social

New online tool helps you estimate Social Security benefits

Social Security has launched a new online tool that will help you avoid costly errors that could reduce your benefits. The Retirement Estimator gives estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record. Please keep in mind that these are just estimates. We can’t provide your actual benefit amount until you apply for benefits. And that amount may … Read more

Historical Background And Development Of Social Security

The Committee on Economic Security (CES) On June 8, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, in a message to the Congress, announced his intention to provide a program for Social Security. Subsequently, the President created by Executive Order the Committee on Economic Security, which was composed of five top cabinet-level officials. The committee was instructed to study the entire problem … Read more

Social Security Case Backlog Leaves the Terminally Ill Waiting

The backlog of applications for disability benefits is so big the Social Security Administration has a special code—DXDI—for appeals dismissed because the applicant died waiting. Since 2005, the agency has made 15,043 DXDI designations. One person who died waiting was Dexter E. Penny of District Heights, Md., who applied for disability benefits in February 2009 … Read more

Social Security Can Help The Homeless

People Experiencing Homelessness Individuals experiencing homelessness who have a disability have the same rights and privileges in applying for disability benefits as someone who is not homeless. Please read more in Spotlight on Homelessness. You should inform us during the application process if you are experiencing homelessness, so that we may better assist you with your … Read more

Social Security Loopholes Are Closing: Here Are New Strategies for Maximizing Benefits

By Robert McGarvey Updated Jan 17, 2016 2:15 PM EST Original: Jan 15, 2016 Late last year, Congress slammed shut two giant Social Security loopholes that had let some lucky pensioners up their take by tens of thousands of dollars. But the financially wily will note those loopholes are not quite closed. There remain tactics for maximizing Social Security over a lifetime, but eligible recipients need … Read more

Seniors Rally in Boston Against Cuts to Social Programs

BOSTON–Chanting “hands off” and “no cuts,” hundreds of seniors rallied here to warn Congress’s deficit-cutting supercommittee to stay away from Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. “When you get older, you need help, not cuts,” said Steve Ciardi, a former pipe fitter who has multiple sclerosis and was in a wheelchair being pushed by his wife, Patty. http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2011/11/09/seniors-rally-in-boston-against-cuts-to-social-programs/ … Read more

‘Technical Fix’ for Social Security Will Shrink Benefits to the Poor | The Nation

Technical Fix for Social Security may reduce benefits significantly over the long haul according to this opinion post in The Nation by William Greider. Do you agree? The ugly part of this gimmick is that it punishes most severely the very people who most need help. http://www.thenation.com/blog/164450/technical-fix-social-security-will-shrink-benefits-poor