Everyday People Matter
President Trump released his proposed FY 2021 Budget on February 10, 2020. The President’s proposed budget includes reductions in many social safety net programs and foreign aid, but increases spending for defense and veterans. The president’s proposed budget is not very useful for estimating how much money SSA will have for administrative expenditures next fiscal year. Instead, it reflects the…
Cervical cancer is the one of the most common cancers affecting women. Fortunately, this is also one of the most easily detectable cancers. Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer. In most developed societies like ours, regular PAP smear tests can detect the presence of the cancerous cells faster. This can mean quicker commencement of treatment and a…
First, some good news. The Social Security Administration received its annual appropriation from Congress in September and that funds the agency through this February. Second, even if that were not the case, funding for programs such as Title II (SSDI), Title XVI (SSI) and XVIII (Medicare) are funded through a combination of taxes and long-term investments. The shutdown only affects…
Yesterday the Regional Counsel’s office for the Social Security Administration Office of Hearing Operations invited disability attorneys and disability representatives downtown to its conference room at the federal building to roll out a new program. As one of colleagues remarked, “this is a one way conversation.” Nevertheless, anytime, SSA lets me peek behind the screen to see how things work,…
On July 10, 2018, the White House signed an Executive Order that gives agency heads greater discretion over the selection of administrative law judges. The United States federal government employs 2,000 judges, with the largest number serving in the Social Security Administration as the judiciary for benefit claims. This, in effect, overturns the Administrative Procedure Act (1946), which set up…
In Georgia, there are various programs that help people living in poverty. These programs include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP), Head Start, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). SNAP is a program that provides low-income households with food stamps to help pay for the cost of food. In order to be eligible for SNAP in Georgia, you must be a…
The American Community Survey (ACS) estimated the overall rate of individuals with 1 or more disabilities in the United States population as 12.8% or approximately 41,000,000 people. The U.S. Census Bureau classifies somebody as having a disability if they respond “yes” to any of six questions which identify individuals with daily physical and mental limitations. The survey asked whether questions…
For those who successfully apply and qualify for Social Security disability benefits, many people wonder how much they will receive each month in payments. There is not one simple answer to this question, as it depends on which disability benefits you are eligible for, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Also, another factor is how much…
Patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may suffer from an acceleration of their symptoms if they put on an excessive amount of weight or lose too many pounds. According to new research, obesity and low weight both have an adverse impact on symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers focused on obesity and its crippling effects on the already very painful…
Athletes receive plenty of attention for brain injuries. However, other professionals are also very likely to suffer head injuries and may require disability benefits. According to a new study, theater workers and actors are at a high risk of head injuries, due to the risky nature of many of their job activities. According to the results of the study conducted…