- The Northern New Jersey hearings office hired three excellent new Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) in 2009 to help with the hearings backlog.
- The Newark New Jersey ODAR is averaging 16 months for a hearing. The Voorhees New Jersey ODAR is averaging 17-18 months
- COLAs (Cost of Living Adjustments) - While there was one of the highest COLAs for 2009 of 5.8% in 2010 there will be no increase.
- Non-Disability
Early Retirement - If you are age 62 and up to retirement age, you can make
$14,160/yr. in 2010
Full Retirement – In the year you reach full retirement age, you can make
$37,680/yr. in 2010
In order to earn a quarter of coverage for insured status, you need to make
$1,090 (2009)
$1,120 (2010)
SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) In order to be found engaging in SGA, you must make:
$ 980/mo. (2009)
$1,000/mo. (2010)
- SSI – (Supplemental Security Income)
The SSI rate in New Jersey for 2009 is $705.25/mo. and will remain the same in 2010. The SSI couple’s rate is $1,011/mo. in 2009 and will remain the same in 2010.
- DAC Benefits – (Disabled Adult Child) An individual must prove onset of disability prior to age 22. The individual may not marry or engage in SGA in any year after obtaining age 22 in order to qualify.
- Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Few people realize that there is a rare form of Alzheimer’s disease which can start at age 40-50. It is called early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, it is rarely diagnosed in a timely manner or confused with mental illness. This neurological condition impairs memory, attention, judgment, thinking and emotions. The condition may interfere with work and cause stress with family. If you or a loved one has any of the below-listed symptoms, it is important to see a neurologist to be evaluated and tested. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease may well qualify an individual for Social Security disability benefits. A proper diagnosis may remove the frustration, distress and misconception that a misdiagnosis of a psychiatric condition or multiple sclerosis may cause. Also, the medical and medication treatments may be incorrect with an improper diagnosis.
The symptoms are varied but may include:
- memory problems and forgetfulness
- confusion
- difficulty completing simple tasks
- difficulty communicating
- personality changes
- restlessness/insomnia
- trouble performing simple tasks
- impaired judgment
- problems with communication/language
- impaired visual spacial issues
- social withdrawal
- loss of motivation
- myoclonus (muscle twitching and spasms)
It is estimated that up to 400,000 to 500,000 Americans suffer from early-onset Alzheimer’s. If you feel you or your loved one has any of these symptoms, please set up an appointment with a neurologist. MRI’s, PET scans and neuropsychological testing may also be helpful.
For more information, contact your local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association 1(800)-272-3900
Citations:
http://my.clevelandclinic.org/disorders/alzheimers_disease/hic_living_with_early-onset_alzheimers_disease.aspx
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/health/jan-june08/alzheimers_01-10.html
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/brochure_earlyonset.pdf
http://alzheimers.about.com/lw/Health-Medicine/Conditions-and-diseases/Coping-With-Early-Onset-Alzheimers-Disease.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alzheimers/AZ00009
Sheryl Gandel Mazur, Esq.
Jacqueline Cleveland, Esq.
And Staff
