Page 8 - Retiree News Spring 2022

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The newly-updated My CSEA smartphone app, available for Apple and Android devices, keeps you connected to our union and provides important information about your representation and benefits. It’s all just a touch away!
Download the app for your smartphone today
and GET CONNECTED!
Find it on the Apple & Android App Stores
(search for My CSEA), or visit
cseany.org/myCSEAapp
for direct download links.
cseany.org/myCSEAapp
A look at Social Security disability benefits
As CSEA’s only statewide endorsed law firm for representation in workers’ compensation, personal injury, veterans’ disability, and Social Security disability benefits, Fine Olin & Anderman (FOA) would like to remind retirees that they may be entitled to benefits even if they have retired. This article will focus on Social Security disability benefits.
If you have retired before your normal retirement age, you may be entitled to Social Security disability benefits, even if you are receiving a service pension. If you suffer from a chronic condition that played a role in your retirement, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits.
It is not unusual for people suffering from a debilitating chronic condition to force themselves to
go to work, even if they are in constant pain. However, there may come a point when you just cannot continue to work in constant pain and that point usually happens when you are service pension eligible.
After reviewing the numbers, you may think you can pay your
bills with a combination of your pension, savings, and contributions from a significant other. The added benefit of receiving Social Security disability benefits would make meeting your monthly financial obligations much easier.
Generally, to be eligible for Social Security disability, you must have worked five out of the last
10 years and paid into the Social Security system (i.e., had FICA deductions). You must have a condition that is expected to last
at least one year, preventing you from performing your past relevant work. For example, if you suffer from a bad back and can no longer climb ladders or lift the weight that your job requires, or if you have diabetes or a heart condition that requires medication which impairs your ability to drive or affects
your cognitive ability, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
The amount of the benefit is generally equal to the amount
that you will receive when you reach your normal retirement age. When you do reach your normal retirement age, the disability benefit converts to a regular Social
Security retirement benefit. If you have minor children, they may also collect under your account, if you are approved for Social Security disability.
If you think you may qualify for this benefit, log on to your Social Security account at www.ssa.gov. After logging on, you will not only be able to determine if you are eligible but also the amount of the potential monthly benefit for you and your family. It is always a good idea to review your Social Security
account, even if you are not interested in applying for disability as you want to make sure that your earnings record is accurate when you take a normal retirement.
If you are eligible, contact FOA to understand the next steps in the application process and the role that FOA plays. Call FOA at 800- 522-9001, or Visit FOA’s website at www.foalaw.com.
— Vincent Rossillo, Esq., Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP
CSEA Legal Services Program
Taking Care of Business
Legal Services Plan
Workers’ Compensation
Social Security Disability Benefits
Personal Injury Claim Veterans Disability Benefits
WE CAN HELP!
The CSEA Legal Department oversees the Legal Services Program and CSEA has endorsed the statewide law firm
of Fine, Olin & Anderman, LLP, to represent members for injury-related matters. For further information, call the CSEA Legal Department at 1-800-342- 4146 or FOA directly at 1-800-522-9001.
etiree NEWS is published to share information and generate
ideas on subjects important to retirees.
Published by CSEA
143 Washington Ave., Albany, N.Y. 12210
(518) 257-1000
(800) 342-4146 cseany.org
Mary E. Sullivan, President
CSEA
Local 1000 AFSCME AFL-CIO
R