Here’s a helpful article about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program for people receiving disability benefits. Please note: items #2 and #3 are not just for participants in the Ticket to Work. Anyone on SSD disability who remains medically disabled is allowed a Trial Work Period to use up 9 TWP months in any sliding 60-month period (in 2020, a TWP month is used for any month of earnings above $910), and after that a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility in which benefits are paid if earnings are below Substantial Gainful Activity (in 2020, SGA is $1260/month). The additional advantages of Ticket to Work are connection with employment and vocational services, and SSA’s agreement to forego medical continuing disability reviews they would otherwise do. https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulamorgan/2020/09/22/7-common-questions-about-the-ssas-ticket-to-work-program/#1eb4ee5e21c0 FORBES.COM 7 Common Questions About The SSA’s Ticket To Work Program

This adds a long term concern to Covid-19. Over the years I have represented quite a few disability claimants with chronic fatigue syndrome, which is tied to immune dysfunction as well. It has had a high incidence in this region. It is very real, and it can be debilitating. Medical treatment is so difficult because one of the effects of this disease is unpredictable response to medication, either no response or greatly exaggerated response. It can last for years. https://tinyurl.com/yywqdwqe CNN.COM Chronic fatigue syndrome a possible long-term effect of Covid-19, experts say

Stimulus checks for Social Security beneficiaries: https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/04/15/stimulus-checks-3-things-social-security-beneficia.aspx FOOL.COM Stimulus Checks: 3 Things Social Security Beneficiaries Need to Know | The Motley Fool

https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/27/social-security-recipients-may-benefit-from-coronavirus-relief-checks.html CNBC.COM People on Social Security are eligible for the one-time stimulus payment

Social Security Commissioner tells Senator there are no plans to look up SSD claimants’ in social media. That could change easily so continue to exercise caution in your social media posts if you are applying for benefits. National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives December 23, 2019 at 10:34 AM · People living with disabilities should be able to use social media without fear of losing their benefits. Thank you U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and U.S. Senator Bob Casey for your support of the Social Security Disability programs.

POSTANDCOURIER.COM Disabled workers in SC roll the dice when drawing judges to decide their benefits National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives December 16, 2019 at 3:27 PM · Workers give 6% of their paychecks to Social Security "just in case they lose their jobs to injury or illness. But, in the end, it’s a government judge, not a doctor, who will decide whether a condition is serious enough to warrant benefits." Continue reading: http://bit.ly/35n0d6V

National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives December 16, 2019 at 3:27 PM · Workers give 6% of their paychecks to Social Security "just in case they lose their jobs to injury or illness. But, in the end, it’s a government judge, not a doctor, who will decide whether a condition is serious enough to warrant benefits." Continue reading: http://bit.ly/35n0d6V

I am very grateful to announce that in 2020 I have again been selected for membership in Lawyers of Distinction.

I want to share the nicest thank you note that I just received from a client, which made my day - “Dear Mr. Bernhardi, to merely say thank you to you, seems so insignificant. There hasn’t been a word invented to express my deepest gratitude to you, for you and your excellence in your profession! After all these long 4 years, I can finally relax. I almost forgot how. My case wasn’t simple but you did it! Amazing. Thank you for everything – you literally changed my life for the better!”

On Veterans Day, while you are at the store for the sales, or exercising your right to free speech - remember veterans in distress.

Social Security is advancing last-minute proposed rules designed to drastically change the way it decides disability for those over 50, which may result in denial of benefits for 500,000 older Americans. The proposed rules are not yet published for comment. https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/529016-social-security-administration-is-preparing-to-bar-500000-americans-from THEHILL.COM Social Security Administration is preparing to bar 500,000 Americans from getting benefits

https://www.business.com/articles/what-is-fica-tax/ BUSINESS.COM What Is the FICA Tax? - business.com