Several times before we have talked about Social Security’s lack of resources related to customer service. Anyone who has had direct contact, or should I say attempted to have contact, with the Social Security Administration knows that actually succeeding in getting something accomplished is a monumental task. Although long wait times and customer service issues… Read more »
Blog
Going In The Wrong Direction
The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities recently released some telling information about Social Security’s resources and the kind of workload it is facing. To make a long story short, Social Security has less operating money and less staff than it used to, but the workload has only increased. These figures compare today’s current environment… Read more »
An Ignorant Response To Increasing Social Security
President Barack Obama said it, so too has the 2016 Democratic presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton, but the Republican Party is against it. Social Security remains a wedge issue for the two parties. Most democrats wish to increase monthly benefits for those who collect retirement, disability or survivor’s benefits by increasing Social Security taxes on the… Read more »
Another Year Without A Pay Increase Is Possible
Even though the 2016 year is not even half over there is already some speculation as to what will happen with Social Security benefits in 2017. Each year those who receive Social Security benefits, whether they are retirement, disability or survivor’s benefits, brace themselves to learn whether or not they will get an increase in… Read more »
Why do I care about Chained CPI-U?
While individual Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) are determined based on the amount individuals have paid into the system over time, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is need based, and cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) in maximum amounts are determined based on a formula set by Congress. There have recently been proposals to change the way this COLA is calculated. The formula set… Read more »
The Social Security Administration’s Social Media Efforts
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made numerous efforts to connect with people by using social media to provide information regarding the agency and the services it offers. For people looking for information on Social Security Retirement, Disability, or Survivors benefits the SSA now offers downloadable podcasts and webinars featuring different topics. The webinars offer… Read more »
Appeals Council Status Now Available Online
The Social Security Administration recently added a new service that would allow Social Security disability representatives to determine the status of an Appeals Council case. If a claimant’s Social Security disability case is denied by an Administrative Law Judge, that decision can be appealed to something known as the Appeals Council. The Appeals Council is… Read more »
The Social Security Disability Denial Letter
These days we don’t receive a lot of positive information or news from the mail. Typically we receive bills or junk mail, but no longer do we receive letters, postcards or even checks in the mail like we used to. This has all been replaced by e-mail, text messaging, Twitter, Facebook and direct deposit. It… Read more »
How Changing Financial Situations Can Impact Your SSI
There are two main types of disability programs Social Security offers for people who are disabled and unable to work. These programs are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Social Security Disability Insurance pays disabled workers monthly benefits based on how much they have paid into Social Security through taxes, while… Read more »
Social Security Disability Insurance Is 60 Years Old
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program has been providing benefits to American workers who have become disabled and are no longer able to work, or maintain a certain standard of employment know as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), since 1956. Even though the program spans 60 years it could’ve been around for as long as… Read more »
