Author Archives: joshk

Social Security & Taxes

Tax season is here again and if you are wondering if your taxes are affected by your benefits there are free resources to help you. Some disability insurance benefits can be taxable, to obtain more information contact: IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service: http://taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) […]

SSA Office Cuts

In December 2013 the Social Security Administration announced it would be cutting the following field office services: Benefit Verification Letters Social Security Number printouts The benefit verification letters can still be obtained by calling the SSA’s toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. However, due to advocate concerns, the implementation of both of these service cuts has been delayed. […]

ALJ Rates

On November 19, 2013 Glenn Sklar, Deputy Commissioner for the Social Security Administration, Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, presented a report before the House Oversight Subcommittee hearing on the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) program. Mr. Sklar presented information on the rates of ALJs (Administrative Law Judges). His full statement at the hearing can […]

SSA Actuary

The SSA Office of the Chief Actuary commented in an “Actuarial Note” on the benefits during our current economic conditions. On average there is a 2 year lag between unemployment rate and the year SSDI claims are filed. “Because disability claims have historically increased in response to periods of high unemployment, it is reasonable to […]