Tag

Disability Benefits

All articles tagged with #disability benefits

SSA Expands Fast-Track Disability List With 14 Rare Conditions
policy15 days ago

SSA Expands Fast-Track Disability List With 14 Rare Conditions

The SSA adds 14 rare health conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list, bringing the total to 314 and speeding disability approvals. CAL, launched in 2008, has approved over 1.2 million people with severe disabilities. The new conditions include various syndromes and cancers. Eligibility for SSDI/SSI remains based on citizenship/alien status, age 65 or disability/blindness, and limited income/resources. The Health IT program can access medical records to speed decisions, and CAL criteria apply the same to SSDI and SSI.

SSA Expands Compassionate Allowances With 14 New Conditions
government15 days ago

SSA Expands Compassionate Allowances With 14 New Conditions

The Social Security Administration added 14 health conditions to its compassionate allowances list, bringing the total to 314 conditions and speeding disability-benefit approvals for people with serious illnesses. The additions include cancers, adult brain disorders, and several rare pediatric conditions (such as Aicardi syndrome and Warburg micro syndrome). SSA uses automated screening to fast-track eligible applications, while non-eligible cases can still take six to eight months for standard disability determinations. Public submissions and expert input help guide future additions.

July 15 Social Security payout: who qualifies this month and how much
latestnews1 month ago

July 15 Social Security payout: who qualifies this month and how much

US Social Security benefits follow a three‑Wednesday payout cycle in July 2026. On July 15—the third Wednesday—the payment goes to recipients born between the 11th and 20th of any month; July 8 covers those born 1–10, and July 22 covers those born 21–31. Earlier in July, long‑time recipients and SSI beneficiaries were paid on July 2 (with July 3 holiday leading to a 24‑hour shift). Typical monthly amounts are about $2,030 for retirement, $1,496 for disability, and $1,631 for survivors, with payments made via Direct Deposit or Direct Express Card. Users can check their specific dates through SSA tools.

April 15 Social Security payout: who qualifies and how much
us-news4 months ago

April 15 Social Security payout: who qualifies and how much

The Social Security Administration will issue April 2026 benefits on Wednesday, April 15 to recipients born on the 11th–20th of any month; those born 1st–10th are paid on April 8 and those born 21st–31st on April 22. Average monthly benefits are about $2,079.49 for retired workers, $1,634.51 for disabled workers, and $1,624.37 for survivors. Some long-term beneficiaries are paid on the 3rd, and people who receive both Social Security and SSI are paid the Social Security amount on the 3rd and SSI on the 1st. Benefits can be received via direct deposit, Direct Express debit card, or the SSA’s online tool; changes to bank details can be made online or at SSA offices.

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage
politics6 months ago

VA halts controversial disability-rule after veteran outrage

The Department of Veterans Affairs will not enforce a newly published interim rule that would base disability ratings on functional status while on medications, halting enforcement after widespread backlash; the rule—aimed at adjusting benefits and published in the Federal Register—drew fierce criticism from the VFW and lawmakers who warned it could penalize veterans who follow doctors’ orders, including concerns about psychiatric medications, and a lawsuit has been filed to block it.

DAV praises VA halt on medication-impact disability rating rule
politics6 months ago

DAV praises VA halt on medication-impact disability rating rule

The Disabled American Veterans welcomed VA Secretary Collins’ decision to halt the implementation of a new rule that would weigh a veteran’s medication use in disability evaluations. After veterans voiced concerns, the halt took effect as of Feb. 19, with DAV releasing an updated statement and a Q&A to address common questions.

VA Disability Ratings May Be Cut as Meds and Earnings Are Considered Under New Rule
politics6 months ago

VA Disability Ratings May Be Cut as Meds and Earnings Are Considered Under New Rule

Rolling Stone reports that the VA issued an interim final rule to rate disabilities partly by medications used to treat conditions and by a veteran’s earning capacity, potentially cutting disability and pension payments. The change departs from decades of rating based on medical impairment and cites the 2025 Ingram v. Collins decision; veterans groups oppose it, arguing it reduces benefits, while VA officials say it formalizes longstanding practice. The rule is part of broader reforms such as Project 2025 and could impact a significant share of VA spending.

Federal Court Rules Social Security Must Address Fibromyalgia Complaints
health8 months ago

Federal Court Rules Social Security Must Address Fibromyalgia Complaints

A U.S. circuit court ruled that in cases like fibromyalgia, where no objective medical tests exist, subjective patient testimony must be given significant weight in disability benefit decisions, reversing a previous denial for a woman suffering from the condition and emphasizing the importance of recognizing such illnesses in the disability process.

Red State Workers Face Disability Benefit Cuts Under New Trump Rules
politics9 months ago

Red State Workers Face Disability Benefit Cuts Under New Trump Rules

The Trump administration is rewriting disability eligibility rules, making it harder for older, physically demanding job workers, especially in red states like West Virginia, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, and Alabama, to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, potentially affecting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable workers.

Debate Intensifies Over Potential Social Security Benefit Cuts for Older Americans
policy10 months ago

Debate Intensifies Over Potential Social Security Benefit Cuts for Older Americans

The Trump administration proposes changes to Social Security disability rules that could make it harder for older Americans, especially those in their 50s and 60s, to qualify for benefits by removing age as a factor, sparking concerns about increased hardship for vulnerable workers. Critics argue this could disproportionately impact those with legitimate claims, while supporters say it aligns with longer lifespans and workforce changes. The proposal is part of ongoing political debates over Social Security's future.

Critics Warn Trump's Social Security Changes Harm Vulnerable Groups
public-policy11 months ago

Critics Warn Trump's Social Security Changes Harm Vulnerable Groups

A report criticizes recent changes by the Trump administration at the Social Security Administration, highlighting increased difficulties for disabled and poor Americans in accessing benefits, with issues in field office service, phone system re-routing, and complex eligibility rules, despite some overall improvements in claim processing times.

Controversy Mounts Over Welfare Reforms and Leadership Challenges
politics1 year ago

Controversy Mounts Over Welfare Reforms and Leadership Challenges

Scottish First Minister John Swinney criticizes the UK government's welfare reform approach as 'appalling' and highlights Scotland's decision to fund a more generous social security system through tax increases, contrasting with Westminster's austerity measures. The UK reforms faced significant opposition and were watered down, while Scotland continues to prioritize social investment despite rising costs and budget challenges.