GET CREATIVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY Roses, chocolate, and fancy restaurants are Valentine’s Day staples for a reason. They’re Not Another Candlelit Dinner
good view of the nighttime sky. Once you do, your next course of action will depend on the weather. If it’s temperate, get a picnic blanket and enjoy the outdoors. If it’s cold, stay in the car, turn off the headlights, and snuggle up. Don’t forget to bring wine and a romantic snack. If all goes well, you might end up watching the sunrise.
classic and timeless, but if you’ve done them year after year, they could also get a little bit boring. To wow your significant other this Feb. 14, think beyond the most famous ways to celebrate. They’ll probably appreciate a twist — and the time you spent making their day special.
SCHEDULE A COUPLES’ SPA DAY. Forget what you think you know: Spa days are for everyone. Your other half will love the opportunity to experience a massage, sauna, and other assorted treatments. Plus, many spas offer romantic couples’
CREATE A RELATIONSHIP SCRAPBOOK. Nothing says “I love you” like a gift you’ve made with your own hands. By making a scrapbook of your favorite memories with your partner, you’ll also amaze them with your sensitivity and dedication. A scrapbook can consist of photographs, restaurant menus, movie tickets, wedding invitations, vacation souvenirs, and some carefully chosen words about why you value the relationship. Don’t be afraid to get inventive with your decorations or scour the internet for tips and tricks. GO STARGAZING. What’s more romantic than staring up at the stars? Your first step will be to find a local spot that’s dark and secluded enough for a
packages with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Once you’re both sufficiently relaxed and looking your best, you’ll likely feel closer than ever. Some spas also offer overnight stays so you can transition seamlessly into a romantic evening. All of these ideas will take a little bit of planning, so it’s time to start dreaming up your big surprise. When you see their reaction, your only concern will be how to top yourself next year.
UNDERSTAND THE RULES AND YOUR RIGHTS Will I Receive SSDI Back Pay?
Often, it takes months for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) to be approved. Additionally, many claimants are denied on their first application but later receive approval during the appeals process. Time is money, and successful claimants were already eligible for benefits when they applied. What happens to everything they were owed between the application and approval dates? Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) agrees that you are entitled to back pay for the period you waited for your application to be approved. They refer to these back payments as past-due benefits. There are, however, several rules and caveats you should know. When the SSA approves you for benefits, they will assign an onset date. The onset date is when the SSA declares you originally became disabled. Once an onset date is determined, there is a five-month waiting period, and SSDI does not start payments until the sixth month.
receive back pay for the number of months since your onset date, minus five. For example, if you applied for SSDI immediately and your approval took 10 months, you would receive five months of back pay. Appeals processes can be lengthy. If the SSA ultimately determines you were eligible for benefits at the time of your original application, there is no limit to the amount of back pay you can receive. Retroactive pay, however, works differently. Retroactive pay comes into play when the SSA determines your onset date was before your application. In these cases, you are limited to 12 months of retroactive pay, even if you had been disabled for years. That’s why it’s essential to apply for SSDI as soon as possible. Applying for SSDI can be a confusing process, which is why The Di Bartolomeo Law Office is here to help. We know the ins and outs of the system, so we can help you complete your applications correctly and file any needed appeals. We will also fight to ensure the SSA applies the correct onset date to your benefits so you get every dollar you deserve. We’ll be glad to review your case — call us today for a free consultation.
If you obtain approval for SSDI within five months, you will receive no back pay. If the process takes longer than five months, you will
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The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com
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