Powder Springs Seniors: Important Social Security Information Below
Retirement Estimator Celebrates First Anniversary
By Paul D. Barnes, Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta
It’s been only a year since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online, but you’d never know it based on the praise it continues to receive from users. It was rated the best online service in government by the University of Michigan’s American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for Federal Websites in February 2009. In the most recent ACSI report, the Retirement Estimator tied for first place with Social Security’s online application. The Retirement Estimator is so popular, in fact, that people have visited the website more than three million times in the past year. You can visit it yourself online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
The online Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. The attractive feature of this calculator is that it uses your earnings information on file at Social Security, without displaying your personal information. So you get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits.
And, it’s so easy to use. The Estimator even gives you the opportunity to run personalized scenarios and “what if” situations. For example, you can change the date you expect to retire or change expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options. This can help you as you plan ahead.
To use the Retirement Estimator, you must have enough Social Security credits to qualify for benefits and you must not be receiving benefits currently.
Experience the best online service in government now by visiting Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Then, once you’ve sketched out your retirement plans, you’ll know where to go when the time comes to apply for benefits: www.socialsecurity.gov.
Social Security Holds Compassionate Allowances Hearing on Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today hosted the agency’s fourth public hearing on Compassionate Allowances. Commissioner Astrue was joined by Marie A. Bernard, M.D., Deputy Director of the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security officials. They heard testimony from some of the nation’s leading experts on early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias about possible methods for identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for people with early-onset Alzheimer’s.
“This year, through Compassionate Allowances and our Quick Disability Determination process, over 100,000 Americans with severe disabilities will be approved for Social Security disability benefits in a matter of days rather than the months and years it can sometimes take,” said Commissioner Astrue. “We are now looking to add more diseases and impairments to these expedited processes. With today’s hearing, we are expanding our focus from specific rare diseases and cancers to look at subgroups of much broader conditions. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease is a rapidly progressive and debilitating disease of the brain that affects individuals between the ages of 50 and 65 and clearly deserves our consideration.”
In October 2008, Social Security launched Compassionate Allowances to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security's standards. To learn more and to view a web cast of today’s hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
“With the aging of the baby-boomers, we are beginning to see many more younger, working Americans diagnosed with this devastating disease,” Commissioner Astrue said. “I want to thank the Alzheimer’s Association and their staff, particularly Harry Johns, President and CEO. Their help has been invaluable and many of the witnesses are here at their suggestion. Together, we hope to identify the most severe cases that can be included in our Compassionate Allowances process.”
Becoming A Payee May Be The Best Way To Help
By Bobbie Sims, Social Security, Public Affairs Specialist, Marietta, GA
If a loved one, friend or neighbor receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits but is no longer physically or mentally able to take care of his or her financial affairs, you may want to consider becoming a representative payee. Then, you’ll be able to help them with managing their money.
Keep in mind that being a representative payee is not the same as having power of attorney. Even if you do have power of attorney, you will need to apply to be a representative payee in order to have the benefit payments made to you on the beneficiary’s behalf.
When we learn that a person is no longer able to handle his or her own Social Security or SSI benefits, we conduct a careful investigation and appoint a relative, friend or other interested party to serve as the representative payee. This means that if you agree to be a representative payee and we appoint you, we pay you the person’s benefits to use on his or her behalf.
As a representative payee, you would be responsible for using the benefit payments to help meet the basic needs of the beneficiary. Primarily, the funds should be used to provide food, clothing, shelter, utilities and other essential needs for the person eligible for benefits. As a representative payee, you need to be aware of the beneficiary’s needs so you can decide how benefits can best be used for his or her personal care and well-being.
Each year, Social Security will mail you a form to account for the benefits you have received. The quickest and easiest way to complete the form is online, at www.socialsecurity.gov/payee. You can also complete the paper form and return it to Social Security.
As a representative payee, you will also need to tell Social Security about changes that may affect the beneficiary’s eligibility. This includes things like changes in living arrangements, other income, and resources.
If you decide you want to help someone by becoming their representative payee, you’re in good company. More than seven million people who get monthly Social Security or SSI payments each month have a representative payee because they need help managing their money.
By agreeing to serve as a representative payee, you have taken on an important responsibility — one that can make a positive difference in both the beneficiary’s life and your own.
Learn more by reading our online booklet, A Guide For Representative Payees, available on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10076.html.
Learn more about Social Security by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
America Has A New Leading Lady
There’s a new leading lady topping the A-list. Her name is Emma.
Among all girls born in the United States last year, Emma was the most popular name. Isabella was second. Emily, which had been the most popular girl’s name for 12 years, was third.
The top boy’s name is Jacob for the 10th year in a row. He is followed by Michael and Ethan.
America’s most popular baby names are based on Social Security card applications for newborn babies. Each year, Social Security publishes the top 1,000 baby names. Lists of popular baby names going all the way back to 1880 are available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames.
The top ten names for girls born in 2008 are: Emma, Isabella, Emily, Madison, Ava, Olivia, Sophia, Abigail, Elizabeth and Chloe.
The top ten names for boys born in 2008 are: Jacob, Michael, Ethan, Joshua, Daniel, Alexander, Anthony, William, Christopher and Matthew.
To learn more about the relationship between pop culture and popular baby names, read our press release online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2008-pr.htm.
To see where your own name ranks on the list, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/babynames. Also featured are links to information about Social Security numbers for children, benefits for children, and what every parent should know about Social Security.
Spouses Can Apply Online, Too
You probably already know that when it comes time to apply for retirement, you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline. But did you know that spouses can apply online, too?
That’s right. If you are a spouse applying for benefits based on your husband’s or wife’s record, you can do it online from the convenience of your own home. It’s so easy!
Wonder whether you may qualify to apply for spouse’s benefits? If you are a spouse who has not worked or who has worked for very low wages, you could be entitled to a benefit equal to as much as one-half of your retired spouse's full benefit. Even if you are divorced, you may be eligible for benefits based on the employment record of your former spouse.
To get benefits on your spouse’s record, you must be at least age 62 or have a qualifying child in your care — a child who is under age 16 or who receives Social Security disability benefits.
The amount of your spousal benefit depends on your age at retirement. If you begin receiving benefits before full retirement age, your benefits will be permanently reduced in most cases.
You also may be eligible for a retirement benefit based on your own earnings. If that benefit is higher than the spousal benefit, Social Security would pay you the higher benefit. We compare which of the two benefits would be more beneficial to you, and discuss the options you have.
If you have reached your full retirement age and are eligible for a spouse's benefit as well as your own retirement benefit, you may choose to receive the spouse's benefits only in order to continue accruing delayed retirement credits on your own Social Security record. You may then file for benefits at a later date and receive a higher monthly benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits.
Remember that if you are a spouse who is taking care of a minor child (16 or under) or a child who is disabled and gets Social Security benefits on your or your spouse’s record, you can receive a benefit, regardless of your retirement age.
Read more about Social Security Retirement Benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10035.html.
Ready to apply for benefits right now? You can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyonline.
Social Security’s 800 Number: A History Of Service
Today, most adults in America carry a cell phone. If they don’t, they probably have a landline phone at home. Although millions of people go online each year and take advantage of our convenient services at www.socialsecurity.gov, we still offer a full range of services over the telephone too.
That’s an important thing to remember when you need to do business with Social Security. You can conduct many business transactions with our automated telephone services 24/7. Simply dial 1-800-772-1213. And by calling that same number, you can talk with a Social Security representative from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Our toll-free 800 number service, which marked its 20th anniversary late last year, has now answered over a billion phone calls. Yes, that’s billion with a ‘b!’ And this year alone Social Security will handle more than 60 million calls.
Our phones are busiest early in the week and early in the month, so if your business can wait, it's best to call at other times. Also, whenever you call, have your Social Security number handy.
Bilingual representatives are available to assist our non-English speaking members of the public.
Do you have a Social Security question or problem and cannot call during normal business hours? Recorded infor-mation and many automated services are available 24 hours a day — including weekends and holidays. Callers can use these automated services to report a change of address or telephone number, start or change direct deposit of benefits, request a proof of income letter or a replacement Medicare card, and order some of our most popular public information pamphlets.
Of course, if you have a computer, you may find that the information and services offered online are even more convenient at www.socialsecurity.gov. While you’re online, you can read more about our toll free phone service at www.socialsecurity.gov/pgm/services.htm.
But if you don’t have a computer or prefer to do business over the phone, we invite you to call us. Social Security is never more than a phone call away: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Some Homework Before Going Back To School
Do you have a son or daughter who is turning 18 soon, collecting monthly Social Security benefits, and returning to high school this fall? If so, then we have a bit of homework for you.
To make sure Social Security benefits continue beyond age 18, eligible students must submit the necessary form to school officials. The school will use these documents to certify your child is still enrolled in school. Otherwise, monthly Social Security payments automatically stop when a student turns 18.
This is the case regardless of the type of Social Security benefit received. Some students get Social Security survivors benefits because a parent is deceased. Others may receive dependent benefits because their parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits. Benefits for minor children generally continue until age 18 (or 19 if they’re still in high school) unless they are disabled and eligible for childhood disability benefits. In that case, a separate application for benefits is required.
For more information about Social Security student benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/schoolofficials. The website outlines how the process works and explains what the student and school official must do to ensure benefits continue past the student’s 18th birthday. With the appropriate certification from the school, Social Security generally does not stop benefits until the month before the month the student turns 19, or the first month in which he or she is not a full-time student, whichever is earlier.
The website also includes:
a downloadable version of the required SSA-1372 form — Students’ Statement Regarding School Attendance — that must be completed by the student, certified by the school and returned to Social Security;
answers to Frequently Asked Questions for school officials and students; and
a field office locator to find the address of a local Social Security office
If you do not have access to the Internet, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Otherwise, visit www.socialsecurity.gov to learn more about Social Security.
Social Security Questions And Answers
GENERAL
Question: How many Social Security numbers have been issued since the program started?
Answer: Social Security celebrates its 74th anniversary on August 14th. Since numbers were first issued in November 1936, about 442 million numbers have been assigned. Want to learn more about the history of Social Security cards and numbers? Step back in time with a visit to our history page. Visit www.socialsecurity.gov/history/ssn/ssncards.html.
Question: Can a widow receive Social Security benefits on her husband’s record?
Answer: Yes. When a person who has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies, certain members of the family may be eligible for survivors benefits. Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:
A widow or widower — full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60;
A disabled widow or widower — as early as age 50;
A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and the child gets Social Security benefits;
Unmarried children under 18 (or up to age 19, if they are attending high school full time);
Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled; and
Dependent parents age 62 or older.
Even if you are divorced, you may still qualify for survivors benefits. Learn more by visiting our benefit calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm.
RETIREMENT
Question: How do I qualify for benefits as a divorced spouse?
Answer
Answer: You can receive benefits as a divorced spouse on a former spouse’s Social Security record if you:
Were married to the former spouse for at least 10 years;
Are age 62 or older;
Are unmarried; and
Are not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on your own record.
In addition, the former spouse must be eligible to receive his or her own retirement or disability benefit. If the former spouse is eligible for a benefit, but has not yet applied for it, you can still receive a benefit if you meet the eligibility requirements and have been divorced from the former spouse for at least two years. Generally, we won’t continue to pay benefits if you remarry someone other than your former spouse. Learn more, and determine what your benefit might be by visiting our online Benefit Calculators at www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/benefitcalculators.htm.
DISABILITY
Question: I was disabled for a while several years ago. My health has since improved. Can I receive disability benefits for the time I was disabled?
Answer: If you were disabled “several years ago,” but are not disabled now, you probably can’t get benefits at this point. Whether or not you are entitled to what we call a “closed period of disability” depends on:
When you became disabled; and
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits.
You may be entitled to a “closed period of disability” when medical evidence establishes you were unable to engage in substantial gainful work activity for a continuous period of 12 months, but by the time the disability decision is made, you have medically recovered. You must also meet the following requirements to be entitled to a closed period of disability:
You must file an application within 14 months after the disability ended; or
You must have filed an application between 15 to 36 months after the disability ended and you must show that your failure or inability to file a timely application was due to your physical or mental condition.
If you meet the requirements for disability benefits, there is a five-month waiting period before your first monthly benefit can be paid. You can receive up to 12 months of retroactive benefits from the date you file an application with Social Security. Learn more about Social Security disability benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability.
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME
Question: What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based Federal income supplement program run by Social Security. SSI is funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It is designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income. SSI provides income to help meet a person’s basic needs for food, clothing and shelter. For more information, read our publication called SSI at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html. You’ll find further information on our website at www.socialsecurity.gov/ssi.
Question: Can I get both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
Answer: You may be able to receive SSI in addition to monthly Social Security benefits. But you only can get both if your Social Security benefit is low enough not to interfere with the SSI limit on income. The basic SSI payment is the same nationwide. In 2009, the SSI payment for an eligible individual is $674 per month and $1,011 per month for an eligible couple. However, some states add money to the basic payment, so the amount of SSI you may be able to receive also depends on where you live. If you receive Social Security, that income will reduce the amount of SSI you’re able to receive. The more income you have, the less your SSI benefit will be. If your countable income is over the allowable limit, you cannot receive SSI benefits. Learn more about SSI income limits by visiting our online publication, SSI, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/11000.html.
MEDICARE
Question: It seems difficult to figure out what plan to get for Medicare prescription drug coverage. What is the easiest way to compare plans?
Answer: The easiest way to get a handle on Medicare prescription drug plans is to use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. There you can find and compare plans in your area. Or, you may find it better to get personalized counseling about plans in your area by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
end of Social Security Articles from above...
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UPDATED MARCH 19, 2009 - MARCH ISSUE VOLUME 16 ISSUE #3
Economic Recovery Payments Coming for People Who Receive Social Security and SSI Benefits
By Paul D. Barnes, Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which the President signed into law in February, provides for a one-time payment of $250 to people receiving Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The one-time recovery payments will go out in May 2009 and all payments should be received by the end of May. In April, Social Security will send a letter with additional information to each person who is eligible for the one-time payment. The payments will be sent automatically, meaning no action is required on the part of the person receiving benefits. The economic recovery payments will be made separately from a person’s regular monthly payments.
All adults who receive Social Security benefits, including disabled adult children (but not minor children) are eligible for $250 payment. In addition, all persons who receive SSI payments, including minor children, are eligible for the payment. Anyone who receives benefits or who was eligible to receive benefits during any of the three months prior to enactment (November and December of 2008 and January 2009) will receive the one-time payment as long as the address of record is in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands.
The payments will be made in the same way that regular monthly payments are made. People with direct deposit will receive their payments electronically. Those who receive paper checks will receive their payments in the mail. People who receive regular payments through the Direct Express debit card will receive their one-time payments through the card.
If someone receives both Social Security and SSI, only one payment of $250 will be made. The economic recovery legislation also provides for a one-time payment to recipients of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits. However, if you receive Social Security or SSI benefits and you also receive VA and/or RRB benefits, you will only receive one $250 payment. The Social Security Administration will send you this payment.
To assist in processing the payments as efficiently as possible, please do not contact Social Security unless do not receive a payment by June 4, 2009. Information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov and will be updated regularly.
To learn more about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, visit www.recovery.gov
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UPDATED JANUARY 19, 2008
Powder Springs, GA Senior Citizens Center News
For information about meetings and times and how to become a member call the Powder Springs Senior Center at: (770) 943-1555. Come out and support the Powder Springs, GA Senior Citizens.
VOLUME 16 ISSUE #1 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009
The Cousins are Back and They’re Filing Online for Social Security Benefits Patty Duke Reprises Patty and Cathy Lane for new Retire Online Campaign Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, and Patty Duke, Academy Award, Golden Globe and Emmy winning actress, today unveiled Social Security’s new online retirement application and launched the agency’s Retire Online campaign. Featuring cousins Patty and Cathy Lane from the hit 1960’s sitcom, “The Patty Duke Show,” the campaign will let Americans know that it’s now easier than ever to retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov.
“Social Security’s new online retirement application can be completed in as little as 15 minutes from the comfort of your home or office,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Filing online means there’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appoint-ment with a Social Security representative. I’m thrilled that Patty Duke has volunteered to help us promote retiring online.”
“Like millions of other baby boomers, I like to spend time with my grandchildren, travel or just relax with a good book. And I love the convenience of doing things online,” Ms. Duke said. “Social Security has made applying for retirement benefits online easier than ever before. So when you decide to retire, apply online for Social Security benefits at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s so easy!”
To apply, go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on “Applying Online for Retirement Benefits.” You will be asked a brief series of questions about you and your work. Need to look up some information? You don’t have to complete the application in one sitting. You can stop and restart the application without losing any of the information entered. Have a question? There are convenient “more info” links that you can click on to get an answer. And when you’re done, just click the “Sign Now” button to submit the application. There are no paper forms to sign, and usually no additional documents are required. If more information is needed, Social Security will contact you.
“To meet the needs of Patty and 80 million of her fellow baby boomers, who are becoming eligible for retirement at a rate of 10,000 a day for the next 20 years, Social Security is developing a wide range of online and automated services,” Commissioner Astrue said. “In addition to our new online retirement application, and other services like our new Retirement Estimator, the highest rated online service in government, we are continuing to expand and improve our Internet service options. These services will help us provide the American public with world-class service for generations to come.”
To see a demonstration of Social Security’s online retirement application and to view the new public service announcements fea-turing Patty Duke as cousins Patty and Cathy Lane, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pattyduke.
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VOLUME 15 ISSUE # 16 - DECEMBER 2008 ISSUE
Social Security Retirement Estimator Named Best Online Service In Government
By Paul D. Barnes, Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta
There’s never been a better time than the present to plan for your retirement. Why’s that? Because Social Security’s Retirement Estimator has just been rated the best online service in government! You can find it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. Every quarter, the University of Michigan conducts the American Customer Sat-isfaction Index for Federal Websites. In their most recent study, the index showed that Social Security’s new online Retirement Estimator ranked as the best in government. The online Retirement Estimator is a convenient, secure and quick financial planning tool that lets workers calculate how much they might expect to receive in Social Security benefits when they retire. The attractive new feature of this calculator is that it eliminates the need to manually key in years of earnings information. It’s so easy to use. The new Retirement Estimator debuted with a score of 90, the highest score in this survey. Perhaps even more impressive, it is the second-highest score ever received by any gov-ernment website or online service. Several other Social Security online services, including our online retirement application, also are rated among the government’s top performers and equal to the highest caliber private sector sites, such as Amazon and Google. But for the new Retirement Estimator to be rated best in government just two months after it was launched is a testament to how easy and useful it is. The new Retirement Estimator is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator and gives the public the opportunity to run accurate, personalized scenarios for Social Security retirement benefits in a user-friendly way. You also can create “what if” scenarios. For example, you can change “stop work” dates or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options that may be in your future. So experience the best online service in government now by visiting Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.
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VOLUME 15 ISSUE#15 - NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 ISSUE - The Powder Springs Messenger Newspaper
(Pictured above) Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center held its annual "Favorite Charcter Dress Up Day" at the October Luncheon. Seniors dressed up as their favorite characters. Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center is located at 4181 Atlanta Street, Bldg. #3, Powder Springs, GA 30127. The Center is opened Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Center is closed on holidays and for day trips. For further information call (770) 943 - 1555.
Pictured above: Terpsichore Dance Project provided entertainment at the October Luncheon at the Powder Springs Senior Citizens Center. The Terpsichore Dance Project is talented group of seniors that provides classical ballet, tap and jazz and singing. Their motto is "Life is a dance." For further information on Terpsichore Dance Project: go to www.terpsichoredanceproject.com
Social Security Announces Nationwide Launch of Compassionate Allowances
Process Will Fast Track Applications For People with Cancers and Rare Diseases Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the national rollout of the agency’s Compassionate Allow-ances initiative, a way to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants whose medical conditions are so severe that their conditions obviously meet Social Security’s standards.
“Getting benefits quickly to people with the most severe medical conditions is both the right and the compassionate thing to do,” Commissioner Astrue said. “This initiative will allow us to make decisions on these cases in a matter of days, rather than months or years.”
Social Security is launching this expedited decision process with a total of 50 conditions. Over time, more diseases and conditions will be added. A list of the first 50 impairments -- 25 rare diseases and 25 cancers -- can be found at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances. Before announcing this initiative, Social Security held public hearings to receive information from experts on rare diseases and cancers. The agency also enlisted the assistance of the National Institutes of Health.
Compassionate Allowances is the second piece of the agency’s two-track, fast-track system for certain disability claims. When combined with the agency’s Quick Disability Determination process, and once fully implemented, this two-track system could result in six to nine percent of disability claims, the cases for as much as a quarter million people, being decided in an average of six to eight days.
"This is an outstanding achievement for the Social Security Administration," said Peter Saltonstall, President of the National Or-ganization for Rare Disorders. "It has taken Social Security less than a year to develop this much-needed program that will benefit those whose claims merit expedited consideration based on the nature of their disease. Disability backlogs cause a hardship for patients and their families. Commissioner Astrue and his staff deserve our thanks for a job well done.”
“Unfortunately, many hardworking people with cancer may not only face intensive treatment to save their lives, but they may also find themselves truly unable to perform their daily work-related activities and as result, may face serious financial concerns, such as the loss of income and the cost of treatment,” said Daniel E. Smith, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “The Social Security Administration’s Compassionate Allowances program will help streamline the disability benefits application process so that benefits are quickly provided to those who need them most.”
“This is America, and it simply is not acceptable for people to wait years for a final decision on a disability claim,” Commissioner Astrue said. “I am committed to a process that is as fair and speedy as possible. The launch of Compassionate Allowances is another step to ensuring Americans with disabilities, especially those with certain cancers and rare diseases, get the benefits they need quickly.”
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VOLUME 15 ISSUE#14 - OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2008 ISSUE
Social Security Announces 5.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2009
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more than 55 million Americans will increase 5.8 percent in 2009, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 5.8 percent increase is the largest since 1982. Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), from the third quarter of the prior year to the corresponding period of the current year. This year's increase in the CPI-W was 5.8 percent. The 5.8 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that over 50 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2009. Increased payments to more than 7 million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will begin on December 31. Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $106,800 from $102,000. Of the estimated 164 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2009, about 11 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the in-crease in the taxable maximum. Information about Medicare changes for 2009 can be found at www.Medicare.gov
Social Security Makes Progress Expediting Backlogged Disability Cases Limited Resources Under a Continuing Resolution Could Slow Momentum in FY 2009
During a speech to the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives, Mi-chael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, reported on the progress made in fiscal year (FY) 2008 in the agency’s efforts to expedite backlogged disability cases.
“The plan we presented to Congress in May 2007 is working,” Commissioner Astrue said. “We have moved quickly to utilize new technologies, improve our business processes and add new staff. Com-bined with the hard work of our employees and the support of Congress, we are clearly on the right track to providing Americans with disabilities the prompt service they deserve.” During FY 2008, Social Security hired 190 new Administrative Law Judges (ALJs), opened a Na-tional Hearing Center (NHC), eliminated virtually its entire aged case backlog of more than 135,000 cases waiting over 900 days for a hearing decision, and implemented a quick disability determination (QDD) process in all 50 states. As a result of these and many other activities, the disability backlog at the hearings level, which had been growing at the rate of about 70,000 cases each year for most of this decade, grew by only about 14,000 cases.
“The hiring of 190 additional ALJs was critical but will not yield immediate results,” Commissioner Astrue noted. It generally takes about nine months for new ALJs to become fully productive. With attri-tion and experienced ALJs being used to train the new judges, the agency actually had 46 fewer ALJs available in FY 2008 than the prior year. Despite this fact, ALJs held more hearings and issued more dispositions than in FY 2007. The agency exceeded its targeted goal by over 16,000 cases. The opening of the NHC gives Social Security the capability to quickly and flexibly move cases and conduct video hearings in the cities with the worst backlogs. NHC judges initially focused their efforts on the backlogs in Atlanta, Cleveland, and Detroit – cities where claimants had been waiting the longest. Atlanta continues to be a focus for the NHC, along with Flint, MI and Indianapolis. The agency plans to expand the NHC in Falls Church, VA as well as open additional centers in Albuquerque and Chicago. In addition, the agency is working with the General Services Administration to establish new hearing of-fices in the most backlogged states: Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan and Ohio. Social Security completed the nationwide roll-out of the QDD process in February 2008 and it has proven to be an unqualified success. QDD cases now represent about three percent of all new claims. This means more than 75,000 people each year will have their cases allowed in about 8 days, something that was unheard of just a year ago. The QDD threshold has now been adjusted for 31 Disability Deter-mination Services (DDS), and the agency plans to gradually increase the volume of QDD cases while maintaining the same level of quality.
Other accomplishments in FY 2008 include:
1. More than 2.6 million initial disability claims processed;
2. Approximately 560,000 reconsideration cases processed;
3. Over 575,000 hearing requests processed;
Over 83,000 Appeals Council Reviews processed;
Implemented procedures to allow attorney adjudicators to issue fully-favorable decisions -- over 24,000 decisions issued;
Implemented a process in which the hearing office returns specific cases to the DDS for review for potential allowance -- to date, DDSs have allowed about 24,000 cases;
Improved the process to identify and expedite military casualty claims;
Implemented the Request for Program Consultation process nationally to improve accuracy and con-sistency in the disability decision-making process; and
Implemented a process that allows the public and third parties to file disability reconsideration and hearing requests via the Internet.
“The progress we have made is significant, especially since receipts at the hearings level were five percent higher than we expected in FY 2008. While the backlog grew slightly, the rate of increase in pending cases continues to drop,” Commissioner Astrue said.
Looking ahead to FY 2009, Commissioner Astrue hopes the energy and talent of the new ALJs, the national rollout of Compassionate Allowances, and other initiatives will improve the quality of reviews and steadily reduce the number of pending cases starting this spring. However, he stated, “the effects of an extended continuing resolution are clearly slowing our progress. We simply cannot address the chal-lenges we face without adequate and timely funding. Many things we need to do, such as increase sup-port staff and add new hearing offices, will not happen if Congress fails to pass an adequate appropria-tions bill by March. Social Security is an agency of great skill and accomplishment and we are ready to work with Congress, the new Administration and all of our stakeholders to improve service to the pub-lic.”