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Disability Benefits for Mental Illnesses

By Ken Marks | May 23, 2017 | Comments Off on Disability Benefits for Mental Illnesses

Commonly, social security disability benefits are associated to those suffering from a debilitating injury. But did you know that if you suffer from a mental illness, you might be eligible for disability benefits as well? The Social Security Administration evaluates mental disorders according to several predetermined categories. If you exhibit symptoms of one of the…

How To Protect Employees From Heat-Related Injuries

By Ken Marks | April 19, 2017 |

Summertime heat waves can often result in serious heat illness injuries. Outdoor workers are especially susceptible to the heat and the injuries it can cause. The California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a campaign to educate workers and employers about the risks of heat illness and how to stay safe in hot…

Hiring an SSDI Lawyer: What You Should Know

By Ken Marks | April 18, 2017 | Comments Off on Hiring an SSDI Lawyer: What You Should Know

Applying for benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program can be a long and frustrating process. It isn’t unheard of for applicants to wait several months before getting a response from the Social Security Administration. This is where an SSDI attorney can help but choosing the right one is important. Having an experienced…

Beware of Last Minute Tax Refund Phishing Scams

By Ken Marks | March 20, 2017 | Comments Off on Beware of Last Minute Tax Refund Phishing Scams

State tax agencies, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the tax industry are warning about phishing scams designed to trick last-minute tax filers. With less than a month until taxes are due, tax-related scams are peaking according to the IRS. Taxpayers and tax professionals need to be alert to suspicious activity. One new scam targets…

2017 Social Security Changes You Need to Know!

By Ken Marks | February 20, 2017 | Comments Off on 2017 Social Security Changes You Need to Know!

A few years before the first Baby Boomers were born, the Social Security Administration was one of several governmental programs designed to assist the population. For decades, these funds have benefited retirees and disabled folks, with 60 percent of seniors relying on the SSA for half or more of their income. Annually, the SSA, like…

Seniors May Be Seeing Insufficient Increases in Social Security Benefits

By Ken Marks | January 25, 2017 | Comments Off on Seniors May Be Seeing Insufficient Increases in Social Security Benefits

Social Security is essential income for many senior citizens. As part of the program, cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) are made on an annual basis. Each year, the COLA for Social Security benefits is calculated using the Consumer Price Index (CPI). However, some recipients feel that the CPI doesn’t accurately reflect the cost-of-living increases they deal with every year.…

Disability Benefits: Do I Need to File My Taxes?

By Ken Marks | January 24, 2017 | Comments Off on Disability Benefits: Do I Need to File My Taxes?

Dealing with the various taxing regulations can be challenging under any circumstance but even more so when receiving disability benefits. Even the best answer to the question of “Do I need to file my taxes?” is a resounding “maybe!” For those who are getting disability benefits, the question becomes even more convoluted as regulations in…

Disability Claims in America: Mapping the Growth

By Ken Marks | December 21, 2016 | Comments Off on Disability Claims in America: Mapping the Growth

The Social Security Disability Insurance Trust Fund was developed for people who are injured or sick, and who can no longer earn an amount in excess of $1,130 per month. During 1990 less than 2.5 percent of Americans above the age to work were collecting from this pool. During 2015, that number rose to 5.2 percent. This…

Top 10 Locations To Retire on Only Your Social Security Benefits

By Ken Marks | December 8, 2016 | Comments Off on Top 10 Locations To Retire on Only Your Social Security Benefits

A third of retirees count on their Social Security check as their primary source of income, which isn’t a substantial amount. In fact, the average Social Security check was $1,241 in January 2016. Of course, ever year this number adjusts to accommodate inflation, but it’s still not a robust sum of money. Living costs are…

10 Social Security Disability Insurance Myths Debunked

By Ken Marks | November 28, 2016 | Comments Off on 10 Social Security Disability Insurance Myths Debunked

Social security disability insurance (SSDI) is a readily available program that offers ongoing financial help for those suffering from long-term disabilities. Unfortunately, not nearly as many people take advantage of the assistance this program can provide due to belief in several common SSDI myths, including these ten: Myth #1: Denial is almost certain. The two grains…