Newsletter

Winter 2017

Contact Us
1-888-WIN-SSDI

Surprising Facts About Social Security and Divorce

If you are going through a divorce, there are many issues to resolve: Splitting assets and
debts, establishing custody of minor children. But you may easily overlook how a divorce
impacts Social Security Retirement (SSR) and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.

Many individuals don't know that a divorced person can collect Social Security benefits
based on the earnings of a former spouse even if that spouse has remarried. If there are
multiple ex-spouses, each can be eligible for benefits based on just one qualified
beneficiary!

Eligibility Criteria for Ex-Spouse Social Security Benefits

The marriage must have continued for at least 10 years. Note: Anyone considering
divorce whose marriage is close to the 10-year date may think about delaying final
proceedings.
The spouse looking to collect Social Security benefits must be unmarried and at
least age 62.
The ex-spouse must be eligible for SSR or SSD benefits, but does not have to be
collecting them yet.
The spouse can claim a benefit from the earnings of the ex-spouse only if his or her
personal benefit is less than that of the ex-spouse.

As with primary beneficiaries, a divorced spouse who collects benefits before attaining
full retirement age will have a reduction in benefits. The reduction at age 62 can be as
high as 30%.

More Information about Social Security Benefits and Divorce

When an ex-spouse collects benefits based on a spouse's earnings, the benefit amount
of the primary wage earner is not affected. In fact, the Social Security Administration
won't even notify the primary wage earner if others begin collecting based on his benefit.

To file for ex-spouse benefits, you'll need information on the primary wage earner
including birthdate, place of birth and parents' names. You must also submit the
marriage certificate, final divorce decree and certain identification documents such as tax
returns and birth certificate.

You can learn more at the Social Security Retirement Planner: If You Are Divorced
website.

Obtaining Social Security benefits in a divorce situation is complicated. Our experienced

attorneys can help you navigate through the complex eligibility criteria.

ABLE Savings Accounts

Have you heard of ABLE savings accounts? These special tax-advantaged savings
accounts - Achieving a Better Life Experience - benefit individuals with disabilities by
allowing them to accumulate savings with tax-free earnings.

Until now, individuals receiving SSI federal benefits were restricted in the amount of
money they could save because their some benefits require financial resources tests. An
ABLE account allows savings to build without fear of losing critical SSI federal benefits.

An individual who was disabled by age 26 may set up an account if eligible to receive
Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, or has
a physician-signed diagnosis of total disability.

The current annual contribution to an ABLE fund is $14,000. In addition to the disabled
person, family members and friends may also contribute. Funds in these accounts must
be used for qualified disability expenses such as transportation, housing, education and
assistive technology.

Interest earned by an ABLE account is tax-free meaning, within certain limits, money
taken out of the fund for qualifying expenses is not counted as income. Another big
advantage to this account is that the balance in the account - up to $100,000 - won't be
included when qualifying or reporting your financial circumstances for SSI federal
benefits.

Each state runs its own ABLE program. The states will independently define investment
options and account and investment fees as well as if and how ABLE accounts affect
eligibility for any other state programs.

ABLE accounts for Florida residents are available now. The New York ABLE program
will be ready later this year.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you or a loved one has been denied Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, Long
Term Disability or New York Workers' Compensation, its important to get an attorney
experienced in these types of cases involved immediately. Call 1-888-WIN-SSDI
(1-888-946-7734) for your initial free consultation, either in our office or in the comfort of
your own home. The Olinsky Law Group, Social Security attorney in Syracuse and
Orlando, can help you navigate the application process for the best possible outcome for
you and your family.

Recipe of the Month

Cauliflower with Pancetta and Onions

Here's a great way to prepare cauliflower for a delicious side dish.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
3 ounces sliced pancetta (unsmoked bacon)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 small cauliflower (about 1 1/4 pounds), trimmed and cut into florets (about 6 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the
pancetta and cook until it is crisp. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon. Set aside.

Add in the onions, and turn the heat to medium low. Saut the onions for about 8
minutes. Add in the cauliflower, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Add in the water, cover and
raise the heat to medium.

Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cauliflower is tender and
lightly browned. Remove and discard the bay leaf.

Add the cauliflower to a serving bowl. Mix together the remaining olive oil and lemon
juice, and add to the cauliflower, mixing well. Top with the crisp pancetta.

Recipe courtesy of www.diabetes.org/recipes

What's Happening in Syracuse, NY & Orlando, FL

March 1 - 26
Ain't Misbehavin'
Syracuse Stage
Syracuse, NY
http://www.syracusestage.org/showinfo.php?id=70

March 3
Smokey Robinson
Walt Disney Theater
Orlando, FL
http://orlando.eventful.com/events/smokey-robinson-/E0-001-098230149-3

March 5
Tony Bennett
Walt Disney Theater
Orlando, FL
http://orlando.eventful.com/events/tony-bennett-/E0-001-099438480-6

Mar 17
WWE Live
War Memorial at Oncenter
Syracuse, NY
https://war-memorial-at-oncenter.tickets-center.com

Mar 23
Gabriel Iglesias
Amway Center
Orlando, FL
http://www.box-officetickets.com/Events/Comedy-Tickets/Gabriel-Iglesias/2205264

Apr 5 - 23
How I Learned to Drive
Syracuse Stage
Syracuse, NY
http://www.syracusestage.org/showinfo.php?id=69

Apr 11
Disenchanted
The Plaza Live
Orlando, FL
http://www.visitorlando.com/includes/events/index.cfm?action=displayDetail&eventid=39
5590

Apr 26
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Amway Center
Orlando, FL
http://orlando.eventful.com/events/red-hot-chili-peppers-/E0-001-097667128-5

Follow us...

Meet Our Attorneys

Howard D. Olinsky, Esq.

Marisa Burkett, Esq.

Paul Eaglin, Esq.

Michelle Fecio, Esq.

Megan Savaia-Ortiz, Esq.

Edward Wicklund, Esq.

Suzanne Harris, Esq.

OF COUNSEL

Nathaniel Riley, Esq.

Alyssa Van Auken, Esq.

Jillian DaSilva, J.D.

John F. Mcdonough, Esq.

Mager A. Varnado, Jr., Esq.

OF COUNSEL

Office Location
Principal office
One Park Place - 4th floor
300 South State Street, Suite 420
Syracuse, NY 13202

Southeast Regional Center

Glenridge Building
3505 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 110
Orlando, FL 32817

1-888-WIN-SSDI
info@windisability.com

Thanks for reading!