Coronavirus Updates from Allsup – News About Your Disability Benefits
Note: Allsup continues to assist our customers as the COVID-19 pandemic spreads and we have moved to a fully remote workforce. Please be aware that our call volume may be higher at times, which may affect wait times. You also may reach Allsup at our live chat. We continue to work with Social Security’s staff as they handle disability claims through telework. We will keep you apprised of changes with your claim, including disability hearings.
Update: Social Security Recipients to Automatically Receive Coronavirus Stimulus Checks without Filing Taxes
The U.S. Treasury Department announced April 1, 2020, that Social Security beneficiaries will automatically get their coronavirus relief checks without having to file tax returns.
This news comes days after the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released an FAQ document that suggested it was necessary for Social Security recipients to file tax returns to receive their cash payment.
Social Security recipients are not typically mandated to file tax returns and, in this case, will not need to take action – their coronavirus relief check will be deposited directly into their bank account.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act went into effect on March 28, 2020, and provides crucial financial support for individuals. The amount of the CARES rebate varies by family size and income recorded in recent tax years. Each individual adult taxpayer can receive up to $1,200 ($2,400 for joint filers) and $500 for each child under age 17. The payment is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income over $75,000 (individual), $112,500 (head of household filer), or $150,000 for those filing jointly. Individuals with a yearly income above $99,000 (or couples with more than $198,000 in annual income) will not be eligible. Posted on: April 2, 2020
Update – SSDI Recipients to Receive Financial Help from CARES Act
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries will be receiving cash payments from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act in addition to their monthly benefits. The CARES Act was signed into law on March 28, 2020. To help ensure SSDI beneficiaries receive their rebate, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will share information about current SSDI recipients with the IRS. Find more updates at the IRS website, www.irs.gov.
The CARES legislation also provides $300 million to the SSA to pay their employee salaries and benefits, as well as phone and communication expenses for telework, overtime, and for processing disability and retirement workloads and backlogs.
More About Stimulus Checks
The amount of the CARES rebate for Americans varies by family size and income recorded in recent tax years. Each individual adult taxpayer can receive up to $1,200 ($2,400 for joint filers) and $500 for each child under age 17. The payment is reduced by $5 for every $100 of income over $75,000 (individual), $112,500 (head of household filer), or $150,000 for those filing jointly. Individuals with a yearly income above $99,000 (or couples with more than $198,000 in annual income) will not be eligible. Posted: April 2, 2020
Update – Waiting Times for Disability Claims amid SSA Office Closures
Question: Even though the SSA is still open, will the current situation slow down my claim?
Answer: The SSA considers the SSDI program a high-priority program. Allsup specialists are monitoring our customers’ disability claims and doing everything we can to ensure that they move through the program review and determination process with minimal delay as a result of COVID-19. Posted: March 31, 2020
Update – Consultative Exams During Coronavirus Pandemic
Question: I was scheduled for a consultative exam. Should I still go? What if I am sick or don’t want to risk being exposed to the virus?
Answer: Some consultative exams are being rescheduled, depending on location and the impact of the virus locally. The SSA is striving to be as flexible as possible. It’s very important to maintain your own health and safety. If you are unable to attend your consultative exam as a result of illness or personal safety concerns, we will work with the agency to reschedule it as soon as possible. Posted: March 31, 2020
Update – Veterans Disability Appeals and COVID-19
As of March 19, 2020, the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) closed all regional offices for in-person visits and services to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Board of Veteran Appeals (BVA) has also cancelled all hearings through May 1, 2020. The BVA will work on rescheduling those hearings at a later date.
Veterans with a service-connected disability can get faster, personalized assistance from a VA-accredited claims agent at Allsup Veterans Disability Appeal Services® . Claims agents can help veterans file an appeal or guide them down the right path for their existing VA disability appeal. For more assistance with your veterans disability appeal, call (888) 372-1190. Posted: March 24, 2020
Update – FAQs: SSA Hearings During Coronavirus Situation
As details on COVID-19 continue to unfold, Allsup is here to share answers to common questions about changes made directly to our customers’ social security disability insurance claims.
Question: Will my hearing be cancelled, and if so, when will it be rescheduled?
Answer: At this time, the Social Security Administration is handling upcoming hearings on a case-by-case basis. Some hearings are being conducted over the phone, while others are being postponed. Allsup continues to operate business as usual and will reach out to you If you have an upcoming hearing.
Update – Veterans Disability Appeals and COVID-19 from the Veterans Benefits Administration. Posted: Friday, March 20, 2020
Update – An Easier Way to Apply for SSDI – empower by Allsup amid Coronavirus Outbreak
With evolving details on the spread of COVID-19 and SSA office closures, Allsup wants you to know we’re still by your side when it comes to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and navigating the complex application process. To learn if you’re eligible for disability benefits, click here take our free online SSDI assessment through empower by Allsup®.
Posted: March 18, 2020
Update – FAQs: SSA Office Closures and Scheduled Hearing during Coronavirus Outbreak
Allsup will do our best to answer common questions and keep customers updated on any changes made directly to social security disability insurance claims.
Question: Is Social Security still open? Are they working on my claim?
Answer: Social Security announced they are closing all field and hearing offices as of March 17, 2020, and they will continue processing disability claims and holding hearings. They will be handling services by phone and online. Allsup continues to operate business as usual and you can count on us to work closely with SSA and customers to ensure the processing of our customers’ applications and appeals. If you have a hearing coming up, an Allsup specialist will be reaching out to you to discuss your options, which may include having a hearing by telephone. Posted: March 17, 2020
Update – CDC Recommendations Amid Coronavirus Crisis
Allsup is joining with organizations nationwide to support efforts designed to help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking care across communities by washing hands, keeping social distance and staying informed as new updates continue evolving. Allsup continues to monitor the status of federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (SSA), for their plans and activities that may affect our customers. You can count on us to post regular, timely updates. Posted: March 13, 2020
