Wednesday, 11 Dec 2024 Issue#011
Quote of the week: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." – John Quincy Adams
As we get closer and closer to peak holiday season, it's imperative that we take some time and continue to check on each other. This time of year can be overwhelming for those already struggling, and for those adding a military transition into the equation. Dig into your contacts and reach out to those you haven't spoke to in awhile, send them a text to say hello. You never know how much that simple act may mean to someone.
This week we look into two debates that are very active and have implications to transitioning military. How much is the ability to work remotely worth to you, and should private companies be able to profit for VA claim assistance? Grab your popcorn, these two topics are sure to stir up some opinions.
Remote Work Option more Important than Salary?
According the the latest FlexJobs State of the Workforce survey, 81% of respondents say remote work is the factor they say is most important in a job. Salary came in second followed by a flexible schedule. This trend is also reflected in the hiring process with 87% of candidates saying they are more likely to apply to a role if it offers remote work. Interestingly, the attractiveness of remote work options spans generations as well, as the majority of millennials (61%), Gen Xers (61%), and boomers (67%) want a remote job moving forward. These trends directly contradict the return to office mandates that many companies are enacting now. The most compelling bit of data from this study is the list of things respondents would give up in order to work remotely.
Over half of professionals who responded, 58%, would accept a pay cut for the option to work remotely from anywhere. Of these respondents:
– 31% would take a five percent pay cut
– 19% were willing to accept up to a 10% cut
– 8% were willing to take up to 20% cut
For the option to work-from-anywhere, workers said they would also exchange:
– Fewer chances for professional development (24%)
– Forgoing company-sponsored health insurance (14%)
– Increases in working hours (14%)
– Retirement-focused company contributions (12%)
– Decreased vacation days (12%)
Heading into 2025 the preferences for remote work will likely continue to grow, especially if the housing market doesn't change all that much. Finding suitable housing close to office locations is a real challenge in many areas. People are faced with long, often unsustainable commutes or making sacrifices in other areas to afford housing. Those factors will continue to be top of mind for many transitioning service members facing a decision like this for the first time in their career.
Source: FlexJobs
Is Assistance with VA Claims Worth Paying For?
Should Veterans have the option to pay for assistance in filing claims with the VA?
This is a debate that is seriously dividing the Veteran community.
For-profit consultants across the country make millions each year by charging military Veterans for help in filing their disability claims with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The practice exists in a legal loophole: It’s illegal under federal law for companies that aren’t accredited by the VA to charge Veterans fees for helping file their disability claims, but there’s no criminal penalty for breaking the law.
Shockingly (not really), recent attempts to regulate this for-profit shadow industry have stalled in Congress. But the question remains, should this be regulated?
Three states — Maine, New Jersey and New York — passed laws in the past year cracking down on for-profit consultants. Similar bills were introduced in 17 other states. Meanwhile Louisiana tried to strike a balance and capped charges to a Veteran at $12,500 for assistance.
Those in favor of stricter polices and more restrictions point out that the same services some consulting companies are charging thousands of dollars for is offered for free by Veteran Service Organizations.
Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) that can help with claim submission include:
- American Legion: A national-level VSO
- American Veterans: A national-level VSO
- Disabled American Veterans: A national-level VSO
- Paralyzed Veterans of America: A national-level VSO
- Veterans of Foreign Wars: A national-level VSO
- Vietnam Veterans of America: A national-level VSO
Those in favor of allowing companies to charge for their services often point out that the VA claims process is lengthy, confusing, and takes months. An increase in the volume of claims has made the problem even worse. In fact some of the VSOs that offer the service for free are so busy it's hard for Veterans to even get an appointment.
This is where the private companies enter and offer to help take as much of the burden off the Veteran as possible, often for a cut of the benefits the Veteran will be awarded. This model sees some vet's paying nearly $20,000 over time for assistance with their claims.
The debate is likely to continue to grow louder, as the volume for VA claims keeps growing. The PACT Act passed two years ago opened up benefits to millions of Veteran's that may have previously not been eligible. Combine that with a steady flow of 200,000 service members exiting the military each year and it's easy to see how things could get backed up. This creates a window for private companies to offer to help navigate the process.
The best option for transitioning service members is to know your options. If you are considering paying for claims submission assistance, you should at least compare it to the services offered by a VSO. Seek advice from mentors and make an informed decision.
Source: Alaska Beacon
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