PCFLV: The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley’s Post

Individuals who are injured or disabled and unable to work require an impartial assessment of their injury or disability to validate their eligibility for necessary financial and, in some cases, vocational assistance. At ForHealth Consulting, we recognize that a "one-size-fits-all" approach fails to address the distinct challenges faced by our clients. Discover how our consulting services and infrastructure support empower disability determination units to enhance efficiency while reducing costs:

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is facing a critical budget shortfall of nearly $3 billion, which threatens to disrupt benefits for millions of veterans starting October 1, the first day of the new fiscal year. VA officials have issued a stark warning that without immediate emergency funding from Congress, vital benefits—including disability compensation, pensions, and education assistance under the GI Bill—could be delayed or interrupted. The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee is scheduled to hold an oversight hearing to discuss the fiscal 2024 budget shortfall, emphasizing the urgency of resolving this issue. VA Secretary Denis McDonough pointed to several factors contributing to the shortfall, notably increased costs stemming from the PACT Act, which expanded healthcare and disability benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances. Since the law's enactment, the VA has received nearly 1.5 million claims for compensation, leading to heightened expenses in disability payouts and healthcare services. If the funding issue isn't resolved, approximately 6 million veterans who rely on monthly benefits could experience significant financial uncertainty. In response to the looming crisis, legislative measures are being proposed, including the Veterans Benefits Continuity and Accountability Supplemental Appropriations Act. This bill seeks to fully fund the VA's budget request and establish improved financial transparency requirements. Advocates from various veterans organizations are calling on Congress to act decisively to ensure that benefits remain uninterrupted, emphasizing that timely funding is essential for the well-being of veterans and their families. As Julia Mathis from the American Legion noted, “Every day we get closer to Sept. 20 is another 24 hours of uncertainty for thousands of veterans.” #Veterans #VeteransAffairs #BudgetShortfall #Congress #PACTAct #DisabilityCompensation #GIBill #VeteranSupport #MilitaryFamilies #Legislation #VA #Healthcare #VeteransBenefits #Advocacy #CongressionalAction

I'm a big advocate for Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs) due to the significant benefits they offer eligible Canadians who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. However, there's a widespread misunderstanding about how RDSPs function. Moreover, many individuals are unsure about the administration, funding, and maintenance processes associated with them. As a financial professional, it's crucial to stay updated on any rule changes, key milestones, and provide proactive reminders to clients. It's unfortunate when individuals lose eligibility for RDSPs simply because they overlooked the need for regular eligibility check-ins. To address these concerns, I'm organizing a webinar tailored for clients and others navigating the complexities of RDSPs. I invite you to share any questions or uncertainties you have about RDSPs through the Microsoft Forms link provided below. I'll collect all submissions and ensure they're addressed comprehensively during the webinar. Please be prepared to provide your email address so I can send you the webinar invitation once the schedule is finalized. Let's work together to demystify RDSPs and ensure everyone maximizes their benefits. Submit your RDSP questions here: https://lnkd.in/efE4jt84 #sergiuhirtescuigwealth #RDSPs #RegisteredDisabilitySavingsPlans

[video - 1:42] The holidays can be joyous and also stressful. I see you. I get it. Sometimes, the pressure to perform leaves us feeling not so "merry and bright". I read an article that lists 11 holidays around the world in December alone (ref. Time Magazine). That's a fair amount of hustle and bustle swirling around. Take a look at my short message, and please let me know where you are right now in your journey through the holidays. Who can you offer the gift of "I see you" to? #Grief #GriefProcess #BestsellingAuthor #caregivers #familycaregivers #signedbooks #gifting #holidayseason #giftingideas #SillySeason #GiftingOnDemand #FamilyDysfunction #perspective #leadership

Navigating means-tested benefits can feel overwhelming, but they are a vital foundation for long-term financial planning for your child with disabilities. In my latest Substack article, I break down what these benefits are, including SSI, Medicaid, and others, and how to use them effectively in your planning. Please take a deep dive with me and learn how these programs fit into a larger strategy that ensures your child’s future security. Click the link to read and consider subscribing to stay informed!

🙌TAP Day 2🙌 🔑 Today was an important day at TAP as we dove into the world of VA benefits. ⇢I must admit, I was more excited about this day than any other on our agenda. Why, you ask? Because there is so much misinformation that makes the whole process sound scary and intimidating. 💕But let me tell you, it's not as daunting as it seems💕 ⇢ Did you know that 180 days out from retirement, you can make an appointment with a VSO? ⇢Their goal is to ensure all your VA-related matters are handled before you separate from service. ⇢ And here's the best part – you don't have to use VA hospitals for treatment. In fact, through the portal, you can request the community care program. It's as simple as that! ⇢ But wait, there's more! VA Health offers chiropractic and other holistic treatments. Who would have thought? ⇢ And guess what? Even if you don't have a VA disability rating, as a veteran (few rules, of course), you can still qualify for VA Health. Yes, you read that right! ⇢ I highly recommend everyone to google "VA Welcome Kit." Trust me, you'll thank me later 💕 ⇢ And for those who are 100% disabled, your spouse and dependents can also utilize VA Health. It's a great support system for the whole family. 🙌 Overall, we left TAP feeling empowered and informed. The VSOs on base genuinely want us to succeed, and they clarified it. 🙌I firmly believe that spouses should also attend. So many resources are available to help service members as they age and continue to face service-related disabilities and limitations. #TAP #VABenefits #EmpoweringVeterans #SupportingFamilies

Have you heard the terms “special” needs trust and “supplemental” needs trust and wondered what the difference is? The simple answer is that there’s no difference. Whether supplemental or special, these trusts serve the same purpose of helping meet the needs of individuals with disabilities while still permitting them to qualify for vital public benefits programs. But there are different categories of special needs trusts and important differences between them that warrant a longer explanation. https://lnkd.in/gMGTQ3mY 

More Progress. "Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 19 to 2 to advance the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2024, bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Susan Collins and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) that would reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care program through Fiscal Year 2029. The bill now awaits consideration by the full Senate..." "The inclusion of Caregiving Youth to have the benefit of respite care is a giant step of national recognition and support - for them, their family and our society,” said Connie Siskowski, RN, PhD - Founder and President, American Association of Caregiving Youth. “On behalf of the American Association of Caregiving Youth, representing the more than five million children who are both students and family caregivers, wants no child in our country to have to drop out of school to provide care for family member(s)!" "1. Specifically, the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2024 would: Reauthorize the Lifespan Respite Care program at current appropriations levels for five years (FY25-29). 2. Clarify that youth caregivers (those under 18 who are providing care or helping to provide care to family members) would be eligible." https://lnkd.in/eS3gFy5z

🌟 Helping Veterans, Spouses, and Surviving Spouses Access the Aid & Attendance Pension 🌟 I have seen firsthand how essential financial support can be for veterans and their families. The VA Aid & Attendance Pension is a valuable benefit that many veterans or their surviving spouses may qualify for, but navigating the process can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in. As a Veteran Benefits Specialist and Senior Care Expert, I guide veterans and their families through the application process, ensuring they receive the financial assistance they need for long-term care, home care, or assisted living. My experience allows me to: ✅ Assess eligibility and assist with required documentation ✅ Provide expert guidance on the application process ✅ Advocate for your benefits while aligning care needs with available resources If you or someone you know is a veteran or a surviving spouse in need of care, don’t miss out on this incredible benefit. I’m here to help you qualify and obtain the Aid & Attendance Pension. Reach out to me directly to learn how I can support you or your loved one through this journey. 📧 veteranbenefitadvocates@gmail.com 📞 (314) 730-6464 #Veterans #SeniorCare #AidAndAttendance #RNExperience #SeniorCareExpert #VeteranBenefits #LongTermCare #Caregiving #Healthcare

Today, after 11 months, I found out that the DWP have finally reviewed my PIP renewal and made a decision. However, I have no idea what that decision is and will not find out for another two weeks. All I got was a text from them saying the decision had been made and not to call them to find out more because they would not be able to tell me. As soon as I read the text, several thoughts went through my mind. But I think my partner encapsulated it best in their response. "Wow, the DWP really do just continue to be evil don't they?" This is the organisation the government thinks it is appropriate to hand extra powers to, to trust with our banking information? A department where, quite honestly, it feels like cruelty is the point. PIP is a benefit for disabled people to attempt to address the fact that we have significant additional costs to get to the same standard of living as non disabled people. It is a horrendous process to go through but is also a financial life line for many of us. With that in mind, it's easy to see the kind of stress a vague "we've made a decision that will directly impact your financial future but we won't tell you it for two weeks" is going to cause. Disabled or not, very few of us would respond well to that. Not to mention that stress often makes many disabilities worse. It can cause flare up of conditions and in general takes away a huge amount of brain space. And most frustratingly, all of this comes at a time where people are talking about 'cutting the benefits bill'. If politicians wanted to cut the bill and/or actually help disabled people, here are things they could actually do: - Move to a lighter touch system: AKA actually believe disabled people when they say they are disabled by their conditions. 7 in ten PIP appeals were won on the same evidence the DWP already held. How much time and resources are wasted forcing people to go through this process that could otherwise be saved? - Make working practices accessible: There will always be some people who are unable to work, but for those of us who can, we're kept out of work by inaccessible workplaces and practices. - Universal basic income: This has been trailed in other countries and actually makes a huge difference to so may things - A functioning NHS - Taxing the rich I don't often post about PIP because the whole process and everything around it is ridiculously inhumane and honestly feels like a perpetual sword of damocles hanging over my head. But today I'm frustrated and I'm angry. The rhetoric we've been hearing nearly constantly reduces disabled people to at best burdensome numbers. This literally costs lives. Disabled people are people! The DWP in general needs a massive overhaul, but PIP especially. And that absolutely does not mean vouchers (a measure that will drive costs UP not down) and does not mean more assessments. It means injecting a little bit of humanity into the proceedings and moving to a holistic model of disability.