I witnessed an American tragedy last week. An attorney with Rutter Mills is representing a homeless client in her 50s for Social Security Disability. She was recently taken to a local homeless shelter in Norfolk by the some police officers. She was able to stay as long as she was seeking work. (Remember -- she is disabled.) She tried to find a job with a local fast food restaurant but they would not hire her. The attorney was able to get the hearing expedited due to her situation but she still would not have her day in court for several weeks. She asked the homeless shelter if they would let her stay until her hearing, but they let her go nonetheless.

This poor hopeful but helpless person appeared at her hearing dirty and disheveled but hopeful. After the hearing, the attorney could not bear to leave her at the same bus stop from which she was picked up. He called at least 13 shelters and churches in the Hampton Roads area looking for a place for her to stay the night. Not one homeless shelter or church would take her in. In fact, one church claimed it was too bad she didn’t have any family to go to and no one to help her but it wasn’t their problem and ended the conversation with "God bless you."

In the end, this homeless and family-less person decided she would rather spend the night with her "friends" on the street, than accept a charitable handout. Fortunately, once she wins her Social Security disability case, she will be eligible for Section 8 housing and a new start. Rutter Mills cares about their clients – we only wish everyone had the same compassion.

Since 1935, Social Security has touched the lives of almost every American and provided an economic lifeline for millions of people.

To help Social Security Administration celebrate, it is asking you to share your Social Security story. How has Social Security made a difference in your life and the lives of your family and friends?

To read more about Social Security visit the Social Security Form Page where you and write your own stories.

Although immune system disorders are often controllable with medication, they can cause people to be unable to work. However, such disorders, including lupus, connective tissue diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, and other auto-immune disorders can have debilitating symptoms causing people to be unable to work.

Our law firm's disability attorney, Robert Gillikin, has experience representing individuals with each of these medical conditions.

It is important that you seek treatment for these conditions, whether it be with your primary care physician, rheumatologist, infectious disease specialist, or other specialist.

If you feel that your immune system disorder is preventing you from working and you are seeking Social Security Disability and/or SSI benefits, please call RutterMills for a free consultation. We may be able to help you.

Yes its true. There will be no Cost Of Living Increase (COLA) for 2010. COLA increases are tied to inflation and because the country is in a deep recession there has been little to no inflation.

Nothing has been said yet by the Congressional Budget Office whether there will be a COLA increase in 2011. There is a possibility it won't increase but if the job growth and GDP continues to rise there is a chance.

Unfortunately co-pays for Medicare go up every year because the cost of health care goes up every year. As a result, Medicare premiums rise 4% a year by law.

Unfortunately many people who receive Social Security Benefits will not see a COLA increase this year, but because of the poor economy and the lack of inflation, hopefully these individuals and their families will not be drastically affected. I wanted to clear the air and let people know what is going on. If you have a disability it is still valuable to file for Social Security Disability. If you or a family member has any questions regarding social security please feel free to contact me.