Resources - US Legal Services

Understanding Rising Insurance Premiums for Natural Disasters and How to Maximize Your Claims

October 10, 2024

In recent years, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have increased, prompting a significant rise in insurance premiums. Homeowners, renters, and business owners alike are feeling the impact of these escalating costs. As insurance companies adjust their rates to account for the greater risk of claims from events such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, understanding how to navigate this landscape has never been more critical. Why are your insurance premiums higher than ever and how do you ensure your claim is paid timely and properly? Why Are Insurance Premiums on the Rise? 1. Increased Frequency of Natural Disasters Natural disasters have become more frequent due to climate change, leading to more claims filed by policyholders. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States has experienced an increase in severe weather events over the last few decades. This growing trend leads insurers to raise premiums to cover the increased risk. 2. Higher Cost of Repairs and Replacements The cost of materials and labor has risen significantly over the years. When disasters strike, the demand for construction materials and skilled labor surges, driving prices even higher. Insurance companies must account for these increased costs in their

Money & Stress: The Unique ROI Of Employee Financial Wellness

September 11, 2024

According to the 2023 Workplace Benefits Report by Bank of America, 96% of employers feel some level of responsibility for the financial well-being of their employees. The main obstacle preventing more companies from offering these benefits is misunderstanding their return on investment (ROI). Many employers believe that financial stress is a niche issue, only relevant to a handful of team members. However, in doing so, they overlook the widespread impact that financial stress can have on their employees and underestimate the power of basic financial wellness. Money issues impact workers of all ages, backgrounds, and income levels and can affect everything from productivity to your team’s physical health. As such, the true ROI of a financial wellness program will likely be measured by how it improves the quality of life for your entire workforce. Measuring the ROI of Financial Wellness: The 3 Key Outcomes to Look For Financial wellness improves employee productivity. Financial stress is a major concern for most Americans, regardless of their age or economic background. This level of stress has been shown to affect productivity in the workplace. When interviewed for PwC’s 2023 employee Financial Wellness Survey, 1 in 3 employees admitted feeling distracted or disengaged

4 Helpful Ways to Better Support Employee Mental Health

August 20, 2024

Company culture plays no small part in shaping employee mental health. Employee wellbeing has a similar impact on your organization’s overall success. A University of California, Riverside study found that organizations that invested in physical and emotional wellbeing saw a 5% increase in productivity. With employee mental health increasingly in the spotlight, organizations nationwide have begun to craft their benefits strategies to better support worker wellbeing. Calm’s 2024 Voice of the Workplace Report found 4 key mental health trends that are shaping modern workplaces. Here’s what to know about mental health at work — plus, how you can better support struggling employees. 1. Use financial wellness benefits to combat a top threat to employee mental health — financial stress. According to data from Calm, nearly 60 percent of employees grapple with at least some feelings of anxiousness regarding their financial future. Another 71 percent of employees say financial stress negatively affects their professional and personal lives. Some have even scaled back contributions to both their short- and long-term savings as a result of this strain. According to another study conducted by Morgan Stanely, financial pressures have prompted 52 percent of employees to ask for access to a financial advisor directly

Navigating the Impact of MVR and CSA Points on Commercial Drivers

April 24, 2024

As a commercial driver, navigating the regulatory landscape can sometimes feel like trying to decipher a complex puzzle. Among the various regulations and systems in place, two terms that frequently arise are MVR points and CSA points. While they might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes and understanding the difference is crucial for maintaining a clean driving record and staying compliant with regulations. Let’s delve into each of these concepts: MVR Points (Motor Vehicle Record Points): MVR points are a measure of your driving history maintained by your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Each time you commit a traffic violation or are involved in an accident, points are added to your MVR. The number of points typically varies depending on the severity of the infraction. For instance, a minor speeding ticket might result in fewer points compared to a DUI conviction. Here are a few key points about MVR points: Varies by State: Each state has its own system for assigning points to traffic violations. What might result in three points in one state could be five points in another. Impact on Insurance: Insurance companies often use MVR points to assess risk and determine insurance premiums. A higher number

Supporting Employee Wellbeing Following a Natural Disaster

January 15, 2024

Natural disasters displaced nearly 3.4 million people in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Natural disasters and even public health emergencies, like the COVID-19 pandemic, can have an enormous impact on working Americans. Here are a few ways you can support employees following a natural disaster. Communicate Effectively With Your Employees. It’s critical to have a disaster plan in place before an emergency occurs and to ensure that your protocol is easily accessible to staff. During a disaster, use internal employee channels, such as email or your company’s intranet to stay in touch with staff. You can also use this strategy to share general information as the situation progresses, like road closures, weather updates or safe spaces. Following the event, your team should also receive information about next steps. If you’re in a position to provide support for those affected, be sure to communicate how they can receive aid. Connect Your Team With the Right Outside Help. After a disaster occurs, survivors may also require additional help outside of the standard shelter, food and supplies. Employees displaced from their homes may deal with unlawful foreclosures, evictions and contractor scams. Handling property issues may also be devastating for

Tax Breaks for Truck Drivers

November 30, 2023

Independent contractor truck drivers are constantly reaching for their wallet to pay for a considerable number of expenses. The good news is there are special tax deductions for truck drivers that can help you reclaim some of that cash. U.S. Legal Services offers members outstanding tax help through our partner network of CPAs and Enrolled Agents (EAs). Here are some things our tax experts recommend you think about as you prepare your next federal or state tax return: Expenses while on the clock. Drivers should keep a detailed log of their travels so you can deduct the expenses associated with driving for business. These include 80% of meals, lodging, business use of cell phones, gas, maintenance, and vehicle service. There are apps that can be downloaded to easily track miles driven for work. Getting one will make your life easier. When you’re not on the road. Like other taxpayers, truck drivers can also deduct home office expenses, computers/electronics needed for work, excise taxes, licenses, continuing education, dispatch fees, insurance premiums, interest and dues. A few extra deductions. You may be eligible to take a tax deduction for medical expenses related to conditions that may impact the driver’s ability to drive.

Your Legal Protection Knowledge Hub

Explore expert-backed legal guidance, practical tips, and timely analysis to help you navigate everyday legal challenges with confidence.

Editor's Picks

Understanding Your Legal Benefits

Know Your Rights at Work

Estate Planning Essentials

Browse All Resources