Social Security Q&A: Explaining Different Disability Documents
Question: What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both? Answer: A disability application is a claim for Social Security disability benefits. A disability report provides information about your current physical or mental condition that is needed to process your disability application. To establish a claim for disability benefits, you need to file a disability...
How to Get A Disability Application ‘Fast-Tracked’
Question: I’ve heard there is a way for my daughter to get her disability application on the “fast track.” How does this work? Answer: If your daughter has one of the more than 200 impairments on the Compassionate Allowances list at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances, her application might be “fast-tracked” for a decision. Compassionate Allowances make it possible for applicants to receive a decision on their...
Northern Pass Application Complete
Concord — A utility’s application to string power lines from Canada to southern New Hampshire is complete, the state’s Site Evaluation Committee ruled Monday, rejecting arguments from opponents who argued that questions over land use rights should be addressed first. The panel voted 6-0 to accept the application by Eversource to build the Northern Pass transmission project. In a statement, the company said it was eager for the siting...
Money Talk: More Questions and Answers About the End of ‘File and Suspend’
Dear Readers: The changes Congress made to the “claim now, claim more later” Social Security strategy generated so many questions from readers that I’m devoting a second column to answering some of those queries. Next week, we’ll get back to the usual mix of personal finance topics. Question: I am divorced after being married for 27 years and have not remarried. I was planning to file for early retirement benefits at 62 (I’m 58 now)...
Money Talk: Explaining the End of ‘File and Suspend’
Dear Readers: Congress just killed the Social Security strategy known as “claim now, claim more later” that allowed married couples to boost their benefits by tens of thousands of dollars. The changes, which were part of the recent budget deal, also eliminated the option of getting a lump-sum payout if you suspended an application for benefits and later changed your mind. Today’s column will focus on those changes. Question: My...
