PA Property Tax/Rent Rebates For People With Disabilities

Do you own a home or rent? There still is time to get a rebate for Property Tax or Rent for those who qualify in Pennsylvania. Check to see if you meet all the qualifications. You have until Dec. 31 to mail it.

"More than 475,000 senior homeowners, renters and people with disabilities will be issued rebates today totaling $222.7 million through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The number is approximately 58,000 more rebates than were issued last year on July 1."

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Social Security Q & A

"Q: I currently receive Social Security disability benefits. I now have a second serious disability. Can my monthly benefit amount be increased?
A: No, your payment will remain the same regardless of how many disabilities you have or how severe they are.

Your Social Security disability benefit is based on the amount of your lifetime earnings before your disability began and the fact that you have a disability, or combination of impairments, that makes you unable to work. Your actual payment amount is not based on the degree, type, or severity of your disability or how many disabling conditions you have.

Q: Is there a time limit on how long I can continue receiving Social Security disability benefits?
A: No. Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work.

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at (800) 772-1213."

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NEPACIL Closed July 3rd (July 4th Observed)

Happy 4th of July everyone! NEPACIL will be closed July 3rd in observance. Happy Birthday United States of America!

Mind Controlled Wheelchair

For everyone who has used a manual wheelchair, you know it can be difficult at times to use your arms. What if you have a power chair? You may have a hard time getting around.

Maybe the solution is mind control?

"Toyota has developed the wheelchair in collaboration with researchers in Japan. The system analyzes brain wave data using signal-processing technology and delivers neuro-feedback to the driver.

Brain wave-detecting technology, or electroencephalography (EEG), isn't new. In layman's terms, a device, usually a cap wired with sensors, detects a person's brain waves. That information is analyzed by a computer and applied to the device in question. Scientists have pursued the technology for decades, but have had difficulty achieving short response times, explains the Associated Press."

The link below shows a man testing the chair.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10275267-1.html

Social Security Q & A

Our staff helps many people in applying, changing, and understanding of Social Security. The following is from the Grand Forks Herald. As always you should call your local Social Security office for the latest information for accuracy.

"Q. I already receive Social Security disability benefits. But now I have a second serious disability. Can my benefit be increased?
A. No. Your payment remains the same no matter how many disabilities you have. Disability benefit amounts are based on your lifetime earnings before becoming disabled and the fact that you have a disability or combination of impairments, leaving you unable to work.
More disability information can be found online at www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan.

Q. Would the amount of my Social Security retirement change if I moved to a different state?
A. No. Social Security retirement, disability or survivor amounts are based on a person’s work record. Moving to a different state would not change the amount. Be sure to inform Social Security of your new mailing address.

Q. If someone turns age 62 on May 16 and has applied for Social Security retirement, when will they get their first check?
A. A person meeting all requirements can receive SSA reduced retirement benefits beginning in the first full month that he or she is age 62. Based on a common law rule, a person reaches a given age on the day before his or her birthday. This means benefits are not paid for the month a person reaches age 62 unless his or her birthday is on the first or second day of the month. A person reaching age 62 on May 16 is first eligible for retirement in June. The first payment should be received July 15, assuming it is a basic retirement application and the person elected to begin benefits immediately."

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