Month: January 2010

Cash Benefits for Workers

Posted on by Massresources

Massachusetts workers who retire, become disabled, lose their jobs through no fault of their own, or cannot work because of job-related injuries may be eligible for cash benefits based on employment. Cash benefits for workers are not need-based, but may depend on employment status, how long you have worked, and how much you have earned.

Social Security Retirement
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Unemployment Insurance
Workers’ Compensation

NOTE: Glossary words are highlighted. Click on any glossary word to see its definition.
Social Security Retirement
(See Social Security Retirement Program for complete program information.)

The Social Security Retirement Program is a federal insurance program that provides retirement cash benefits for eligible workers and their families based on retirement age and the worker’s lifetime Social Security earnings. The federal government collects FICA taxes on earnings to pay for the program. It is not a need-based program.

You are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits if you are an employee or a self-employed worker, age 62 or over, who has earned the required Social Security credits during your working years. To get Social Security retirement benefits based on your own work record, you need to earn at least 40 Social Security credits. Most people earn 4 credits per year, and have earned enough credits after 10 years of work. Family members may also qualify for benefits based on your work record.

If you are eligible for Social Security retirement benefits based on your own work record, you will get a monthly Social Security check for the rest of your life, and Medicare coverage starting at age 65. Your benefit amount is based on your average earnings during your working years and your age at retirement.

For instructions on how to apply for Social Security retirement, and for more information about eligibility and benefits, see Social Security Retirement Program in the Senior Resources section.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
(See Social Security Disability Insurance for complete program information.)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program that gives monthly cash benefits to eligible workers who become totally disabled and cannot work for a year or more. To be eligible for SSDI, you must have earned enough Social Security work credits and worked recently enough to be insured. Family members may also qualify for benefits based on your work record.

SSDI is funded by FICA payroll taxes collected from workers and employers. It is not a need-based program.

SSDI provides cash benefits that continue as long as you remain totally disabled and cannot work. The SSDI benefit amount depends on how much you paid in Social Security taxes during your lifetime. You also qualify for Medicare 24 months after you start getting SSDI.

For instructions on how to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, and for more information about eligibility and benefits, see Social Security Disability Insurance in the Disability Resources section.

Unemployment Insurance
(See Unemployment Insurance for complete program information.)

Unemployment insurance is a government program that gives temporary cash payments to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is in charge of this program in Massachusetts. Unemployment Insurance is not a need-based program.

Most Massachusetts workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own are covered by unemployment insurance. To get benefits, you must be looking for a job or taking part in an approved job training program.

You can get cash payments for a maximum of 30 weeks unless a federal extension is in effect. The amount you get depends on how much you were earning before you lost your job. In general, you will get about half of your average pay, up to the benefit limit. If you have children and you are their main support, you will also get a dependency allowance.

For instructions on how to apply for Unemployment Insurance, and for more information about eligibility and benefits, see Unemployment Insurance in the Employment and Job Training section.

Workers’ Compensation
(See Workers’ Compensation for complete program information.)

Workers’ Compensation (WC) is an insurance system that gives benefits to workers who are injured on the job or get a work-related illness. The Division of Industrial Accidents (DIA) is in charge of this program in Massachusetts. Workers’ Compensation is not a need-based program.

All employers in Massachusetts are required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Employees who have work-related injuries or illness are eligible for benefits. Coverage starts the first day on the job. Undocumented workers are eligible.

Workers’ compensation gives medical benefits, cash benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. All of your medical costs will be paid by the insurance company. You can get a weekly cash payment up to 60% of your average weekly wage for temporary disability. You can get lifetime benefits if you are permanently and totally disabled.

For instructions on how to file a claim for Workers’ Compensation, and for more information about eligibility and benefits, see Workers’ Compensation in the Employment and Job Training section.

Medicare

Posted on by Massresources

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a national health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain people under 65 with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Medicare is basic protection, and does not cover all medical expenses or most long-term care. Medicare includes Part A Hospital Insurance, Part B Medical Insurance, Part C Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D Prescription Drug coverage.

Am I eligible?

Most people age 65 or older are eligible for Medicare. You may also be eligible if you or your spouse worked in Medicare-covered employment and you are under 65 and disabled, or you have end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Your income and assets do not affect your eligibility. For more information, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048).

What benefits will I get?

Medicare is a basic health insurance program that pays only a portion of your health care costs. Part A Hospital Insurance includes inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, and home health care. Part B Medical Insurance includes doctors’ fees, medical tests, and outpatient care. Most people who are eligible for Medicare get Part A for free, and pay a monthly premium for Part B. You must also pay deductibles and coinsurance. People with Part A and B can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. People with Part A or B can enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan.

How do I apply?

People getting Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits will automatically be enrolled in Medicare at age 65. People getting Social Security disability payments will automatically be enrolled after 24 months of disability (with some exceptions). Other people who are eligible for Medicare must apply by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

How do I use my benefits?

Once you have been approved, Medicare will send you an enrollment package and your Medicare card. You must then decide if you want to keep Part B Medical Insurance, if you want to buy Medigap supplemental insurance, which Medicare health plan you want to use, and whether you want to enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan. You must show your Medicare card whenever you go for health services. If you are denied benefits or if Medicare pays less than you think they should, you may appeal. You will get a separate drug benefit card if you join a Medicare drug plan.

Medicare Health Plans

You must decide how you want to get your Medicare benefits. You may choose the Original Medicare Plan, which is a federal fee-for-service plan available nationwide, or you may join a Medicare Advantage plan offered by private companies under contract with Medicare. If you keep the Original Medicare Plan, you may buy supplemental Medigap insurance to cover some of the “gaps” in your Medicare benefits. If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, you will usually have to pay an extra monthly fee, but will also get extra benefits. Your health plan choices will vary depending on where you live.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, also called Medicare Part D, cover some of the costs of prescription drugs. All people with Medicare can get Medicare drug coverage if they choose. Prescription Drug Plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. Different drug plans have different costs and benefits. Plan members must pay monthly premiums, an annual deductible, coinsurance/copayments, and coverage gap costs. Medicare recipients with limited incomes and resources can get help to pay their drug plan costs.

School Meals and Summer Food Program

Posted on by Massresources

What are School Meals and the Summer Food Program?

School Meals are free and reduced price meals and milk given to children from low-income families who are enrolled in Massachusetts schools. School Meals include School Breakfast, School Lunch, the Special Milk Program, and After-school Snacks. During summer vacation, the Summer Food Service Program provides free food for children and teens at parks, schools, community centers, and other approved locations.

Am I eligible?

Your child is eligible for free or reduced price school meals if your household meets the income limits. If you get food stamps or TAFDC for your child, the school meals are free. Your immigration status does not matter for this program. For the Summer Food Program, all children 18 and under are eligible for free summer meals.

How do I apply?

At the beginning of the school year, your child’s school will send home an application for free and reduced price School Meals. You should complete the application and return it to your child’s school. If you have questions or need an application, you should call your local public school department. For contact information, see the Massachusetts Department of Education’s School Profiles. The phone number of your local school department is also listed in the phone book.

For summer meals, children can just show up at a Summer Food Program site. There is no application or registration for the summer meals program. To find a site near you, see Summer Meal Sites on the Meals4Kids web site, or call the Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.