3 Social Security Mistakes to Avoid In 2019

The Social Security program was designed to provide financial assistance for the millions of adults who are no longer able to work but still have to pay their bills.

If you’re excited to begin retirement but want to make the most of your Social Security benefits, then you should take a look at the three following mistakes that you’ll want to avoid heading into the new year.

1. Being Unaware of Your Full Retirement Age

Typically, Social Security benefits are determined by your lifetime earnings. However, depending on what age you file for retirement benefits, your amount could be affected. If you want to to get the most out of your retirement benefits, you should wait to file until you’re at your full retirement age. Your full retirement age is determined by the year that you were born.

For example, if you were born in 1960, you will be at your full retirement age when you hit 67. If you wait to file for retirement benefits until you’re 67, then you will receive the maximum monthly payments without any penalty. If you decide to file before your full retirement age, you won’t be able to receive the maximum benefits allowed.

Please note that if you were born in 1957, you would be eligible to file for Social Security retirement benefits starting 2019 due to the age 62 being the earliest possible filing age. Also note that if you file for retirement benefits before your full retirement age, your monthly payments will be reduced. We do want to reiterate the importance of understanding the effects of filing for retirement benefits at various ages.

2. Forgetting To Consider Taxes On Your Earnings

While it’s very common to view Social Security as a welfare program, in reality, the benefits paid are funded by you paying into the system and earning sufficient work credits to become eligible for retirement benefits when you’re older. So even though you may sigh when you notice that a piece of your paycheck is sent off to Social Security, it’s important to realize that you’re putting money into a system that will provide you financial assistance when you’re older and no longer expected to work.

The income maximum which Social Security taxes are applied is going up in 2019, meaning if you in a higher-income bracket, you’ll lose a little more money than you did 2018. For 2018, the maximum taxable income for Social Security is $128,400, but in 2019 that amount will go up to $132,900. Those who are earning $4,500 more than they did in 2018 are now subject to Social Security taxes.

If you are employed on a salary, you will be expected to pay a 6.2% tax on the extra $4,500 for a total of $279. If you’re self-employed, however, you’ll need to pay double that amount for a total of $558. Make sure to plan appropriately so you’re not surprised when you see that tax on your bills.

3. Not fighting for a raise

The more income you earn during your lifetime means the more benefit you can collect during retirement. If you’re currently being paid than the average salary at your job, it’s time to talk to your employer and discuss getting a raise.

Don’t rush into the door and slam your fist on the table demanding to get paid more. Instead, do your research and find out how much other people are earning with the same job title as you and compare that to your own salary. If you’re being paid significantly below the average salary for your profession, that’s more than enough reason to point that out to your boss and ask for a raise. Also, create a list of reasons and ways you add value to the company, this could include your specific job skills or by simply being a consistent and hardworking employee. Any of these attributes help your case, take a stand and be vocal about your worth.

The efforts you make next year could affect your retirement benefits from Social Security. If you acknowledge and avoid the mistakes above, then you will be setting yourself up to receive the maximum benefits allowed during retirement while avoiding stinging tax expenses.

Speak To A Social Security Representative

If you wish to learn more on how you can maximize your retirement benefits once you file for Social Security, don’t be afraid to reach out to an official Social Security Administration representative. You can look online to try to find an agent or simply contact your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment.

A Glance at Social Security’s Disability Benefits

The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of multiple Federal aid programs that help people with disabilities. While these two programs differ greatly, both are run by the Social Security Administration, and only people who have a disabling condition in addition to meeting certain medical criteria can qualify for benefits under each program.

Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits to you and particular family members if you are “insured,” which refers to the assumption that you worked for a certain period of time and paid into Social Security through taxes.

Supplemental Security Income Provides Benefits Based on Financial Need.

When you submit an application for either program, the SSA will require medical and other information from you and review your case to determine whether or not you meet the Social Security’s definition of disability.

If you’ve recently applied for benefits and were denied, you can submit an appeal online to request a review of the SSA’s decision regarding your application for disability benefits. If your application was denied for medical reasons, then you can fill out and submit the necessary Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online. The disability report requires updated information regarding your medical condition and any treatment, tests or physician visits since the SSA’s denial decision.

If you were denied for non-medical reasons, it is recommended that you contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. You can also call the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. For individuals who are deaf or struggle hearing can call their toll-free TTY number at 1-800-325-0778

How Can an Henrico DUI Lawyer Help Me?

Virginia is a state that has implemented some of the toughest penalties for those convicted of driving under the influence. Just as other states, the punishment gets more stringent with each subsequent conviction, but even a first conviction can result in serious legal problems in severe situations. Certain material case facts, such as the level of intoxication of the defendant or accident involvement, can result in multiple charges along with enhanced DUI. The potential punishment is extensive in Virginia, and that is why it is important to have an experienced and diligent DUI lawyer representing your case before the court.

Case Investigation

Having a Henrico DUI lawyer means that your legal team can investigate the case for unacceptable evidence or mitigating circumstances that can justify a dismissal or reduction in charge level. Arrest reports and officer testimony can often reveal potential problems with the state’s case. Depending on the number of prior DUI convictions, penalties can worsen with subsequent convictions. This means that defending against even a first impaired driving charge is important, especially in borderline blood alcohol concentration level cases.

Variety of Punishments

Penalties for an intoxicated driving conviction in Virginia include license suspension, considerable fines, and even mandatory jail terms for those convicted of multiple offenses. In addition, when defendants are found guilty of driving with a BAC of .15 or more, the state can require that an ignition interlock device is installed on the defendant’s personal vehicle in addition to a mandatory jail term of five days. Those testing above .20 and did not refuse the BAC analysis will serve a mandatory 10-day sentence. However, the state does also have the authority to increase jail terms and fines in egregious cases, especially when the charge is the result of an accident, and a Henrico DUI lawyer can often mean the difference when negotiating your case. Luckily, in Virginia, the state also has the authority to issue hardship license to certain individuals when your criminal defense attorney can craft a solid argument to the court.

Always remember that retaining a DUI attorney to defend your intoxicated driving charge is an investment in your future, as an impaired driving conviction can impact the defendant’s life in other ways for a long time. Anyone who is facing a conviction for driving under the influence in Henrico, should contact the Law Office of David A.C. Long for a full and free evaluation of your DUI case.

I was injured in a motorcycle accident in Orange County, What Should I Do?

Motorcycle accidents are as common as car accidents in California. These accidents are mostly caused by drivers who are negligent or reckless. Statistics have shown that motorcycle drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in accidents as opposed to automobile drivers. Most of these accidents occur when drivers fail to yield at an intersection. They can also be caused by lane-splitting, hazardous road conditions and inattentive drivers.

When you are a victim of a motorcycle accident, you may suffer personal injury. This may range from minor injuries to major ones depending on the gravity of the accident. Usually, the first thing you need to do is seek medical attention. However, you may also want to engage the services of a lawyer to help you get compensation for the harm caused to you. Additionally, you can sue the offender and get back the money you have spent in paying for medical bills and other hospital charges.

Working with a professional personal injury lawyer is the best option when you get involved in a motorcycle accident. They will not only help you to contact the offender, but they will also help you contact their insurance company. The lawyer will help you to try and settle the matter out of court, especially if the injuries are not significant. However, where the other party refuses to comply with your demands out of court, the lawyer may institute legal proceedings against them in court.

If the matter goes to court, your injury lawyer will represent you. This involves taking care of all the necessary paperwork and find any relevant witnesses to build your case. They will also contact the insurance company on your behalf. If the other party has a lawyer representing them, your lawyer will also handle all the communication from their side.

When you choose your lawyer, ensure that they are familiar with the accident laws of California. You can even choose a lawyer whose law firm is located in the state. This is critical because different states have slightly different laws. Contacting an experienced personal injury attorney in Orange County is extremely crucial.

For anyone who is a victim of a motorcycle accident, there is a need to get appropriate compensation. The lawyer you choose will try and get the best deal for you, including compensation for emotional pain and stress. Working with a professional motorcycle accident attorney in Orange County is the way to go.

Modesto: Dealing With Personal Injury Cases Involving Children

No parent wants his or her child to be harmed in an accident, but it could happen. It is important that you are prepared for this possibility. There are a few things that you need to be aware of to ensure that your child is taken care of by the responsible party.

Investigation is Initiated

One of the most important steps that you should let a lawyer help you with is establishing blame. The lawyer will help you figure out who is responsible for the accident through negligence. The most common type of accident involving children is a car accident, and the lawyer will obtain police reports as well as witness statements to build the case.
Of course, there are other types of accidents involving children, and the process is similar.

Your Child Will Be Protected

It is important to hire a lawyer to make sure your child is protected under California law. What you should remember is that a child in California, including Modesto, is questioned in a proper way. One thing that a lawyer will ensure is that the question and answer session (or the deposition) is arranged before the trial. This session is still under oath, but it is done in an environment that will not scare the child in any way.

A lawyer will also ensure that the child is represented by someone who has the child’s best interests at heart during the trial (if it goes that far). This could be a parent, legal guardian, or Guardian Ad Litem(GAL). This is a Latin phrase used to describe a person that is chosen to protect the best interests of the child during the proceedings.

Dealing With the Minor’s Compromise

California law states that the Minor’s Compromise approval can be used in a case involving a child. This is a summary of the entire incident with important details that will be submitted to the judge before the trial even starts. This will be helpful because this may prevent the child from going through a lengthy litigation process. The lawyer is responsible for providing pertinent information about the accident as well as the condition of the child.
There is a lot more that you should know about your child’s particular case, and a professional Modesto personal injury lawyer will be able to answer any questions you have regarding this delicate situation. He or she can also help ensure your child is taken care of.

Bad Weather Causing Accidents in San Diego County

Wet weather had been causing accidents all around the San Diego County area. California High Patrol stated that one of the accidents that occurred around 3:00 a.m. involved a semi-truck that had blocked several southbound lanes near Via De La Valle. Southbound lanes were closed off until authorities were able to clear the accident. The lanes were reopened hours later around 9:00 a.m.

Another accident occurred on Interstate 805 near Chula Vista where a semi-truck crashed into a California Highway Patrol vehicle resulting in two injured California High Patrol officers who were responding to an accident that had occurred earlier. The accident blocked the carpool lane for 3 hours according to authorities.

National City Police arrested a drunk driver that was responsible for flipping his car over on the northbound lanes of Interstate 5. Another accident involved a white Mustang that had crashed into the center divider while driving southbound on I-5.

Police are advising drivers to be cautious of hazardous driving conditions, especially with potential flash-flood warnings. If you have been involved in a car accident and not sure what to do visit www.caraccidentattorneysandiego.net

How Personal Injury Affects Motorcyclist in San Diego

San Diego offers attractive routes for motorcycle riders who prefer long weekend trips or simple Sunday morning rides. As with any other region, risks of motorbike accidents are present, particularly on roads that experience high motorist traffic. A bike accident can cause severe damage that extends beyond the physical. Motorcycle accident attorneys are useful when you need help claiming compensation after an accident. One reason to get a lawyer is that there are personal injury laws to adhere to when dealing with such a case.

Time Limits

Cases of personal injury all come with statutes of limitations, meaning that you have to file a case before it expires. In California, a victim with personal injury case must file it within two years that begin counting from the date of the injury. If the claim is against the county of California, a city or a state government agency, then the period is six months. It means that if you fail to file a case within that time limit, then you lose your right to file for compensation in the future. A lot of things could prevent you from meeting these deadlines, for example, if your injuries take a long while to heal, or you don’t have the resources to file the claim yourself. In such an instance, the expertise and experience of a motorcycle attorney in San Diego will prove worthy.

Proving Liability and Negligence

Establishing that someone else is at fault after a motorcycle accident demands following certain procedures that an attorney is well versed in. When proving negligence, the first requirement is to show that there is a duty of care owed. The second is proving that there was a breach of that duty. Third is to demonstrate that the violation of duty is the “actual and proximate” cause of injury, and finally, a plaintiff must indicate that there were damages. A lawyer who has handled several motorcycle accident cases will know to go about proving negligence and liability.

Shared Liability

Another element to consider when dealing with a motorcycle injury case is shared liability. In some instances, the defendant may allege that the victim was at fault as well in the accident. If you share fault in an accident case, that will have a bearing on your claim for compensation. In California, the pure comparative negligence rule applies, whereby, the percentage of fault you hold is deducted from the original compensation.

Visit www.motorcycleaccidentlawyerssandiego.net to see how an experienced motorcycle accident can help you today.

Some regions have a serious injury threshold, but California divides cases of personal injury into three sections that are used to determine that aspect. These are intentional, negligence, and strict liability. A motorcycle injury attorney in San Diego understands all the procedures and laws that govern personal injury cases. By hiring a lawyer, you can reduce the chances of messing up your case and avoid the stress of negotiating with insurance companies.