A quick update from our lead Social Security attorney, Mark Papa, in our Jacksonville office on the phasing out of paper checks by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

The SSA has settled on the dates when Social Security recipients will no longer be able to receive their benefits by mail. 

New recipients will have to accept paperless payments starting May1, 2011, three months later than originally proposed. 

Those already receiving Social Security benefits will have until March1, 2013 to make to make the switch to either direct deposit or debit card. 

The SSA estimates that $1 billion will be saved over the next decade from phasing out paper checks. 

The Social Security Administration will allow people who are 90 and over to continue receiving paper checks. 

If we can assist you with your claim for SSD or SSI, please contact us.

Even if you haven’t been outside yet today, you probably have realized that winter cold has arrived in earnest. With temperatures expected to fall quickly below freezing shortly after sunset and bottom out in the teens possibly, everyone’s desire for warmth will be priority number one.

For those of you that supplement  your heat in your home with portable electric heaters, please be careful in their use.

Here’s some info from the CPSC on the setup and use of portable heaters thst should help in the prevention of injury or wrongful death.

Portable Electric Heaters

The Commission estimates that half the deaths and one-third of the injuries resulting from electric heater fires occurred at night when family members were asleep and the heater unattended. The Commission is also concerned about the use of power or extension cords which can be too small to supply the amount of current required by the typical portable electric heater.

You should be able to respond “yes” to the following safety statements.

Recommendations:

• Operate heater away from combustible materials. Do not place heaters where towels or the like could fall on the appliance and trigger a fire.
• Avoid using extension cords unless absolutely necessary. If you must use an extension cord with your electric heater, make sure it is marked with a power rating at least as high as that of the heater itself. Keep the cord stretched out. Do not permit the cord to become buried under carpeting or rugs. Do not place anything on top of the cord.
• Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture or the like. Never use heaters to dry wearing apparel or shoes.

Stay warm tonight and stay safe. Don’t forget to check on neighbors, pets and plants.

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