The process needed to obtain social security claims benefits may take some time. The original request may 6-8 months for a decision. In case of rejection of the complaint, there will be a called an application for review may be further 4-6 months. The percentage of cases granted at this level, only 18%. The call of the request for hearing may take be another 18 months before the case is to be assessed before the administrative law planned. About 70% of decisions on the results at a hearing in the award of benefits. It pays to be relentless, but the procedure can take many years. (more…)

How long can you pay your bills on $170 per week - before taxes? The New York area has the nation’s highest cost of living, and some of the highest incomes to help pay those bills. While the New York State Short Term Disability Insurance is good to have should you miss work, it does not replace a significant percentage of most New Yorker’s income. (more…)

In 1989, the U.S. Court of Appeals in the Sixth Circuit discussed the possible implications and restrictions of defined contributions health care plans. In this case, Adkins v. United States, lumpsum payments to employees (taxpayers) made in settlement of lawsuits against a former employer concerning the employer’s proposed termination of contributions to a hospital-medical benefits plan did not fall within provisions of section 106, which excludes contributions by employer to accident or health plans from gross income. The statute did not provide exemption for payments made by the employer directly to employees. (more…)