Benefits

Pentagon to Honorably Upgrade 35,000 LGBTQ Veterans’ Discharge Records, Restoring Earned Benefits

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In a historic move, the Pentagon has announced a significant shift in policy that will affect approximately 35,000 LGBTQ veterans. These individuals, who were previously discharged under conditions that were considered “other than honorable” due to their sexual orientation, will now see their statuses upgraded to “honorable.” This resolution comes as the result of a class-action lawsuit initiated in 2023, challenging the long-standing repercussions faced by service members ousted under the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies. Lily Steffanides, an instrumental plaintiff in the lawsuit, expressed profound relief and liberation following the announcement. Having been … Read more

President Biden Set to Sign Landmark Bill Granting Full Social Security Benefits to Millions of Retired Public Workers

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WASHINGTON — Nearly three million retirees who have been denied full Social Security benefits due to their public pensions are set to receive them thanks to new legislation signed into law by President Joe Biden on Monday. The Social Security Fairness Act eradicates longstanding federal policies that have reduced benefits for public service workers, including teachers, police officers, and firefighters. For decades, the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) diminished the Social Security payments of individuals whose careers were predominantly in positions not covered by Social Security. This legislation, long overdue, … Read more

New Year, New Laws: Louisiana to Implement Sweeping Changes Starting Jan. 1, Affecting Everything from Unemployment Benefits to Medical Marijuana Regulations

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Baton Rouge, LA — A raft of new legislation will take force in Louisiana from the outset of the New Year, dealing with a broad spectrum of issues from unemployment revisions to stricter regulations on THC products. These changes are set to go into effect on January 1, after being passed in various legislative sessions throughout the year. Among these changes is the comprehensive reform of the Louisiana Underground Utilities and Facilities Damage Prevention Law. Act 75 aims to enhance safety and efficiency by establishing regional notification centers which will facilitate more effective communication regarding … Read more

Attorney Wins Right to Trial Against Unum for Denied Disability Benefits Amid Breach of Contract Allegations

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Philadelphia, PA – In a notable legal dispute, a patent attorney has successfully challenged the termination of his disability benefits by Unum Life Insurance Co. of America, securing a court order that will allow his case to proceed to trial. The attorney, who remains unnamed, filed claims against the insurer for breach of contract and bad faith after they ceased his benefit payments. Unum defended its decision, asserting that the claimant was no longer eligible for benefits as he did not fulfill their criteria, which includes having restrictions on his ability to work, experiencing at … Read more