If you are disabled worker age 62 or above, you may be able to reduce the SSA disability offset. Ordinarily, injured workers who receive both workers’ compensation disability benefits and Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits have their benefits reduced by application of the Social Security offset law. However, workers who have the option of receiving…
Be careful when you are walking in your employer’s parking lot! Generally, if you are injured in your employer’s parking lot, your claim is covered. That’s because parking lots controlled or maintained by your employer have been considered part of the work place. However, the Court of Appeals recently said that your claim may not…
What impact has the down economy had on Social Security Disability applications? While there has been an increase in disability applications in the last several years, recent research suggestions people do not apply for disability at a greater rate when the unemployment rate is high. Applications for younger individuals (those 45 years old and under) do…
Injured workers who have been (or are expected to be) totally disabled for at least 12 months may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If so, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will apply an “offset” to most worker’s disability benefit. SSA applies a formula based on your “average current earnings” (ACE) which is…
In a recent Court of Appeals case, the Court talked about the general rule that a worker who is coming or going from work or from a break is not covered under workers’ compensation unless there is an exception to the rule. One of the exceptions is if you are injured in an area controlled…
Generally, Social Security Disability benefits may be garnished for certain debts, such as child support or spousal support obligations, unpaid federal taxes or debts to federal agencies, including Social Security. However, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits may NOT be garnished. If you are having a problem with garnishment of your disability benefits, contact your local…
The Social Security Administration recently announced reduced hours at all it’s field offices. Effective, November 19, 2012, the Bend, Oregon office will be open from 9am-3pm daily. Beginning on January 2, 2013, the office will close at 12 noon on Wednesdays only. Social Security attributes the changes to a need to reduce the agency’s overtime…
The Social Security Administration recently announce the cost-of-living increase for 2013 at 1.7%. As a result, – Monthly benefits for disabled and retired persons will rise by 1.7%. – The maximum Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit has increased to$710 for an individual and $1,066 for an a married couple. -The monthly amount of earnings deemed…
Having a hard time remembering all your prior medical treatment and injuries? You are not alone. In a recent case, the employer argued that because the worker forgot to tell his doctor about a prior motor vehicle accident (MVA), he should not be believed about his current accident. The Workers’ Compensation Board (Board) disagreed, noting…
More good news for working men and women! A recent Workers’ Compensation case clarified that, for injured workers working out of a union hall, the rate of temporary disability benefits/time loss is based on a five-day work week at 40 hours per week, regardless of the number of days actually worked on the current job. …
End of content
End of content