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SOCIAL SECURITY NEWS

The most news and information on Social Security for senior citizens

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Social Security Q&A

Should You Take Social Security Retirement Early? Here's Answer From IRS Specialist

Q&A also looks at what happens if you take early retirement and then earn more income than is allowed

May 20, 2013 – One of the questions most asked by those nearing Social Security retirement age is about the decision to retire early or wait until reaching full retirement age. It all depends, according to the Q&A by Oscar Garcia of SSA. He also answers a couple of key questions by seniors who took early retirement or disability retirement. Read more...

 

Social Security News

Senior Citizens Warned of Fake Emails Urging Enrollment in ‘my Social Security’

Popular new personal online accounts available at Social Security now attracting crooks to try ‘phishing’

May 14, 2013 – As a sure sign of the popularity of the new “my Social Security” account, the criminals are using "phishing" E-mails encouraging senior citizens to create an account. Rest assured, any email promoting this are not coming from the agency, according to information from the Social Security Administration. Read more...

 

Social Security News

Social Security Enters New World of Smartphones and Social Media for Senior Audience

Q&A column also suggests your lowered benefit from early retirement may get a future boost

May 13, 2013 – There is a new incentive to move senior citizens into the age of smartphones: Social Security has a new version of its website designed for mobile devices and is in the social swirl, according to Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with SSA in this week’s Q&A. And, there is more good news: when you take early retirement in Social Security your benefit may still get a boost in future years. Read more...

Social Security News

How Does Social Security Determine Your Benefits? Q&A Answers This and More

SSA information specialists tells how to estimate your retirement benefit; explains factors affecting a widow’s benefits; how to apply for disability

April 25, 2013 – Ever wondered how Social Security determines your retirement benefit? Or, wanted to get an idea before you retire of what your benefit will be? These are some basic questions of the program that are answered by Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with SSA in this week’s Q&A. For those younger Americans seeking disability under Social Security, he also has answers at the end of this article. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

First Public Hearing Underway on Chained CPI Proposed to Slow Future COLA for Senior Citizens

Republican chair of House Ways and Means subcommittee on Social Security issued news release blasting Treasury secretary; in opening says reducing COLA only would be called ‘benefit cut’ in Washington

April 18, 2013 – The first congressional hearing on the budget cuts to Social Security proposed by President Obama is underway. Rep. Sam Johnson (R-Tx), chair of the Social Security panel of the House Ways and Means Committee, released his opening statement and the prepared testimony of witnesses. The Texas Republican also released a news release this morning accusing Treasury Secretary Jack Lew of making “conflicting statements” about the Chained CPI before the full committee. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Ways and Means Draws Bead on Medicare Cuts, Chained CPI to Limit COLA for Social Security

HHS Secretary Sebelius in witness chair today on total budget for HHS, CMS with Social Security proposal the target this Thursday

April 12, 2013 – The Republican lead House Ways and Means Committee has grabbed the lead in questioning President Obama’s 2014 budget proposals for the Department of Health and Human Services, which includes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius will testify there today and next Thursday the hearing topic will be on entitlement reform proposals, with emphasis on the controversial Chained Consumer Price Index, which will be used to lower cost-of-living adjustments for seniors and others in future years. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Obama Says Budget Proposal Offers ‘Manageable’ Curbs on Medicare Cost, Social Security Benefits

Most media reports say focus of White House is to strike a ‘Grand Bargain’ with Republicans who want to change Medicare into a voucher-style system;  Medicare proposal has one revenue item - higher premiums for couples making more than $170,000 a year

April 11, 2013 - The White House says its budget is a good start toward controlling government entitlement programs by offering proposals to curb the growth of Social Security, Medicare and other federal benefit programs. The budget blueprint, released Wednesday, includes what the president called "manageable" curbs on Medicare spending growth, but GOP congressional leaders were dismissive, while some Democrats and virtually all senior citizen advocacy groups were unsettled. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

How Chained Consumer Price Index Proposed by Obama Works to Curb Social Security Benefits

Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a Q&A about inflation calculation that will slow cost-of-living adjustments for senior citizens

April 11, 2013 – The term “COLA” is a part of the Social Security program that has been highly cherished by senior citizens. It stands for “cost-of-living adjustment,” and was the government’s way of being trying to keep retired older Americans from seeing their Social Security benefits eaten away by inflation. Now, the Obama administration has come up with a new way to calculate inflation that will reduce COLA in the future. It is called the chained consumer price index and below is a Q&A on this method provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Reporters Dig Into Obama Budget and Find Other Proposals that May Impact Seniors

More spending on Medicaid, mental health; replacing current formula for Medicare pay to doctors

April 11, 2013 – Senior citizens have – rightly so – primarily focused on the cuts to Social Security and Medicare in the 2014 budget proposal from the White House that was presented yesterday. Media sources have found other parts of the budget that may also impact many seniors - funding boosts for mental health and food and drug safety, as well as the elimination of the SGR formula to set Medicare physician payment rates. It also delays funding cuts to hospitals that treat the uninsured. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Congress Could Lose Older Voters by  Cutting Social Security, Medicare, Vets Benefits: AARP Poll

Senior advocates seem solid in opposition to cuts expected to appear Wednesday in President Obama’s budget; Congressional call-in on Wednesday

April 8, 2013 – Groups that advocate for senior citizens and senior issues appear to be solid in their opposition to budget moves advocated by Republicans and now supported by the White House that will cut income from Social Security and reduce spending by Medicare. A survey released today by AARP says 84% of American voters age 50 and older oppose the chained CPI proposal for reducing Social Security benefits for years ahead. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Think of Social Security as Life Insurance Policy You Didn't Know You Had

Social Security specialists points out many survivors could be eligible for benefits; also promotes Retirement Estimator

April 5, 2013 – A surprising number of people may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits, according to Oscar Garcia, Public Affair Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He says, in answer to a question, “Think of your Social Security taxes as a life insurance policy you never knew you had.” He also has some assurances about the agency's Retirement Estimator. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Social Security Warns Senior Citizens to Be Sure They Are on the Official Social Security Website

Countless consumers victimized each year by misleading advertisers who use "Social Security" or "Medicare" to entice the public to use their services

March 25, 2013 - Thinking you are doing business with Social Security can be a costly mistake when you have been mislead to a website posing as the official government site, says Oscar Garcia, Public Affair Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He also advises prompt notification of a beneficiaries death to another question in this Social Security Q&A. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Women May Receive Their Earned Social Security Benefit and Another as a Wife

Women need to familiarize themselves with what the program means to them in their particular circumstances

March 11, 2013 - Understanding Social Security benefits may mean the difference between living more comfortably versus just getting by in retirement, especially for married women. Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration addresses a question about a woman receiving her own work retirement and benefits as a wife. Read more...

 

Social Security Q&A

Seniors Should Have Received Social Security Statement for 2012; Four Tax Tips from SSA

If you did not get yours you can request it online; Retirement Estimator is just that – an estimator

Feb. 19, 2013 – The Social Security Administrations says seniors should have received their benefit statements for 2012 and Public Affairs Specialist Oscar Garcia adds four tax tips for seniors and answers a key question about the agency’s Retirement Estimator. Read more...

 

Senior Citizen Politics

Social Security Head: Program Fraying from Neglect

By Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press

Feb. 14, 2013 - Outgoing Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue has some parting shots for Congress, the White House and advocates for seniors. They have all "really walked away from Social Security," he says, leaving the program "fraying because of inattention to its problems." Instead of making the hard choices to fix Social Security's financial problems, policymakers "use it as a tool of political rhetoric," Astrue said in an interview with the AP. Read at Yahoo/AP

Social Security News

Social Security Announces New Online Services Available with a "my Social Security" Account

Critical and practical information available to senior citizens with new Social Security personal account - you need a new password if you used the old account

Jan. 31, 2013 – Social Security wants you to open your personal online account to keep up with the information about you that is maintained by the agency. They suggest people sign up for the free "my Social Security" account when they begin working and continue to use it throughout the time they receive benefits. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior Citizens Hear Encouraging Words on Entitlements in President's Second Inaugural

'The commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengthen us' - see video

Jan. 22, 2013 – President Barack Obama generally drew praise from senior citizen advocates for the words in his inaugural address yesterday that signaled his commitment to preserve the “entitlement programs” of Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. Read more, see video...

Social Security News

Senior Citizens May Still Receive Social Security Checks in Mail After March 1 Treasury Deadline

Group backed by Envelope Manufacturers Association may have issue headed to a hearing in the House of Representatives

Jan. 21, 2013 – Senior citizens receiving their Social Security benefits by paper check may continue to do so after the March 1 deadline for converting to direct deposit or prepaid credit card, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle and Print Week magazine. “It turns up the checks still will be showing up in the mail after all,” writes Chronicle reporter L. M. Sixel. Read more...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Time Running Out for Seniors to Meet March 1 Social Security Electronic Payment Deadline

Treasury Department urges remaining paper check recipients to make the switch now to direct deposit or a prepaid card - see video

Deadline
March 1, 2013

Jan. 8, 2013 – Senior citizens still receiving their Social Security benefits by paper check must take action soon - March 1 is the final deadline by which all remaining federal benefit check recipients must receive their money electronically. That is the date the electronic payment law goes into effect. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Aging Coalition Urges Policymakers: Don't Reduce the Deficit on the Backs of Seniors in Need

Groups representing 60 million older Americans oppose cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustments

Dec. 17, 2012 - The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations (LCAO) - who together represent over 60 million older Americans - expressed grave concerns about proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, the Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and discretionary programs like the Older Americans Act as part of the emerging budget agreement. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Suspend Social Security to Gain Extra Credits? Survivors Get Benefits at 60, Can Switch at 62

Retirees may find value in different retirement strategies: some are discussed here in Q&A by SSA specialist

Dec. 11, 2012 – Those nearing eligibility for Social Security need to apply early to be sure the benefits begin when needed, says Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist, SSA, who also offers some ideas on retirement strategies, like suspending retirement benefits and receiving delayed retirement credits. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

GOP 'Fiscal Cliff' Plan with Big Reductions in Social Security and Medicare Rejected by White House

$200 billion in savings to come from GOP trick to change way inflation is calculated, thus reducing COLA for Social Security and slow Medicare benefit increases

Dec. 4, 2012 - The House Republican’s made a counteroffer to President Obama’s earlier budget proposal and it that for big cuts in the critical programs for America’s senior citizens – Social Security and Medicare – while still refusing to allow taxes to rise back to previous levels for the wealthiest taxpayers. The While House rejected the plan because it rejects the tax increase and does not meet his "test of balance." Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

AARP Says 7 in 10 Older Americans Oppose Medicare, Social Security Changes Now

‘Congress should not make last-minute deals that would jeopardize the promise made to current and future generations that they receive the Social Security and Medicare benefits they have contributed…’

Nov.15, 2012 - In an AARP survey fielded immediately following the 2012 election, 70 percent of Americans age 50 or older say that they believe a separate public debate about the future of Medicare and Social Security is needed and changes should not be part of any end-of-year deal addressing the nation’s budget deficit, often referred to as the “fiscal cliff.” Almost all (92%) older Americans also said that it is very important that Washington listen to ordinary citizens when it comes to decisions about Medicare and Social Security. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security Offices to Close Earlier Due to Budget Squeeze by Congress

Field offices will close daily at 3 p.m. starting November 19; January 2 will begin closing at noon on Wednesdays

Nov. 13,2012 -Social Security field offices across the U.S. will begin closing 30 minutes earlier on November 19. Employees, however, will still be at work. The agency says the early closing to the public will allow agency staff to process claims work without incurring the cost of overtime, which has been severely limited by reduced funding by Congress. Read More...

Lack of Social Security Awareness Could Be Costing Retirees Thousands of Dollars

Half collecting or planning to collect benefit before full retirement age; more than half not knowledgeable about maximizing benefits; 83% concerned about program

Oct. 31, 2012 – Many older retired Americans do not understand key issues surrounding Social Security, says the BMO Retirement Institute. Consequently, they are losing out on a significant amount of money that could be used to fund their retirement. Read more...

Social Security Says 1.7 Percent COLA for 2013, Modest Bump More Than Expected

Average retired senior will get $21 per month more; retired couple $34

Oct. 16, 2012 - Senior citizens will get a slightly larger cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2013 than most people were estimating. The Social Security Administration announced today the increase in the monthly benefit for almost 62 million older Americans will be 1.7 percent. Read more...

 

Looks Like Small COLA for Seniors from Social Security in 2013 Says Reuters

Oct. 11, 2012 - “Next year, the Social Security COLA for 2013 is expected to be 1.4 percent - and for many seniors, much of that will be eaten up by a higher Medicare Part B premium,” according to Mark Miller of Reuters.

 Read more at Reuters

Social Security Q&A

How Early to Apply for Social Security? How Does Divorced Wife Apply? SSA Q&A

Signing up can be done quickly from home but time needed for payments to begin; can divorced wife get benefits from ex’s SS and her own later?

Aug. 27, 2012 – Signing up for Social Security today is a snap compared to just a few years ago, when you had to go a Social Security office. It can be done from home today, but Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with Social Security says seniors still need to apply early to be sure the benefits begin when they need them. Here are his answers to questions about applying and about applying as an ex-wife. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Couple of Things Seniors May Not Know About Social Security, Medicare

There are things women in particular should know about Social Security

Aug. 3, 2012 – There are a lot of things most of us don’t know about our senior entitlements – Social Security and Medicare. Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with SSA, answers a couple of them here – are benefits calculated differently for men and women, and does Medicare cover us outside the U.S. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senate Aging Chair Wants Social Security to Better Inform Seniors About Benefits

More information:

Link to GAO report "Retirement Security: Women Still Face Challenges."

testimony by hearing witnesses

video of Senate hearing

GAO on purpose of report on women and retirement

Summary of GAO report

At hearing on Retirement Challenges for Women, Sen. Kohl also pushes for higher minimum benefit

July 26, 2012 – At a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Aging yesterday - “Enhancing Women’s Retirement Security” - Chairman Herb Kohl, D-Wis., called on the Social Security Administration to do more to help older Americans understand their benefits. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Spousal and Survivor Benefits in Social Security Create Challenging Decisions

SSA PR specialist has advice on options for spouses and surviving beneficiaries

Spousal & Survivor

• What options do I have when it comes to receiving my own or my husband’s Social Security?

Do I have to wait until 62 to receive survivors benefits?

July 25, 2012 - Some of the most challenging questions about Social Security benefits involve the rights of those eligible for spousal or survivor benefits. Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration provides answers to a couple of the most common of these questions. Read more...

Social Security News

Online Access to Social Security Statement Draws a Million Users

Provides estimates for benefits. It also provides workers as young as 18 a “convenient” way to determine if their earnings are accurately posted

June 29, 2012 – It has been less than two months since the Social Security Administration kicked off the My Social Security program and already a million people have gone online to create and account and view their Social Security statement. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

When Should You Retire Under Social Security? Here is the Agency's View

Popular questions from those who face Social Security retirement decisions are answered by Social Security specialist

When Should I Retire?

How will part-time work affect my Social Security?

What if I work after drawing benefits?

May 30, 2012 – Almost everyone nearing the age when they can begin drawing from Social Security under the early retirement provision faces the question – “Should I take early retirement or wait until I reach the full retirement age?” Here a Social Security specialist provides the facts, answers related questions and points the way to more help by Social Security. Read more...

Social Security News

Coalition Says Saving Social Security Critical to Elderly Women, Families

‘Congress should examine the inequities that have created a poverty rate for senior women and widows that is 50% higher than other retirees’

May 14, 2012 – Three advocacy groups joined forces to make a presentation to congressional staff today on their research examining the challenges facing elderly women and their families and the importance of Social Security. Their report, Breaking the Social Security Glass Ceiling, proposes initiatives to ensure Social Security benefits are adequate for all Americans, particularly for women and women of color. Read more...

Retirement News

Couples Retiring in 2012 Need $240,000 for Medical Bills, $20,000 More if Obamacare Overturned: Fidelity

Senior citizens relying on Social Security to pay medical bills will have only 39% of payment left for other expenses

May 10, 2012 - A 65-year-old senior couple retiring this year is estimated to need $240,000 to cover medical expenses throughout retirement, according to the latest retiree health care costs estimate calculated by Fidelity Investments. And, if the health care reform bill – “Obamacare” – is overturned by the Supreme Court, seniors can add another $20,000 to their costs, according to a report by Bloomberg.com. Read more...

Social Security Q&A

Social Security Rep Answers Questions About Help Paying for Medicare Drugs

Also offers information on other questions about Social Security and Medicare - people who never worked, when do payments start,

May 3, 2012 – There may be as much as $4,000 in financial help available to people on Medicare who need help paying for their prescription drugs, according to Oscar Garcia, Public Affairs Specialist with the Social Security Administration. He also answers questions about Social Security for those who have never worked and when a senior’s benefit begins payments. Read more...

Social Security News

Personal Social Security Statements Now Available Online for Your Planning

Simple, easy to use tool for planning your retirement with better knowledge of your Social Security account

May 1, 2012 – Your Social Security account – or statement – is now available online to help in planning your retirement. The program is “simple” and “easy-to-use,” said Commissioner Michael J. Astrue in making the announcement today. Read more...

Social Security News

AARP Says Social Security, Medicare Trustee Reports Show 'Long-Term' Challenges

2012 Reports underscore the need for a national conversation on strengthening retirement security for Americans; action soon by Washington

April 23, 2012 – AARP’s statement on the Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports for 2012 emphasized that there is time for action on the looming financial crisis for senior citizens and called for a “national conversation on strengthening retirement security,” which is a campaign it recently launched. The statement emphasized Social Security funding appears secure until 2033. Read more...

Social Security Trust Funds’ Survival Projected to be Three Years Shorter Than Last Year

Social Security Trustees annual report to the Congress contains troubling, but not unexpected, projections about Social Security’s finances

April 23, 2012 – The combined assets of the Social Security Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2033 – three years sooner than projected last year by the Social Security Board of Trustees.. At that time, there will be sufficient non-interest income coming in to pay about 75 percent of scheduled benefits they project in their annual report to Congress. Read more...

Big Questions About Social Security: Age to Draw Benefit, Survivor Benefit Amount

The decision for senior citizens about early retirement is a common one; few know how survivor benefits are determined - video on how to enroll online

April 19, 2012 – Social Security is of critical importance to most older Americans, but few really think about it until the time comes to make a decision about when to apply for the retirement payments, which can be as early as three months before turning age 62. What a surviving spouse will receive is another question most never consider until they lose their loved one. Below are answers from a SSA spokesperson and help on getting more information. Read more..See video

Senior Citizen Politics

AARP Program to Draw Seniors into Conversation on Medicare, Social Security

'You’ve Earned a Say’ gives platform for older Americans who have paid into these programs to have a say in their future - see video

See video belowMarch 19, 2012 - AARP leaders at events across the country today announced the launch of You’ve Earned a Say, which the organizations describes as a national conversation about strengthening health and retirement security. AARP says this program is taking the debate about Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington and making sure that all Americans have a voice in the discussion about their future. Read more, see video

Social Security News

Patty Duke Registers Online for Social Security, Medicare in PJs

Patty Duke Show star has volunteered for years to help promote Social Security’s online services to fellow baby boomers - see video

Patty Duke, husband in pajamas join Social Security & Medicare.

Jan. 23, 2012 - After years of telling people they can apply online for Social Security in their pajamas, Patty Duke has taken her own advice. Duke turned 65 last month and applied online for retirement and Medicare benefits from home. Read more, watch video...

‘Means testing’ to bolster Social Security? It’s already happening.

By Allan Sloan (Washington Post, 3-1-2012)

It’s almost time for one of Washington’s rites of spring: the arrival of the new Social Security trustees’ report. The report, which is usually issued in April, will show Social Security’s finances deteriorating because of a higher-than-projected inflation adjustment for 2012. This is likely to touch off a debate over whether to help fix Social Security’s financial problems by denying retirement benefits to “the rich.” On the surface, this approach, known as “means testing,” sounds great. Eliminating payments to retirees with incomes above a certain level would make more available to folks in need. Those greedy rich need to pay their fair share, right?

But here’s a dirty little secret: Social Security is already seriously means-tested. And my situation shows it.

>> Click to full column, reader comments

Social Security Suspends Online Services for a Day of Maintenance

System maintenance begins Saturday night, ends Monday morning

Dec. 15, 2011 – Online services provided by the Social Security Administration, including such services as applying for benefits online, will not be available from 11 p.m. Saturday until 5 a.m. Monday. The temporary shutdown is due to regular system maintenance. Read more...

Sen. Casey to Close Social Security Loopholes Allowing Philly Basement Case

Basement case suspects held 4 mentally disabled captives while taking their SSA benefits

Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa)Dec. 2, 2011 - A bill introduced in the Senate this week will close loopholes in the Social Security system that allowed suspects in the Philadelphia basement case to bilk their captives of their Social Security benefits and avoid police for years. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) says his bill... Read more...

Social Security Launches New Spanish Online Services Matching English Version

TV superstar Don Francisco helps announce retirement and medicare extra help applications at www.segurosocial.gov

Nov. 18, 2011 – Social Security’s most popular online services – the applications for retirement and Medicare and for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs - are now available in Spanish. The new online services are available at www.segurosocial.gov, which is the Spanish version of Social Security’s award winning website, www.socialsecurity.gov. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Speaker Boehner Moves the Target for Super Budget Cutters to Social Security

Republicans say 'no' to tax hikes but will consider Medicare price increases

Nov. 1, 2011 – Many senior citizens bolstered by advertising and lobbying efforts by AARP and other advocacy groups to protect Social Security and Medicare, may have been lulled into a sleep by the secretive discussions of the super panel considering how to balance the U.S. budget. The gloves came off yesterday, however, as House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) appeared to move the bulls eye squarely on to Social Security and other senior entitlement programs. Read more...

Medicare Announces Premiums for 2012, Part B Increase Just $3.50 Monthly for Most

Most senior citizens will see an increase in Social Security of about $43 in 2012, producing a gain after Part B cost of 39.50 per month

Oct. 27, 2011 – The wait is over. Medicare announced the premiums and deductibles senior citizens will be paying in 2011, which included the increase for the most expensive premium seniors pay, Part B, which many feared would wipe out the cost-of-living increase in Social Security. The news is good, at least for most seniors, the increase in Part B will be just $3.50, which barely touches the $43 COLA increase for the average senior. Read more...

Social Security News

Part B: Expensive Part of Medicare May Squash COLA for Seniors

Announcement due this week - what will it mean to you?

Oct. 24, 2011 - Millions of senior wait for the other shoe to drop…the one they may squash their 2012 increase from Social Security. This year, for the first time in two years, senior citizens and others depending on Social Security will receive a cost-of-living increase for 2012. The other shoe, however, is the cost of Medicare Part B for 2012, which could wipe out the COLA gain. Read more...

Social Security COLA Increase of 3.6 Percent for Senior Citizens in 2012

Cost-of-Living Adjustment is First Since 2009; see details, questions answered by Social Security

Oct. 19, 2011 - After two years without a cost-of-living increase, Social Security will give senior citizens and others on Social Security a 3.6 percent increase in 2012. The SS monthly payment for the average retired worker will go from $1,186 in 2011 to $1,229 in 2012 – an increase of $43, according to the announcement Wednesday. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Group Fighting to Save Senior Citizen Benefits in Social Security, Medicare Finds An Angel - Maybe

GOP appointee to Super Committee, Rep. Fred Upton, says senior benefits should not be cut for those in program

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, Republican from MichiganAug. 20, 2011 – The group that organized earlier this year to protect the Social Security and Medicare benefits of senior citizens –the Strengthen Social Security Campaign – thinks they have found a possible critical ally in a Republican appointee to the new super committee charged with making a big dent in the deficit. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) says that current Medicare and Social Security beneficiaries should not face any reductions in benefits, according to the SSSC. Read more...

Editorial: Social Security far from a 'Ponzi scheme'

9/12/11 - As government programs go, Social Security is enormously popular, one supported by all presidents of both parties since its founding in 1935. It is the main reason that the percentage of seniors in poverty has dropped to roughly 10% from what many experts believe was more than 50% during the Great Depression. About 90% of voters of both parties say it has been very good or good for the country. USA Today Editorial


Social Security's problems are solvable

By Eric Wieffering, Minneapolis Star Tribune

9/20/11…Social Security's problems may pale next to those of Medicare, but that doesn't make them less real or consequential. Worse, ignoring them or pretending they will go away means passing on the opportunity to enact simple, long-term fixes that could strengthen Social Security for generations to come…

Fortunately, there are a lot of good ideas out there that could help Congress avoid the fewer, harder choices that await if we dither. Some of them include… and then Wieffering lays out several simple solutions the Social Security financial problem… Editor’s Note: Read this, and share it with your friends.


Senior Citizen Politics

Senate Aging Committee Chair Calls for More Screening, Oversight of Guardians

Sen. Kohl releases GAO report showing need for strong screening of those making financial decisions for incapacitated seniors, others

Aug. 11, 2011 – There is a greater need for screening and oversight of guardians appointed to make financial decisions for senior citizens and other adults that are incapacitated – primarily on Social Security - says Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wisc.), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. Read more...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Seniors Can Expect All Social Security Payments to be Made on Time

Agency again urges seniors to switch from checks to Direct Deposit

Aug. 2, 2011 - Social Security payments for August 3rd will be made on time and as scheduled, according to Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. Payments for August 10th, 17th, and 24th also will be made as scheduled. Read more...

Social Security News

Congressional Budget Cut Forces Social Security Offices to Begin Closing Early

All field offices will close 30 minutes earlier each day

July 22, 2011 – A one billion dollar cut by Congress in the Obama budget proposed for Social Security will cause the agency to begin closing field offices nationwide to the public 30 minutes early each day. The new hours will begin on August 15, according to an announcement today by the commissioner. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior League Flatly Opposes Social Security Cuts for Those 50+, But Cites Alternatives

Proposals include raising payroll tax cap, raising retirement age, adding public workers

July 18, 2011 – The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) makes clear its opposition to benefit cuts in Social Security that would impact any Americans age 50 or older, but says there are alternatives to reduce the budget in less painful ways. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

AARP Fights Back Against Charges of Giving In on Cuts to Social Security; Launches TV Ad

AARP TV ad fighting cuts to senior programs. See video

CEO reaffirms opposition to cutting Social Security, asks seniors to pledge help in fight; AARP kicks off TV ad urging protection for SS and Medicare

June 20, 2011 – The Wall Street Journal stirred up a storm last week when it quoted in a news story AARP’s policy director John Rother saying the senior advocacy group was dropping its objection to cutting Social Security benefits. AARP CEO A. Barry Rand fired back that the report was inaccurate and that AARP has not changed its position on Social Security. Read more, see video

Social Security News

Social Security Trustees Project Trust Fund Exhaustion One Year Sooner

Senior citizen advocacy groups not alarmed by 2036 deadline, see time for fix

May 15, 2011 - The Social Security Board of Trustees late Friday (May 13, 2011) released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and said they will be exhausted in 2036, one year earlier than projected last year.  one year sooner than projected last year. Most senior advocacy groups were not alarmed (see comments below news report). Read more...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Treasury Retiring Paper Check for Social Security, Other Benefits; Saves $1 Billion

U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios holds $1 billion check as symbol of savings from going to electronic pay methods

Seniors, others currently receiving federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.

April 27, 2011 – Starting on May 1, the U.S. Treasury will switch to an electronic payment method for Baby Boomers and others signing on for Social Security, veterans’ affairs payments or other benefits. Senior citizens and others currently receiving their federal benefits by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013. The move is projected to save taxpayers $1 billion over ten years. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Obama Budget Plan Cuts Deficit by $4 Trillion, Strengthens Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security

Around two-thirds of budget is spent on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and national security - watch video

April 13, 2011 - President Barack Obama on Wednesday shared his plans to cut the deficit by $4 trillion in 12 years, which, according to a fact sheet distributed by the White House, includes saving $480 billion in health care costs by 2023. Obama proposes holding Medicare cost growth down by strengthening the Independent Payment Advisory Board and making Medicaid more flexible without using block grants. And, about the other program vital to senior citizens, Social Security, his fact sheet said, “No current beneficiary should see the basic benefit reduced; nor will we accept an approach that slashes benefits for future generations.” Read more....

Senior Citizen Politics

President to Outline Strategy to Make Entitlements More Secure for Senior Citizens

President Obama lays out his budget reduction plan on Wednesday, to change course for Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security

April 11, 2011 – Still reeling from the Republican proposal to severely cut Medicare and Medicaid and to push Medicare toward a private insurance program, senior citizens are now bracing for cost reduction proposals for entitlement programs expected on Wednesday from President Barack Obama. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senate Leader Reid to Help Kickoff Nationwide Effort to Protect Social Security

National advocacy group plans week of activities, new radio spots, use of social media

March 28, 2011 – A news conference and rally featuring Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will be held in Washington today to kickoff a nationwide mobilization effort by the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. It is part of the group's “Hands Off Our Social Security Campaign.” Read more...

Putting Senior Citizens Back to Work Popular Way to Help Social Security Medicare

Even senior citizens like this idea and the idea for increasing eligibility age says Harris Poll

March 9, 2011 – Persuading you (senior citizens) to go back to work, or continue to work, is a popular idea with most Americans for making Medicare and Social Security more financially viable, according to a new Harris Poll. But, guess which age group likes this idea the most – older people. The public and the seniors also likes the idea of raising the age for joining these programs. Read more...

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor, Clinton Administration

Why Social Security Isn't a Problem for 26 Years, and the Best Way to Fix It Permanently

Social Security isn't responsible for federal deficit - just the opposite. Until last year it took in more than it paid out. It lent the surpluses to the government

By Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor

Feb. 26, 2011

Nearly Half of Senior Citizens Receiving Smaller Social Security Checks in 2011

New survey finds lack of COLA hurting seniors as over 60% see their expenses rise, Medicare premiums reduce checks

Feb. 3, 2011 - Forty-four percent of seniors are receiving lower Social Security checks this year compared to 2010, while even more are dealing with significantly higher expenses. The findings come from an annual survey of elderly Americans, released earlier today by The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), which claims to be one of the nation's largest nonpartisan senior citizens advocacy groups. Read more...

Social Security Finds Later Retirement Age Reduces Benefits, Costs but Increases Poverty

'Distributional Effects of Accelerating and Extending Increase in the Full Retirement Age,' a policy brief, finds pluses and minuses in raising the retirement age

by Glenn R. Springstead, Social Security Office of Retirement Policy

Jan. 28, 2011 - This policy brief analyzes the distributional effects of increasing Social Security's full retirement age (FRA), the age at which Social Security pays full unreduced benefits. Under current law, the FRA is 66 years for newly eligible beneficiaries and is scheduled to increase incrementally to 67 years between 2017 and 2022. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Republicans Block $250 for Senior Citizens to Replace Lack of Social Security Hike in 2011

Also other action reduces income to Social Security Trust Fund by $120 billion

Dec. 9, 2010 – Republicans jumped at the chance to allow the richest people in the United States to keep a tax cut that will cost the taxpayers about $70 billion a year, then stomped on efforts to give senior citizens $250 in 2011 to compensate for the lack of a cost-of-living increase in Social Security. Only 26 Republicans joined 228 Democrats in the failed effort in the House to pass H.R. 5987. Read more...

Social Security News

Booming Senior Citizen Population Will Bring Social Security to Its Knees: Deficit Committee

Significant changes in seniors’ security blanket program detailed by committee in ‘The Moment of Truth’ report

By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com

Dec. 3, 2010 – Most of the initial reactions to the proposal on December 1 by President Obama’s special committee seeking ways to reduce the U.S. deficit focused on changes to Medicare as being the most dramatic of the adjustments recommended. Medicare, no doubt, is critical to senior citizens but the program closer to the hearts of millions of seniors is Social Security – the security blanket. The committee’s report does urge drastic changes in this program to and says unless the nation acts the booming number elderly will “bring the Social Security program to its knees.” Read more...

Experts Say Plan for Targeted Improvements, 75-Year Financing Strengthens Social Security

National Academy of Social Insurance suggests Americans will cheer their plan

Nov. 12, 2011 – A non-partisan organization staffed by experts in social insurance - the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) - has presented a fix for Social Security that includes benefit improvements and a long-range financing plan that it thinks the American people will cheer. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Social Security, Medicare Cuts in Bulls Eye for Federal Commission Trying to Reduce Budget

Bi-partisan commission charged with identifying policies to improve the fiscal situation of the federal budget got off to thunderous start

Nov. 11, 2010 - Senior citizens, that turned out in droves to support the Tea Party rallies urging cuts in federal spending, came face-to-face with reality today as the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released a long list of spending cuts that could be made. Although a small part of the total savings from these ideas, projected to be $200 billion a year, it does suggest significant reductions in Social Security, Medicare and Veterans programs that are critical to millions of elderly Americans. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

New Campaign Gets 136 in Congress to Warn President About Cutting Social Security

These House Democrats pledge to oppose any form of Social Security cuts coming from commission setup by President Obama

Oct. 20, 2010 – This week 136 members of Congress – all Democrats -  sent a letter to President Obama stating that they will oppose any recommendations issued by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform that cut Social Security benefits, further raise the Social Security retirement age, or privatize the program in any way. The effort was planned by the newly formed Social Security Works (SSW), which has organized the Strengthen Social Security Campaign. Read more...

Social Security News

Now Official Senior Citizens Will Not Get COLA Increase for 2011; $250 Check, Maybe

Medicare law has “hold harmless” provision protecting 70% on Social Security from paying a higher Part B premium, which could cause many to receive less than 2010

Oct. 15, 2010 – The Social Security Administration made the inevitable official this morning – 58 million Americans will not get an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase in 2011. The Social Security Act provides for an increase in Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits if inflation increases from the third quarter of the last year to the third quarter of the current year. Read more...

Speaker Pelosi Backs $250 Payment to Senior Citizens, Veterans if No COLA for 2011

Senior Protection Act by Rep. Earl Pomeroy still in committee; President Obama has backed $250 payment for seniors

Oct. 15, 2010 – If it is announced today, as expected, that there will be no cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to increase Social Security in 2011 for senior citizens, Democrats are poised to back a bill by Congressman Earl Pomeroy and supported by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to issue seniors and retired military a one-time $250 payment. Read more...

Social Security Will Not Have COLA Increase in 2011; No Surprise but Official This Friday

Senior citizens doing better than most since recession; See below - history of COLAs, Social Security Q&A, related links

Oct. 11, 2010 – Senior citizens have known since last year that they are not likely to receive a cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security checks for 2011, due to the lack of inflation, which determines the COLA each October. The Associated Press notes this official word will be released by Social Security on Friday. Read more...

Senior Citizens Threatened by Hurricane Earl Receiving Social Security Checks Early

About 737,000 residents in 10 states and D.C. should get checks today

Sept. 2, 2010 – Senior citizens living on the upper Atlantic coast, who normally expect their Social Security check on the third day of the month, should be receiving their checks today. The agency is sending the checks a day early to 737,000 beneficiaries living in states expected to be impacted by Hurricane Earl. Read more...

Social Security Trustees Report Long-Range Financing Outlook Remains Unchanged

Trust Funds exhausted in 2037, same as projected last year; enter red ink in 2015

Aug. 6, 2010 - The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and they say the long-range outlook remains unchanged. There was a slight negative change, however, with costs now expected to permanently exceed tax revenues beginning 2015, one year earlier than estimated in last year’s report. Read more

Social Security Opens National Hearing Center in St. Louis to Reduce Disability Backlog

Center will hear disability cases for Cleveland and Minneapolis –two of the most backlogged hearing offices in the nation

Aug. 2, 2010 - Three new Social Security Administration offices have opened in St Louis, Missouri, including the agency’s fifth National Hearing Center (NHC). It becomes the largest hearing center in the nation. It is co-located with two other new facilities - the National Case Assistance Center (NCAC) and the Midwest Training Center. These operations also add 200 new federal jobs in St. Louis. Read more...

Social Security Seeks Personal Stories About the Program to Celebrate 75 Years of Service

President Roosevelt signing Social Security Act of 1935 in the Cabinet Room of the White HouseOn August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signs the Social Security Act in the Cabinet Room of the White House.

Social Security is asking people to tell online how the program made a difference in their lives and the lives of their family and friends

July 27, 2010 - Do you have a story about how Social Security impacted your life? Or, maybe you know a story about Social Security and someone in your family? The Social Security Administration is planning to publish these personal stories and reflections about how Social Security has touched personal lives to celebrate its 75 years of public service. Read more...

Social Security Can Be Fixed with Just Modest Changes: Senate Committee on Aging

Chairman Kohl sends to Congress various options committee found for consideration

May 18, 2010 – Making the future of Social Security financially secure is not as difficult as many have made it seem, according to Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Aging. The committee released a report today that includes various options for making Social Security more secure through “modest changes” to the program. Read more...

Many Popular Online Services of Social Security Close Temporarily for Maintenance

Detailed list of what’s available online from SSA listed below – Retirement Planner won’t close

May 6, 2010 – Some of the increasingly popular online services of the Social Security Administration will not be available from Friday, May 7, at 11 p.m. Eastern until Saturday, May 8 at 5 a.m., according to a posting on the index pages to these services. The Retirement Planner will still be available during this regularly scheduled maintenance. Read more...

Retirement News

Declining Social Security Benefits Keeping Older Men In Workforce, Study Finds

   
 

David Blau

 

‘Older individuals don’t get the same level of Social Security benefits when they retire as they once did’

May 4, 2010 – A new study confirms the strong trend – since 1992 – of more senior men delaying their retirement. And, the researcher finds, the reason older men are remaining in the workforce is the decline in the generosity of the Social Security benefits. Read more...

Social Security’s Online Services Take Top Three Spots in Customer Satisfaction Survey

SSA’s online services also meet or exceed the private sector’s highest score

May 4, 2010 – The Social Security Administration’s online services, heavily used by senior citizens for matters dealing with Social Security and Medicare, have been recognized as the “best in government” and exceed top private sector sites in customer satisfaction, according to a news release today. Read more..

Senior Citizen Politics

Bi-Partisan Senators Join to Keep Banks from Freezing Accounts with Social Security Funds

Democratic Senators Kohl, McCaskill, Baucus joined by Republican Grassley to push for new Treasury regulations protecting seniors, veterans

April 17, 2010 – In a rare expression of bi-partisanship, Republican Senator Chuck Grassley joined with three Democratic senators this week to applaud new regulations proposed to prevent banks from freezing accounts containing money from Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or veterans’ benefits to ensure seniors and veterans have access to vital funds. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security's Open Government Plan Includes Online Life-Expectancy Calculator

Also to introduce Spanish-language Retirement Estimator and enhancements to Online service

April 9, 2010 – Social Security has released its Open Government plan that includes three ground-breaking initiatives - the Spanish-Language Retirement Estimator, Online Service Enhancement, and an Online Life-Expectancy Calculator. Read more...

Baby Boomers Can Now Apply for Medicare Online at Social Security Website

Cast of Patty Duke Show helping agency responsible for Social Security & Medicare enrollment

March 29, 2010 – The millions of baby boomers flooding across the age marker that signals they are a senior citizens – the age of 65 – will be pleased with news from Social Security that you can now register for Medicare benefits online, if you are not ready to also sign up for Social Security. Patty Duke and the cast of her 1960s sitcom, The Patty Duke Show, are helping spread the word. Read more...

Social Security Commissioner Astrue Honored by Alzheimer’s Association

Humanitarian award recognizes his adding early-onset AD, other dementias to to SSA’s Compassionate Allowances Initiative

Commissioner Michael J. AstrueMarch 15, 2010 - Social Security Administration commissioner Michael Astrue received the Alzheimer's Association's 2010 Humanitarian Award in recognition of his “exceptional leadership” in creating the Compassionate Allowances Initiative and the decision to include early-onset Alzheimer's disease and other dementias in that initiative. Read more...

Social Security Launches New Open Government Webpage, Wants Your Ideas

Access to Agency Strategic Plan, Freedom of Information Act Report, as well as program laws and regulations for Social Security; will publish its Open Government Plan in April

Feb. 18, 2010 - Social Security has a new Open Government webpage available to the public that will serve as the portal for all agency activities that support President Obama’s Transparency and Open Government initiative. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security Adds 38 New Medical Conditions that Qualify for Disability Help

Adding new conditions, like early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, will speed benefits to thousands of disabled

Feb. 12, 2010 – The latest move by the Social Security Administration, in an ongoing effort to speed up the decision process for consideration of applications for disability benefits to those not yet age 65, is the addition of 38 new medical conditions to the list of Compassionate Allowances, which clearly qualify applicants. The new conditions range from early-onset Alzheimer’s disease to rare diseases that primarily affect children. Read more...

Social Security Opens Access to Data About Disability Hearings, Processes at Data.gov

Commissioner Astrue says it is part of ‘President Obama’s commitment to creating an unprecedented level of openness in government’

Jan. 25, 2010 – What has to be seen as a good step forward in helping Americans find their way more quickly through the approval process to receive disability assistance from Social Security, the agency has made available public Online access  to data about beneficiaries and the agency’s disability and hearing processes. Read more...

Medicare Drug Program News

Chubby Checker Making Senior Citizens Aware It’s Easier to Get Help Paying for Medicare Drugs

The old twister joins Social Security in announcing new “twist” in law making it easier to qualify for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs

Jan. 11, 2010 - The Social Security Administration says there is a “new twist” that makes it easier for senior citizens to qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug costs, and they have the old twister – Chubby Checker – helping to spread the word. Read more, see video...

Social Security News

Senior Citizens Notified Social Security Check Will Come Week Earlier in 2010 by Mistake

Your check will come on same payment day in 2010 as it has in 2009

Dec. 19, 2009 – Millions of senior citizens and others on Social Security should be receiving a corrected notice from SSA concerning when your payments will be made in 2010. It corrects an earlier notice that told many recipients their check would arrive one week earlier than it will. Read more...

Social Security to Investigate California, Hawaii for Blocking Disability Claims

‘Gov. Schwarzenegger has insisted on furloughing California Disability Determination Service (DDS) employees, despite the fact that we fully fund both their salaries and overhead’

Nov. 20, 2009 - Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today asked the agency’s Inspector General to investigate allegations that the states of California and Hawaii have recently implemented practices that deny applicants the right to receive full consideration of their Social Security disability claims. Read more...

Social Security Announces New Feature on Popular Online Benefits Estimator

Will save a half-million seniors a year from going to office to get benefit information

Nov. 13, 2009 - The highly touted Retirement Estimator at the Social Security Website has just added a new enhancement to serve senior citizens that have signed up for Medicare but have not applied for Social Security. Previously, these “Medicare only” beneficiaries would need to contact a local office in order to obtain an estimate of their Social Security benefits. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior Citizens League Pushes Bill Giving Seniors $415 Increase in Social Security for 2010

House bill proposes a 3% pay hike for seniors – the average COLA increase over last 10 years

Oct. 16, 2009 – Despite strong Congressional support and the backing of President Obama for a $250 payment to senior citizens in 2010 to compensate for the lack of an increase in Social Security, The Senior Citizens League is not giving up on its support for a House bill that would give the average beneficiary an additional $415.20 in Social Security payments, a boost of $34.60 per month in 2010. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security Makes It Official: No COLA Increase for Seniors in 2010 Due to No Inflation

SSA calls for passage of $250 payment to each senior citizen as recommended by President Obama

Oct. 15, 2009 – Social Security made it official this morning. Over 57 million Americans will  not see an automatic Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) added to their Social Security payments for 2010. More than 36 million of these are senior citizens. The COLA is automatically determined each year to cover inflation, but, since the economic crash back in 2008 inflation has gone flat in the struggling economy. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

President Wants Congress to Give Each Senior Citizen $250 to Offset No Social Security COLA

Obama wants additional $250 Economic Recovery Payment paid to seniors, veterans and people with disabilities

Oct. 15, 2009 - President Obama yesterday announced his support for an additional $250 Economic Recovery Payment to the seniors, veterans and people with disabilities who are struggling to make ends meet with retirement savings that have not fully recovered from their losses over the first year of the recession. Read more...

House Passes Bill to Stop 2010 Increase in Medicare Part B Costs, Helping Seniors Cope

 

Congresswoman Dina Titus, Democrat from Nevada’s Third District, spoke on the House floor on the Medicare Premium Fairness Act, which she introduced.

 

Action stops insurance increase for about 27% of senior citizens, others protected already; Seniors won’t see COLA for 2010

Sept. 25, 2009 – Senior citizens may have a little financial relief on the way in 2010 as they prepare to make ends meet without a cost-of-living increase in their Social Security check. The House of Representatives yesterday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will prevent an increase in the Medicare Part B insurance by making $567 million available to pay the additional cost in 2010. Read more, see video...

Bills Hit Congress to Help Senior Citizens Deal with Lack of Social Security COLA in 2010

Proposal by Democrats Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter DeFazio getting most of the attention

 

Sen. Bernie Sanders talks on the Senate floor in support of his legislation.

 

Sept. 24, 2009 – Although it has been obvious for months that senior citizens were not going to get a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in their Social Security checks for 2010, due to the recession and high gasoline prices that hit last year, members of Congress are now jumping on the bandwagon to do something about it. At least four new bills in the House and one in the Senate propose providing some increase in benefits to seniors. Read more, Watch video...

House Gets Bill to Stop Medicare Part B Premium Increase as Seniors Face No COLA in 2010

An increase in the Medicare premiums would effectively reduce Social Security income for seniors

Sept. 24, 2009 – A bill sponsored by Rep. Dina Titus, a Nevada Democrat,  aimed at protecting senior citizens and others with disabilities from increases in their 2010 Medicare Part B premiums was introduced in the House of Representatives today, after receiving a nod from the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce Committees. Read more...

Social Security to Test Use of Microsoft’s HealthVault in Processing Disability Claims

Use of HealthVault expected to result in faster decisions for disability applicants

Read more about HealthVault below.Aug. 28, 2009 – The Social Security Administration is turning to Microsoft’s HealthVault, a free online service allowing individuals and families to share medical information with healthcare providers, to help speed up and improve its process of evaluating disability claims. Read more...

Social Security to Pay More Than $500 Million in Back Benefits; Stop Unlawful Suspensions

More than 200,000 people eligible for benefits again through court settlement

Aug. 12, 2009 - The Social Security Administration has agreed to repay more than $500 million in benefits that were unlawfully withheld from 80,000 people since January 2007, according to the National Senior Citizens Law Center. Read more...

Social Security Numbers Can Be Predicted from Public Information, Researchers Find

Carnegie Mellow researchers identified all nine digits for 8.5% of those born after 1988 in less than 1,000 attempts

July 10, 2009 – Many senior citizens protect their Social Security number as if it was a matter of life and death. They may be wasting their time, according to new research showing that public information readily gleaned from governmental sources, commercial data bases, or online social networks can be used to routinely predict most — and sometimes all — of an individual's nine-digit Social Security number. Read more...

Senior Citizens May Not Get Social Security COLA for Years Says Kaiser Medicare Brief

No Social Security increase also means higher Medicare Part B fees for many seniors says the analysis

June 29, 2009 – Senior citizens are not expected to receive a cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010 – for the first time ever. What’s worse, they may not receive an increase for the next three years. And, it keeps getting worse - no COLA means high Medicare Part B premiums for about a quarter of all Medicare beneficiaries, according to an analysis by the the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. Read more...

Sen. Kohl to Offer Senate Aging Committee as Repository for Social Security Reform Ideas

Chairman will make this announcement at hearing Wednesday on Social Security

June 15, 2009 – The Senate Special Committee on Aging will begin gathering suggestions on reforming Social Security, according to a news release from the office of Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), which said the committee chairman will announce his plan at committee hearing on Wednesday. Read more...

Seniors, Boomers Back at Work May Find Gold in Social Security's ‘Claim and Suspend’

   
 

Index of labor force participation rates for men aged 55 and older, by months into recession.

 

Center for Retirement Research at Boston College issues report on how to increase Social Security in future years

June 10, 2009 - Since the beginning of the economic collapse, more aging baby boomers and senior citizens have been reentering the workforce in an attempt to shore up their retirement savings. This uncertainty about a secure retirement increases the value of the consistent income provided by Social Security. One strategy to increase Social Security in future years is called “Claim and Suspend,” but it may not be familiar to many seniors, according to the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. Read more...

Senior Citizens Now Receiving $13 Billion in Stimulus Money from Social Security; All Due in May

Seniors who do not receive $250 payments by June 4 should contact Social Security; those in care facilities receiving Medicaid are not included

May 18, 2009 – The $250 stimulus payments for senior citizens receiving Social Security have been arriving in the mail boxes or direct deposited to the bank accounts those living in the U.S. A Social Security spokesperson says all of the $13 billion in economic recovery money targeted for those receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income will be dispensed by the end of May. A notable exception to the plan are those living in care facilities and also receiving Medicaid. Read more...

Bad News: Social Security Going into Red One Year Sooner; Good News: Part of Problem is We Live Longer

Social Security Trustees issue annual report on financial health of trust funds; feeling impact of economic downturn

May 12, 2009 – If there was a surprise in the annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds by the Social Security Board of Trustees, it was that the economic downturn has only moved the date that costs will exceed tax revenues forward by one year. This is now projected to happen in 2016. The good news is that one reason for the shrinking window is that Americans continue to live longer than expected. Read more...

Senior Citizens May Not See COLA Increases for a Few Years; Lower Expenses Can Help

2009 COLA was a real gain for seniors because there are inflation factors working in their favor

By Tucker Sutherland, editor & publisher
SeniorJournal.com

April 1, 2009 - Newspapers have been highlighting information from the Congressional Budget Office that projects seniors will not see increases from cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for the next three years, because of the current economic slump. It is probably true but not necessarily all bad news, since COLA is based on inflation and the projection is based on prices going down, not up. Read more...

Social Security to Begin Sending $13 Billion of Recovery Funds to Senior Citizens in Early May

VP Biden says the $250 will make a big difference for older Americans, those with disabilities

 

Video, Q&A with story

 
 

See story for link to video by Social Security explaining the Economic Recovery checks. See Q&A below news story.

 

March 27, 2009 – The $13 billion in economic recovery money targeted for those receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income will be dispersed in $250 checks that will begin hitting the mail in early May and continue through the month, according to an announcement yesterday by Vice President Joe Biden and Social Security Commissioner Michael J. Astrue. Veterans Affairs  and Railroad Retirement Board beneficiaries will get similar checks. Read more...

Social Security Still Says Your $250 Economic Recovery Check Should be There in May

Plans still formulating on how to quickly issue 55 million checks, mostly to senior citizens

By Tucker Sutherland, editor, SeniorJournal.com

 

Link to video from Social Security in story.

 

March 24, 2009 – Your $250 check – and the ones for about 55 million other Americans receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Railroad Retirement or Veterans benefits – is not in the mail but the Social Security Administration still says you should have it by the end of May. This is money made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Read more...

Payments Soon to Hit Mail Bringing $250 to 55 Million Social Security, SSI Beneficiaries

You should expect to receive your payment no later than the first week of June 2009

March 10, 2009 - Nearly 55 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries will receive a one-time payment of $250 each as part of the economic stimulus program. Social Security plans to pay all eligible Social Security and SSI beneficiaries by late May 2009. Read more...

Columnist Froma Harrop Says GOP Badly Mistaken About Social Security

Almost like on cue, Republicans are calling the retirement program a ponzi scheme

Feb. 13, 2009 - Reminded what a ponzi scheme is by the Bernie Madoff investment scandal, Republicans – the people who tried to convince senior citizens that private investment accounts were needed in the program - have been using the term to attack Social Security. Syndicated columnist Froma Harrop thinks they are way off base...

“Social Security is about the only thing around here that doesn't need fixin'. The Congressional Budget Office says it can pay all scheduled benefits into 2049. Sure, you want every entitlement to be funded into the next millennium, but 40 years of solvency sounds pretty darn good these days.

>> Read the Column at MySanAntonio.com

Social Security Ready to Enroll 10,000 Baby Boomers a Day for 20 Years Online

Patty Duke Show stars helping agency promote new online enrollment form

Jan. 7, 2009 – Facing the deluge of 10,000 Baby Boomers joining Social Security and Medicare every day for the next 20 years, Social Security has decided the monumental enrollment task is best handled online. The agency, with some promotion help by “Patty Duke,” has launched the Retire Online campaign. Read more...

Social Security to Give Senior Citizens Largest Cost-of-Living Increase Since 1982 – 5.8%

COLA will begin with benefits that over 50 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2009

Oct. 16, 2008 – It is now official – senior citizens will get their largest pay increase from Social Security since 1982. The cost-of-living increase (COLA) will be an increase of 5.8 percent starting in January of 2009, the Social Security Administration announced today. Read more...

Social Security Only Consistent Income for Seniors with Retirement Accounts Threatened

Obama, McCain battle over private investment accounts. Administration's failed economic policies have threaten seniors' income security, says Committee to Preserve Social Security, Medicare

Sept. 23, 2008 – With leaders in Washington focusing on a rapid solution to the worst financial crisis since the depression, one advocacy group, worried about retirement accounts and any threats to Social Security, has issued a reminder to those shaping the rescue that “Social Security provides the only consistent source of income for American retirees and their families.” Read more...

Medicare News

Senate Bill Would End Practice of Placing Social Security Numbers on Medicare Cards

Durbin, Bingaman, Kohl introduce bill to protect Medicare card holders from identity theft

Sept. 17, 2008 – Congress may demand the government removed Social Security numbers from Medicare identification cards and communications to beneficiaries as part of the battle against identity theft. Three Democrats introduced a bill in the Senate today to mandate these changes, which have been recommended by the Social Security Administration but ignored by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security COLA for 2009 Still Heading Toward Six Percent Increase with New Data

Bureau of Labor Statistics says critical consumer price index jumped 5.9% in August

Sept. 16, 2008 – The consumer price index that is used to determine the cost-of-living adjustment senior citizens will receive from Social Security in 2009 was released today and the change for August 2008 over August 2009 is still looking like the COLA will be an increase in the range of 6 percent, the largest since 1982. The change for August is 5.9 percent. Read more...

Largest Social Security COLA Increase in Over 25 Years May Greet Senior Citizens in 2009

Current trends indicate it will be over 6% and largest cost-of-living adjustment since 1982; announcement due next month

Sept. 15, 2008 – Senior citizens may be headed for their largest pay increase – or cost of living adjustment – in more than 25 years, following this year’s Social Security COLA of only 2.3 percent. Projections are now being made that the increase for 2009 will almost certainly exceed six percent. Read more...

Roll-Out of Direct Express Debit Card for Social Security Recipients Reaches West Coast

In September, nearly two million federal benefit recipients in 12 states will receive information about new check alternative  

Sept. 4, 2008 - The check is in the mail – your Social Security check, that is. But for nearly two million recipients in a dozen Western states it may be about their last to be delivered by the postal service. Since June, the U.S. Treasury has been rolling out the Direct Express Debit MasterCard card as a new way for senior citizens  and other recipients to receive their benefits. Read more...

Senior Citizen Alerts

Effort Grows to Protect Seniors by Removing Social Security Number from Medicare Card

Social Security frustrated with refusal to change by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

June 27, 2008 - Social Security says don’t carry your card on you, someone could get the number and use it to steal your identity. Medicare tells senior citizen to always carry their Medicare card, even though it has their Social Security number prominently displayed. Social Security has been trying to get Medicare to come up with a new card and identification system and, finally, they are getting some help in this effort to protect older Americans from identification theft. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security Financial Status Looks Better in Trustees Annual Report

Trust Funds exhausted in 2041 - the same as last year’s estimate

March 26, 2008 – The 2008 report by the Social Security Board of Trustees shows improvement in the projected long-term financial status of the Social Security program from last year - particularly in the later years of the long-range projection period. This improvement is principally the result of methodological changes for projecting certain aspects of immigration, says a news release from Social Security. Read more...

Economic Stimulus Payments Not Counted as Income for SSI or Part D Help

A person whose sole source of income is SSI is not eligible to receive a stimulus payment

By ElderLawAnswers.com

March 24, 2008 - The special economic stimulus payments authorized by Congress in February will not affect the benefits of persons receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps, the Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy or other federal benefits. Read more...links to more on econimic stimulus

How Much Will You Get in Economic Stimulus Check – Use IRS Calculator

Are you eligible to receive a payment and how much can you expect

March 19, 2008 – The IRS has introduced an Online calculator to help you determine what how much you may receive – if any - as an economic stimulus payment from the government trying to fight a sinking economy by flooding the consumer market with cash. Read more...

Economic Stimulus Payment Mailer Targets Social Security, Veteran Benefits Recipients

This mailing especially targets senior citizens and others that may not have filed a 2006 return

March 18, 2008 – The Internal Revenue Service is in the process of mailing special information packages to 20.5 million recipients of Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits – primarily senior citizens - to help them get their 2008 economic stimulus payment. Many of these probably did not file a return for 2006 but must file for 2007 to receive the stimulus payment. Read more...

IRS Releases Schedule for Economic Stimulus Payments, Fastest is Direct Deposit

Payments to go out weekly starting May 2 based on Social Security number

March 18, 2008 - The Internal Revenue Service announced yesterday that it will begin sending more than 130 million economic stimulus payments on May 2 and that the fastest way to receive the payment is with electronic filing and direct deposit. Read more...

Older Senior Citizens Should Consider Withdrawing from Social Security and Reapplying for Higher Benefit

“Incredibly, a recipient can ‘undo’ his decision to take Social Security retirement benefits early simply by paying back - without any interest or inflation adjustment - the benefits he's received. He can then re-apply for Social Security and claim the bigger monthly checks paid to those who wait until an older age to claim benefits.” Laurence Kotlikoff, a Boston University professor. Read more below

A way to buy an inflation-adjusted annuity for a price that beats anything offered by the financial industry – says financial expert

By Tucker Sutherland, editor & publisher, SeniorJournal.com

Feb. 26, 2008 – A seldom noticed provision in Social Security allows senior citizens, who began taking their benefits early, to pay the money back and reapply at their current age and get a much higher income for life. Many experts who have looked at the idea think is is great.

We first noticed it in a column by Scott Burns, the syndicated business writer at the Dallas Morning News. The headline on the Burns column was “Reapplying for Social Security may be a good idea.” Read more...

Proposed 2009 COLA Will Keep Five Million Seniors Below Poverty Says Senior League

2.8% increase will raise average benefit just $30.20 per month

Feb. 14, 2008 - Late last month, the Congressional Budget Office published a little-noticed estimate that forecasts seniors will receive just a 2.8 percent increase in their Social Security checks beginning in January, 2009, according to The Senior Citizens League. Despite the increase, the League says, at least five million people aged 65 and over will remain in poverty, since senior costs are rising significantly faster than the annual Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). Read more...

Private Investment Accounts, Progressive Indexing Proposals Explained by Budget Writers

In 2013 workers will be allowed to use up to 4% of their Social Security taxable earnings; indexing allows poorest to get more

Feb. 4, 2008 – To the shock of many, President Bush again called for private investment accounts for the Social Security program in his 2009 budget. Below is the rationale for the proposal as explained in the budget. And, also an explanation of “progressive indexing” proposed as part of a solution to restore Social Security to sustainable solvency. Read more...

Bush Budget Again Includes Private Investment Accounts in Social Security

Almost $700 billion budget provides $504 million for new efforts to ensure correct benefits are paid to eligible people

 

Links to more on Social Security Budget for 2009

 
 

President's Statement  

Justification of Estimates

Fact Card

Budget Appendix 

 

Feb. 4, 2008 – The Social Security budget will grow by $36.4 billion to $694,804 billion if the budget submitted today by President George W. Bush is approved. But, it is not likely to find support in the Congress as presented, since the President is again making a run at gaining approval for private investment accounts. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior Citizen Entitlement Programs Take $208 Billion Hit in Bush Budget

President lays out $3.1 trillion budget and again says Congress must solve financial future of Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security

Feb. 4, 2008 - Entitlement programs – short for Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security – will see spending cuts of $208 billion over the next five years, if the budget proposed today by President George W. Bush is approved. The cuts in these programs that primarily affect senior citizens are even larger than earlier estimates. The President, today, repeatedly laid the problem at the feet of Congress, as he did in the State of the Union address. Read more...

Some Seniors May Soon Get Their Social Security Benefits in Prepaid Debit Card

Treasury to introduce Direct Express cards for those without bank accounts

Jan. 7, 2008 – Senior citizens who do not have bank accounts may soon be getting their Social Security payment with a prepaid debit card. The Department of Treasury says the new Direct Express cards will provide a safer and more convenient alternative to paper checks. Read more...

A Simple Fix for Social Security Problems Proposed by Think Tank Scholar

Most know benefits increase with inflation but not that first year pay is determined by wages, which suggests the solution

Nov. 9, 2007 – Everyone thinks Social Security benefits are increasing by 2.3 percent next year – the recent rate of inflation – but that is only partially true. It’s true for senior citizens already in the program but the new class joining Social Security 2008 will be getting 4.6 percent more than the incoming class of 2007. That’s based on the percentage increase in the Average Wage Index. Here lies the “Simple Fix for Social Security,” according to Alan D. Viard, a scholar at the American Enterprise Institute. Read more...

California Fires Delay Thousands of Social Security Checks to Senior Citizens

Treasury’s Go Direct campaign says all should switch to direct deposit

Oct. 25, 2007 – The California fires have already disrupted delivery of some 8,700 Social Security checks to Southern California residents and the Department of the Treasury is using this calamity to urge senior citizens drawing Social Security to switch to direct deposit. Read more...

Senior Citizen Advocates Think Social Security Increase Not Much Help with Medicare Increases

Senior Citizen League says Medicare premiums going up five times faster that COLA

Oct. 17, 2007 – Most news reports emphasized the smallness of the Social Security COLA for 2008 – a monthly increase of 2.4 percent – while most advocacy groups were bemoaning the small increases in Social Security income matched against the growing costs of Medicare for senior citizens. Read more...

Social Security Announces $24 Monthly Benefit Increase for Average Senior Citizen in 2008

Rate increase of 2.3% is smallest since 2004, follows Medicare Part B 3.1% premium increase

Oct. 17, 2007 – The cost of living adjustment for Social Security – commonly called “COLA” – will go up only 2.3 percent in 2008, the smallest increase since 1904, which adds just $24 to the average retired senior citizen’s wallet. It is, however, even less than that after seniors pay for the increases in Medicare fees and deductibles for 2008. The COLA announcement was made today by the Social Security Administration. Read more...

First Baby Boomer Files for Social Security Benefits to Start the Silver Tsunami

New Jersey woman was born a second after midnight on Jan. 1, 1946

Photo by USA Today - see link in story.Oct. 15, 2007 – Maybe you didn’t feel the earth shake, or see the water rising, but for sure what is being called America’s “Silver Tsunami” has started. Kathleen Casey-Kirschling, born one second after midnight on Jan. 1, 1946, today became the first Baby Boomer to file for Social Security retirement benefits, which she can begin collecting in January 2008. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Senior Citizens Get About Half of Federal Budget in 2005: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

Per capita spending highest in Alaska, Virginia, Maryland, New Mexico, North Dakota

Oct. 9, 2007 - Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, programs primarily serving senior citizens, accounted for more than $1 trillion of the $2.3 trillion the federal government spent in 2005, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which publishes the only consolidated source of data on the geographic distribution of federal expenditures. Read more...

Treasury Briefs Seek to Find Common Ground for Launch of Social Security Reform

Basic problem is that benefits promised senior citizens are $13.6 trillion above revenue projection

Sept. 25, 2007 – Social Security has a basic problem, says a new report from the Department of the Treasury - benefits promised to senior citizens have a present value that is $13.6 trillion greater than the present value of the revenues that the system is projected to receive. Most everyone has known that the program is facing financial difficulty but nothing is being done to fix it. The Treasury has issued the first of a series of briefs aimed at finding common ground for lawmakers to launch the needed reform. Read more...

Senators Say Banks Illegally Garnishing Funds of Senior Citizens, Veterans

Top senators ask Social Security to investigate growing abuse

Aug. 10, 2007 – Two Senate committee chairs and a member of the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging has asked the Inspector General of the Social Security Administration to investigate the increasing violation of laws pertaining to collecting debt from senior citizens, veterans and the disabled. Read more...

Immigration Bill to Pay $966 Billion in Social Security to Illegal Workers, Senior League Claims

TREA Senior Citizens League to testify today before House subcommittee on immigration

June 19, 2007 - The immigration bill being debated by the Senate would allow over two million illegal workers who received Social Security numbers prior to 2004 to receive more than $966 billion in Social Security benefits by 2040, according to the TREA Senior Citizens League. Read more...

Social Security Disability Reform Bill Waives Waiting Period for Terminally Ill

Joseph H. Seall Act named for vet who died before first check came

June 15, 2007 – A bill was introduced in the House last Thursday to provide a waiver of the five-month waiting period for Social Security disability benefits for terminally ill individuals.  The legislation is named for Joseph H. Seall of Summit, Mississippi, a veteran who qualified for Social Security disability benefits, but who, due to the five-month waiting period, did not receive his first check until the day after he died. Read more...

Before Choosing Social Security's Early Retirement Consider the Consequences

Expert explores implications for married couples

May 23, 2007 - According to the Social Security Administration, of the total aggregate income received by retired Americans, Social Security benefits provide the lion's share: 42.5 percent. Because of the importance of this income source in retirement, making educated choices regarding the benefit is critical; yet, many fail to fully analyze these choices. Read more...

Keep Social Security Checks Coming During Hurricanes with Direct Deposit

Switch to direct deposit may eliminate a stolen check, assure safety of personal information

May 14, 2007 – Keep your Social Security checks coming by having the government deposit them directly into your bank account. The Department of the Treasury says this may be especially helpful for those living along the Gulf Coast and Eastern seaboard as hurricane season approaches. Read more...

Social Security Trustees Note Slight Improvement in Program’s Status

The long-term financing challenges are still there

April 24, 2007 - The annual report by the Social Security Board of Trustees was released yesterday and, much like the report from the Medicare trustees, it shows a slight improvement in the financial status of the program from last year. Read more...

Medicare Advocacy Center Says Check Social Security 1099 Carefully

Problems in 2006 prompt warning from advocacy group

March 21, 2007 - Medicare beneficiaries with Social Security income have been receiving their Social Security 1099 forms, which report income received in 2006 and deductions taken from that income, including Medicare premiums. The Medicare Advocacy Center says senior citizens should check them carefully, based on bad experiences in 2006. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Strengthening Social Security Rated as Very Important in Harris Poll

Majority support health care proposals by Democrats in AP Poll

January 3, 2007 - As the new Congress is sworn in tomorrow, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and the Democrat leadership will find that saving Social Security is still very important to the American public, with almost nine in 10 U.S. adults (88%) saying they would support reform to ensure that the Social Security fund has enough money to provide benefits for all Americans for the next fifty years. The question was much broader than one that would measure support for specific reforms, like the private investment accounts promoted by President Bush but spurned by Congress and the voters. Read more...

Retirement News

Many Americans Still Plan to Rely on Social Security for Retirement Income

Gap between retirement targets and source of income continues

November 9, 2006 - Despite the common speculation that Social Security and company provided pensions may not be available for Americans when they approach retirement, many still plan to rely on them as significant sources of income when they retire. Nearly one in four Americans indicate they will look to Social Security (23 percent) for their primary source of income during their retirement years, according to a new survey by the Retirement Corporation of America. Read more...

Social Security News

Social Security Gives Senior Citizens 3.3 Percent Increase for 2007

October 19, 2006 - Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 53 million Americans will increase 3.3 percent in 2007, the Social Security Administration announced yesterday. The monthly benefit for the average senior citizen couple goes from $1,658 per month to $1,713. Read more...

When Should You Take Your Social Security Retirement Benefits?

It is a personal decision that depends on a number of factors

By ElderLawAnswers.com

Click to ElderLawAnswers.comOctober 11, 2006 - As you approach retirement, you must decide when to begin taking your Social Security benefits. You have three options: You may begin taking benefits between age 62 and your full retirement age, you can wait until your full retirement age, or you can delay benefits and take them anytime up until you reach age 70. Read more...

Social Security is Strange Political Animal Surrounded by Myths

Do most of us pay in more than we get back, or is that a myth?

October 11, 2006 – While most aging baby boomers eagerly await their first Social Security check, and most senior citizens have learned to depend on theirs, the reality is most Americans know little about this program. We know we pay for it while working and we collect from it when we reach age 65, usually. But, we may fall victim to some of the myths about the popular program that are explained by ElderLawAnswers.com. Read more...

Senior Citizen Politics

Social Security Private Accounts Not Likely to be Supported in this Election

AARP survey finds strong opposition among those 42 and older

October 4, 2006 – One thing voters will not be hearing about this election are the Social Security private investment accounts that were so strongly promoted by President Bush and supported by Republicans in Congress. That boat has sunk. Initially, the idea was interesting to many younger voters but the most recent polls show 71 percent of Americans age 42 and older - the most likely voters - now oppose the idea. Read more...

Social Security News

The Rules have Changed to Get New Social Security Card

September 5, 2006 - A new law, which went into effect last December, requires specific proofs of the age, identity and citizenship of anyone applying for either a new or replacement Social Security card. Also, all documents used as proofs of age, identity or citizenship must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Read more in the Social Security Q&A column.

Social Security's 71st Birthday on Monday Didn't Seem Very Happy

Only bloggers, two Democrats and seniors in St. Paul noticed

By Tucker Sutherland, editor

August 16, 2006 – Except for a few bloggers, some Democrats and a few senior citizen organizations, the 71st birthday of Social Security went unnoticed. The actual birthday was Monday – President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed it into law on August 14, 1935. Read more...

Social Security Trustees Report

Social Security Fuse Gets Shorter by One Year - Goes Boom in 2040

Funds to be exhausted in 2040, Medicare cost will pass SS in 2028

May 1, 2006 - The 2006 Social Security Trustees Report released today shows little change in the projected financial status of the Social Security program over last year – except that the fund will run out of money one year earlier than thought last year. Benefits of $702 billion were paid in 2005 - a $44 billion increase from 2004. The Trustees Report projects that the Social Security Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2040. And, Social Security will lose it's top spot as America's largest social program in 2028, when Medicare will move ahead. Read more...

Social Security Investment Accounts, Indexing in Bush Budget

Reform ideas that never caught on in 2006 are back in the 2007 budget

Feb. 6, 2006 – There were so many things grabbing the public's and media's attention in the $2.77 trillion federal budget for FY 2007 presented yesterday, that many senior citizens may have missed that the President has put private investment accounts and the indexing of benefits (determining payments by need) for Social Security back on the table and in the budget. Read more...

Social Security Reform Has Withered but Program Still Needs Help

Author Nancy Altman says the problem is not that hard to solve

Feb. 1, 2005 – Social Security Reform, a buzz phrase for the last few years, seems to have come and gone on the agenda of President George W. Bush, as indicated by the lack of support in his State of the Union last night. There is, however, a financial problem for the program somewhere out there in the future. Nancy J. Altman, an author and former assistant to Alan Greenspan, says in the following opinion piece that the program is still vital and financial security is not that difficult to achieve. Click to read her opinion...

Social Security Not in Top 10 Resolutions by White House Aging Conference

Conference ends for another ten years, will send these recommendations to President, Congress

Dec. 15, 2005 - The 2005 White House Conference on Aging (WHCoA) officially closed yesterday, with delegates calling for renewal of the Older Americans Act within six months and putting a priority for the President and Congress on a strategy for long-term care; enhanced public transportation; and, stronger and improved Medicaid and Medicare programs. Interestingly, there was nothing about Social Security in their top ten resolutions. Read more...

Supreme Court Says Feds Can Grab Social Security to Pay Old Student Loans

Unanimous decision concerned only debts that are over ten years old

Dec. 8, 2005 – The Supreme Court yesterday said the Social Security payments to senior citizens are up for grabs by the government to collect on old student loans. Read more...

Social Security Makes Biggest Jump in 15 Years with 4.1 Percent for 2006

Oct. 14, 2005 – Social Security announced today a 4.1 percent increase in the monthly benefit paid to over 52 million American senior citizens and others who will receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income in 2006. It is the largest percentage increase since 1991, when the boost was 5.4 percent. Read more...

Efforts Expanding to Get People to Choose Direct Deposit for Social Security

Treasury and Federal Reserve say “Go Direct” test was successful

Aug. 1, 2005 – The effort to get more people to select direct deposit to their bank as the way to get their Social Security and other government payments will be expanded this fall, according to an announcement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve Bank. The program – Go Direct – proved successful in its test run in four states. Read more...

2005 Annual Report

Social Security Trustees See Money Disappearing Slightly Faster Than Expected

March 23, 2005 - The 2005 Social Security Trustees Report shows little change in the projected financial status of the Social Security program over last year, other than the funds disappearing a little faster than expected. The Trustees Report projects that the Social Security Trust Fund will be exhausted in 2041 - one year sooner than last year’s projection. Read more...

Summary of the 2005 Annual Reports by Social Security and Medicare Boards of Trustees

Statement by Trustees:

March 23, 2005 - Each year the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report on the current status and projected condition of the funds over the next 75 years. This message summarizes the 2005 Annual Reports. Read more...

Social Security Can Have Taxable Benefits

Tips for Senior Citizens on Filing Income Tax

March 16, 2005 - Debate rages and battle lines are being drawn about changing Social Security. Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan is even urging senior citizens to work longer. Meanwhile, off to the sidelines, Americans already receiving benefits will struggle to deal with them by April 15 - or by their extended filing date, if they need more time to struggle. A news release promoting J.K. Lasser’s Your Income Tax 2005 points out that seniors citizens need to understand that Social Security can be taxable. Read more...

Social Security Benefit Increases 2.7 Percent for 2005

Oct. 19, 2004 - Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 52 million Americans will increase 2.7 percent in 2005 - about $25 per month for the average retired worker, the Social Security Administration announced today. (Note: see Fact Sheet below story.) More... 10/19/04*

The Bottom-Line for Seniors

Those on Social Security, Medicare Gain $12.57 Monthly in 2005

Going into the hospital or healthcare facility will eat up any gains

Oct. 19, 2004 - If the average senior citizen on Social Security and Medicare does not spend time in a hospital or healthcare facility, they should have an extra $12.57 per month to spend in 2005. More... 10/10/04*

Social Security Expected to Be Primary Retirement Income for 94 Percent of Seniors

Oct. 6, 2004 – No one doubts Social Security income is important to retired senior citizens, but a survey says an astonishing 94 percent expect it to be their primary source of income during retirement. More... 10/06/04*

Drop in Direct Deposit Growth Spurs Treasury Campaign – Go Direct

Sept. 14, 2004 – Concerned with a sharp decline in the growth rate of citizens taking advantage of the direct deposit for government payments, like Social Security, and facing the first wave of baby boomer retirements, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is launching a new campaign – Go Direct - to educate Americans on the advantages of the program. More... 9/14/04*

Funding Senior Citizen Programs – Social Security & Medicare – to Crowd Out Funding for Other Government Programs

First Time in Recent History Benefits to be Paid by General Fund

June 4, 2004 - Social Security and Medicare benefits are on a course to crowd out funding for every other government program in the absence of significant tax increases, according to a new report co-authored by Social Security and Medicare Trustee Thomas R. Saving. The report, released by the National Center for Policy Analysis (NCPA), documents the startling speed at which elderly entitlements will balloon. More... 6/4/04*

Trustees Report 2004

No Change in Solvency of Social Security - Broke by 2042

March 23, 2004 - The 2004 Social Security Trustees Report released today shows little change in the projected financial status of the Social Security program over last year. And again this year, the Social Security Board of Trustees states that, absent changes, Social Security’s currently scheduled benefits are not sustainable over the long term and the Trust Fund will be broke in 2042. More... 3/23/04*

Long-Term Budget Outlook by Congressional Budget Office

U.S. Facing Economic Peril Due to Programs for Seniors

Dec. 22, 2003 – The rapid growth of the senior citizen population – principal recipients of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid – is putting the U.S. in serious financial peril, according to the Long-Term Budget Outlook just released by the Congressional Budget Office. More... 12/22/03*

Average increase $19 per month

Social Security Increases 2.1 Per Month in 2004

Oct. 17, 2003 - Senior citizens will get a 2.1 percent increase in their monthly Social Security checks next year -- an extra $19 a month for an average retiree. But most older Americans won't get to pocket all of the increase. Monthly Medicare premiums also are rising, starting in January by 13.5 percent -- $7.90 a month -- to $66.60.

Click - Announcement by Social Security with fact sheet 2003 vs 2004

Aug. 14 Big Birthday for All Americans

   
 

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing Social Security Act — Aug.14, 1935

 

Social Security Celebrates 68th Anniversary

On Aug. 14, 2003, Social Security celebrates its 68th anniversary. For nearly seven decades, it has been providing income for senior citizens and security against loss of wages due to retirement, disability or death for millions of workers and their families. As the most successful government domestic program in our nation's history, Social Security remains an American cornerstone. To take your own stroll down Social Security's memory lane, visit the agency’s very well done and extensive history collection. Click Here

Social Security Earnings Limit is Up in 2003
April 2, 2003 - American's receiving Social Security survivor's benefits, or who receive early retirement benefits from Social Security, can earn of to $11,520 in 2003, without having to give any of your payments back. If you go over the cap, you pay back $1 for every $2 you earn. But, if you reach full retirement age this year (65 plus 2 months), you only pay back $1 for every $3 you earn before your birthday month. Then you keep it all.

> Learn more from the Social Security Retirement Planner - Click

> Retirement age is increasing. Check this chart.

Retirement age goes up this year

From Now On, We Don't Get Social Security at 65

Jan. 27, 2003 - Americans born in 1938 will reach age 65 this year but they will have to wait an extra two months to receive Social Security payments. This is the first year of the graduated retirement age for Social Security but Medicare eligibility is still 65. Click 1/27/03*

New York & Connecticut

Social Security Reverses Course, Agrees to Send Low-Income People Medicare Corrected Letter about Eligibility

Oct. 31, 02 - Reversing course, the Social Security Administration (SSA) agreed today in federal district court to send letters to over a million low-income people with Medicare correcting misrepresentations the agency sent earlier this year regarding eligibility for federal programs that assist people with Medicare with paying for health care costs. Click 10/31/2*

Social Security Announces 1.4 Percent  Increase for 2003

Oct. 18, 02 - Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to more than 50 million Americans will increase 1.4 percent in 2003, Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security announced today. Click 10/18/2*

• Fact Sheet: The numbers 2002 vs 2003 - Click

Long-Range Deficits Remain In Social Security Trust Fund

March 28, 2002 - The Social Security Board of Trustees reported to Congress on March 26 that the Social Security program continues to be substantially underfinanced for the long term, while extending the projected solvency of the trust funds by three years. Click 3/28/2*

2002 Social Security Cost-of-Living Adjustment 2.6%
Oct. 19, 2001 - The 2002 cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will be 2.6 percent.  This is based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of one year to the third quarter of the next, as announced today by the Labor Department. Click 10/19/01


Social Security Turned 66 Aug. 14, 2001

Guest Opinion: Sen. Larry Craig - Click

History of Social Security - Click

Social Security Home Page - Click

Highlights of Social Security Today - Click


Social Security Still Vital to Many Americans' Retirement Plans
28% say it will be a major income source once they retire - click to story 5/22/01

Social Security Launches Website For Women

• Online Application for Spouse's Benefits - click to story 5/16/01

IRS Will Grab Your Social Security Check

April 30, 2001 - In news that is certain to shock and dismay some seniors, the Internal Revenue Service has announced its intention to garnish the Social Security checks of debtors who are at least six months in arrears. click to story 5/2/01

> Ticket to Work Program Announces State Participants for 2001 12/1/00*

The Social Security Administration will begin implementing the "Ticket to Work" program that was approved at the end of 1999. It is aimed at putting disabled Americans, particularly those on social security, back to work.

> Social Security to Increase 3.5% 10/19/00*

Oct. 19, 2000 - See the story and also a chart of the details on how it may effect you.

> New All-in-One Government Website in Action 10/6/00

Click the title above or click this link (http://www.firstgov.gov) to go to the new U.S. Government website that is supposed to make it easier for you to find any government information.

> More Than You Want to Know on Social Security and Medicare 10/02/00

Documents, photos and audio recordings document the history of the Social Security Administration: Social Security and Medicare

> Medicare Extended for Disabled on Social Security 10/2/00

As of Oct. 1, 2000, Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities who are working, or thinking about working, may be eligible for expanded Medicare coverage. The coverage increases from 39 to 93 months after the end of the trial work period.

> Concord Coalition Ran Ad Sunday on Social Security Questions 9/30/00*

The Concord Coalition has placed a full-page advertisement in this Sunday's New York Times (October 1, 2000) offering voters hard facts and five questions to ask the candidates about Social Security reform.

> How Social Security Proposals Effect Women 9/20/00

About 75 percent of unmarried elderly women depend on Social Security for at least one half of their income, and 25 percent of unmarried elderly women depend on it for their only source of income.

> Social Security eNews (Newsletter) for Sept. 1, 2000 9/1/00

> Nat. Council of Senior Citizens' Statement on Social Security Anniversary 8/18/00*

> Social Security Kicks Off 65th Year 8/4/00*

Social Security Administration (SSA) will hold a celebration of the 65th anniversary of Social Security at Hyde Park, New York on Saturday, August 5, 2000 at 11:00 a.m. Hyde Park is the home of President Franklin Roosevelt, the architect of the Social Security program.

> House Gives Retirees Tax Cut 7/29/00

Winding up their election-year tax-cutting campaign, Republicans in the House on Friday approved a bonus for senior citizens by repealing a 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits.

> Disabled on Social Security Can Earn More 7/26/00

By raising earnings limits each year, the proposals would increase the amount of money that individuals can earn while remaining eligible for benefits. The series of changes will affect approximately 400,000 disability beneficiaries.

> Senate Votes to Safeguard Social Security and Medicare 7/3/00

The Senate joined President Clinton and the House on Thursday in pledging to safeguard trillions of dollars of surpluses in Medicare and Social Security from funds from being spent on other government programs or used to make tax cuts possible.

> GOP 'Soft Money' Ad Features Bush on Social Security 6/12/00

The Republican National Committee unveiled an ad  touting George W. Bush's plan to revamp Social Security, joining the Democrats in what is likely to escalate into an arms race of televised propaganda powered by soft money.

> Calculator to Help You Understand Social Security Proposals Coming Monday 5/19/00*

NCPA will unveil a new online Social Security benefits calculator Monday, May 22, to help illustrate what Social Security reform really means to average Americans.

> Social Security Senior Site Adds Active Retirement Planner 5/01/00

> Sen. McCain, Two Dems Propose Special Commission on Social Security 5/05/00

> President Signs Social Security Bill Allowing Seniors to Keep What They Earn 4/07/00

> NEW Social Security Calculator 4/07/00

> Here's Where to Check on Your Social Security Statement 3/30/00

Social Security Web Site Adds State Links

Access America for Seniors, a site for information and services for seniors on the web, announces new links to the States. http://www.seniors.gov

> How Social Security Change Effects You 3/24/00

U.S. Senate Joins House to End Earnings Limit for Social Security Recipients (3/23/00)

     > Washington Post 3/23/00

     > Seattle PI 3/23/00

     > New York Times 3/23/00

> Clinton Statement on Senate Vote 3/23/00

> What Social Security Trust Fund? 3/22/00

> AARP on Social Security 3/23/00

> New Report Fuels Social Security Debate 3/11/00

> Social Security Web Site a Hit! 3/07/00

U.S. House Votes 422-0 to Allow Seniors to Keep What They Earn and Social Security, Too. (3/02/00)

     > Washington Post Story 3/02/00

     > USA Today Story 3/02/00

     > Congress Can't Stop Here 3/02/00

 

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In our Archives

News reports on efforts to reform Social Security in 2003 thru 2005

Official U.S. Government Web Site on Social Security

How Social Security Works

Social Security Administration Death Index

65 million death records

Apply for Social Security on Line

Find your retirement age

All Social Security Forms Online Here

What To Do If Social Security Beneficiary Dies

Brief History of Social Security Program  

• Detailed History

Download Social Security Information  

Archives On-line for Social Security Administration - Everything on Social Security and Medicare

Website to Find ALL Government Resources

 Find Address for any Social Security Office

Follow this link to news on Social Security Reform reports back to 2000 and links to key information sources

   
 

Social Security is 71

President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs Social Security Act, Aug. 14, 1935. Click to video of signing and remarks by FDR.

Click to Social Security. History