managing their Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. The SSA appoints a suitable representative payee (payee) who manages the payments on behalf of the beneficiaries. Generally, the SSA will look for family or friends to serve as payees. When friends or family members are not able to serve as payees, the SSA will look for qualified organizations. If you are concerned that someone you know becomes incapable of managing or directing the management of his or her benefits, please call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment to discuss your concerns.

You can also visit Social Security’s website to keep up to date with news on the forum: https://www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/whatsnew.html

By: Joyce Trudeau of Premier Disability Services, LLC^®

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This October, we are proud to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. According to leading statistics, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer at some point in their lifetime.

A diagnosis of breast cancer will almost always require surgery and/or radiation. Most breast cancer patients will also require chemotherapy. Without insurance, the costs of these treatments can be astronomical. Of the 12 drugs approved for cancer treatment by the FDA in 2012, 11 of them cost $100,000 or more for just one year of treatment. The 12th drug costs $70,000 per year.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there could be help available for you. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers financial resources for men and women with breast cancer who are no longer able to work due to their condition. Breast cancer is listed in the “Blue Book” (along with other cancers) in Section 13.00—Malignant Neoplastic Diseases. The listing for breast cancer is very technical. You should speak with your doctor to see if your specific cancer has spread to the extent to qualify for disability benefits via the Blue Book. Typically, breast cancer must be at least stage three or above to qualify for disability benefits medically.

However, even if you do not meet the SSA’s strict Blue Book parameters, you may still qualify for benefits. To qualify for benefits without meeting a medical listing in the Blue Book, you will need to have doctors’ notes and hospital records that show that you are expected to be out of work for at least 12 months due to your conditions.

If you, or a family member or friend, are struggling with breast cancer and are unable to work, please contact us for a free case evaluation!

National Breast Cancer Foundation: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/breast-cancer-awareness-month

By: Tom Klint of Premier Disability Services, LLC^®