Author Archives: Jay Butchko
VA Processing Claims At Fastest Rate Ever
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has good news for veterans: claims are getting processed more quickly. In fact, the agency claims that it is processing claims at the fastest rate in history. The VA hired more employees to process claims after hundreds of thousands of veterans have filed new claims in order to… Read More »
Caregiver Benefits Now Available To All Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers many benefits to veterans, but some are limited based on when the veteran served. An example of this was caregiver benefits. Previously, the only veterans eligible for these benefits were those who served before May 1975 or after September 2001. That is no longer the case. Starting… Read More »
Doing Your Social Security Disability Hearing Remotely
If you’re disabled and unable to work, you may have been told to file a Social Security Disability claim. However, be warned: these claims are rarely ever approved the first time around – and if they are, it’s never done quickly enough. You do have the right to appeal. Appeals are done through hearings…. Read More »
Many Applicants Denied SSDI Benefits Due To Outdated Job Titles
When a person applies for Social Security Disability benefits, they have a huge chance of being denied. In fact, most of these claims are denied the first time around. These denials can happen for many reasons. Maybe the claimant didn’t thoroughly fill out the application or submit even evidence. But sometimes the denials are… Read More »
Can You Get SSDI And SSI Benefits At The Same Time?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are two disability programs administered by the Social Security program. They both have different requirements, but you may wonder: is it possible to qualify for both and receive benefit payments from both sources? Technically, yes, you can get SSDI and SSI benefits concurrently, but… Read More »
How Many Work Credits Do You Need For SSDI?
Not everyone qualifies for Social Security benefits. To be eligible, a person must have 40 credits, which amounts to 10 years of work. This is not the same for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) though. People can qualify with fewer credits based on their age. For example, if you are under the age of… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Benefits For Surgery: What To Expect
If you get injured while on the job, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits pay for medical bills and lost wages. If you end up requiring surgery, you will receive a workers’ compensation settlement. The amount you will receive can vary dramatically, though, depending on the severity of the injury and… Read More »
Can I Use Social Security Disability Benefits To Buy A House?
You may be interested in buying a home, but you probably think you’re out of luck because you don’t work due to a disability. However, if you receive monthly Social Security Disability benefits, you may qualify for a mortgage. Each lender has different requirements, but if you meet them, it is possible to buy… Read More »
VA Sued For Racial Discrimination
We often hear about discrimination in the workplace. Sometimes people claim it when they are buying a house. You wouldn’t expect the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to engage in such tactics, but a Black man is claiming that the agency has denied him various benefits for many years. He believes it is due… Read More »
VA Increasing Hiring For PACT Act Claims
In August, President Joe Biden signed The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act into law. This act gives the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) the resources it needs to treat approximately 3.5 million veterans exposed to toxic burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances… Read More »