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Rep. Steve Knight: 'I think that Social Security was a bad idea'

Bob Hansen • June 16, 2016

● CA-25: Sometimes, some Republican says something so stupid, we don't even need to explain why it's so profoundly idiotic. This is one of those times. Here's freshman GOP Rep. Steve Knight, at a debate with his two Democratic opponents Thursday night:

"I think that Social Security was a bad idea. I do. I absolutely think it was a bad idea. I think that what should have happened was we should have had the government sit down with the private sector and build a system that people could take with them."

There's video, too—the kind of video that is ready-made for a Democratic attack ad. The question now is which Democrat will emerge to take on Knight. Attorney Bryan Caforio has caught the eye of national Democrats and has managed to bring in some (but not that much) money, though he has outraised the feeble Knight for the last two quarters. Agua Dulce Town Council member Lou Vince, meanwhile, has the endorsement of the state Democratic Party but has raised almost nothing. Mitt Romney only carried California's 25th District by a 50-48 margin, and Knight has proved he's dumb enough to put this Los Angeles-area seat in play almost on his own, but it'll still take a strong effort from Democrats to dislodge him.


Senate:● NH-Sen, NV-Sen: The Senate Majority PAC has been increasingly active of late. The pro-Democratic group just reserved $4.2 million in fall TV time in New Hampshire, which is a top-tier opportunity for Democrats to gain a seat, and they're also running some ads right now in Nevada, the one Senate race where Republicans have a decent pickup shot of their own. SMP is going on the offensive against Rep. Joe Heck, the likely GOP nominee, with a spot that slams Heck for once calling Nevada's mortgage crisis "a blip on the radar" on a 2008 candidate questionnaire. That's a damaging attack in a state where the collapse of the housing market struck especially hard. Jon Ralston says the buy is for $450,000.


● OH-Sen: A conservative super PAC called the Fighting for Ohio Fund (whose donors include pro-wrestling mogul and twice-failed Senate candidate Linda McMahon) is reportedly spending $1.5 million to air a new TV ad attacking Democratic ex-Gov. Ted Strickland. The spot features footage of Strickland from an editorial board interview with the Cleveland Plain Dealer earlier this year in which he said, "My record is mixed and spotty, and I can be criticized for that." The ad then goes on to hit Strickland for the "350,000 in jobs lost" while he was governor, as well as "$800 million in tax increases" he's allegedly responsible for, before repeating that same interview clip. But the use of this particular bit of video is quite mendacious. Strickland was speaking of his views on gun control, which have moved to the left, particularly as a result of pressure from his unsuccessful Democratic primary opponent, Cincinnati City Councilor P.G. Sittenfeld. While undoubtedly Strickland wishes he could un-say those remarks, to rip them out of context like this is crap. Strickland's campaign should have already fired off a lawyer letter demanding this ad be pulled.


Gubernatorial:● NC-Gov: Roy Cooper ain't messin' around. Cooper, the state attorney general and Democratic nominee for governor, just reserved $7 million in TV time for the final nine weeks of his campaign against GOP Gov. Pat McCrory. Recent polls have shown a slight uptick for Cooper in the wake of the debacle over HB2, the state's new anti-LGBT law, but the race is far from in the bag for Team Blue.


House:● CO-03: Candidate filing closed in Colorado a little while ago, but the state only recently released a list of contenders for the June 28 primary. Note that the Senate GOP field is still in flux. Republican Rep. Scott Tipton looked completely safe in this 52-46 Romney western Colorado seat until ex-state Sen. Gail Schwartz entered the race last month. Tipton decisively turned back a credible Democratic foe in 2012, but Schwartz at least puts this contest on the map. At the end of March, Tipton had $605,000 in the bank, while Schwartz will start from scratch. Daily Kos Elections rates the general as Likely Republican.


● CO-05: Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn came surprisingly close to losing his seat last month to state legislative aide Calandra Vargas. Lamborn needed to win at least 30 percent of the delegates' votes at the GOP convention to make the primary ballot (Lamborn chose not to collect signatures) and while Vargas outpaced him 58-35, Lamborn had just enough support to join her in June. Vargas is an unproven candidate, but Lamborn isn't particularly strong. Lamborn only beat an underfunded foe 53-47 last cycle, and he ended March with an underwhelming $297,000 in the bank. This Colorado Springs seat is safely red.


● CO-06: This 52-47 Obama suburban Denver seat is a top Democratic target, and an expensive contest is already taking shape. Republican Rep. Mike Coffman is a well-regarded candidate, though he has a habit of letting his mouth do his thinking for him at times. Coffman's opponent is Democratic state Sen. Morgan Carroll, who like Coffman has no primary foe. At the end of March, Coffman held a $1.3 million to $641,000 cash-on-hand edge, but both the DCCC and NRCC, as well as the Democratic group House Majority PAC, have made major reservations here for the fall. Daily Kos Elections rates the general as Lean Republican.


● FL-04: On Thursday, attorney Hans Tanzler III launched his campaign for this safely red open seat. While Tanzler, who served as executive director of the St. Johns Water Management District, has never held office, he has a well-known name. His father, whom the candidate is named for, served as Jacksonville's mayor when the city government consolidated with the rest of Duval County in the late 1960s. Tanzler will face ex-Jacksonville Sheriff John Rutherford, state Rep. Lake Ray, and St. Johns County Commissioner Bill McClure in the late August GOP primary.


● KS-01: On Thursday, 2014 candidate Alan LaPolice announced that he would ditch the GOP primary and run for this seat as an independent. LaPolice's move comes as good news for physician Roger Marshall, who is challenging Rep. Tim Huelskamp, a tea party iconoclast, in the August primary. While LaPolice has raised very little money, he could have taken enough anti-Huelskamp voters from Marshall to secure the congressman renomination in this safely red western Kansas seat. The candidate filing deadline isn't until June 1 but right now, it looks like Marshall will be Huelskamp's only opponent. Huelskamp has a horrible relationship with local agriculture groups, and the Kansas Livestock Association and Dairy Farmers of America have both endorsed Marshall. Last time, agriculture groups spent against Huelskamp and held him to a 55-45 win against LaPolice, and it's unclear if they'll invest in this race again. However, while Huelskamp isn't a very good fundraiser, he still held an $837,000 to $484,000 cash-on-hand edge at the end of March.


● KY-01: Former congressional aide Mike Pape attracted national attention last month when he ran an incredibly racist ad featuring three "Mexican" men, complete with bogus mustaches and accents, sneaking across the U.S. border at night to stop Trump, Cruz, and their number one ally, Mike Pape. The spot is unlikely to be a liability in the May 17 primary for this safely red western Kentucky seat, which pits Pape against ex-state Agriculture Commissioner James Comer. However, Comer is out with a new poll that argues that he remains the clear frontrunner and that the spot did little for Pape. The Voter Consumer Research poll gives Comer a 57-10 lead over Pape, with Hickman County Attorney Jason Batts taking just 6. The memo refers to a month-old VCR poll that showed Comer up 46-9. The Pape spot aired between these two polls and, at least according to VCR's results, it did not help Pape in any tangible way (the memo does not refer to the ad).Pape and Comer have actually been spending similar amounts of money in the lead-up to the primary. From April 1 to April 27, Comer outspent Pape just $273,000 to $239,000. However, Comer, who narrowly lost the 2015 gubernatorial primary, started this contest with far more name-recognition than Pape. There have been no other polls here so it's very possible that Comer doesn't have anything like the gaudy leads his survey shows. Still, it makes sense that the better-known Comer would have the advantage on May 17 if he's not getting outspent on TV. Batts' Hickman County only makes up about 1 percent of the 1st, so he needed plenty of cash to get his name out, but that hasn't happened. Batts spent just $77,000 during most of April, and he has only $39,000 left. Comer has a strong $373,000 to $96,000 cash-on-hand edge over Pape, so he should be able to drown him out on TV from now until Election Day. And sure enough, Comer is out with another spot. Comer tells the audience that "Obama and the Washington liberals" are tearing America apart. He pledges to eliminate ISIS "and build the darned wall." He also touts his endorsement from the NRA as some footage of him training his kids how to aim guns plays.


● NC-02: On Friday, the well-funded anti-tax group the Club for Growth renewed their war on GOP Rep. Renee Ellmers when they announced that they would "actively oppose" her in the June 7 primary for North Carolina's safely red 2nd Congressional District. The Club was already pissed at her for things like her votes to raise the debt ceiling and reauthorize the dreaded Export-Import Bank, and that was before she endorsed their hated enemy Donald Trump over Ted Cruz. The Club initially endorsed Jim Duncan back in November and spent $400,000 bashing her on his behalf, but that was before North Carolina was forced to redraw its congressional map. Duncan was drawn out of the new 2nd and decided not to run here, but Ellmers now faces a tough primary with fellow Rep. George Holding, with tea partying physician Greg Brannon also in. The Club didn't endorse either Holding or Brannon in this Raleigh-area seat, but any damage they do to Ellmers will almost certainly benefit Holding instead of the underfunded Brannon. The Club's decision wasn't a surprise, but it's still very unwelcome news for Ellmers. Holding represents about 57 percent of the new 2nd, while only 18 percent of the new district is Ellmers' turf. Both candidates have about the same amount of cash, but the wealthy Holding can easily outspend Ellmers if he chooses to. Ellmers had to know the Club would also return to target her in her new district, but that foresight may not do her much good once the Club's attack ads resume.


● NC-13: On Friday, the Club for Growth endorsed Ted Budd, the owner of a gun range. Budd is one of 17 Republicans running in the June 7 primary for this newly-drawn seat, and until now, he looked like just Some Dude. But if the Club spends big here, it will undoubtedly help Budd stand out in this insanely crowded field. There will not be a runoff, so it may not take many votes to secure the GOP nod. Romney carried this Greensboro-area seat by 7 points, and we'll need to wait and see if any of the Democrats are raising enough cash to put this district into play.


● PA-09: Heheheh. Tea partier Art Halvorson very nearly knocked off Rep. Bill Shuster in last month's GOP primary, losing by an extremely narrow 50.5 to 49.5 margin, but Halvorson is not done yet. Now he's trying to run against Shuster in the general election as a Democrat, arguing that since no Democrat filed to run here and some 1,060 votes were cast for him as a write-in in the Democratic primary, he should earn the Democratic nomination. Who knows if this can even succeed as a legal matter, but if it does, Shuster could find himself in jeopardy once again come November. Pennsylvania's 9th District is extremely conservative—it voted for Mitt Romney by a 63-36 margin—but if Halvorson were to appear on the Democratic line, he'd probably earn the votes of Democratic voters simply by default. And if he could convince the same sort of conservatives who backed him in the primary to swallow hard and pull the "D" lever for him (Halvorson says he'd caucus with the Republicans), a bizarre coalition like this could actually power him to victory. It would be crazy and amazing all at once.


● VA-02: GOP Rep. Randy Forbes decided to seek this open Hampton Roads seat after redistricting turned his old constituency safely blue, but Forbes doesn't represent any of the new 2nd. State Del. Scott Taylor, who is challenging Forbes in the June 14 primary, has been portraying the congressman as an outsider, but Taylor's own poll says that he has a lot of work to do in the next month. Via Roll Call, Tel Opinion Research survey gives Forbes a 39-35 lead; back in February, Tel Opinion showed the two deadlocked 33-33. Needless to say, it's not a good sign for Taylor that the best poll he could release shows him going from tied to losing. The Tel Opinion poll says that, when respondents are told that Forbes decided to run here for political reasons, 60 percent said that they were less likely to support him. However, even if that message could damage Forbes, Taylor just doesn't seem to have the resources he needs to blast it out. At the end of March, Forbes had a huge $875,000 to $53,000 cash-on-hand lead, and no major outside groups have come to Taylor's aid. While Romney only narrowly won this seat, Team Blue is only fielding a perennial candidate.


● WA-07: The third of three House candidates for whom Bernie Sanders sent out fundraising emails has finally released her April haul, and while state Sen. Pramila Jayapal says she raised quite a bit—$320,000—that was quite a bit less than the numbers reported by Nevada's Lucy Flores ($481,000) and New York's Zephyr Teachout ($418,000). There could be many reasons for this, such as the fact that Jayapal is running against several other Democrats to hold a safely blue district while Flores and Teachout are, ultimately, both trying to unseat Republicans (though they have to win primaries first). The vagaries of Sanders' fundraising list might also be at play, though you'd expect him to have an active Washington segment (he dominated in the state's caucuses). Regardless, Jayapal did very well for a single month, which just shows that as the Sanders presidential campaign winds down, he could do a lot of good for the progressive movement by endorsing more candidates further down the ballot.


Grab Bag:● Election Data: The Upshot's Quoctrung Bui has a great new piece on a little-known but seminal site of great importance to election junkies: The Green Papers. Bui's hook is the site's rigorous devotion to providing the most accurate delegate counts possible, all done for no money by the site's two very private founders, Richard Berg-Andersson and Tony Roza. But Green Papers also collects tons of other political information that we rely on regularly, like poll closing times and primary dates.There are a number of terrific details in Bui's story, such as the origin of the site's name: Berg-Andersson and Roza starting tracking delegates at college back in the 1970s, and they'd print their counts on "continuous computer paper with the sprocket edges" and post them on their dorm room door. There's also a hilarious feature that allows you to view the article in "Green Papers mode," which alone is worth the click.


● Where Are They Now?: Time flies! Disgraced former GOP Rep. Mike Grimm, who resigned from office in January of last year after pleading guilty to felony tax evasion, was released from prison a week ago and has given his first interview to the press. Grimm won re-election while under indictment in 2014 by portraying himself as the victim of an unjust, politically motivated persecution, a move that played perfectly to the insecurities of the chip-on-the-shoulder voters in his Staten Island-based district. Shortly thereafter, though, he was out of office—but maybe not forever! Grimm says he's working on a book, and, according to NY1, he "hasn't ruled out a return to politics."


● Where Are They Now?: A long-running legal saga reached a dramatic climax Thursday when a federal jury convicted three former Ron Paul aides, including his presidential campaign chair, Jesse Benton, on charges that they secretly paid former Iowa state Sen. Kent Sorensen $73,000 to switch his endorsement from Michelle Bachmann to Paul on the eve of the 2012 Iowa caucuses. Benton and his colleagues had concealed the payments by routing them through a video production company, in order to avoid disclosing their skullduggery on Paul's FEC reports. The trio potentially faces up to 20 years in prison for causing the campaign to file false payment records, as well as lesser sentences on the other related charges.


● Where Are They Now?: Hah! Wealthy Republican businessman Carl Paladino, who unsuccessfully ran for governor as a proto-Trump back in 2010 and is now one of The Donald's most prominent supporters in New York, nearly lost re-election to his seat on Buffalo's school board this past week. Paladino only won by 3.6 percent against an 18-year-old high school student, Austin Harig, who had said the board could use an injection of "some adult behavior." While Harig didn't prevail, the board did change hands, as voters elected a majority supported by the local teachers union, replacing one that had been hostile to the teachers (the faction Paladino was part of).


The Daily Kos Elections Morning Digest is compiled by David Nir and Jeff Singer, with additional contributions from David Jarman, Steve Singiser, Daniel Donner, and Stephen Wolf.

A woman is standing in front of a building looking at her cell phone.

New SSA Rule: Shorter Relevant Work Period for Disability Claims

By Bob Hansen • May 1, 2024
Written By Rick Gach If you're applying for Social Security disability benefits, a recent rule change by the Social Security Administration (SSA) could have a significant impact on your claim. Effective June 8, 2024, the SSA will be making changes to how they evaluate your past work when determining your eligibility for disability benefits. Under the new rule, the SSA will only consider jobs you've held within the past 5 years as relevant to your disability claim. This is a significant reduction from the previous 15-year period. Additionally, any past work that lasted fewer than 30 calendar days will no longer be considered as part of your work history. What does this mean for you? In short, these changes should make the disability application process less burdensome and more focused on your recent work experience. You'll no longer need to struggle to remember details of jobs you held more than 5 years ago, which can often be difficult and lead to errors in your application. By focusing on your more recent work history, the SSA aims to improve the accuracy of the information you provide and potentially speed up the decision-making process. Another positive aspect of this rule change is that the SSA is updating its work history report forms and instructions. The new forms will align with the 5-year relevant work period and exclude jobs lasting under 30 days. This should make completing the paperwork easier and less time-consuming for you. It's important to note that the SSA expects this rule change to result in an increase in disability benefit approvals. While this may lead to higher program costs, the SSA believes that the benefits to claimants like you justify the expense. During the rulemaking process, most commenters supported the proposed changes, recognizing the positive impact they could have on the lives of disability applicants. As you prepare to file your disability claim or if you're in the midst of the application process, be sure to keep this new rule in mind. If you have any questions about how the changes might affect your specific case, don't hesitate to reach out to the SSA or your disability attorney for guidance. Remember, the SSA's goal with this rule change is to make the disability application process more manageable and efficient for you. By reducing the burden of providing extensive work history details and focusing on your more recent and relevant experiences, the SSA hopes to provide better service and support as you navigate your disability claim. If you have any questions about how the new Social Security rule might impact your disability claim or if you need assistance navigating the application process, the experienced attorneys at Hogan Smith SSD are here to help. With a deep understanding of the ever-changing disability claim landscape, we can provide you with the guidance and support you need to maximize your chances of success. Don't let the complexities of the disability claim process overwhelm you. Call Hogan Smith SSD today at 407-377-0700 or visit our website at www.hogansmithssd.com to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. Let us put our expertise to work for you and help you secure the disability benefits you deserve. Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/04/18/2024-08150/intermediate-improvement-to-the-disability-adjudication-process-including-how-we-consider-past-work#print

Major SSI Policy Change: Rental Subsidies No Longer Reduce Benefits

By Bob Hansen • April 18, 2024
Written by Rick Gach 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. What does this mean for SSI beneficiaries? Let's break it down: Currently, if an SSI recipient receives free or reduced rent, such as living with a family member rent-free, the SSA considers this "in-kind support and maintenance" (ISM). The value of this ISM is counted as income, which reduces the individual's SSI payment. For example, if an SSI recipient receives $300 worth of ISM in the form of free rent, their monthly SSI payment would be reduced by $300. Under the new rule, effective September 30, 2024, rental subsidies will no longer be counted as ISM. This means that SSI recipients who receive free or reduced rent will be able to keep their full SSI payment without any reduction. In the example above, the individual would receive their full SSI payment (e.g., $914 in 2023), even while benefiting from the $300 rental subsidy. This policy change is a significant win for SSI beneficiaries. It allows individuals to maintain stable housing situations with support from family or other sources without jeopardizing their SSI benefits. The extra money in their monthly SSI checks can make a real difference in covering essential expenses like food, healthcare, and utilities. Moreover, this change may allow more individuals to qualify for SSI in the first place. By excluding rental subsidies from income calculations, some people who were previously over the income limit may now be eligible for SSI benefits. If you or someone you know receives SSI and benefits from a rental subsidy, it's important to understand how this policy change may impact your situation. As always, our team at Hogan Smith is here to help navigate the complexities of SSI and ensure you receive the maximum benefits you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how this new rule may apply to you.
Understanding Representative Payees in Social Security Benefits: Your Rights and Choices

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

By Bob Hansen • April 10, 2024
Written By Rick Gach 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. Why Does the SSA Require a Representative Payee? The SSA may determine that a beneficiary needs a representative payee if they believe the individual cannot manage their finances independently. This decision is made to ensure that the benefits are used for the recipient's basic needs and well-being. Some reasons why the SSA might require a representative payee include: Mental or physical impairments that hinder the ability to manage finances History of substance abuse or mismanagement of funds Being a minor child receiving benefits The representative payee is responsible for using the benefits to pay for the beneficiary's living expenses, such as food, housing, medical care, and personal needs. They must also keep accurate records of how the funds are spent and report to the SSA when required. Your Rights in Choosing a Representative Payee As a beneficiary, you have the right to participate in selecting your representative payee. The SSA will consider your preferences when appointing a payee, but they must also ensure that the chosen individual is suitable for the role. Here are some key points to keep in mind: You can suggest a preferred representative payee to the SSA, such as a family member, friend, or organization you trust. If you disagree with the SSA's choice of representative payee, you have the right to appeal the decision and present evidence supporting your preferred choice. You can request a change in representative payee if you believe the current payee is not acting in your best interests or mismanaging your benefits. If no suitable family member or friend is available, the SSA may appoint an organizational payee, such as a social service agency or non-profit organization. It is essential to choose a representative payee whom you trust and who will prioritize your well-being. Open communication with your payee is crucial to ensure that your needs are met and that your benefits are being managed appropriately. Conclusion The representative payee system is designed to protect the interests of Social Security beneficiaries who may have difficulty managing their finances. While the SSA makes the final decision on appointing a payee, beneficiaries have the right to participate in the selection process and voice their preferences. By understanding the role of a representative payee and your rights as a beneficiary, you can work towards ensuring that your benefits are managed effectively and in your best interests. SSI - Representative Payee
Social Security Administration Removes Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments

Social Security Administration Removes Barriers to Accessing SSI Payments

By Bob Hansen • March 27, 2024
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. The SSI program provides monthly payments to adults and children with disabilities or blindness, as well as adults aged 65 and older, who have limited income and resources. These benefits help cover basic needs such as rent, food, clothing, and medicine. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must meet specific requirements, including income and resource limits. Under the previous rules, ISM included food, shelter, or both that a person receives, and the agency counted ISM as unearned income, potentially affecting a person's eligibility or reducing their payment amount. The new rule removes food from ISM calculations, eliminating a significant barrier for SSI eligibility due to an applicant's or recipient's receipt of informal food assistance from friends, family, and community support networks. This change brings several important benefits: 1. The new policy is easier to understand and use by applicants, recipients, and agency employees. 2. Applicants and recipients will have less information to report about food assistance received from family and friends, reducing a significant source of burden. 3. Reducing month-to-month variability in payment amounts will improve payment accuracy. 4. The agency will see administrative savings because less time will be spent administering food ISM.  As a representative for claimants in their disability claims with the SSA, I welcome this change. The removal of food from ISM calculations will help more individuals access the critical benefits they need to support themselves and their families. By simplifying the application process and reducing the burden on applicants, the SSA is taking a significant step towards promoting equity and removing barriers to accessing payments. The SSA has stated that it will continue to examine programmatic policy and make regulatory and sub-regulatory changes as appropriate. In the coming weeks, we can expect more announcements related to the SSI program, further demonstrating the agency's commitment to improving access to benefits for those who need them most. If you or someone you know is interested in applying for SSI, visit the Social Security Administration's website for more information on eligibility and how to apply. As always, if you need assistance with your disability claim, do not hesitate to reach out to a qualified representative who can guide you through the process and help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Completing the Third Party Function Report for SSA: A Comprehensive Guide

Completing the Third Party Function Report for SSA: A Comprehensive Guide

By Bob Hansen • March 27, 2024
If you're in the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits, you may be asked to have a friend, family member, or caregiver complete a Third Party Function Report. This form, also known as the SSA-3380-BK, is designed to provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) with valuable insights into your daily activities, limitations, and overall functioning. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the key steps and tips for completing this important form. 1. Choose the right person: Select someone who knows you well and has regular interaction with you, such as a close family member, friend, or caregiver. This person should be able to provide accurate and detailed information about your daily activities and limitations. 2. Provide specific examples: When describing your limitations, it's essential to be as specific as possible. Instead of simply stating that you have difficulty walking, provide concrete examples, such as "I can only walk for 10 minutes before needing to rest due to severe back pain." The more detailed the examples, the better the SSA can understand your situation. 3. Be honest and comprehensive: It's crucial to provide an honest and complete picture of your daily challenges. Don't downplay or exaggerate your limitations. Be sure to include information about any assistance you require or adaptive devices you use to complete daily tasks. 4. Discuss the impact on daily activities: Focus on how your impairments affect your ability to perform everyday tasks, such as personal care, household chores, and social interactions. Provide examples of activities you struggle with or can no longer do because of your condition. 5. Address good days and bad days: Many people with disabilities experience fluctuations in their symptoms. It's important to discuss how your condition varies on good days versus bad days, and how often you experience each type of day. 6. Collaborate with the person completing the form: Work closely with the person filling out the Third Party Function Report on your behalf. Schedule a meeting or phone call to discuss your daily experiences, challenges, and limitations in detail. This collaboration will help ensure that the information provided is accurate and comprehensive. 7. Review the completed form: Before the Third Party Function Report is submitted, take the time to review the form for any errors, inconsistencies, or omissions. If necessary, provide additional information or clarification to ensure that the SSA has a clear understanding of your situation. Remember, the Third Party Function Report is an opportunity for the SSA to gain a better understanding of how your impairments affect your daily life. By following these tips and providing detailed, accurate information, you can increase your chances of a successful disability claim. If you have any questions or concerns about the Third Party Function Report, don't hesitate to reach out to your disability attorney or advocate for guidance.
A doctor is talking to a patient in a hospital hallway.

Medicare Parts A - D

By Bob Hansen • March 16, 2024
Medicare is a health insurance plan for people who are age 65 or older. People who are disabled or have permanent kidney failure or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) can get Medicare at any age. Medicare has four parts: Hospital insurance (Part A) helps pay for inpatient hospital care and certain follow-up services. Medical insurance (Part B) helps pay for doctors’ services, outpatient hospital care and other medical services. Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are available in many areas. People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through a provider organization under Part C. Prescription drug coverage (Part D) helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for medical treatment. Who is eligible for hospital insurance (Part A)? Most people get hospital insurance when they turn 65. You qualify for it automatically if you are eligible for Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits. Or you may qualify based on a spouse’s (including divorced spouse’s) work. Others qualify because they are government employees not covered by Social Security who paid the Medicare tax. If you get Social Security disability benefits for 24 months, you will qualify for hospital insurance. If you get disability benefits because you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), you do not have to wait 24 months to qualify. Also, people who have permanent kidney failure that requires maintenance dialysis or a kidney replacement qualify for hospital insurance if they have worked long enough or if they are the spouse or child of a person who has worked long enough. Who can get medical insurance (Part B)? Almost anyone who is eligible for hospital insurance can sign up for medical insurance. Part B is an optional program. It is not free. In 2008, the standard monthly premium is $96.40. Some people with higher incomes will pay higher premiums. Who can get Medicare Advantage plans (Part C)? Anyone who has Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) can join a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans include: Medicare managed care plans; Medicare preferred provider organization (PPO) plans; Medicare private fee-for-service plans; and Medicare specialty plans. You might have to pay a monthly premium because of the extra benefits the Medicare Advantage plan offers. Who can get Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D)? Anyone who has Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) or medical insurance (Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) is eligible for prescription drug coverage (Part D). Prescription insurance is optional, and you pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. For more information, contact SSA and ask for Medicare (Publication No. 05-10043). Help with Medicare expenses for people with low income. If you have a low income and few resources, your state may pay your Medicare premiums and, in some cases, other “out-of-pocket” medical expenses, such as deductibles and coinsurance. Only your state can decide whether you qualify for help under this program. If you think you qualify, contact your state or local medical assistance (Medicaid) agency, social services or welfare office. You can get more information about this program from the publication, If you need help paying Medicare costs, there are programs that can help you save money (Publication CMS-10126). To get a copy, call the Medicare toll-free number, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call TTY 1-877-486-2048. “Extra help” with Medicare prescription costs : If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help to pay for your prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. Social Security’s role is to help you understand how you may qualify and to process your application for extra help. To see if you qualify or to apply, call Social Security’s toll-free number or visit our website.
A laptop computer is sitting on a wooden table next to a pile of money and a calculator.

Earnings that Trigger a Trial Work Period

By Bob Hansen • March 16, 2024
During a trial work period, a beneficiary receiving Social Security disability benefits may test his or her ability to work and still be considered disabled. We do not consider services performed during the trial work period as showing that the disability has ended until services have been performed in at least 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) in a rolling 60-month period. In 2007, any month in which earnings exceed $640 is considered a month of services for an individual's trial work period. In 2008, this monthly amount increases to $670. Monthly earnings that trigger a trial work period Year Monthly earnings: 1978 & prior $50 1979-1989 75 1990-2000 200 2001 530 2002 560 2003 570 2004 580 2005 590 2006 620 2007 640 2008 670
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Picking a Medicare Drug Plan

By Bob Hansen • March 16, 2024
THE SAVAGE TRUTH | Enrollment time is here again -- follow these steps to choose what works best November 17, 2008 TERRY SAVAGE savage@suntimes.com Here we go again. Starting today, seniors have six weeks to sign up for another year of Medicare Part D -- the prescription drug benefit -- that goes along with Medicare Part A (hospitalization), Part B (outpatient and doctor costs) and Medigap (the supplement that covers other costs including co-payments and deductibles). It's a must-do project, even if you're among the few seniors who don't currently take prescription drugs. If you don't sign up when you first become eligible, there will be big penalties to pay once you do need some prescriptions -- and for sure you will need them at some point. The Medicare.gov Web site sorts through all of the alternative plans to find you the best coverage at the least cost in a plan that is available at a pharmacy near you. The only exceptions are those seniors who are covered by a comparable company or retiree prescription plan, or those who have signed up for an all-in-one Medicare Advantage plan. Some seniors have prescription drug access through the Veterans Administration, though they may want to choose an inexpensive Part D plan for drugs the VA does not cover. For those who recently turned 65 and now qualify for Medicare, this will be the first time going through the process of choosing the least-expensive plan. But every senior, even those currently enrolled and happy with their drug plan, should go through the process of reviewing the alternatives for 2009. That's because each year, the plans change the prices of the drugs they cover and may not even include the same medicines in the year ahead. So here's my annual, step-by-step guide through the Medicare.gov Web site, the only place that can sort through all of the alternative plans to find you the best coverage at the least cost in a plan that is available at a pharmacy near you! Finding your plan at Medicare.gov Step 1. Get a complete list of all of the medicines and dosages you are now taking. The easiest way is to ask your pharmacist for this list, or simply line up all of your prescription bottles. Step 2. Go to www.Medicare.gov. (If you don't have a computer, you can call 800-MEDICARE, and they will help you through this process over the telephone.) Step 3. Click on the line near the top of the first page screen that says: "Medicare Prescription Drug Plans -- 2009 Plan Data." Step 4. On the next page, click on the box that says "Find and Compare Plans." Step 5. On the next page, you have a choice of either a "personalized" search or a "generalized" search. If you already have your red, white, and blue Medicare card, you can use the personalized search, in which you input your Medicare number and other information from your card. (You can use the generalized search to find and compare plans in your ZIP code.) Step 6. On the next page, you can enter the drugs you are currently taking, and the dosages. Even if you do not take prescription drugs now, you must fill out this page, stating that fact. This list can be saved securely for your future visits to Medicare.gov. You can either type in the names of your drugs, or search for them alphabetically. The most common dosage will automatically pop up, but you should be sure that is the dosage you are taking. The program will also let you know if there is a less-expensive generic available. When you've finished listing your prescriptions, click "continue" to move on to the next page where you can recheck the list of names and dosages. Then click "continue" again. Step 7. You'll be asked if you have a specific pharmacy that you'd like to work with -- one that's within walking distance of your home, for example. Then click again. Step 8. You've finally arrived at the most important page -- the one that lists all of the plans, ranked with the lowest total cost at the top of the list. You can select up to three plans to compare. You can click to see how you might lower your cost, perhaps by switching to a generic. Or the program might suggest an alternative but less-expensive drug in the same category. That's something you'd have to discuss with your physician. This year, there are also "star" ratings, up to five stars, based on a survey done for Medicare about the quality and performance of those plans over the last year. Step 9. After comparing the plans by cost, click on the name of each plan provider to find full details, including a helpful graph of the average monthly cost, as well as information about participating pharmacies and mail order availability. You can print out the pages for each plan, and keep them handy. Step 10. Before signing up, call the plan's toll-free number and reconfirm their prices and coverages for the drugs you take, as well as all co-payments. Then you're ready to ask them to send you the application so you can sign up! A plea for help: Government should be required to make these decisions easier for seniors. But since it hasn't, I'm asking the more computer-literate among you to clip this column, find a senior, and offer to help. It's easy once you've done it. And that's The Savage Truth. Terry Savage is a registered investment adviser. Distributed by Creators Syndicate. Copyright Terry Savage Productions Ltd. Visit www.terrysavage.com and suntimes.com.
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How Long Does it Take to Get a Hearing?

By Bob Hansen • March 16, 2024
Rank ODAR Office Processing Time #5 Ft. Lauderdale 264 days #38 Orlando 393 days #87 Jacksonville 477 days #90 Savannah 480 days #118 Miami 592 days #120 Tampa 593 days #122 Atlanta 595 days #132 Atlanta North 614 days #145 Jackson 685 days
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Compassionate Allowances

By Bob Hansen • March 16, 2024
Compassionate allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that invariably qualify under the Listing of Impairments based on minimal objective medical information. Compassionate allowances will allow Social Security to quickly target the most obviously disabled individuals for allowances based on objective medical information that we can obtain quickly. List of Conditions: 1 Acute Leukemia 2 Adrenal Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 3 Alexander Disease (ALX) - Neonatal and Infantile 4 Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) 5 Anaplastic Adrenal Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 6 Astrocytoma - Grade III and IV 7 Bladder Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable or unresectable 8 Bone Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable or unresectable 9 Breast Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable or unresectable 10 Canavan Disease (CD) 11 Cerebro Oculo Facio Skeletal (COFS) Syndrome 12 Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) - Blast Phase 13 Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) - Adult 14 Ependymoblastoma (Child Brain Tumor) 15 Esophageal Cancer 16 Farber's Disease (FD) - Infantile 17 Friedreichs Ataxia (FRDA) 18 Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD), Picks Disease -Type A - Adult 19 Gallbladder Cancer 20 Gaucher Disease (GD) - Type 2 21 Glioblastoma Multiforme (Brain Tumor) 22 Head and Neck Cancers - with distant metastasis or inoperable or uresectable 23 Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD) 24 Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) 25 Kidney Cancer - inoperable or unresectable 26 Krabbe Disease (KD) - Infantile 27 Large Intestine Cancer - with distant metastasis or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 28 Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome (LNS) 29 Liver Cancer 30 Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) 31 Metachromatic Leukodystrophy (MLD) - Late Infantile 32 Niemann-Pick Disease (NPD) - Type A 33 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - with metastases to or beyond the hilar nodes or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 34 Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency 35 Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) - Type II 36 Ovarian Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable or unresectable 37 Pancreatic Cancer 38 Peritoneal Mesothelioma 39 Pleural Mesothelioma 40 Pompe Disease - Infantile 41 Rett (RTT) Syndrome 42 Salivary Tumors 43 Sandhoff Disease 44 Small Cell Cancer (of the Large Intestine, Ovary, Prostate, or Uterus) 45 Small Cell Lung Cancer 46 Small Intestine Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 47 Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) - Types 0 And 1 48 Stomach Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 49 Thyroid Cancer 50 Ureter Cancer - with distant metastases or inoperable, unresectable or recurrent 
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