New SSA Rule: Shorter Relevant Work Period for Disability Claims
Past Relevant Work Rick Gach Past Relevant Work Rick Gach

New SSA Rule: Shorter Relevant Work Period for Disability Claims

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently published a final rule that will significantly impact how they evaluate past work in disability claims. As representatives, it's crucial to understand these changes and how they may affect our clients' cases moving forward.

Effective June 8, 2024, the SSA will reduce the relevant work period considered in disability determinations from 15 years to just 5 years. This means that when assessing an individual's ability to perform past work, the SSA will only consider jobs held within the previous 5 years. Additionally, any past work that lasted fewer than 30 calendar days will no longer be considered as past relevant work.

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Major SSI Policy Change: Rental Subsidies No Longer Reduce Benefits
SSI Rick Gach SSI Rick Gach

Major SSI Policy Change: Rental Subsidies No Longer Reduce Benefits

If you or a loved one receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a recent policy change from the Social Security Administration (SSA) could significantly impact your monthly benefits. As of September 30, 2024, rental subsidies will no longer count as income when calculating SSI eligibility and payment amounts. This is a substantial shift that could provide a much-needed financial boost for SSI recipients nationwide.

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Understanding Representative Payees in Social Security Benefits: Your Rights and Choices
Representative Payee Rick Gach Representative Payee Rick Gach

Understanding Representative Payees in Social Security Benefits: Your Rights and Choices

Understanding Representative Payees in Social Security Benefits: Your Rights and Choices

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial assistance to millions of Americans through various programs, such as retirement, disability, and supplemental security income (SSI). In some cases, the SSA may require a representative payee to manage the benefits on behalf of the recipient. This blog post will explore the reasons behind this requirement and the rights of beneficiaries in choosing their representative payee.

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Social Security Administration Removes Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments
Rick Gach Rick Gach

Social Security Administration Removes Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments

Social Security Administration Removes Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments: In a significant move to improve access to critical benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has published a final rule titled "Omitting Food from In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) Calculations." This rule, set to take effect on September 30, 2024, is the first of several updates to the agency's Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations aimed at helping people receiving and applying for SSI.

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What to Expect After Being Approved for SSI Benefits
SSI Rick Gach SSI Rick Gach

What to Expect After Being Approved for SSI Benefits

Congratulations on being approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)! This is a significant milestone in your journey, and it's essential to understand what comes next. SSI is a program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65 and have limited income and resources. Let's dive into what you should expect now that you've been approved, focusing on the resource and income requirements, the Pre-Effectuation Review Conference (PERC) interview, and how SSI back payments are paid out.

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