Trying to explain to clients how difficult it can be reaching Social Security to apply for benefits or to just get some answers does not always crystallize just how high the mountain is to climb, but usually after a client makes an attempt, or several, of trying to visit a Social Security office or tries… Read more »
Blog
Payments to Same-Sex Couples: Partner Benefits
August 8, 2013 Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security publically stated: “I am pleased to announce that Social Security is now processing some retirement spouse claims for same-sex couples and paying benefits where they are due. The recent Supreme Court decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, made just over… Read more »
Not Making The Grade
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 »
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 »
Knowing About The Social Security Disability Evaluation Process
Social Security has set a guideline in which it makes evaluations on disability claims. Before going through the disability process it is important to understand how Social Security will make an evaluation and decision. Here is a more in-depth look at that process. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Disability Evaluation Under Social Security has been… Read more »
Republicans Are bailing On Senate Healthcare Bill
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell had grand plans for the Senate to vote on its version of a healthcare bill that would replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) prior to Congress’ 4th of July recess, but that never happened. We are well past the 4th of July now and there seems to be even less… Read more »
The Backlog Is Growing Larger
We knew it was going to happen; it was just a matter of time how noticeable it would become. The backlog for people waiting for Social Security disability hearings has grown and is growing and the wait times for a hearing and hearing decisions is doing the same thing. There are now more than 1.1… Read more »
Waive Goodbye To Social Security Benefits If You Are In Prison
A couple of recent news articles highlighted the fact that if you are behind bars, or are supposed to be behind bars you are not entitled to Social Security benefits. These two very different stories illustrate that fact how you can get there in two very different ways. This story from the Philadelphia Inquirer is… 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 »
