Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Temp or Freelance Worker? Don’t Overlook Social Security Disability Benefits
With the rise of the gig economy, more and more people are foregoing permanent, full-time employment and instead relying on a freelance, contingent job (or multiple jobs) to pay the bills. With this comes a lack of security. Temporary workers are often not as treated as well as permanent employees. They lack health benefits,… Read More »
New York Man Faces Felony Charges for Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Most of those who apply for workers’ compensation benefits do so because they are physically unable to work. They suffered an injury in the workplace and can no longer work. Unfortunately, many people lie about the injuries they suffer in order to maximize their benefits. They take advantage of the system, claiming they are… Read More »
Bills Passed Aim to Prevent Suicide in Veterans
Veterans pay the ultimate price for freedom. They risk their lives for Americans. Some die during war. Others survive, but live every day in physical or emotional pain. They may suffer a permanent disability due to their military service. Some have PTSD or other psychological conditions. Many of these veterans, unable to move, end… Read More »
Don’t Overlook Workplace Disability Policies
What would happen if you became disabled before you hit retirement age? How would you replace your lost income? While many people rely on Social Security Disability benefits, these are not guaranteed. While the program does provide basic coverage, the average monthly benefit amount is just $1,200. That puts you at just above $14,000… Read More »
New York Workers’ Compensation Benefits Hardly Enough for Injured Employees
New York expects a lot from employers. The state is making demands of employers, asking them to increase wages for the lowest-paid workers and include paid vacation days as part of employee benefit packages. All the while, the state is doing next to nothing to increase workers’ compensation benefits for those injured on the… Read More »
VA Owes Veteran Homeowners $189 Million
Servicemembers are promised housing, education, disability and other veterans benefits by serving their country. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), however, does not always live up to its promises. It is not uncommon for disabled and retired servicemembers to be denied benefits. Sometimes they are not reimbursed for things such as home loan fees… Read More »
First Responders May Get Workers’ Comp Benefits for PTSD
When you think of a person getting hurt in the workplace, you may imagine someone breaking a bone, hurting their back or suffering a concussion. However, a workplace injury can also be emotional or psychological in nature. Many workers, such as first responders, experience events during the course of their jobs that causes them… Read More »
Veteran With Health Problems? You May Be Able to File a Claim
Fighting in wars is no easy task. Many people have died fighting for this country. Of the servicemembers who have survived, many have suffered serious physical and mental issues. Some continue to suffer from ailments decades after leaving the service. In fact, millions of veterans are disabled due to service-connected injuries and medical conditions…. Read More »
Reconsideration Stage Being Added Back to Social Security Disability Process
The Social Security Disability process can be quite lengthy. That’s because there are various stages involved. Oddly enough, not every state has the same process or stages. For example, 10 states (including New York) no longer have the reconsideration stage. The reconsideration stage is typically the first opportunity in which a claim can be… Read More »
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Denied for Telecommuter Who Tripped Over Dog
In the past, working involved going to a physical place of employment. In the past decade, however, more and more employers have granted the option to telecommute, which allows employees to work at home, a coffee shop or other location away from the office. While remote work offers many benefits for employees and employers… Read More »