Latest news with #disabilitybenefits
BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
Call to simplify Scottish disability benefits system
Access to Scotland's adult disability benefits should be made easier despite forecasts of a steep increase in claims and costs, an independent review has said.A report commissioned by ministers said the Adult Disability Payment was a "great foundation" which was "significantly more compassionate" than benefits on offer in the rest of the it said too many disabled people still found the system difficult to navigate, and said eligibility criteria should be it stands, the number of people claiming the payment is forecast to grow from 379,000 in 2024-25 to 703,000 in 2030-31. The cost is set to increase to over £5.4bn per year - a price Scottish ministers say they are willing to pay to have a more generous system. The Adult Disability Payment (ADP) was introduced in 2022, a cornerstone of the devolved social security agency which was being set is a regular payment to help people cover the added costs of having a disability or long-term health condition, regardless of whether they are in work or is essentially a replacement for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), and 99% of cases have now been transferred from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to Social Security actual payments handed out are the same as PIP - a standard weekly award for daily living costs of £73.90, or an enhanced award of £ the review - conducted by Edel Harris, who has led a number of charity and care organisations - said the Scottish approach to assessments was "significantly more compassionate" than the DWP system it said it was "kinder in tone and more dignified in approach".And indeed fully a third of people now getting ADP are new applicants, who had not been in receipt of either PIP or the Disability Living Allowance (DLA).That is only set to grow. The number of people receiving ADP is forecast to surpass 700,000 by the end of the is more than 12% of the Scottish that is not such a large number when the last census suggested 24% of Scots had some form of disability or long-term health problem limiting their day-to-day it carries with it a huge financial spending on social security benefits in Scotland was £5.3bn in 2023-24. It is forecast to hit £7.7bn next year, and £9.4bn by is by far the biggest element of that figure - by 2030-31 it will cost £ context, that is more than ten times the price of the Scottish Child Payment, and more than 30 times the Scottish version of the winter fuel the gap between the ever-increasing cost of these benefits and the funding available in the block grant from Westminster is growing the end of the decade it will hit £2bn - money that Scottish ministers will need to find elsewhere in budgets by cutting from other departments or by increasing taxes. Ms Harris is keen for new applicants to continue to come forward, regardless of the report states that "there is evidence of the economic value of the wellbeing impacts of disability benefits, and these significantly outweigh the financial costs associated with administering them".She says that "not only should we continue to encourage people to apply for Adult Disability Payment, but we also need to make the application process as accessible and anxiety-reducing as possible".The report makes 50 recommendations about simplifying the system and making it easier for people to also argues that eligibility for the payment should be based on "the real life experience of clients and not just on a list of activities".At present, eligibility is based on specific things people might need help with. Examples include preparing food, eating and drinking, washing and bathing, getting dressed and communicating respondents told the review that "having to take the time to highlight issues and what you can't do is depressing, demoralising and unfair", and that "it feels like you're having to beg for help".Ms Harris recommended moving from this system to a bigger-picture approach based on outcomes and equal participation in society. The Scottish government says it will consider the report and set out its formal response in January in many ways they are singing from the same hymn sheet the UK government was endeavouring to restrict eligibility for disability payments - only to perform a series of climbdowns due to backbench revolts - Scottish ministers were very clear that they would not be making any Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has stated that she sees benefits as an investment in the people of that language is actually written into the legislation underpinning Social Security underlines the very different approaches taken by the Scottish and UK administrations, both of which are faced with a spiralling bill for working-age benefits at a time of tight budgets and weak UK government has sought to bring the number of claimants - and thus the cost of welfare - down, while maintaining the Chancellor's "fiscal rules" against increasing personal taxes or state say the existing system is broken and that it needs to be made sustainable for future generations, while prioritising those who need help the most. Generous system funded by higher taxes Scottish ministers' generosity will doubtless be popular - in particular with those receiving the payments - but we should not pretend that it was an easy choice to has been funded by higher taxes, with the Scottish system now featuring six different income tax bands which ask higher earners to contribute hundreds or even thousands of pounds more per year than if they lived down latest plan to balance the books involves reducing the public sector workforce by 0.5% per year for the next five Security Scotland itself has been singled out for "important efficiency savings", while health boards have also been asked to make 3% of that is based on the system as it currently stands, prior to consideration of Ms Harris's that is why ministers need another six months to decide how to respond - there is a difficult balancing act to be carried out here, and it will take place at the same time as the government is drawing up its next budget.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
VA Claims Academy Marks Military's 250th Anniversary with Free Strategy Calls for Veterans Seeking Disability Benefits
Austin, TX, July 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States military, VA Claims Academy, a veteran-founded educational platform, has announced a time-limited initiative offering free, no-obligation strategy calls to U.S. veterans navigating the complexities of VA disability claims. Your Service Deserves A "Yes"! Founded by U.S. Army veteran Jordan Anderson, VA Claims Academy provides a structured, done-with-you approach to the VA disability benefits process. Through a unique three-step system, Learn, Build, Approve, the organization equips veterans with both training and personalized guidance to pursue higher disability ratings without sacrificing any of their entitled back pay. The strategy-call initiative, available now through August 31, 2025, aligns with the national spotlight on veteran well-being during this milestone anniversary. According to VA data, the claims backlog reached over 1.2 million pending cases as of February 2025, underscoring the urgency and complexity veterans face in securing appropriate benefits. 'This anniversary isn't just about looking back, it's about stepping up,' said Jordan Anderson, Founder of VA Claims Academy. 'Too many veterans are still caught in the cycle of lowball ratings and frustration. We built this Academy to change that starting with a free call to get every veteran the roadmap they deserve.' The complimentary consultations offer veterans a confidential, one-on-one opportunity to assess their current claim status, receive a customized strategy, and understand the next steps. These calls carry no financial commitment and are designed to serve as a first touchpoint with a data-proven alternative to traditional claims assistance. VA Claims Academy reports that over 3,000 veterans have completed its online and personalized coaching programs, which currently maintain an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from more than 5,000 verified reviews. Internal audits from 2024 indicate that 8 out of 10 program graduates reached a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) rating, with average rating increases of 65% and back pay awards of up to $55,000. Behind the success is Anderson's own experience. After losing $15,000 to a predatory claims consultant early in his transition to civilian life, he used his eventual back pay to build what became VA Claims Academy, a secure, veteran-owned platform compliant with HIPAA data standards. The Academy's flat-rate pricing model ensures that veterans retain all their back pay, diverging sharply from percentage-based services that often claim a portion of retroactive compensation. Program access is offered through a one-time fee or four interest-free monthly payments. 'Our goal has always been to eliminate the guesswork and the gossip around VA claims,' Anderson added. 'That 'barracks talk' about who got what and why usually causes more confusion than clarity. We're bringing real strategy to the table.' VA Claims Academy's offering comes at a time of renewed public attention on veteran services, fueled by the semiquincentennial of the U.S. Armed Forces. As policymakers, nonprofits, and advocacy groups turn their focus to improving veteran care, the Academy's call for accessible, transparent support resonates strongly. The initiative is supported by a secure digital infrastructure and a veteran-led coaching team, all of whom have firsthand experience with the VA system. Each call is conducted via private, encrypted channels, with follow-ups and documentation provided in compliance with data privacy standards. Veterans interested in scheduling a free strategy call can do so by visiting Appointments are available now through August 31, 2025, and are open to veterans of all service eras and discharge statuses. The Academy is not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs and does not provide legal advice. Instead, it serves as an educational and coaching platform designed to empower veterans with knowledge, structure, and personalized support throughout the VA claims process. About VA Claims Academy VA Claims Academy is a veteran-founded educational organization based in Austin, Texas. Specializing in VA disability benefits education and support, the Academy delivers a hybrid model of online learning and individualized strategy coaching to help veterans achieve higher disability ratings. With over 3,000 program graduates and thousands of verified five-star reviews, VA Claims Academy is a leading voice in the mission to end lowball ratings and ensure every veteran receives the benefits they've Claims AcademyMedia Contact Company Name: VA Claims Academy Contact Person: Jordan Anderson Email: Marketing@ Phone: (210) 201-3299 Country: United States Website: CONTACT: Media Contact Company Name: VA Claims Academy Contact Person: Jordan Anderson Email: Marketing@ Phone: (210) 201-3299 Country: United States Website:
CNET
6 days ago
- Business
- CNET
Social Security August 2025: Here's When You'll Get Paid This Month
August's Social Security payments are on the way. Here's the full payment schedule for the month. CNET It's a little less than a week until August's Social Security payments are sent out, so recipients can expect their benefit soon, and some will get paid a few days early this month. We'll explain. Social Security benefits are sent monthly to people who've applied for their retirement, survivor or disability benefits. The payments are sent in waves throughout the month. When you receive your Social Security check is determined by how long you've been receiving benefits, whether you receive additional government benefits or the day of the month you were born. Not sure when you should be receiving your payment? We break it down below. Read on to find out how your payment date is determined, when you should receive your check, and the full payment schedule for the month of August. For more, don't miss why paper Social Security checks will stop being sent out soon. This is when you'll receive your Social Security check Want to know which day of the month you'll receive your check? This is the Social Security and SSDI payment schedule for August. Social Security payment schedule for August 2025 If you have received Social Security since before May 1997 Aug. 1 If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th of any given month Aug. 13 If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th of any given month Aug. 20 If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st of any given month Aug. 27 How to determine your Social Security payment date Social Security payments are typically paid out starting on the second Wednesday of the month. The remaining two payments will be paid out on the following two Wednesdays of the month. Which week you receive your payment depends on your birthdate. There is one big exception, which we'll cover below. Birthdate between Social Security check date 1st and 10th 2nd Wednesday of the month 11th and 20th 3rd Wednesday of the month 21st and 31st 4th Wednesday of the month Other federal benefits will not be sent the same day If you've received Social Security benefits since before May 1997, or receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income, your payment schedule isn't determined by your birthdate. Instead, payments are paid out every month on the same date with a couple of exceptions. Social Security payments will be sent out on the third day of each month, while SSI payments are sent out on the 1st of each month. These dates will sometimes change if the first or the third of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. For example, March 3 of last year fell on a weekend, so Social Security recipients received their March payments two days early, on March 1. The only benefits that are paid on the same schedule are Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance. Paper Social Security checks are going away soon An executive order from the White House will end the use of paper Social Security checks on Sept. 30. This means all payments after that date will be sent digitally, including direct deposits, debit and credit cards, digital wallets and other real-time payment systems to reduce the overall cost of sending physical checks to beneficiaries. The decision is not surprising when you consider that only 485,766 Social Security checks are mailed each month, which pales in comparison to the 68,104,184 direct deposit payments made each month. While this will undoubtedly be an adjustment period for those people who have been receiving physical checks, moving mailed benefits payments to digital forms will increase security. It's important to note that some exclusions will be made for certain individuals. A missing Social Security check? Try these steps If your check fails to arrive when it's supposed to or not at all, the Social Security Administration suggests waiting three additional mailing days before contacting it. After that, you can call the national toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213. The SSA notes that "wait times to speak to a representative are typically shorter in the morning, later in the week and later in the month." If you're having trouble reaching the SSA through the national number, you can use its office locator to find a local office. For more, see how to apply for Social Security benefits for eligible children and how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance.
The Independent
24-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
More than 300,000 benefit claimants owed money after PIP errors lead to millions in underpayments
Hundreds of thousands of disabled people are owed money from the government after it admited to major errors while paying out the Personal Independence Payment (PIP). More than £260 million has already been paid to make up missing funds to those who saw the benefit wrongly denied or underpaid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). But there are still more than 300,000 claimants owed money, with some payouts potentially reaching more than £2,000. Claimed by 3.7 million people, the health-linked benefit is designed to help with extra costs incurred by living with an illness or disability. It recently made headlines for being at the heart of Labour's planned welfare reforms, before a last minute change of direction from the government. In its latest annual report, the DWP identified three errors in the administration of PIP – two for the first time – which has forced it to carry out several payback schemes. The largest relates to a Supreme Court decision that changed how the DWP had to consider one specific criteria for a person to qualify for PIP – the ability to engage with people face to face – effectively making it more lenient. There are around 325,000 claimants who may still be due payments for the issue, with 308,000 cases already reviewed reviewed. The total amount paid out is now £250 million, meaning compensation has been worth at least £800 per person and as not all cases reviewed with result in a payout, likely even more. Meanwhile, the first new issue saw a number of claimants that did not provide a National Insurance Number when applying for PIP have their applications processed incorrectly. This is despite it not being a requirement to supply the information to apply. So far, only 455 records have been reviewed over this issue, with £500,000 paid out overall. This means payouts have been worth at least £1,098 per claimant. The next newly-identified issue relates to thousands of claimants in Scotland who transferred from PIP to the Adult Disability Payment, which has replaced the benefit for Scottish residents. An estimated 4,867 were identified as potentially having their payments suspended during the transition, with only 176 cases left to review. So far, £13 million has been paid out over the issue, meaning an average payment of at least £2,771 per claimant. The issues come as criticism continues to grow over the management of PIP by the government. Following Labour's decision to back down on changes that would effectively make the benefit harder to claim, it was confirmed that social security minister Stephen Timms would carry out a review of the effectiveness of PIP in meeting the needs of claimants. The DWP has been approached for comment.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Date when thousands of Universal Credit households will get £1,000s back after DWP claim error
THE Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed when thousands will get £1,000s back after a major error. The payments are being issued to people who received certain disability benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and were moved to Universal Credit. 1 It was found some claimants unfairly lost out on Severe Disability Premiums (SDP) and Enhanced Disability Premiums (EDP) during the transition, resulting in a drop of income. Both premiums offered additional financial support on top of the standard allowance for certain means-tested benefits. Tens of thousands who transferred to Universal Credit and missed out on this protection have now been found to be owed arrears. Around 57,000 people are reportedly thought to be affected by the issue, with the vast majority having now received redress. But, the DWP has confirmed around 13,000 cases are yet to be processed and cleared. In its annual report published earlier this month, it said: "Unfortunately, some underpayments may be owed to customers who no longer have an active ESA claim and restrictions in data make it difficult to identify, assess and correct these errors." The department said it was working its way through all the remaining 13,000 cases which should be completed by September. The report added: "We are working to both correct existing errors and to prevent new errors in the new premiums cases." The total arrears being paid to the roughly 57,000 claimants who missed out on SDP and EDP is worth £452million. Solicitors Leigh Day, who brought a legal challenge for claimants on disability benefits who didn't receive income protection while moving over to Universal Credit, secured a settle for 275 claimants who list their SDP earlier this year. Stop handing out new cars for FOOD INTOLERANCE says Kemi Badenoch as she demands Labour cut ballooning benefits bill These claimants were awarded between £200 and £3,000 for the loss of income they incurred. We have asked the DWP how the remaining 13,000 people affected by the issue will receive any compensation and will update this story when we have heard back. We have also asked how much the approximately 44,000 who have already received compensation got on average. Will I need to move to Universal Credit? The DWP is currently moving everyone from old-style "legacy" benefits onto Universal Credit, through a process known as managed migration. Universal Credit was set up to replace these benefits and the scheme kicked off in November 2022 after a successful pilot in July 2019. As part of the process, households on legacy benefits are sent "migration notices" in the post which tell them how to make the move to Universal Credit as it's not automatic. Households must apply for Universal Credit within three months of receiving their managed migration letter. Failing to do this can result in benefits being stopped. Tax credits, income-based jobseeker's allowance, income support and housing benefit (for those under the state pension age) were permanently discontinued in April. The remaining households, currently claiming income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), will be asked to move to Universal Credit by December 2025. Can I get help claiming Universal Credit? As well as benefit calculators, anyone moving from legacy benefit to Universal Credit can find help in a number of ways. You can visit your local Jobcentre by searching at There's also a free service called Help to Claim from Citizen's Advice: England: 0800 144 8 444 Scotland: 0800 023 2581 Wales: 08000 241 220 You can also get help online from advisers by visiting, Will I be better off on Universal Credit? ANALYSIS by James Flanders, The Sun's Chief Consumer Reporter: Around 1.4million people on legacy benefits will be better off after switching to Universal Credit, according to the government. A further 300,000 would see no change in payments, while around 900,000 would be worse off under Universal Credit. Of these, around 600,000 can get top-up payments (transitional protection) if they move under the managed migration process, so they don't lose out on cash immediately. The majority of those - around 400,000 - are claiming employment support allowance (ESA). Those who move voluntarily and are worse off won't get these top-up payments and could lose cash. Those who miss the managed migration deadline and later make a claim may not get transitional protection. The clock starts ticking on the three-month countdown from the date of the first letter, and reminders are sent via post and text message. There is a one-month grace period after this, during which any claim to Universal Credit is backdated, and transitional protection can still be awarded. Examples of those who may be entitled to less on Universal Credit include: Households getting ESA and the severe disability premium and enhanced disability premium Households with the lower disabled child addition on legacy benefits Self-employed households who are subject to the Minimum Income Floor after the 12-month grace period has ended Either way, if these households don't switch in the future, they risk missing out on any future benefit increase and seeing payments frozen.
