The President has notified the Congress of a new Social Security agreement between the United States and Switzerland. This replaces an agreement between the two countries signed in 1988. Agreements such as these generally provide for administrative cooperation between the two countries and totalization of wage credits for situations where a person can qualify for benefits only by combining
Sunday, 15 December 2013
New Social Security Agreement With Switzerland
Posted on 07:51 by Unknown
The President has notified the Congress of a new Social Security agreement between the United States and Switzerland. This replaces an agreement between the two countries signed in 1988. Agreements such as these generally provide for administrative cooperation between the two countries and totalization of wage credits for situations where a person can qualify for benefits only by combining
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Services To Be Curtailed
Posted on 08:33 by Unknown
From the Southtown Star:
In a move that one congressional staff member
calls “absolutely devastating” to senior citizens and the poor, the
Social Security Administration is planning to eliminate some walk-in
office services.
In a letter sent to employee union officials
this month, the SSA announced that as of April 1, it will no longer
provide benefit verification letters to
In a move that one congressional staff member
calls “absolutely devastating” to senior citizens and the poor, the
Social Security Administration is planning to eliminate some walk-in
office services.
In a letter sent to employee union officials
this month, the SSA announced that as of April 1, it will no longer
provide benefit verification letters to
Off Topic: Something You Don't See Every Day
Posted on 08:33 by Unknown
Yes, It Really Did Snow In Egypt -- For The First Time In 112 Years
Friday, 13 December 2013
We Don't Need Social Security One Bit -- People Can Just Plan Their Own Retirements
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From the summary of a study on financial advisors:
46% of financial advisers do not have a retirement plan for themselves, yet 40% are planning to retire within the next 14 years.
46% of financial advisers do not have a retirement plan for themselves, yet 40% are planning to retire within the next 14 years.
Thursday, 12 December 2013
Congressional Hearing Postponed
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
The hearing that had been scheduled for yesterdays before the House Social Security Subcommittee on identity theft and improper payments was postponed at the last minute. No new date has been announced.
Senate Finance Committee Hearing
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on December 18 on The Role of Social Security, Defined Benefits, and Private Retirement Accounts in the Face of the Retirement Crisis.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
Social Security Security Guard Suffers Broken Arm As Result Of Alleged Assault
Posted on 10:22 by Unknown
From KOMO in Silverdale, Washington:
A security guard at a Social Security office in Silverdale suffered a
broken arm in a struggle with a man who was kicked out for being
disruptive.
The 43-year-old guard told Kitsap County sheriff's deputies the man pushed him to the ground Monday in the parking lot.
Kitsap Sun reports
the 26-year-old Hoodsport man was charged Tuesday with felony
A security guard at a Social Security office in Silverdale suffered a
broken arm in a struggle with a man who was kicked out for being
disruptive.
The 43-year-old guard told Kitsap County sheriff's deputies the man pushed him to the ground Monday in the parking lot.
Kitsap Sun reports
the 26-year-old Hoodsport man was charged Tuesday with felony
Despite Budget Deal We're Not Out Of The Woods Yet
Posted on 06:45 by Unknown
The budget deal that you heard about yesterday isn't exactly what you might think it is. The process is supposed to work like this. First a budget is passed. The budget merely sets top line numbers for the total amount to be spent and for each separate appropriations bill. It's the actual appropriations bills that give agencies money to spend. Budget summaries often say how much individual
The Death Master File Again
Posted on 06:43 by Unknown
Even though budget bill announced yesterday is supposed to deal just with
top line numbers, budget bills often contain extraneous items. The agreement
announced yesterday contains an extraneous item affecting Social Security. From the press release on the budget deal:
Restriction on access to the Death Master File
This
provision creates a program under which the Secretary of
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Central Offices Closed By Snow
Posted on 06:47 by Unknown
All federal offices in the Washington, DC area, including the Social Security Administration's Central Offices, are closed today due to snow.
Monday, 9 December 2013
Central Offices Opening Two Hours Late Today
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
Because of weather conditions, Social Security's central offices are opening two hours late today.
Sunday, 8 December 2013
Slowdown In Processing Claimants Onto Benefits
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security has issued updated numbers on payments of fees
to attorneys and some others for representing Social Security
claimants. These fees are withheld and paid by Social Security but come
out of the back benefits of the claimants involved. The attorneys and
others who have their fees withheld pay a user fee for this privilege. Since these fees are usually
paid at the same time
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Bad Social Security Reporting
Posted on 07:05 by Unknown
Trudy Lieberman writes for the Columbia Journalism Review on the bad reporting on Social Security issues.
Friday, 6 December 2013
Third Way Is A Fraud
Posted on 06:20 by Unknown
Michael Hiltzik at the Los Angeles Times has a fine article on Senator Warren's response to a misleading Third Way op ed in the Wall Street Journal.
The right wing lies about Social Security are out of hand and it mostly starts with bogus front groups like "Third Way" which poses as a centrist organization but which is nothing of the sort. Its board is thoroughly dominated by Wall
I Agree With Cato On This One
Posted on 05:58 by Unknown
From a press release issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) division of the Department of Homeland Security:
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director Alejandro Mayorkas today announced an enhancement to the E-Verify
program that will help combat identity fraud by identifying and
deterring fraudulent use of Social Security numbers (SSNs) for
Thursday, 5 December 2013
Obama Speaks On Disability Programs
Posted on 12:18 by Unknown
From remarks made by President Obama yesterday:
[W]e should be willing to look at fresh ideas to revamp unemployment and
disability programs to encourage faster and higher rates of
re-employment without cutting benefits. We shouldn't weaken fundamental
protections built over generations, because given the constant churn in
today’s economy and the disabilities that many of our friends
[W]e should be willing to look at fresh ideas to revamp unemployment and
disability programs to encourage faster and higher rates of
re-employment without cutting benefits. We shouldn't weaken fundamental
protections built over generations, because given the constant churn in
today’s economy and the disabilities that many of our friends
Congressional Hearing On Improper Payments And Identity Theft
Posted on 06:08 by Unknown
The Social Security Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee has scheduled a hearing for 1:00 on December 11 on Improper Payments and Identity Theft. The hearing is supposed to focus on the Internal Revenue Service, rather than Social Security.
Is This New?
Posted on 06:00 by Unknown
Is this new? Does it do you any good if you've filed a disability claim?
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
Unemployment Benefits And Social Security Disability
Posted on 10:34 by Unknown
Wonkblog at the Washington Post decided to look into the question of whether people who are about to lose their unemployment insurance benefits will go on Social Security disability benefits and finds plentiful evidence that that hasn't happened in the past. The article, unfortunately, goes on to discuss the theory that because job openings aren't as plentiful now as they used to be that
Getting Worse By The Month
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Some statistics from Social Security's Caseload Analysis Report and National Ranking Report, courtesy of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR):
Average hearing office processing time:
FY 2012: 353 days
FY 2013: 382 days
Cases pending hearing office disposition over 270 days:
FY 2012: 271,557
FY 2013: 288,622
Cases pending hearing office
Hearing Office Attorney Advisor Ability To Issue Favorable Decisions Diminished
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a Bulletin issued by Social Security's Chief Administrative Law Judge:
In November 2013 we began a pilot: the
National Screening Unit (NSU). The NSU Core Team will review and select
cases eligible for the program and will distribute those cases to
hearing office (HO) management for assignment to AAs.
AAs [Attorney Advisors] may review and sign fully favorable
decisions only
Tuesday, 3 December 2013
Hiltzik Reports On The Demographic Factors Affecting Social Security Disability
Posted on 07:02 by Unknown
Michael Hiltzik at the Los Angeles Times reports on the recent study by two Social Security economists showing that the 94% of the recent growth in the number of Social Security disability claims can be attributed to demographic factors. I had posted about this study on November 20.
A New Right Wing Group Attacks Social Security Disability
Posted on 06:20 by Unknown
There's a Social Security disability hit piece in today's issue of The Hill, written by MacMillin Slobodien, the executive director of Our Generation which has recently launched Reform SSDI Now. This is almost certainly a Koch Brothers front organization.
Congressional Leaders Reported To Be Close To Budget Deal
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
Politico reports that Congressional leaders are close to a budget deal that would avoid another shutdown. The deal would include additional revenue from fee increases and would replace about $80 billion in sequester cuts over the next two years. Changes in federal retirement benefits may be part of the deal. The reductions in the sequester cuts would be evenly divided between defense and
Does This Look Like The Social Security Disability Program Is Out Of Control?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Final Outcome Of Disability Claims
Monday, 2 December 2013
Former Social Security Employee Sentenced
Posted on 11:49 by Unknown
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:
A former Social Security Administration employee, who charged a fee
to elderly and disabled people seeking income assistance to speed their
claims, was sent to prison Monday.
Cordell Fleming, a former
claims representative in Morrow, was sentenced to one day and one year
in prison, after pleading guilty to extortion in August. The sentence
also
A former Social Security Administration employee, who charged a fee
to elderly and disabled people seeking income assistance to speed their
claims, was sent to prison Monday.
Cordell Fleming, a former
claims representative in Morrow, was sentenced to one day and one year
in prison, after pleading guilty to extortion in August. The sentence
also
Soaring Number Of People Approved For Disability Benefits?
Posted on 05:41 by Unknown
Below are the total number of persons newly approved for Disability Insurance Benefits by the Social Security Administration over the last three years. The meme being promoted on the right is that the number of people going to Social Security disability is soaring and the program is completely out of control. That meme lacks a basis in reality.
2010
1,026,988
Sunday, 1 December 2013
Why Have ALJ Reversal Rates Gone Down?
Posted on 07:43 by Unknown
The Scranton, PA Times-Tribune looks into why Social Security's Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) are approving a lower percentage of the disability claims they hear than they used to. The bottom line is that there are many theories but no one, including the Social Security Administration, knows why this has happened.
Saturday, 30 November 2013
Another Old Overpayment Story
Posted on 07:27 by Unknown
Another day, another story about Social Security trying to collect on an ancient overpayment. The claimant involved says he was told years ago that it had been taken care of but the computer says he owes $14,000 so Social Security is planning to just seize his benefits for the next year and a half to make it up. It's up to a very sick claimant to sort it out.
Yes, I know he can ask
Friday, 29 November 2013
Was It What You Expected?
Posted on 07:45 by Unknown
FedSmith visits a Social Security field office.
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Social Security Offices To Be Closed To Public On Friday
Posted on 07:22 by Unknown
Social Security has just announced via its Twitter feed that its offices will be closed to the public on Friday. I'm not aware of any prior announcement. In recent years, Social Security has completely closed its offices on the Friday after Thanksgiving. That wasn't done this year, probably because of the government shutdown in October.
Social Security Gets A/A For Plain Writing
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The Center for Plain Writing is giving the Social Security Administration a grade of A/A for plain writing, higher than any other agency. The first A is for following the requirements of the Plain Writing Act and the second A is for following its spirit.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Distilling The Right Wing's Frustration Over Social Security Into One Title
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Title of a blog post by Gary Galles of the Ludwig von Mises Institute: Killing The "We Paid Our Taxes; We Earned Our Benefits" Social Security Ponzi Meme.
Monday, 25 November 2013
Gotta Collect Those Overpayments
Posted on 06:26 by Unknown
From The Missoulian:
A Corvallis man was floored last week when he received a letter from
the Social Security Administration saying he has to pay nearly $2,000 by
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, due to a clerical error nearly 40 years
ago.
Rudolph Weiglein said he was notified by the SSA that the
agency had overpaid him on a claim, and he needs to pay back $1,995 to
the government.
“
A Corvallis man was floored last week when he received a letter from
the Social Security Administration saying he has to pay nearly $2,000 by
Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, due to a clerical error nearly 40 years
ago.
Rudolph Weiglein said he was notified by the SSA that the
agency had overpaid him on a claim, and he needs to pay back $1,995 to
the government.
“
Interim Assistance Reimbursement NPRM
Posted on 06:11 by Unknown
From a Notice of Proposed Rule-Making (NPRM) posted in the Federal Register today:
We reimburse States that provide interim assistance to
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants under our interim
assistance reimbursement (IAR) program. We provide this reimbursement
from the SSI recipient's initial retroactive SSI payment. On November
20, 2010, we began using an electronic Interim
We reimburse States that provide interim assistance to
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants under our interim
assistance reimbursement (IAR) program. We provide this reimbursement
from the SSI recipient's initial retroactive SSI payment. On November
20, 2010, we began using an electronic Interim
What?
Posted on 06:09 by Unknown
From a notice to appear in the Federal Register tomorrow:
Under our current, long-standing policy, we do not purchase genetic testing to evaluate disability. However, we do consider all evidence in the record, including genetic testing and other genetic medical evidence, when we make a determination or decision of whether you are disabled. We are requesting information regarding how we
Under our current, long-standing policy, we do not purchase genetic testing to evaluate disability. However, we do consider all evidence in the record, including genetic testing and other genetic medical evidence, when we make a determination or decision of whether you are disabled. We are requesting information regarding how we
Sunday, 24 November 2013
No Statute Of Limitations On Overpayments
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
From the Contra Costa Times:
For
Vietnam War veteran Thomas Testerman, a letter he recently received from
the Defense Department was a reminder of the mistreatment his
generation of soldiers faced.
Landing in his mailbox two days
before Veterans Day, the letter informed him that he owes nearly $500
because of checks the Social Security Administration mistakenly sent him
in 1972
Saturday, 23 November 2013
Getting Hosed By COLA
Posted on 07:36 by Unknown
Danny Vinik at Business Insider argues that Social Security recipients are getting hosed by the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) even without chained CPI. He thinks Congress should require the use of the CPI-E (with E standing for Elderly) for the COLA instead of the measure being used now, CPI-W. The CPI-E would result in significantly higher benefits for those staying on Social Security
Friday, 22 November 2013
Eunuchs Who Receive Crazy Checks: A Preview Of The Debate On The Social Security Disability Trust Fund
Posted on 06:27 by Unknown
It Looks Different From The Top
Posted on 06:20 by Unknown
CEOs with 1,200 times your retirement savings want to cut Social Security.
Thursday, 21 November 2013
Will President Nominate New Commissioner Now That Filibuster Is Off The Table?
Posted on 10:32 by Unknown
The Senate has voted to end filibusters on executive branch nominations.
The Social Security Administration has had an Acting Commissioner since February of this year. So far there has been no nomination to the position.
The Senate's action has to make it more likely that the President will nominate a new Commissioner and that the Senate will act promptly on that nomination. For
Privacy At Social Security Offices
Posted on 05:58 by Unknown
One person writing a letter to the editor of The Post Standard in Syracuse, NY thinks there's no privacy in the Hillside Commons Social Security field office.
I'm aware of a not dissimilar situation at the Roanoke Rapids, NC remote hearing site. The walls are so thin there that anyone in the waiting room could hear anything said in the hearing room. The solution has been to play a
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Yesterday's Oversight Hearing
Posted on 10:43 by Unknown
I had a chance today to listen to the recording of yesterday's House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on Social Security disability while I ate lunch and did some other things. I'd like to compliment the chairman of the Subcommittee, James Lankford, and the Subcommittee members for holding a hearing without partisan rancor, a hearing directed at informing the
The Growth In The Number Of People Receiving Disability Benefits Is Almost All Demographics
Posted on 05:46 by Unknown
The abstract of a study by Social Security's Office of Retirement and Disability Policy:
We find that three factors—(1) population growth, (2) the growth in the
proportion of women insured for disability, and (3) the movement of the
large baby boom generation into disability-prone ages—explain 90 percent
of the growth in new disabled-worker entitlements over the 36-year subperiod (1972–
We find that three factors—(1) population growth, (2) the growth in the
proportion of women insured for disability, and (3) the movement of the
large baby boom generation into disability-prone ages—explain 90 percent
of the growth in new disabled-worker entitlements over the 36-year subperiod (1972–
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Today's Congressional Hearing
Posted on 12:55 by Unknown
I was unable to watch today's hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Committee because I'm a practicing attorney with clients to represent. Here are some excerpts from the written remarks of Patrick O'Carroll, Jr. Social Security's Inspector General, listing some ongoing reviews:
Trends Associated with Cases Decided by High-Denial Outlier ALJs , in which we
NPRM On Hematological Disorders
Posted on 06:21 by Unknown
The Social Security Administration has posted a Notice of Proposed Rule-Making (NPRM) in the Federal Register to revise the hematological Listings. This is only a proposal. The public is allowed to comment on the proposal and Social Security must consider those comments before adopting a final rule.
I have not had time to study the NPRM but I can quickly tell that it follows what has
Preparing For Today's Congressional Hearing
Posted on 06:12 by Unknown
Apparently, Social Security is preparing for today's hearing before the Energy, Health Care and Entitlements Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform by publicly announcing via an "Emergency Message" goals for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) redeterminations.
I wonder if the proposal sent over to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to require
Wedge Issue?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The idea of raising Social Security benefits is increasingly becoming a favorite among more liberal Democrats. Senator Warren just came out in favor of the idea. This is not going to happen while Republicans control the House of Representatives. Theoretically, control of the House could change next year but it would take a Democratic landslide. More realistically, raising Social Security
Monday, 18 November 2013
Congressional Hearing Tomorrow
Posted on 10:17 by Unknown
The Energy, Health Care and Entitlements Subcommittee of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hold a hearing tomorrow, November 19, at 10:00 on "Mismanagement of Federal Disability Programs." That title might be a tipoff to what to expect. Social Security's Inspector General will testify.
Washington Post Doesn't Like Idea Of Increasing Social Security Benefits
Posted on 08:45 by Unknown
The Washington Post editorial board doesn't think that raising Social Security benefits would be a good idea because the money should be spent on younger people. The Post doesn't explain exactly how the money should be spent on younger people. Maybe someone can help me out by telling me how the Post wants to spend more money on younger people.
.I wonder if the bigger problem for the
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Most SSA Employees Satisfied With Their Jobs
Posted on 06:57 by Unknown
According to a new Office of Personnel Management survey, 65% of Social Security employees express satisfaction with their jobs. While this is down considerably from 2010 when 74% of Social Security employees expressed job satisfaction, it is still higher than the government wide employee satisfaction rate of 59%.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Try Collecting 700,000 Signatures On A Petition To Address The Real Social Security Issues
Posted on 07:58 by Unknown
The McClatchy newspaper chain's Washington bureau reports that "chained CPI is on the table" in budget negotiations. Sure, it's on the table, as long as Republicans allow tax increases to be "on the table" which means chained CPI isn't on the table and won't be on the table.
There's a lot of silly huffing and puffing about chained CPI that I don't understand. Current political
Friday, 15 November 2013
All Relevant Evidence From Any Source In Its Entirety
Posted on 08:10 by Unknown
You may have noticed the extensive comments on my post about Social Security's plan to make attorneys responsible for obtaining "all relevant evidence
obtained from any source in its entirety" concerning a disability claim. I had posed the hypothetical of a claimant who had received treatment for infertility. Some people thought that was irrelevant to a disability claim. Others felt it was
Astrue Trashes Democratic Candidate At House Hearing
Posted on 06:18 by Unknown
Former Commissioner of Social Security, Michael Astrue, testified before some House subcommittee yesterday. The article I'm getting this from says it was the "Health Subcommittee" but the House Ways and Means Committee site doesn't show its Health Subcommittee having a hearing this week. Anyway, Astrue was there to trash Donald Berwick, who is running for governor of Massachusetts. Berwick
Thursday, 14 November 2013
NPRM On Obtaining And Submitting Evidence Coming
Posted on 05:53 by Unknown
From the description -- and a short description is all that's available now -- of a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) that Social Security has sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval:
We propose to require claimants to inform us about or submit all
evidence known to them that relates to their disability claim, subject
to two exceptions for privileged
Wednesday, 13 November 2013
Why Eliminating The Cap On Earnings Taxed By FICA Is A Great Idea In One Chart
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Effect of eliminating cap on wages subject to FICA. From Office of Chief Actuary, SSA
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Why Chained CPI Is Almost Pointless In One Chart
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Effects of beginning chained CPI in December 2014. From Office of Chief Actuary, SSA
Sunday, 10 November 2013
Fee Payment Update
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security has issued updated numbers on payments of fees
to attorneys and some others for representing Social Security
claimants. These fees are withheld and paid by Social Security but come
out of the back benefits of the claimants involved. The attorneys and
others who have their fees withheld pay a user fee for this privilege. Since these fees are usually
paid at the same time that
Saturday, 9 November 2013
NADE Issues Newsletter
Posted on 07:46 by Unknown
The National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE), a membership organization of state agency personnel responsible for making initial and reconsideration determinations on Social Security disability claims, has issued its Fall 2013 newsletter.
Friday, 8 November 2013
Bombarding This Blog
Posted on 06:34 by Unknown
If you read the comments posted on this blog you might come to the impression that everyone knows that:
Social Security employees do most of their "work" from at home but they don't really work because they're all lazy. The agency has way too many employees.
Social Security's Administrative Law Judges are particularly lazy. They approve Social Security disability claims because they're
Anybody Can Make A Mistake
Posted on 06:27 by Unknown
The House Ways and Means Committee staff', controlled by Republicans, sent out a press release claiming that the chained CPI method of computing Social Security's Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) would have resulted in a 1.7% COLA this year instead of the 1.5% COLA that beneficiaries actually received. Wow, who says chained CPI would hurt Social Security recipients? There's just one little
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Is Social Security Regressive
Posted on 06:35 by Unknown
For Social Security
Eduardo Porter writes in the Economix column at the New York Times that this chart shows that Social Security is regressive, that instead of helping poor people it hurts them because wealthier people live longer. The problem with Porter's argument is that he's basing it on race-ethnicity. The average age of whites is 41, African-Americans 30 and Hispanics is 27. What
Senate Hearing Postponed Due To Coburn Cancer
Posted on 05:50 by Unknown
From the Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch:
Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn has had a recurrence of prostate cancer and
is undergoing further evaluation and treatment, according to spokesmen
for the conservative Republican.
Spokesman John Hart said in a brief statement to The Associated Press
that the 65-year-old lawmaker will be out for the rest of the week but
will be back "as soon as
Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn has had a recurrence of prostate cancer and
is undergoing further evaluation and treatment, according to spokesmen
for the conservative Republican.
Spokesman John Hart said in a brief statement to The Associated Press
that the 65-year-old lawmaker will be out for the rest of the week but
will be back "as soon as
There Goes The Old Profit Margin
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
John Uptain, an Alabama non-attorney who wants to represent Social Security disability claimants, is offering his services for 20% of the claimants past due benefits instead of the usual 25%. Uptain had previously worked for Social Security for 25 years. He attributes his ability to offer reduced fees to low overhead and not having to pay off student loans.
Over the years I have often
Wednesday, 6 November 2013
A Blogger Writes About His Father's Experience With Social Security Disability
Posted on 06:58 by Unknown
Jack Nicholson in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
A blogger writes about his experience when helping his severely depressed father apply for Social Security disability benefits. He was surprised to find that "We could actually get people on the phone when we called, and when we
arrived, we didn't have to wait long to be set up with a caseworker, who
was respectful, and very
What's The Matter, Kansas? You Got What You Voted For
Posted on 06:11 by Unknown
The residents of Pittsburg, Kansas are up in arms that they're losing their local Social Security field office. Social Security management explains to them that they have to close offices because of lack of funding. Pittsburgers complain that they weren't consulted. Social Security management doesn't give the obvious answer so I'll give it. Kansas is a solidly Republican state, giving 60%
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Social Security Paid Dead People!
Posted on 06:21 by Unknown
Social Security paid out 0.006% of benefits to dead people. Does that sound like a big deal?
User Fee Capped At $89 In 2014
Posted on 06:12 by Unknown
The user fee cap will be $89 in 2014. This is the limit on the amount that Social Security can charge attorneys and some others for withholding their fee from and the past due benefits of clients that have represented before the Social Security Administration. It's the amount charged in most cases. It's a simple one-quarter computation. By contrast, payroll companies charge $.80 to $2.00 to
It's Tough To Get On SSI Child's Benefits
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
The Philadelphia Inquirer has an article on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) child's benefit program. Despite what you've heard, it's tough to get on benefits. How tough? So tough that most Social Security attorneys refuse to take on any SSI child case.
Monday, 4 November 2013
"You Can't Change The Rules"
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
Older Americans really, really don't like the idea of changing Social Security. However, removing the cap on wages covered by the F.I.C.A. tax does appeal to them.
"I contributed to it. It's my money," said Joan McDonald, 65, of
Annapolis, Md., who retired as an accountant this year and began
collecting Social Security. "The plan was, 'Contribute this and you get
this.' You can't
Is Raising Social Security Benefits An Idea That Has Entered The Political Mainstream?
Posted on 05:39 by Unknown
The Pacific Standard reports on Duncan Black, who blogs under the name Atrios. According to the Pacific Standard, Atrios has introduced into the political marketplace the startling notion of increasing Social Security benefits.
For obvious reasons, I like to think that bloggers can make a difference. However, I'm not sure that the notion of increasing Social Security benefits was ever
Sunday, 3 November 2013
Save For Retirement -- Yeah, Right
Posted on 07:22 by Unknown
From a press release:
... [M]ore than half the middle class (59%) are very clear that their top
day-to-day financial concern is “paying the monthly bills,” an increase
from 52% in 2012. Saving for retirement ranks a distant second place, with 13% calling it a “priority,” as four in ten middle class Americans (42%) say saving and
paying the bills is “not possible.” As a result, 48% are
... [M]ore than half the middle class (59%) are very clear that their top
day-to-day financial concern is “paying the monthly bills,” an increase
from 52% in 2012. Saving for retirement ranks a distant second place, with 13% calling it a “priority,” as four in ten middle class Americans (42%) say saving and
paying the bills is “not possible.” As a result, 48% are
Saturday, 2 November 2013
Get Out Of The Bubble, Ina
Posted on 08:30 by Unknown
Proving that she lives in a bubble, Ina Jaffe reports on NPR, with amazement, that many older people rely almost exclusively on the income from their Social Security benefits, something that's hard to do. If you find this amazing, all I can do is recommend that you look around a bit. These days few people have defined benefit pensions or significant retirement savings.
Friday, 1 November 2013
Social Security Works Getting Weird
Posted on 08:36 by Unknown
Fox News Wants To Correct The Record -- Republicans Did Too Vote For The Ponzi Scheme Known As Social Security
Posted on 06:38 by Unknown
Could this be a faint ray of light from the right? Fox News has a story about how Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel got it all wrong when he said that the Social Security Act passed in 1935 without any Republican votes. As Fox News correctly points out, there were lots of Republican votes for Social Security in 1935. Is Fox News proud that Republicans voted for creating a dole, welfare,
Thursday, 31 October 2013
The Need For Children's SSI Benefits
Posted on 05:46 by Unknown
Three professors have produced a paper for the Heller School for Social Policy and Management of Brandeis University documenting the hardships faced by families receiving children's Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Even with the children's SSI benefits 45% of the families are unable to meet all their essential expenses, 21% are unable to pay rent, 42% are unable to pay all their utility
Wednesday, 30 October 2013
Banned By SSA!
Posted on 06:12 by Unknown
It appears that starting this week Social Security's computer network is blocking access to this blog. I strongly doubt that it's just this blog. Probably, everything on blogger is being blocked.
Update: I don't know what's going on. I'm getting people reporting accessing Social Security News from Social Security computers but Google Analytics shows access to Social Security News way
1.5% COLA
Posted on 05:47 by Unknown
As expected, Social Security's Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be 1.5% this year.
Update: Here are all the numbers released today:
Social Security (OASDI) Program Rates & Limits
2014
Tax Rates (percent)
Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance)
Employers and Employees,
Update: Here are all the numbers released today:
Social Security (OASDI) Program Rates & Limits
2014
Tax Rates (percent)
Social Security (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance)
Employers and Employees,
Charlie Binder Has More To Say In Response To Sixty Minutes
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Charlie Binder has more to say in response to the Sixty Minutes piece although that may not be apparent until the last paragraph.
Tuesday, 29 October 2013
Astrue Called "Hack" By Candidate For Governor
Posted on 07:33 by Unknown
From the Boston Globe:
[F]issures between Michael Astrue and Donald Berwick, a Democratic
candidate for governor, opened in early 2011 when Berwick, then
administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
summoned Astrue, then Social Security Administration commissioner, to
his office.
Berwick wanted Social Security to help pay for a piece of the health
care insurance
[F]issures between Michael Astrue and Donald Berwick, a Democratic
candidate for governor, opened in early 2011 when Berwick, then
administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services,
summoned Astrue, then Social Security Administration commissioner, to
his office.
Berwick wanted Social Security to help pay for a piece of the health
care insurance
More On Social Security Overpayments
Posted on 05:56 by Unknown
Another CNN Money piece on Social Security overpayments:
The Social Security Administration is overpaying big sums of money
to disability beneficiaries -- and lawyers, consumer advocates and
watchdogs say the agency's own missteps are to blame.
Long after notifying Social Security that they have either started
working again or earn too much income to qualify for benefits, some
The Social Security Administration is overpaying big sums of money
to disability beneficiaries -- and lawyers, consumer advocates and
watchdogs say the agency's own missteps are to blame.
Long after notifying Social Security that they have either started
working again or earn too much income to qualify for benefits, some
Monday, 28 October 2013
Is Social Security Sending Out $75,000 Checks To Random Claimants?
Posted on 06:09 by Unknown
From CNN Money:
Americans dealing with injuries, mental illnesses and other
impairments are being notified out of the blue that they’ve been
overpaid by the Social Security Administration and now owe thousands of
dollars.
One 33-year-old veteran began receiving Social Security disability
payments after his left foot was amputated following an explosion in
Iraq in 2007. After going
Americans dealing with injuries, mental illnesses and other
impairments are being notified out of the blue that they’ve been
overpaid by the Social Security Administration and now owe thousands of
dollars.
One 33-year-old veteran began receiving Social Security disability
payments after his left foot was amputated following an explosion in
Iraq in 2007. After going
Sunday, 27 October 2013
A Manageable Problem
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Saturday, 26 October 2013
Alabama Sheriff Acquitted On Social Security Fraud Charge
Posted on 07:30 by Unknown
I had reported in August that Washington County, Alabama Sheriff Richard Stringer had pleaded not guilty to Social Security fraud. It was alleged that Stringer had conspired with others to get Social Security benefits for a friend.
The case went to trial. Mr. Stringer was acquitted.
Friday, 25 October 2013
Democrats And Republicans Support Positions At Odds With Their Bases
Posted on 06:38 by Unknown
From Ronald Brownstein writing for the National Journal:
One reason a serious budget negotiation seems unlikely this fall is that
any meaningful assault on the federal deficit would require each party
to confront the contradictions between its fiscal agenda and its
electoral coalition. ...
The GOP presidential nominee has carried most white seniors in four
consecutive presidential
One reason a serious budget negotiation seems unlikely this fall is that
any meaningful assault on the federal deficit would require each party
to confront the contradictions between its fiscal agenda and its
electoral coalition. ...
The GOP presidential nominee has carried most white seniors in four
consecutive presidential
Quite A Comedown
Posted on 06:16 by Unknown
The House Ways and Means Committee has traditionally been of key importance to Social Security and to the nation. However, at the moment, according to Stacy Kaper at the National Journal, Ways and Means is barely functioning.
Thursday, 24 October 2013
Charlie Binder Responds To Sixty Minutes
Posted on 13:38 by Unknown
Charlie Binder has posted something of a response to the Sixty Minutes piece on Social Security disability.
Getting A New Government Program Off The Ground Is Tough
Posted on 08:42 by Unknown
The start-up problems that the Health Care Exchanges are experiencing are not without precedent. As Arthur Delaney writing for the Huffington Report notes there were serious start-up problems with Social Security. Early on, a management expert told the nascent Social Security Board that it should notify Congress that it couldn't run the program! The management expert was told to get back to
Big Return From Social Security
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a study by Gary Koenig of the AARP Public Policy Institute and Al Myles of Mississippi State University:
Social Security’s economic impact starts when its recipients spend their benefits on goods and services.The businesses that receive these dollars use them to pay their owners and employees, purchase additional items to sell, and pay rent, taxes, and the other normal costs of
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
OIG To Focus On Widespread Fraud Investigations; ALJ Lillios Detailed To Help
Posted on 07:59 by Unknown
From Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG):
Our new pilot ... will
focus on allegations involving third-party facilitators [of disability fraud], particularly
those that may indicate widespread fraud schemes or conspiracies. The
pilot will focus on allegations involving:
SSA senior executives, administrative law judges, administrative appeals judges, and other
Our new pilot ... will
focus on allegations involving third-party facilitators [of disability fraud], particularly
those that may indicate widespread fraud schemes or conspiracies. The
pilot will focus on allegations involving:
SSA senior executives, administrative law judges, administrative appeals judges, and other
Why Social Security Is Essential
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Alicia Munnell of the Center for Retirement Research explains in simple terms why Social Security is absolutely essential and why replacing it with a defined contribution plan would be a horrible idea: People are so financially illiterate that they cannot be counted upon to make rational retirement decisions and more financial education won't solve the problem.
And, by the way, to
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Representative Ryan Asking About Raising Retirement Age
Posted on 07:28 by Unknown
No big surprise here, but Representative Paul Ryan, the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, seems to be interested in the effects of raising Social Security's normal retirement age. He recently asked Social Security's Chief Actuary to give him information about the effects of the last increase in the normal retirement age.
SSA Has No Idea Whether The Billions It's Spent On IT Have Done Any Good
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) (footnotes omitted):
Our objective was to determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) had achieved the planned cost savingsfor its information technology (IT) initiatives....
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, SSA spent approximately$1.5 billion on IT investments. SSA has stated its IT investments have been
Our objective was to determine whether the Social Security Administration (SSA) had achieved the planned cost savingsfor its information technology (IT) initiatives....
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2012, SSA spent approximately$1.5 billion on IT investments. SSA has stated its IT investments have been
Monday, 21 October 2013
WSJ Fantasizes About Cuts To Social Security
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
The Wall Street Journal is fantasizing about cuts to Social Security. It will happen -- just as soon as the Wall Street Journal supports higher taxes on those with high incomes. Anyone want to predict when that will happen?
Attack On Social Security From Children's Advocate
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From WNYC:
The president of the Harlem Children Zone said he's on the
college campus circuit to gin up student activism around entitlement
spending. As it is, Geoffrey Canada said, seniors are erasing any chance
for the next generation to have the safety net they will need and
deserve.
"There are a lot of folk who have a lot of money who simply
don't need social
Sunday, 20 October 2013
Partial Shutdown At Social Security Threatned Life Of SC Man
Posted on 08:08 by Unknown
From The State of Columbia, SC:
Saturday almost ushered in David White’s last dose of
Tasigna, a pill he was receiving free of charge to treat his chronic
myeloid leukemia.
The 31-year-old Beaufort resident was
participating in a clinical trial with drug maker Novartis, and he
qualified for more of the $2,300-per-month drug — if he could prove his
date of eligibility for Medicare.
Saturday almost ushered in David White’s last dose of
Tasigna, a pill he was receiving free of charge to treat his chronic
myeloid leukemia.
The 31-year-old Beaufort resident was
participating in a clinical trial with drug maker Novartis, and he
qualified for more of the $2,300-per-month drug — if he could prove his
date of eligibility for Medicare.
Former ALJ, Under Investigation, Attempts Suicide
Posted on 07:36 by Unknown
From the Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch:
Police are investigating what they called a possible suicide attempt
by a former judge under investigation by a U.S. Senate Committee for
possible fraud in awarding government disability benefits.
David B. Daugherty was found sitting unconcious in his car in a
Barboursville church parking lot about 3:20 p.m. Monday, Barboursville
Police
Police are investigating what they called a possible suicide attempt
by a former judge under investigation by a U.S. Senate Committee for
possible fraud in awarding government disability benefits.
David B. Daugherty was found sitting unconcious in his car in a
Barboursville church parking lot about 3:20 p.m. Monday, Barboursville
Police
Saturday, 19 October 2013
NADE Newsletter
Posted on 07:45 by Unknown
The National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE) has issued its Fall 2013 newsletter, which includes summaries of presentations made at NADE's National Training Conference by two Social Security officials.
Friday, 18 October 2013
COLA Announcement Probably Coming On October 30
Posted on 11:52 by Unknown
Looks like Social Security will be announcing its Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) on October 30. It is likely to be 1.5%.
Breaking Bad In Rhode Island
Posted on 06:46 by Unknown
The Associated Press reports that Randolph Hurst of Wesh Warwick, RI has pleaded guilty to various state charges related to identity theft. Hurst was an Assistant District Manager for Social Security. He used his position to obtain personal information which he then used to gain control of a man's stock investments and steal $160,000. Hurst is facing up to 45 years in prison.
Maybe The Right Wing Should Just Lie Low For A Bit
Posted on 06:01 by Unknown
From Michael Hiltzik writing for the Los Angeles Times:
The anti-deficit lobbying organization "Fix the Debt"
staged a question-and-answer chat on Twitter Thursday. Its goal
presumably was to reach America's smartphone-savvy youth with its
message that Social Security and Medicare payments to their grandparents
are going to land them in the poorhouse a few decades from now.
It's
The anti-deficit lobbying organization "Fix the Debt"
staged a question-and-answer chat on Twitter Thursday. Its goal
presumably was to reach America's smartphone-savvy youth with its
message that Social Security and Medicare payments to their grandparents
are going to land them in the poorhouse a few decades from now.
It's
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
More Money For Social Security's Administrative Budget? No ACA Role For SSA Is Certain
Posted on 18:42 by Unknown
Below is language from the bill set to be passed tonight (yes, it's certain to pass) to resolve the government shutdown-debt ceiling crisis:
Of the amounts made available by section 101 for ‘‘Social Security Administration, Limitation on Expenses’’ for the cost associated with continuing disability reviews under titles II and XVI of the Social Security Act and for the cost associated
Who Is Most To Blame For The Government Shutdown?
Posted on 10:36 by Unknown
.ivanC13819449106984{position:absolute;visibility:hidden;}
Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com
Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com
OGC Employees Recalled To Work
Posted on 10:13 by Unknown
I'm hearing that most of Social Security's Office of General Counsel (OGC) has been recalled to work. There's every reason to expect that the government shutdown will be completely over by midnight.
One Social Security Employee's Shutdown Story
Posted on 07:03 by Unknown
CNN reports an a Social Security employee affected by the government shutdown. Dramatic? No, but multiply it by tens of thousands and it's a big deal.
Shutdown Will Soon Be Over
Posted on 06:30 by Unknown
In case you haven't heard the news, the Republicans lost the government shutdown, big time. I don't want to say the Democrats won but the Democrats won. All federal employees should plan on being back at work Thursday. Republicans should put the idea of using a government shutdown or debt ceiling crisis out of their minds FOREVER.
Update: For those who don't understand why I'm saying
ICU Stays Associated With Cognitive Impairment
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From the New England Journal of Medicine:
Patients in medical and surgical ICUs are at high risk for long-term
cognitive impairment. A longer duration of delirium in the hospital was
associated with worse global cognition and executive function scores at 3
and 12 months.
Patients in medical and surgical ICUs are at high risk for long-term
cognitive impairment. A longer duration of delirium in the hospital was
associated with worse global cognition and executive function scores at 3
and 12 months.
Tuesday, 15 October 2013
An ALJ With A Plan
Posted on 08:53 by Unknown
Social Security Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Paul Armstrong has a plan to save Social Security's disability programs that the Washington Examiner has seen fit to publish. Here are the highlights:
Time limited benefits for some people found disabled.
Have someone representing the government at Social Security hearings on disability claims.
More continuing disability reviews.
" Raise the
SSA To Have Role In "Obamacare" Income Verification??
Posted on 06:28 by Unknown
News reports say that one element of an agreement to resolve the government shutdown will be a more extensive income verification process for the insurance subsidies that are a key part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). To this point, the plan has been to rely upon "available electronic data sources" to verify income. The plan has been that Social Security would not have a role in this
In Fairness To Eric Conn
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
This wouldn't excuse Eric Conn, if the allegations against him are true, but does this sound familiar?
Non-physician disability examiner whose salary is paid by Social Security completes a residual functional capacity (RFC) form. The disability examiner knows that if the claim is denied, whether rightly or wrongly that it is unlikely to be reviewed any further but that if it's allowed,
Monday, 14 October 2013
Scare Tactics Work -- To Some Extent
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
From a press release:
Only 31 percent of American adults believe that Social Security will
still be around when they retire, according to a new survey from
FindLaw.com. ...
Not surprisingly, faith in Social
Security rises as people get older. Only 11 percent of people between
the ages of 18 and 24 expect Social Security to still be around when
they retire, But even among
Only 31 percent of American adults believe that Social Security will
still be around when they retire, according to a new survey from
FindLaw.com. ...
Not surprisingly, faith in Social
Security rises as people get older. Only 11 percent of people between
the ages of 18 and 24 expect Social Security to still be around when
they retire, But even among
New Condition For Raising Debt Limit: Raise Social Security Retirement Age?
Posted on 06:04 by Unknown
I have a hard time believing this but BuzzFeed reports that Senator Rand Paul is saying that the retirement age for Social Security should be raised and that Republicans will make this a condition for raising the debt ceiling. Paul is thought to be a candidate for President in 2016. This sounds more like a report from The Onion.
Conn's Troubles Not Playing Well In Kentucky
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The Lexington Herald-Leader is calling for the Kentucky Bar Association to take action against embattled attorney Eric Conn, arguing that the recent accusation that he colluded with a Social Security Administrative Law Judge is not the first time that Conn has been in trouble. He had already agreed to stop practicing before the Court of Veterans Appeals because of professional misconduct
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Sequestration At Issue
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
From Jonathan Karl at ABC:
Democrats are still willing to accept a short-term deal to reopen the
government at sequester spending levels (the Senate, of course, passed a
6-week extension on those terms), but now that talks are centered on
funding the government into 2014, they are insisting on undoing some of
sequester cuts. To Republicans, this is a non-starter, unless the
sequester
Democrats are still willing to accept a short-term deal to reopen the
government at sequester spending levels (the Senate, of course, passed a
6-week extension on those terms), but now that talks are centered on
funding the government into 2014, they are insisting on undoing some of
sequester cuts. To Republicans, this is a non-starter, unless the
sequester
COLA Likely To Be 1.5%
Posted on 07:14 by Unknown
The Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security is likely to be 1.5% this year.
Saturday, 12 October 2013
Status Of The Shutdown And What It Portends For The Future
Posted on 08:09 by Unknown
Here are a couple of excerpts from pundits, suggesting that we're nearing a solution to the current impasse but that even though Social Security and Medicare are safe, any government benefit that older white voters perceive as going to the undeserving will continue to draw fevered opposition from the GOP:
Jonathan Bernstein writing for the Washington Post:
Republicans do seem to be
Friday, 11 October 2013
Republicans Proposing Benefits Cuts
Posted on 10:16 by Unknown
The Associated Press reports that House Republicans are proposing benefits cuts as a price for reopening the government. The article does not specify Social Security cuts but it's hard to imagine this proposal not including the chained CPI proposal to cut Social Security's Cost Of Living Adjustments (COLA).
NOSSCR Responds To Sixty Minutes
Posted on 08:10 by Unknown
Rebecca Vallas, the Deputy Director of Government Affairs at the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR), spoke on Counterspin, a project of Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR), today to speak about the recent Sixty Minutes story. Vallas details how misleading the Sixty Minutes piece was and argues against legislating by anecdote. Vallas' part of
Arizona DDS Closes Due To Lack Of Federal Money
Posted on 05:50 by Unknown
I don't know how this happened so quietly but the Arizona Disability Determination Service (DDS) was closed on Monday due to the federal government shutdown. We had already heard that the Maine DDS had closed for the same reason. I wonder if there are others we haven't heard about.
Thursday, 10 October 2013
Federal Courts To Shutdown After Next Friday Due To Funding Problems
Posted on 10:56 by Unknown
The Associated Press is reporting that the federal courts will stop all "non-essential work" after October 17 if there is no resolution by then of the government shutdown. Many thousands of Social Security appeals are heard by the federal courts each year. This threatens to put a halt to these reviews.
A Bit Much
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
I think someone at Social Security's Office of Inspector General got a little carried away, before the shutdown, in writing a press release on the conviction of a Florida woman on fraud charges.
Wednesday, 9 October 2013
COLA Announcement Delayed Due To Government Shutdown
Posted on 13:21 by Unknown
Because of the government shutdown, Social Security will be forced to delay an announcement of the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for this year.
Maine DDS Closes Due To Federal Shutdown
Posted on 10:20 by Unknown
The Maine Disability Determination Service (DDS) has closed because of the federal shutdown. Each state has a DDS. The DDS is a state agency which works under contract with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to do disability determinations at the initial and reconsideration levels. Because of the federal shutdown, SSA no longer has any money to pay for DDS operations. While SSA can
The State Of The Shutdown-Debt Ceiling Crisis
Posted on 08:57 by Unknown
Jonathan Chait has posted a new and insightful piece on the government shutdown-debt ceiling crisis. You should read the whole piece but here's an excerpt:
One way to understand the dysfunction within the Republican Party is to
think of it as a hostage scheme that spun out of control. The plan,
originally formulated by Paul Ryan and other party leaders, involved a
more aggressive
One way to understand the dysfunction within the Republican Party is to
think of it as a hostage scheme that spun out of control. The plan,
originally formulated by Paul Ryan and other party leaders, involved a
more aggressive
Karl Rove Chimes In
Posted on 06:06 by Unknown
There is little continued media attention to the allegations of serious wrongdoing at a Social Security hearing office in Kentucky. However, Karl Rove was on the Bill O'Reilly show to allege that this case demonstrated that there is no protection against fraudulent Social Security disability claims.
More On Eric Conn
Posted on 05:50 by Unknown
The Lexington, KY Herald-Leader reports that Kentucky Bar Association is investigating attorney Eric Conn, who was one of the subjects of a Senate hearing into allegations of wrongdoing at a Social Security hearing office. The local U.S. attorney is not commenting upon whether criminal charges will be brought against Conn. The Herald-Leader also reports that a Kentucky Supreme Court justice
Tuesday, 8 October 2013
Senate Hearing Getting Little Media Attention
Posted on 08:39 by Unknown
Yesterday's Senate hearing on the allegations of fraud at a hearing office in Kentucky has had surprisingly little resonance in the media. Of course, there have been some stories. Here are the links I've found:
Associated Press
Fox NewsGovernment Executive
The government shutdown-debt ceiling mess has crowded out a lot of news. Perhaps, the fact that the hearing ran ridiculously late
Most ODAR Workers To Return To Work
Posted on 06:23 by Unknown
I have heard from multiple sources that most employees of the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR) will be returning to work tomorrow. To this point during the shutdown almost all ODAR employees other than the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) have been furloughed. This meant that hearings were going forward but few decisions could be issued. Also, there was no way to prepare
Monday, 7 October 2013
What Is Alleged
Posted on 13:04 by Unknown
Here is a brief summary of the allegations made at the Senate Homeland Security and Government Operations Committee hearing today with some comments from me in brackets on how these allegations fit into the Social Security Act, regulations and practices:
Eric Conn represented claimants over an area covering the territories of several hearing offices. Conn's clients routinely waived a
Senate Hearing At 3:00
Posted on 11:05 by Unknown
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs hearing on Social Security disability benefits is to start at 3:00 EDT. It will be televised on C-SPAN 3. That will be both a cable and a streaming video feed.
Update: It's not on C-SPAN -- they changed their minds about broadcasting it -- but it can be watched on the Committee website.
Vigorous Response To Sixty Minutes
Posted on 10:28 by Unknown
Media Matters has a blog post up concerning the criticism that the Sixty Minutes piece on the Social Security disability programs has received from national disability organizations.
Michael Hiltzik at the Los Angeles Times calls the Sixty Minutes story "shameful." He notes that the Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) who told Sixty Minutes how easy it is to get Social Security
Journalistic Ethics?
Posted on 08:12 by Unknown
Sixty Minutes had Jennifer Griffith and Sarah Carver speaking on camera about the alleged criminal behavior of Eric Conn without mentioning that Griffith and Carver are suing Conn in federal court seeking massive qui tam damages. Shouldn't that detail have been mentioned? Shouldn't Sixty Minutes have also mentioned that the federal government usually takes over meritorious qui tam actions
Why Is Eric Conn Operating Out Of Double Wides If He's Rolling In Dough?
Posted on 07:34 by Unknown
By the way, if Eric Conn has made such vast sums off representing Social Security disability claimants, why is he operating out of double wides? I know that Lincoln statue cost a fair amount of money and I know we're talking about an area where many, many people live in double wides but, still, why wouldn't he be operating out of decent office space if he's rolling in dough?
What The Debt Ceiling Showdown Is About
Posted on 07:06 by Unknown
From Jonathan Chait writing for New York Magazine:
[The Obama Administration sees] the debt-ceiling fight as being mainly about the long-term question of
whether Congress will cement into place the practice of using the debt
ceiling to extort concessions from the president. The price of buying
off a debt-ceiling hike would surely be less than the risk of a default.
But doing so would
[The Obama Administration sees] the debt-ceiling fight as being mainly about the long-term question of
whether Congress will cement into place the practice of using the debt
ceiling to extort concessions from the president. The price of buying
off a debt-ceiling hike would surely be less than the risk of a default.
But doing so would
Didn't Know My Own Strength
Posted on 06:34 by Unknown
There's more at the CBS website on how brave they and Senator Coburn are to buck the powerful "disability industry."
SSA Tells Staff That Benefit Payments Not Assured In Case Debt Ceiling Reached
Posted on 06:15 by Unknown
An Emergency Message sent out by the Social Security Administration to its staff:
Instructions
If a member of the public asks whether their Social
Security payment will be affected if the federal debt ceiling is not
raised, you may give the following response:
“Unlike a federal shutdown which has no impact
on the payment of Social Security benefits, failure to raise the debt
ceiling
Instructions
If a member of the public asks whether their Social
Security payment will be affected if the federal debt ceiling is not
raised, you may give the following response:
“Unlike a federal shutdown which has no impact
on the payment of Social Security benefits, failure to raise the debt
ceiling
Washington Times On Alleged Fraud
Posted on 06:03 by Unknown
The Washington Times has a story on today's scheduled Senate hearing on alleged fraud in the Social Security disability programs. Eric Conn and former Administrative Law Judge David Daugherty are scheduled to testify. There is supposed to be a report released today alleging fraud by these two. Why haven't they been indicted?
Sunday, 6 October 2013
Getting Thrown Under The Bus
Posted on 17:57 by Unknown
The Sixty Minutes piece on the Social Security disability programs has run. It didn't seem fair or balanced to me that what I do for a living was represented solely by Binder & Binder and Eric Conn. I don't think that anyone familiar with this field of legal practice thinks that Binder & Binder (which isn't a law firm anyway) or Eric Conn is representative of Social Security attorneys.
60 Minutes Piece On Social Security Disability Tonight
Posted on 08:07 by Unknown
Sixty Minutes will do a piece tonight on Social Security disability, apparently focusing on allegations of wrongdoing in Puerto Rico and West Virginia, linking those situations to the possible exhaustion of the Disability Insurance Trust Fund in 2016. Expect a fair and balanced report.
@ccd4pwd will do a live tweet fact check on the 60 Minutes story.
Shutdown Roundup
Posted on 07:54 by Unknown
Today's shutdown roundup:
The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would assure furloughed federal workers that they will be paid once the shutdown ends.
The government shutdown didn't just "happen." It was planned. Edwin Meese, believe it or not, led the planning. The Koch brothers are providing lavish funding for the effort which includes threats to Repulicans who
The House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation that would assure furloughed federal workers that they will be paid once the shutdown ends.
The government shutdown didn't just "happen." It was planned. Edwin Meese, believe it or not, led the planning. The Koch brothers are providing lavish funding for the effort which includes threats to Repulicans who
Saturday, 5 October 2013
Boehner Plan: Keep Party Unified A While Longer Before Its Position Collapses
Posted on 07:12 by Unknown
From the New York Times:
The overarching problem for the man at the center of the budget fight [Boehner],
say allies and opponents, is that he and his leadership team have no
real idea how to resolve the fiscal showdown.
They are only trying to survive another day, Republican strategists say,
hoping to maintain unity as long as possible so that when the
Republican position
The overarching problem for the man at the center of the budget fight [Boehner],
say allies and opponents, is that he and his leadership team have no
real idea how to resolve the fiscal showdown.
They are only trying to survive another day, Republican strategists say,
hoping to maintain unity as long as possible so that when the
Republican position
Friday, 4 October 2013
Shutdown News Roundup
Posted on 09:02 by Unknown
A roundup of shutdown related news:
From The Hill: "Everybody's tried to envision [an endgame], but nobody has it yet," said Rep.
Mike Simpson (R-Idaho), an ally of [House Speaker] Boehner. "Honestly, I don't know what
we're going to do.”
North Carolina Disability Determination Services (DDS), which does disability determinations for Social Security, is cancelling consultative
60 Minutes Piece On Social Security Disability Coming On Sunday
Posted on 05:27 by Unknown
From the newsletter of the Association of Administrative Law Judges (AALJ):
This Sunday evening, October 6, the television news show “60 minutes” will air a story regarding the SSA disability adjudication system. AALJ Vice-President, Marilyn Zahm and I were interviewed for over 2 ½ hours by Steve Kroft of “60 minutes”. The interview covered many of the problems judges have experienced
This Sunday evening, October 6, the television news show “60 minutes” will air a story regarding the SSA disability adjudication system. AALJ Vice-President, Marilyn Zahm and I were interviewed for over 2 ½ hours by Steve Kroft of “60 minutes”. The interview covered many of the problems judges have experienced
Thursday, 3 October 2013
ALJ Decisions Will Be Implemented During Shutdown
Posted on 13:39 by Unknown
I am seeing comments saying that no Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) decisions are going to be implemented during the government shutdown. That may be what people are hearing but I don't see how it would be true. Everyone at Social Security's payment centers is working during the shutdown. I don't know what these folks would be doing other than implementing decisions.
This matters. If
Senate Committee Schedules Hearing
Posted on 12:37 by Unknown
A hearing has been scheduled for October 7 at 3:00 before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Social
Security Disability Benefits: Did a Group of Judges, Doctors, and
Lawyers Abuse Programs for the Country's Most Vulnerable?
Security Disability Benefits: Did a Group of Judges, Doctors, and
Lawyers Abuse Programs for the Country's Most Vulnerable?
ALJs Still Issuing Decisions For Pipeline Cases -- Also, ALJs May Be Able To Issue Bench Decisions Without Staff
Posted on 11:25 by Unknown
I'm hearing that Social Security Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) may be issuing a fair number of decisions this week but almost all of these are decisions that had been drafted before the government shutdown but not yet been finalized. Of course, that pipeline will soon run dry.
I'm also hearing that even without staff, ALJs may be able to get out bench decisions. This could be a big
That October 17 Deadline You're Hearing Isn't Exactly Accurate
Posted on 06:33 by Unknown
In the media coverage of the government shutdown-debt ceiling crisis one thing keeps bothering me. Reporters keep saying that the government may remain shutdown until we reach the debt ceiling on October 17 and Armageddon will follow. Armageddon will follow if we ever get to the debt ceiling but that's not going to happen while the government is shutdown or at least not on October 17.
Chained CPI Becomes Part Of Shutdown Discussions
Posted on 06:09 by Unknown
Some Republicans think they can get chained CPI which would cut the Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security recipients as part of a grand bargain to settle the government shutdown and the debt ceiling. I'll believe there is some real chance of this happening when I hear Republicans talking about tax increases.
ESPN Hometown Takes A Hit
Posted on 05:54 by Unknown
Social Security's field office in Bristol, CT is to be closed in January. Local politicians will try to get the decision reversed. ESPN is headquartered in Bristol.
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Twitter Feed For Social Security News
Posted on 11:21 by Unknown
I may regret this but you can now follow Social Security News on Twitter @SocSecBlog.
Your Government Shutdown News
Posted on 07:07 by Unknown
You can follow the government shutdown news minute by minute by going to the National Review's tweettracker but I can tell you that there's nothing of consequence going on.
Republicans in the House of Representatives are going ahead with small appropriations bills covering a few agencies. The Senate will reject these.
The polls look bad for the Republicans but those most committed to the
Tuesday, 1 October 2013
Shutdown Questions
Posted on 21:01 by Unknown
Some questions about the shutdown, for anyone who can answer them:
What was it like in the office when employees came in Tuesday to be officially told they were furloughed?
Am I correct that the next scheduled payday for most federal employees is October 11? Whatever the date is, it's important. No federal civilian employee gets a paycheck until the shutdown ends, even if they've been
What was it like in the office when employees came in Tuesday to be officially told they were furloughed?
Am I correct that the next scheduled payday for most federal employees is October 11? Whatever the date is, it's important. No federal civilian employee gets a paycheck until the shutdown ends, even if they've been
New Republican Plan
Posted on 11:25 by Unknown
Roll Call is reporting that House Republican leaders are now planning to pass several separate bills to reopen a few government agencies. They have not yet decided which agencies but one would think that the Social Security Administration would get strong consideration.
Update: Democrats seem uninterested in this Republican plan.
Further Update: And now Eric Cantor, the Republican
There Was Also Some Opposition To Social Security
Posted on 06:18 by Unknown
Prepared by a hopeful vendor
From Jeff Shesol writing for the New Yorker, making the comparison between the passage and implementation of the Social Security Act and the Affordable Care Act:
When Congress debated the Social Security bill, in 1935, hysteria on the
right certainly ran high. The business lobby, echoed by its Republican
allies on Capitol Hill, charged Franklin Roosevelt
Lanhee Chen Nominated To SSAB
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
From the Washington Post:
It seemed like a timely stroke of bipartisanship: the White House
announced Monday, on the eve of a government shutdown, that President
Obama would nominate a top adviser to Republican Mitt Romney's campaign
to an administration position.
Obama intends to nominate Lanhee J. Chen -- the policy director on
Romney's 2012 presidential campaign who, yes,
It seemed like a timely stroke of bipartisanship: the White House
announced Monday, on the eve of a government shutdown, that President
Obama would nominate a top adviser to Republican Mitt Romney's campaign
to an administration position.
Obama intends to nominate Lanhee J. Chen -- the policy director on
Romney's 2012 presidential campaign who, yes,
Monday, 30 September 2013
Poll
Posted on 21:01 by Unknown
.ivanC13805474692520{position:absolute;visibility:hidden;}
Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com
Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com
Abandon All Hope
Posted on 12:53 by Unknown
If you have some residual hope that a last minute deal will prevent a government shutdown at midnight, take a look at the National Review's tweettracker.
Acting Commissioner's Broadcast E-Mail To Agency Employees
Posted on 10:08 by Unknown
From: ^Commissioner Broadcast Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013
12:20 PMSubject: COMMISSIONER'S
BROADCAST--09/30/13
A Message
To All SSA and DDS Employees
Subject: Possible Shutdown -
Update
With less
than 24 hours remaining to avert a government shutdown, I join you in hoping
that Congress will pass a resolution so we may continue delivering the full
scope of our services
Social Security Plan For Government Shutdown
Posted on 07:43 by Unknown
I'm bumping this one up. It was originally posted Friday afternoon.
Social Security has posted its plan for dealing with a government shutdown. Overall, the agency will furlough 18,006 of its 62,343 employees, most of them employees of the Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR), with many of the rest being in Budget, Finance and Management, General Counsel, Operations
Disability Trust Fund Doing Better Than Forecast
Posted on 06:11 by Unknown
The Office of Chief Actuary has released data on Disability Trust Fund operations through August 2013. As of the end of August, the Disability Trust Fund had a balance of $103.6 billion. This is down by $19.1 billion since December 2012. For the first eight months of 2012, the Disability Trust Fund went down by a $18.5 billion.
The report sounds bad but you have to contrast the actual
Sunday, 29 September 2013
How Does The GOP Win If There's A Government Shutdown?
Posted on 08:05 by Unknown
David Frum's analysis of the Republican government shutdown dilemma seems about right to me. If you think the GOP is on the right track, can you explain why Frum is wrong? How can the Republicans win this one?
Spending We Could Do Without
Posted on 07:35 by Unknown
From a press release:
The U.S. Department of Education and the Social Security Administration
today announced the award of $466,603 to four Minority-Serving
Institutions to conduct research in the areas of retirement security,
financial literacy, and financial decision-making within minority and
low-income communities. ...
"Social Security recognizes the importance of retirement
The U.S. Department of Education and the Social Security Administration
today announced the award of $466,603 to four Minority-Serving
Institutions to conduct research in the areas of retirement security,
financial literacy, and financial decision-making within minority and
low-income communities. ...
"Social Security recognizes the importance of retirement
Saturday, 28 September 2013
Maybe They Didn't Have Any Other Income
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
A recent study reveals four reasons why people start taking Social Security retirement benefits early, passing up the higher monthly benefits they could receive by waiting:
Fear of loss. People who have a stronger aversion to
financial loss also tended to say they would claim earlier. To them,
the researchers said, a delay in receiving their benefit checks “looks
like a potential loss.
Friday, 27 September 2013
Can't Trust Social Security's Website?
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
Larry Kotlikoff, who appears on PBS's Newshour program, says that you can't trust the online advice you get from Social Security. Since the online advice he's referring to is nearly incomprehensible to the average person and what Kotlikoff thinks should be added to the online advice would make it even more incomprehensible, I don't know that this is going to matter much. What it does point
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Budget Impasse Continues
Posted on 11:27 by Unknown
The Speaker of the House of Representatives says he doesn't expect a government shutdown next week but also says he will pursue a plan that would make a shutdown almost inevitable. At best, nothing will be settled until Monday. In the meantime, based upon past behavior, expect the Commissioner of Social Security to be sending out a broadcast e-mail to employees either today -- Thursday --
CR Charged With Extortion
Posted on 05:54 by Unknown
From the Associated Press with a Memphis dateline:
Federal prosecutors say a Social Security Administration claims
representative has been charged with illegally charging beneficiaries a
fee to process payment claims.The U.S. attorney's office said
Wednesday that 42-year-old Montrell Levelle Arnold has been charged with
two counts of bribery and two counts of extortion.
Federal prosecutors say a Social Security Administration claims
representative has been charged with illegally charging beneficiaries a
fee to process payment claims.The U.S. attorney's office said
Wednesday that 42-year-old Montrell Levelle Arnold has been charged with
two counts of bribery and two counts of extortion.
Social Security Paying For Ads On Buses
Posted on 05:40 by Unknown
From the Meriden, CT Record Journal:
Ads along the side of city buses this past summer
were intended to get Baby Boomers reaching retirement age to sign up for
their Social Security benefits online.
Internet sign-ups are cheaper for the Social
Security Administration than mailed forms. The local ads are part of a
nationwide campaign to move people to electronic sign-ups and
Ads along the side of city buses this past summer
were intended to get Baby Boomers reaching retirement age to sign up for
their Social Security benefits online.
Internet sign-ups are cheaper for the Social
Security Administration than mailed forms. The local ads are part of a
nationwide campaign to move people to electronic sign-ups and
Wednesday, 25 September 2013
Health Care Exchange Widget Added To Blog
Posted on 14:14 by Unknown
I have added a Health Exchange widget on the right side of the page. This allows readers to get information from the Department of Health and Human Services on the Health Care Exchanges set to begin operation on October 1, 2013. There is massive confusion across the country about the Health Care Exchanges. Most of this is due to the fact that it's all new. Some of it is due to deliberate
Man Found Guilty In Field Office Bombing
Posted on 06:23 by Unknown
Abdullatif Ali Aldosary has been found guilty of setting off an incendiary device outside a Social Security field office in Arizona. Aldosary is also facing an unrelated charge of first degree murder.
Eric Conn Pleads Guilty
Posted on 06:19 by Unknown
Eric Conn, the flamboyant Kentucky Social Security attorney who has been featured in Wall Street Journal articles suggesting wrongdoing, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of attempting to give money to another person to give to a political candidate. Apparently, this was an effort to avoid limits on campaign finance contributions.
Chained CPI As Price For Debt Ceiling Extension.?
Posted on 06:18 by Unknown
A Businessweek article says that Republicans want cuts in Social Security's Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA),the chained CPI proposal, as their price for extending the debt ceiling.
I'd love to see Republican members of Congress go on record as favoring chained CPI but my opinion is that virtually none of them would vote for it. Republican members of Congress love to talk in the
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
Symptom Validity Tests -- Senator Coburn And OIG Want Them
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a recent report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG):
In a January 30, 2013, letter to the Inspector General, Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., requested we
review SSA's policy that stated it would no longer allow DDSs or ALJs to purchase SVTs [Symptom Validity Tests]. SVTs are used to determine whether an individual is exhibiting signs of malingering. ...
The Agency began
In a January 30, 2013, letter to the Inspector General, Senator Tom Coburn, M.D., requested we
review SSA's policy that stated it would no longer allow DDSs or ALJs to purchase SVTs [Symptom Validity Tests]. SVTs are used to determine whether an individual is exhibiting signs of malingering. ...
The Agency began
Monday, 23 September 2013
Us Refusing Social Security Agreement With India
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
From the Hindustan Times:
The US has refused to enter into a social security agreement with India, something that New Delhi has been pursuing for over a decade, which would have benefited lakhs [hundreds of thousands] of Indian workers who have worked or working there on short-tem visas.
The US said they cannot agree for such a pact as the social security
regimes in two countries are
The US has refused to enter into a social security agreement with India, something that New Delhi has been pursuing for over a decade, which would have benefited lakhs [hundreds of thousands] of Indian workers who have worked or working there on short-tem visas.
The US said they cannot agree for such a pact as the social security
regimes in two countries are
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Social Security Agreement With Slovak Republic
Posted on 07:52 by Unknown
The President has conveyed to Congress a new Social Security Agreement between the United States and the Slovak Republic.
Saturday, 21 September 2013
Washington Post Article On Growing Number Of People Drawing Social Security Disability Benefits
Posted on 07:37 by Unknown
The Washington Post has a story today about how the number of people drawing Social Security disability benefits is soaring and it's because of the economy and because it's too easy to get disability benefits for mental illness and musculoskeletal impairments. Everybody knows that mental illness and musculoskeletal impairments aren't, you know, really real. The usual suspects, who have been
Friday, 20 September 2013
What Happend In The Past At Social Security When There Were Previous Government Shutdowns Or Threats Of Shutdowns?
Posted on 05:51 by Unknown
From a February 17, 2011 e-mail sent out by head of the union that represents most Social Security Administration (SSA) employees to union members:
I have heard that SSA is having a high level management conference call today regarding the Agency’s furlough preparations. ... In some past furloughs the Agency has closed all field offices. In other furloughs SSA has declared maintenance of
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Today's Social Security Subcommittee Hearing
Posted on 13:14 by Unknown
I watched the House Social Security Subcommittee hearing today on the alleged Social Security disability fraud ring in Puerto Rico. It wasn't a news packed event. Subcommittee members expressed outrage at the allegations, of course. Many Subcommittee members seemed interested in preventing this sort of thing from happening in the first place rather than dealing with it after it has happened
Getting In Is Easier If You Make An Appointment
Posted on 10:47 by Unknown
From WRAL:
Police arrested a Chapel Hill [NC] man early Thursday after they said he
tried to break into a Social Security Administration office in Durham [NC]
through the building's roof.
Brendan Phillip Cannell, 25, was
being treated at a hospital Thursday for an arm injury he suffered when
he jumped from the roof trying to flee police. Authorities said he would
face several charges
If It Doesn't Fit, You Must ...
Posted on 06:04 by Unknown
From KXTV:
Genevieve Catlyn Williamson Heidenreich, wants her entire married name to go on her Social Security card.
But Social Security is saying no. ...
"He said to me, 'it doesn't fit.' And I said, 'what do you mean?' And he said, 'it doesn't fit, the computer won't let me move on,'" Heidenreich explained about her visit to the Sacramento Social Security office. ...
A Social
Genevieve Catlyn Williamson Heidenreich, wants her entire married name to go on her Social Security card.
But Social Security is saying no. ...
"He said to me, 'it doesn't fit.' And I said, 'what do you mean?' And he said, 'it doesn't fit, the computer won't let me move on,'" Heidenreich explained about her visit to the Sacramento Social Security office. ...
A Social
Wednesday, 18 September 2013
Acting Commissioner's Broadcast E-Mail
Posted on 13:30 by Unknown
A Message To All SSA
And DDS Employees
Subject: Budget
Update
As many of you are
aware, annual funding for the Federal Government expires on September 30. The Administration strongly believes that a
lapse in funding should not occur. There
is enough time for Congress to prevent a lapse in appropriations, and the
Administration is willing to work with Congress to enact a short-term
Republicans Embrace Ted Cruz's Fight -- Democrats Gleeful
Posted on 10:22 by Unknown
A government shutdown on October 1 looks more and more likely. From today's New York Times:
House Republican leaders — bowing to the demands of their conservative
wing — will put to a vote on Friday a stopgap spending measure that
would strip all funding from President Obama’s signature health care
law, increasing the likelihood that the government will shut down in two
weeks....
Fewer And Fewer Employees To Get The Work Done
Posted on 07:00 by Unknown
The Office of Personnel Management
(OPM) has posted updated figures
for the number of employees at the Social Security Administration.
June 2013 62,877
March 2013 63,777
December 2012 64,538
September 2012 65,113
September 2011 67,136
December 2010 70,270
December 2009 67,486
September 2009 67,632
December 2008 63,733
September 2008 63,990
September 2007 62,407
September
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Government Shutdown: The Only Way To Resolve The Question Of Presidential Legitimacy?
Posted on 12:51 by Unknown
I have hesitated to post anything about the current budget impasse in Washington. I know that one of the traditional benefits of federal employment has been job security. That's a big reason many federal employees took their jobs. Any threat to job security worries federal employees even more than private sector employees. In the end these budget impasses are almost always resolved without a
Social Security Cases In The Federal Courts
Posted on 06:15 by Unknown
The federal courts have published their annual statistical report for the fiscal year that ended on September 30, 2012. A total of 17,645 Social Security civil actions were filed that year. The busiest district was the Central District of California with 1,134 Social Security civil actions. However, I'd guess that relative to population the Western District of Missouri with 743 civil
Monday, 16 September 2013
What Do You Think?
Posted on 06:20 by Unknown
Here is a question for readers:
Mr. Smith is found to have lung cancer. He has part of a lung removed and has radiation and chemotherapy. Soon after the cancer was discovered, Mr. Smith applies for Social Security disability benefits. The claim is approved. By seven months after he stopped work, Mr. Smith is over the surgery and the chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Mr. Smith is feeling
Mr. Smith is found to have lung cancer. He has part of a lung removed and has radiation and chemotherapy. Soon after the cancer was discovered, Mr. Smith applies for Social Security disability benefits. The claim is approved. By seven months after he stopped work, Mr. Smith is over the surgery and the chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Mr. Smith is feeling
Depends Upon How You Want To Look At It
Posted on 05:47 by Unknown
From the Chattanooga Times Free Press:
A congressional panel that earlier this year criticized judges for
lavishly awarding Social Security disability benefits might have been
talking about Tennessee.
It depends how you crunch the numbers.
Nearly two-thirds of administrative law judges in Tennessee grant
benefits to more than half the sick and injured workers who come before
them
A congressional panel that earlier this year criticized judges for
lavishly awarding Social Security disability benefits might have been
talking about Tennessee.
It depends how you crunch the numbers.
Nearly two-thirds of administrative law judges in Tennessee grant
benefits to more than half the sick and injured workers who come before
them
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Here's An Alternative If You Don't Like Having The Trust Funds Invested In Government Bonds
Posted on 07:42 by Unknown
From Slate:
A lot of coverage of the sale of Neiman Marcus by the private equity
companies than own it to new private equity companies seems to me to be
missing what's interesting here. David Gelles at Dealbook, for example, said the buyers are "a group led by Ares Management and a Canadian pension plan."
But it's not just a Canadian pension plan. It's the Canada Pension Plan.
A lot of coverage of the sale of Neiman Marcus by the private equity
companies than own it to new private equity companies seems to me to be
missing what's interesting here. David Gelles at Dealbook, for example, said the buyers are "a group led by Ares Management and a Canadian pension plan."
But it's not just a Canadian pension plan. It's the Canada Pension Plan.
Saturday, 14 September 2013
Pittsburg Office Closing
Posted on 07:31 by Unknown
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports that the Pittsburg, Kansas Social Security field office is closing.
Friday, 13 September 2013
Hearing On Puerto Rico Fraud Allegations
Posted on 06:21 by Unknown
The House Social Security Subcommittee has scheduled a hearing for 2:30 on September 19 concerning the recent allegations of a number of fraudulent Social Security disability claims in Puerto Rico. The hearing notice says that employees involved in adjudicating disability claims noticed that they were receiving nearly identical medical reports on different claimants. The allegation is that
GAO Report Looms -- Actually, Now It's Here And It's Got Problems
Posted on 05:58 by Unknown
NBC is saying that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will release a study on Sunday (GAO releasing a report on Sunday?) saying that $1.29 billion in Social Security disability benefits were paid to 36,000 people who had too much income from employment to qualify for benefits.
To those who deal with Social Security disability every day there is nothing surprising about this.
Big Theft Of Social Security Checks
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Tampa police discovered about 175 stolen Social Security benefit checks, totaling $165,926, at the scene of an attempted murder. The attempted murder appears to have been drug related. Local police report that a total of about 300 checks had been stolen. How they were stolen, what the thief or thieves intended to do with the checks and what happened to the other 125 or so checks is
Thursday, 12 September 2013
Astrue's Role In Fighting Obamacare -- Also, Astrue's Own Federal Records Got Hacked
Posted on 06:12 by Unknown
You may have vaguely noticed that one aspect of the all out press by Republicans to prevent the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, from coming into effect is to insist that the data infrastructure for the health care exchanges is inadequate to protect our privacy. Former Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue appears to have had a role in this fight -- a role that began
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Clay Shaw 1939-2013
Posted on 12:40 by Unknown
Clay Shaw, a former Chairman of the House Social Security Subcommittee, has passed away following a long battle with lung cancer.
A Sad Anniversary
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Today is the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Soon after that sad day, Social Security put out a special issue of its staff magazine OASIS (OASI=Old Age and Survivors Insurance), now available online. It's all worth reading. Below is one page to give readers an idea (click on it to view full size) and note that the last story on the page continues on the next page not
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
When A Social Security Administrator Was A Candidate For President
Posted on 07:20 by Unknown
"Two presidential possibilities arrive at Capital on same train.
Washington, D.C., Dec. 8. Thomas E. Dewey, who recently announced his
candidacy for the Republican nomination, and Paul V. McNutt, Social
Security Administrator, both came to town tonight on the same train.
Dewey came to attend tomorrow night's Gridiron dinner, and McNutt
returned to resume his official duties"
Library of
Monday, 9 September 2013
No One In Congress Championing Cuts To Social Security Disability
Posted on 06:23 by Unknown
From the Washington Free Beacon:
Though nearly 11 million Americans are collecting disability benefits
from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and its trust fund is
expected to be exhausted by 2016, there is little desire to reform the
programs on Capitol Hill.
“I haven’t heard of any member on the Hill sort of championing
disability insurance reform,” said Chris Edwards,
Though nearly 11 million Americans are collecting disability benefits
from the Social Security Administration (SSA), and its trust fund is
expected to be exhausted by 2016, there is little desire to reform the
programs on Capitol Hill.
“I haven’t heard of any member on the Hill sort of championing
disability insurance reform,” said Chris Edwards,
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Early Days At Social Security
Posted on 08:25 by Unknown
Punch card operators entering data from form SC-5 in 1937
Saturday, 7 September 2013
Updated Fee Payment Stats
Posted on 08:02 by Unknown
Social Security has issued updated numbers on payments of fees
to attorneys and some others for representing Social Security
claimants. These fees are withheld and paid by Social Security but come
out of the back benefits of the claimants involved. The attorneys and
others who have their fees withheld pay a user fee for this privilege. Since these fees are usually
paid at the same time
Friday, 6 September 2013
Two Listings Expiration Dates Extended
Posted on 05:49 by Unknown
Social Security has extended the expiration dates of the Genitourinary Impairments and Hematological Disorders Listings until 2015. There is no other change.
Thursday, 5 September 2013
More On Hearing Loss
Posted on 05:58 by Unknown
A friend of mine, Gilbert Laden, a Social Security attorney who practices in the Mobile-Pensacola area, sent me these comments on my post about Social Security's advance notice that it is reviewing its hearing listings:
As a faithful reader of your blog and as one with a lifelong hearing loss, I
read with interest your item about the advance notice on SSA's [Social Security
Wednesday, 4 September 2013
Vietnamese Immigrants Bring Class Action In San Diego Over Attorney Suspension
Posted on 05:53 by Unknown
From the Courthouse News Service:
Hundreds of disabled Vietnamese refugees claim in a federal class action
that the Social Security Commissioner wrongfully suspended the only
fluent Vietnamese-speaking attorney in San Diego, to retaliate for a
previous class action that claimed a Social Security judge was biased.
Lead
plaintiff Truyen Gia Phan sued Acting Social Security Commissioner
Hundreds of disabled Vietnamese refugees claim in a federal class action
that the Social Security Commissioner wrongfully suspended the only
fluent Vietnamese-speaking attorney in San Diego, to retaliate for a
previous class action that claimed a Social Security judge was biased.
Lead
plaintiff Truyen Gia Phan sued Acting Social Security Commissioner
Tuesday, 3 September 2013
No Peeking At The Internet While Adjudicating Disability Claims
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
From HALLEX I-1-3-16 updated on August 30, 2013:
Generally, when adjudicating a claim, staff and adjudicators may not rely
on information from the Internet that has not been corroborated by a
Cooperative Disability Investigations Unit (CDIU). Further, entering an
individual's personally identifiable information (PII) in an Internet
search engine or social media network may compromise
Monday, 2 September 2013
Sunday, 1 September 2013
Christian Science Monitor On Disability Trust Fund
Posted on 11:50 by Unknown
The Christian Science Monitor is running a rather generic article quoting a couple of right wing sources who argue that the Disability Insurance Trust fund is running out of money and that something must be done soon.
The Christian Science Monitor certainly has a distinguished history but does it still have any influence? Who reads it other than the obvious, Christian Scientist, a
COLA To Be 1.5%?
Posted on 07:28 by Unknown
The Congressional Budget Office is estimating that Social Security's Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for this year will be 1.5%.
Saturday, 31 August 2013
IG Catches Alleged Murderer
Posted on 07:37 by Unknown
From the Albuquerque Journal:
The son of an 88-year-old New Mexico man has admitted killing his father
and dismembering the body on the floor of his bedroom with an electric
tree trimming chain saw, authorities said.
Carlsbad police said Steven Michael Allumbaugh, 62, recently
told investigators that he struck his father, Thomas Luther Allumbaugh,
during an argument in January
Friday, 30 August 2013
Advance Notice On Hearing Listings
Posted on 06:05 by Unknown
Social Security is giving advance notice that it is reviewing its Listings for hearing loss and disturbances of labyrinthine-lestibular function. No change is announced, just the opportunity to comment on whether and how the listings should be changed. If any change is to be made, Social Security would first publish the proposed changes and allow comments on them.
My experience is
Thursday, 29 August 2013
Batting Next, Social Security
Posted on 13:09 by Unknown
The I.R.S has announced that same sex couples who were married in a jurisdiction that recognizes same sex marriages may file joint returns even if they live in a state that refuses to recognize same sex marriages solemnized in other states. This leaves Social Security as, by far, the most important agency where this issue remains unresolved.
Getting Harder, Not Easier
Posted on 06:15 by Unknown
From Disabled Worker Allowance Rates: Variation Under Changing Economic Conditions, Actuarial Note 153 issued by the Office of Chief Actuary, Social Security Administration.
You can make of this what you will but anyone who says it's been getting easier to get Social Security disability benefits doesn't know what he or she is talking about. In truth, it's become significantly more
Wednesday, 28 August 2013
Don't Even Think About It
Posted on 05:54 by Unknown
From the Atlanta Business Chronicle:
Federal employee and Conyers, Ga., resident Cordell Fleming pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to extorting money from people due Social Security benefits. ...
Fleming offered to “expedite” the processing time of SSI payments to
SSI beneficiaries and SSI beneficiary payees in exchange for a fee. In
an attempt to make the expedited SSI payments
Federal employee and Conyers, Ga., resident Cordell Fleming pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to extorting money from people due Social Security benefits. ...
Fleming offered to “expedite” the processing time of SSI payments to
SSI beneficiaries and SSI beneficiary payees in exchange for a fee. In
an attempt to make the expedited SSI payments
Tuesday, 27 August 2013
Nine Meters Of Croissants A Minute And The DOT
Posted on 06:11 by Unknown
I recently interviewed a new client whose last job was with a commercial bakery. He only worked there for about three months. It was the first time in his life that he had worked in baking. He made croissants. I expressed surprise because I thought that making croissants required great skill. His response was basically, "No, they have a machine that makes the croissants. All I had to do
Monday, 26 August 2013
Appeals Council Status Report Now Available Online
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
Over the weekend Social Security added an Appeals Council Status Report feature to its online system. This allows attorneys and others representing Social Security claimants to go online and obtain a report on the status of their cases pending at the Appeals Council. Much time has been wasted over the decades as attorneys called the Appeals Council to ask about the status of their cases.
Sunday, 25 August 2013
Now That's What I'm Talking About!
Posted on 07:45 by Unknown
Saturday, 24 August 2013
President's Management Agenda Website
Posted on 07:26 by Unknown
There is a "President's Management Agenda" website for Social Security that allows anyone to share ideas on management initiatives for Social Security. Anyone can vote on whether they think an idea has merit. The top ideas will submitted to the President's Management Council. This website is sponsored by the Social Security Administration even though it's not on ssa.gov.
Friday, 23 August 2013
Astrue Takes Another Biotech Position
Posted on 05:51 by Unknown
About a month ago former Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue took a job as non-executive chairman of the board of Vivus, a biotechnology company. Astrue has now taken a position as interim CEO of InVivo Therapeutics, another biotechnology company. There is no sign that Astrue is resigning the Vivus position, which, being "non-executive", is presumably part time.
Thursday, 22 August 2013
Watch Out For Walmart Debit Cards!
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
My client wanted her Social Security benefits deposited to her Walmart debit card. After her disability claim was approved by Social Security, the U.S. Treasury tried to direct deposit her back benefits to the Walmart debit card. Unfortunately, Walmart limits each individual direct deposit to one of its debit cards to $7,000. My client's back benefits were more than $7,000 so the money
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
68 Arrests In Alleged Disability Fraud In Puerto Rico
Posted on 07:40 by Unknown
From the Wall Street Journal:
Federal
agents arrested 68 people in Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning as part of an
investigation into alleged abuse of the Social Security Disability Insurance
program, two people familiar with the operation said.
More
arrests are expected. The bust appears to be one of the largest disability fraud
cases ever assembled by federal investigators.
Federal
agents arrested 68 people in Puerto Rico on Wednesday morning as part of an
investigation into alleged abuse of the Social Security Disability Insurance
program, two people familiar with the operation said.
More
arrests are expected. The bust appears to be one of the largest disability fraud
cases ever assembled by federal investigators.
AFGE Newsletter
Posted on 07:28 by Unknown
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) union local that represents most Social Security employees has gotten around to issuing its first newsletter of the year. The tone of the newsletter could be a bit less antagonistic toward the agency than prior newsletters. If so, that might be related to the departure of Michael Astrue as Commissioner of Social Security.
The Universal Identifier
Posted on 05:52 by Unknown
From WHEC in Rochester, NY:
I-Team 10 has a warning of how important it is to protect your identity. The problem happens to millions of Americans.
In this case, the woman didn't do anything wrong. It was the federal
government that gave her social security number away and since then,
it's been a nightmare.
Her name is Jennifer Lavigne and her nightmare started when she was
I-Team 10 has a warning of how important it is to protect your identity. The problem happens to millions of Americans.
In this case, the woman didn't do anything wrong. It was the federal
government that gave her social security number away and since then,
it's been a nightmare.
Her name is Jennifer Lavigne and her nightmare started when she was
Treasury Agrees To Scale Back Paper Check Threats
Posted on 05:47 by Unknown
From the Columbus Dispatch:
Seniors who were threatened with the loss of their benefits if they did not trade
in their paper checks for Social Security benefits paid through a debit card or electronic deposit
might be getting a reprieve.
The Treasury Department has agreed to make it easier for them to request a waiver to the
electronic requirement, after a hearing held by Sen. Bill
Seniors who were threatened with the loss of their benefits if they did not trade
in their paper checks for Social Security benefits paid through a debit card or electronic deposit
might be getting a reprieve.
The Treasury Department has agreed to make it easier for them to request a waiver to the
electronic requirement, after a hearing held by Sen. Bill
Tuesday, 20 August 2013
New POMS Transmittal On Suspension Or Disqualification Of Representatives
Posted on 08:57 by Unknown
Social Security has issued a transmittal to its Program Operations Manual Series (POMS) dealing with "Suspension or Disqualification of Representatives." The changes mostly concern the new requirement that those who represent claimants deal with the agency electronically as much as possible. Agency employees can share their experiences but I haven't heard anything suggesting that there have
SDM Works Great But It Must Die?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG):
Our review of 3,900 sample cases from the SDM [Single Decision Maker] prototype, SDM II and Non-SDM sites showed initial claim processing times were shorter in SDM sites than in the Non-SDM sites.
The 20 pilot sites, as well as the National Association of Disability Examiners and the National Council of Disability
Our review of 3,900 sample cases from the SDM [Single Decision Maker] prototype, SDM II and Non-SDM sites showed initial claim processing times were shorter in SDM sites than in the Non-SDM sites.
The 20 pilot sites, as well as the National Association of Disability Examiners and the National Council of Disability
Monday, 19 August 2013
No Punishment For Aiding And Abetting Illegal Aliens
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From an audit report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) (footnotes omitted, emphasis added):
Because the Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates future benefit payments based on the earnings an individual has accumulated over his/her lifetime, it is critical that the Agency accurately record those earnings. SSA’s ability to do so, however, depends, in part, on
Sunday, 18 August 2013
"It Is A Frustrating Bureaucracy"
Posted on 07:42 by Unknown
From some Arizona newspaper that hides its name on its website:
Gaye Kelley spent 50 years in the workforce, doing many jobs:
teacher, flight attendant and, eventually, Salt River Project
customer-service representative for 30 years.
When the Mesa resident retired in 2011, she had accrued a full two
years of vacation pay and sick days from SRP. She looked forward to
retirement. But
Gaye Kelley spent 50 years in the workforce, doing many jobs:
teacher, flight attendant and, eventually, Salt River Project
customer-service representative for 30 years.
When the Mesa resident retired in 2011, she had accrued a full two
years of vacation pay and sick days from SRP. She looked forward to
retirement. But
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Investigation In Puerto Rico
Posted on 07:56 by Unknown
From the Wall Street Journal:
Federal investigators on Wednesday searched six facilities in Puerto
Rico as part of a broadening probe into potential widespread disability
fraud.
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social
Security inspector general’s office, among others, searched five
doctors’ offices and one other location as part of their sweep, a
Federal investigators on Wednesday searched six facilities in Puerto
Rico as part of a broadening probe into potential widespread disability
fraud.
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social
Security inspector general’s office, among others, searched five
doctors’ offices and one other location as part of their sweep, a
Silverstone Named As New Executive Director Of NOSSCR
Posted on 07:48 by Unknown
Barbara Silverstone has been named as the new Executive Director of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives (NOSSCR). NOSSCR's 3,000 plus members, most of them attorneys, represent claimants for Social Security benefits. Barbara had been a staff attorney for NOSSCR.
Friday, 16 August 2013
Doing Less With Less
Posted on 03:02 by Unknown
From Federal News Radio:
Social Security managed to escape most of the impacts of sequestration. Other agencies, like the Defense Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have furloughed people. Social Security cut back office hours and is doing more with fewer
Social Security managed to escape most of the impacts of sequestration. Other agencies, like the Defense Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have furloughed people. Social Security cut back office hours and is doing more with fewer
AARP Calls For New Commissioner
Posted on 03:01 by Unknown
The AARP has issued a press release calling for the President to nominate a new Commissioner of Social Security.
Taitz Not Going Away
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Orly Taitz is still going strong at the "World's Leading Obama Eligibility Challenge Web Site." She's now mostly making Freedom of Information Act requests to the Social Security Administration for documents concerning the President's mother! Among Taitz' findings are these gems:
It is not clear, why did Ann Dunham [the President's mother] apply for a change from Dunham to Dunham Obama
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Not Necessarily Social Security Disability But Still ...
Posted on 03:01 by Unknown
From KGW in Portland, OR:
Several Portland neighborhoods were outraged after fliers were left on doorsteps in the middle of the night targeting people with disabilities.
The fliers accuse people who receive disability benefits of destroying democracy, and the person behind the fliers is now promising to post the names of all people in specific neighborhoods that receive disability benefits
Several Portland neighborhoods were outraged after fliers were left on doorsteps in the middle of the night targeting people with disabilities.
The fliers accuse people who receive disability benefits of destroying democracy, and the person behind the fliers is now promising to post the names of all people in specific neighborhoods that receive disability benefits
Just In Britain?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a press release issued by Kent University in England:
Misleading news coverage, driven mostly by the policy process, is
preventing thousands of people in need from claiming vital welfare
benefits, according to a new report by University researchers on behalf
of the charity Turn2us.
The report, titled Benefits Stigma in Britain, reveals that one in
four eligible people had
Misleading news coverage, driven mostly by the policy process, is
preventing thousands of people in need from claiming vital welfare
benefits, according to a new report by University researchers on behalf
of the charity Turn2us.
The report, titled Benefits Stigma in Britain, reveals that one in
four eligible people had
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Broomell A Special Employee
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
From the Washington Post:
David Broomell, a longtime Social Security programmer and project manager, has been instrumental in creating new ways to make visits to Social Security offices more customer-friendly through innovative information technology solutions. At the same time, he has developed new computer tools for employees, allowing them to offer more timely and efficient
Glad We Got Solutions To Those Problems!
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The Cato Institute, a right wing "think tank", has issued a set of what it calls "essays" on "downsizing" Social Security (lots of quotation marks here but they're all merited):
Social Security Retirement:
Social Security faces a huge financing gap because of its pay-as-you-go
structure and the aging of the U.S. population. It should be
transitioned to a system of personal savings
Tuesday, 13 August 2013
An Omission Noted
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities:
The House Ways and Means Committee has invited members of the public to comment on the Bowles-Simpson and Domenici-Rivlin plans to restore solvency to Social Security.
But there’s a glaring omission: from reading the committee’s description
of the two plans — and its draft bills — you’d never know that both
Bowles-Simpson and
The House Ways and Means Committee has invited members of the public to comment on the Bowles-Simpson and Domenici-Rivlin plans to restore solvency to Social Security.
But there’s a glaring omission: from reading the committee’s description
of the two plans — and its draft bills — you’d never know that both
Bowles-Simpson and
Monday, 12 August 2013
Looking Good Through First Half Of Year
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security's only urgent funding problems is the Disability Trust Fund. The projections are that it will run out of money in 2016. I had written last month about the fact that so far this year the Disability Insurance Trust Fund was doing much better than anyone had projected.
We now have updated numbers on the income and outgo from the Disability Trust Fund through June of this
Sunday, 11 August 2013
Social Security Bulletin Released
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
The August 2013 issue of the Social Security Bulletin, the agency's scholarly publication, has been released
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Sheriff Pleads Not Guilty
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From the Mobile Press-Register:
Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer formally pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he helped an employee evade Social Security rules capping the amount of retirement money he could earn.
Authorities
allege that Stringer agreed to put the employee’s wife on the payroll
at the Sheriff’s Office and divert part of the man’s income to her.
Washington County Sheriff Richard Stringer formally pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges that he helped an employee evade Social Security rules capping the amount of retirement money he could earn.
Authorities
allege that Stringer agreed to put the employee’s wife on the payroll
at the Sheriff’s Office and divert part of the man’s income to her.
Friday, 9 August 2013
"Some" Same Sex Marriage Claims Being Processed
Posted on 13:34 by Unknown
A press release from Acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin:
“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 a month ago, helps to ensure
that all Americans are treated
“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 a month ago, helps to ensure
that all Americans are treated
When Might Social Security Have A New Commissioner?
Posted on 05:47 by Unknown
The Baltimore Sun has noticed that six months after Michael Astrue completed his term as Commissioner of Social Security the President has yet to make a nomination for a new Commissioner:
Advocates have praised acting Commissioner Carolyn W. Colvin, a
former Maryland state official, for managing this year's budget cuts
and being more communicative than Astrue. But they say anyone
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Reporter Didn't Enjoy Visit To Field Office
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Rick Tosches has written a column for the Colorado Springs Independent that he's titled "A dispatch from Crazytown, aka the Social Security office." He claims there were no chairs in the waiting room and that he had to wait over two and a half hours to be "served". Also, he wasn't too impressed by the other people he saw in the waiting room.
Wednesday, 7 August 2013
Layoffs At Allsup
Posted on 05:41 by Unknown
From the Belleville, IL News Democrat:
Local Social Security disability claims company Allsup Inc. is cutting 65 jobs.
Rebecca
Ray, director of corporate public relations for Allsup, said employees
were being notified Tuesday. She said the cuts affect jobs within
different departments at the Belleville-based company. ...
Ray
said the layoffs are coming as a result of federal
Local Social Security disability claims company Allsup Inc. is cutting 65 jobs.
Rebecca
Ray, director of corporate public relations for Allsup, said employees
were being notified Tuesday. She said the cuts affect jobs within
different departments at the Belleville-based company. ...
Ray
said the layoffs are coming as a result of federal
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Cutting Processing Time In Half At VA With Just A Form?
Posted on 08:55 by Unknown
From the Columbus Dispatch:
... Starting today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will offer veterans seeking disability
benefits the chance to be eligible for one year of retroactive benefits by filling out
comprehensive disability forms known as Fully Developed Claims [FDCs].
The retroactive program, approved last year by Congress, is an aggressive effort by the Obama
... Starting today, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will offer veterans seeking disability
benefits the chance to be eligible for one year of retroactive benefits by filling out
comprehensive disability forms known as Fully Developed Claims [FDCs].
The retroactive program, approved last year by Congress, is an aggressive effort by the Obama
Can You Get Good Advice From Social Security?
Posted on 06:07 by Unknown
Yahoo! Finance doesn't think much of the advice being given by Social Security employees.
Monday, 5 August 2013
SSAB Wants BOND Ended
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
From the Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB) (footnote omitted):
This paper is an assessment of merits of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Benefit Offset National Demonstration’s (BOND) ability to address the following: 1) will an offset incentivize more work in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, and 2) what will be the amount of induced entry from the
This paper is an assessment of merits of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Benefit Offset National Demonstration’s (BOND) ability to address the following: 1) will an offset incentivize more work in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries, and 2) what will be the amount of induced entry from the
Sunday, 4 August 2013
Fee Payment Update
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security has issued updated numbers on payments of fees
to attorneys and some others for representing Social Security
claimants. These fees are withheld and paid by Social Security but come
out of the back benefits of the claimants involved. The attorneys and
others who have their fees withheld pay a user fee for this privilege. Since these fees are usually
paid at the same time
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Seeking Child Support As Condition For SSI?
Posted on 08:01 by Unknown
From a recent report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG):
SSA [Social Security Administration] could save approximately $151.2 million, annually, if the number of individuals receiving and/or reporting child support increases by 100,000. Alternatively, SSA could save approximately $302. million, annually, if the number of recipients receiving and/or reporting child
Friday, 2 August 2013
Man Arrested For Threatening Ann Arbor Office
Posted on 07:38 by Unknown
From a WDIV in Detroit:
Federal
investigators say Daniel Norton is a dangerous man who may have been
planning a mass murder and escape into the wilderness.
The
Ypsilanti man was out on bond for making violent threats against
workers at an Ann Arbor Social Security office. Then, on Wednesday,
Homeland Protective Services looked in the trunk of his car and found an
arsenal of weapons
Federal
investigators say Daniel Norton is a dangerous man who may have been
planning a mass murder and escape into the wilderness.
The
Ypsilanti man was out on bond for making violent threats against
workers at an Ann Arbor Social Security office. Then, on Wednesday,
Homeland Protective Services looked in the trunk of his car and found an
arsenal of weapons
Information Sharing Missions Which Support Homeland Security?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Social Security is advertising two Intelligence Operations Specialist jobs in Woodlawn, MD. According to USAJobs:
This position [actually positions] is located in the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Budget, Finance and Management (DCBFM), Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness (OSEP), Office of Emergency Preparedness (OEP). Once selected for this important position at SSA, the
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Anonymous Contact Form Functioning Again
Posted on 10:31 by Unknown
The anonymous contact form for this blog is functioning again. It had gone down when the service I had used previously suddenly went belly up. It's working again with a new service.
Allegation Of SSI Fraud Involved In Cleveland Kidnapping
Posted on 05:51 by Unknown
From some television station in Cleveland that doesn't post its call letters on its website:
Sources confirm a federal probe is underway into thousands of dollars
in social security income that may have been illegally obtained while
Cleveland kidnapping victim Michelle Knight was held hostage.
The
social security income is most likely in the form of supplemental
security income
Sources confirm a federal probe is underway into thousands of dollars
in social security income that may have been illegally obtained while
Cleveland kidnapping victim Michelle Knight was held hostage.
The
social security income is most likely in the form of supplemental
security income
Replace "Mental Retardation" With "Intellectual Disability"
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
From a notice in the Federal Register posted today by the Social Security Administration:
We are replacing the term ``mental retardation'' with
``intellectual disability'' in our Listing of Impairments (listings) ... This change reflects the
widespread adoption of the term ``intellectual disability'' by
Congress, government agencies, and various public and private
organizations.
We are replacing the term ``mental retardation'' with
``intellectual disability'' in our Listing of Impairments (listings) ... This change reflects the
widespread adoption of the term ``intellectual disability'' by
Congress, government agencies, and various public and private
organizations.
Op Ed Says Social Security Disability Is A "Monster"
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From an op ed in the East Valley Tribune:
Social Security Disability Insurance is
turning into a monster. It has experienced exponential growth, much like
other big government entitlement programs. As a consequence, it
threatens to run out of money by 2016. Worse, it weakens our economy and
has become yet another dark cloud over our financial future. ...
Some of the growth can be
Social Security Disability Insurance is
turning into a monster. It has experienced exponential growth, much like
other big government entitlement programs. As a consequence, it
threatens to run out of money by 2016. Worse, it weakens our economy and
has become yet another dark cloud over our financial future. ...
Some of the growth can be
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
Change Reopening Rules?
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
From today's Federal Register:
We are requesting information from the public regarding
whether and how we should change our rules of administrative finality.
These rules govern when we can reopen and revise a determination or
decision that has become final and is no longer subject to
administrative or judicial review. ...
We are considering changing our rules of administrative
We are requesting information from the public regarding
whether and how we should change our rules of administrative finality.
These rules govern when we can reopen and revise a determination or
decision that has become final and is no longer subject to
administrative or judicial review. ...
We are considering changing our rules of administrative
SSA Employee Sentenced To Five Years In Prison
Posted on 05:46 by Unknown
From the Seattle Post Intelligencer:
A former Social Security Administration worker caught on camera
masturbating to child pornography while on the clock has been sentenced
to five years in prison.
Caught with a staggering 3,772 photos and videos showing children
being sexually assaulted, Thomas Barrett Jr. was investigated after his
Internet trolling for child porn brought a
A former Social Security Administration worker caught on camera
masturbating to child pornography while on the clock has been sentenced
to five years in prison.
Caught with a staggering 3,772 photos and videos showing children
being sexually assaulted, Thomas Barrett Jr. was investigated after his
Internet trolling for child porn brought a
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
The Washington Examiner Has Lots Of Attitude
Posted on 10:35 by Unknown
The Washington Examiner is running a bizarrely slanted piece on Social Security disability benefits. I think this goes well past the line between journalism and propaganda, starting with calling Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits "unearned" disability benefits. You could call it that but I don't think anyone previously has called it that. I don't know why you would use
Monday, 29 July 2013
Three Notices In Federal Register
Posted on 07:17 by Unknown
Three notices from today's Federal Register:
I. This final rule adopts, without change, the interim final rule
with request for comments we published in the Federal Register on
January 12, 2012, at 77 FR 1862. The interim final rule modified our
rules so that we may send a Ticket to Work (Ticket) to Ticket to Work
program (Ticket program)-eligible disabled beneficiaries. Under our
I. This final rule adopts, without change, the interim final rule
with request for comments we published in the Federal Register on
January 12, 2012, at 77 FR 1862. The interim final rule modified our
rules so that we may send a Ticket to Work (Ticket) to Ticket to Work
program (Ticket program)-eligible disabled beneficiaries. Under our
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Like Chewing Styrofoam
Posted on 08:02 by Unknown
Words are important. They change the world by informing, inspiring and directing. However, they can also be empty and meaningless. That's the case with Facing the Challenges -- Envisioning the Future, a paper produced by the Social Security Advisory Board (SSAB). Reading this paper is like chewing styrofoam. It is packed with blindingly obvious advice. As an example, the paper recommends
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Why No Action On Same Sex Marriages?
Posted on 08:30 by Unknown
The Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which prevented Social Security from recognizing same sex marriages, was unconstitutional on June 26, 2013. That was more than a month ago. While Social Security has sent out a press release saying it is "taking" claims for benefits based upon same sex marriages, it has instructed its staff to do NOTHING with these claims. How
Friday, 26 July 2013
An Eventful Career
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
From the Norman Transcript:
In his tenure with the Social Security Administration in Oklahoma and
western Arkansas, Dennis Purifoy has weathered turbulence and change
and navigated tragedy and triumph.
He’ll step down from the agency Aug. 2 after 40 years. ...
As a claims representative in Stillwater, Purifoy intended to work
for the SSA for a couple of years before pursuing other
In his tenure with the Social Security Administration in Oklahoma and
western Arkansas, Dennis Purifoy has weathered turbulence and change
and navigated tragedy and triumph.
He’ll step down from the agency Aug. 2 after 40 years. ...
As a claims representative in Stillwater, Purifoy intended to work
for the SSA for a couple of years before pursuing other
Thursday, 25 July 2013
More On Astrue's New Job
Posted on 06:18 by Unknown
I don't want to get too deep in the weeds on former Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue's new job with VIVUS but it looks like he was hired as part of the resolution of a shareholder lawsuit. It looks like the shareholders won and VIVUS' old management lost. It also appears that the shareholder lawsuit came about because VIVUS hasn't been doing so well.
Tests Extended
Posted on 05:55 by Unknown
From today's Federal Register:
We are announcing the extension of tests involving
modifications to disability determination procedures authorized by 20
CFR 404.906 and 416.1406. These rules authorize us to test several
modifications to the disability determination procedures for
adjudicating claims for disability insurance benefits under title II of
the Social Security Act (Act) and
We are announcing the extension of tests involving
modifications to disability determination procedures authorized by 20
CFR 404.906 and 416.1406. These rules authorize us to test several
modifications to the disability determination procedures for
adjudicating claims for disability insurance benefits under title II of
the Social Security Act (Act) and
Groups Push Social Security Expansion
Posted on 05:44 by Unknown
From CNN:
A coalition of progressive groups claiming to
represent millions of Americans is planning a multi-state effort urging
the expansion of Social Security benefits.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) and Democracy For
America (DFA say they will be joined by several other groups including
MoveOn.org in putting out a series of TV and online ads planned for the
near
A coalition of progressive groups claiming to
represent millions of Americans is planning a multi-state effort urging
the expansion of Social Security benefits.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) and Democracy For
America (DFA say they will be joined by several other groups including
MoveOn.org in putting out a series of TV and online ads planned for the
near
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
New Job For Astrue
Posted on 11:17 by Unknown
From a press release:
VIVUS, Inc. ... which recently began selling the obesity drug Qsymia
(phentermine and topiramate extended-release) capsules CIV in the United
States, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed
Michael Astrue to serve as its Chairman and Anthony Zook to serve as its
Chief Executive Officer ...
Mr. Astrue said, "We intend to move quickly on our four
VIVUS, Inc. ... which recently began selling the obesity drug Qsymia
(phentermine and topiramate extended-release) capsules CIV in the United
States, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed
Michael Astrue to serve as its Chairman and Anthony Zook to serve as its
Chief Executive Officer ...
Mr. Astrue said, "We intend to move quickly on our four
Who Killed The Rabbit?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From the Rome (GA) News-Tribune:
Rome police reported that vandals left a dead rabbit for staff to find
at the Social Security office on Riverside Parkway on Friday morning and
also left the water running outside.
According to reports, the
rabbit was found on a window sill behind the building along with a bag
of shredded paper torn and scattered around the
building Friday morning.
Rome police reported that vandals left a dead rabbit for staff to find
at the Social Security office on Riverside Parkway on Friday morning and
also left the water running outside.
According to reports, the
rabbit was found on a window sill behind the building along with a bag
of shredded paper torn and scattered around the
building Friday morning.
Tuesday, 23 July 2013
New Blog On Social Security Disability Issues
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
Julia Mariani, an attorney who had been representing Social Security disability claimants, has shut down her regular practice and taken up blogging on Social Security disability issues. So far, her blog, Disability Dunk Tank, has a different focus from mine. She is oriented just to disability issues and attuned to the issues that claimants face.
I wish there was a wider profusion of
Monday, 22 July 2013
Unemployment And Disability Claims
Posted on 05:43 by Unknown
Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued a report on Impact of Increases in State Unemployment Rates on the Social Security Administration’s Disability Programs. This subject could certainly use research. Unfortunately, OIG merely looked at states with high percentage increases in unemployment. There is no comparison of these states to states with low or no increase in
Sunday, 21 July 2013
Today's Newspaper Stories On Social Security Disability
Posted on 07:52 by Unknown
The Sacramento Bee has an article on the growth in the number of people drawing Social Security disability benefits -- even though that growth ground to a halt almost a year ago -- and the Associated Press has an article on a doomed attempt to phase out the five month waiting period for Disability Insurance Benefits under the Social Security Act.
You Crazy Right Wingers Are Such A Hoot!
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From The Examiner of Independence, MO:
U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes sentenced Charles Daniel Koss,
63, of Independence to seven years in federal prison and ordered Koss
to pay $212,987 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and
the Department of the Treasury. ...
Koss began receiving Social Security disability payments in 1987 for
myoneural disorder and
U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Wimes sentenced Charles Daniel Koss,
63, of Independence to seven years in federal prison and ordered Koss
to pay $212,987 in restitution to the Social Security Administration and
the Department of the Treasury. ...
Koss began receiving Social Security disability payments in 1987 for
myoneural disorder and
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Why No Statute Of Limitations?
Posted on 07:37 by Unknown
From KATU:
The Social Security Administration sent Lanier Schriner a shocking
letter. It said the feds paid her too much more than 30 years ago, and
now they are coming to collect.
More than three decades ago, Schriner was just heading to college along
with small disability payments from her deceased father's Social
Security.
"I received it before I went to college and then after I
The Social Security Administration sent Lanier Schriner a shocking
letter. It said the feds paid her too much more than 30 years ago, and
now they are coming to collect.
More than three decades ago, Schriner was just heading to college along
with small disability payments from her deceased father's Social
Security.
"I received it before I went to college and then after I
Friday, 19 July 2013
Figures Never Lie ...
Posted on 06:09 by Unknown
The Heritage Foundation has put out an impressive looking chart showing that in 1960 the average person received $6.39 for each dollar they had to pay in Social Security taxes but that by 2013 the average person was receiving only 92 cents for each dollar of taxes and that by 2030 this will be down to only 84 cents. Wow! QED! Social Security is a bad deal!
However, if you look at the
Thursday, 18 July 2013
We're Movin' In!
Posted on 06:08 by Unknown
From Social Security Works:
Oh, the sweet irony.
Pete Peterson is the conservative billionaire who is a major financier in
the effort to dismantle, cut and privatize Social Security, Medicare
and Medicaid. Recently he and his foundation held a contest asking folks
to submit videos on why it is important to “fix” the national debt of
which, he and his foundation falsely claim, Social
Oh, the sweet irony.
Pete Peterson is the conservative billionaire who is a major financier in
the effort to dismantle, cut and privatize Social Security, Medicare
and Medicaid. Recently he and his foundation held a contest asking folks
to submit videos on why it is important to “fix” the national debt of
which, he and his foundation falsely claim, Social
Wednesday, 17 July 2013
Confusing New Attorney Fee Instructions
Posted on 05:57 by Unknown
Social Security has issued new instructions on fees for attorneys and others representing Social Security claimants. The instructions have to do with fee agreement cases where the claimant appoints two or more people to represent him or her and then one or more of the attorneys or representatives withdraws. It would be an understatement to say the instructions are confusing. Take a look at
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Does Social Security Have A Functioning System Of Dealing With Complaints About ALJs?
Posted on 03:00 by Unknown
From a report by Social Security's Office of Inspector General (OIG) (footnotes omitted):
Claimants and their advocates or representatives may file a complaint against an ALJ [Administrative Law Judge] if they believe the ALJ was biased or engaged in improper conduct. ... The Division of Quality Service (DQS), within ODAR’s [Office of Disability Adjudication and Review's] Office of
Claimants and their advocates or representatives may file a complaint against an ALJ [Administrative Law Judge] if they believe the ALJ was biased or engaged in improper conduct. ... The Division of Quality Service (DQS), within ODAR’s [Office of Disability Adjudication and Review's] Office of
Monday, 15 July 2013
Interesting Map
Posted on 06:11 by Unknown
The Washington Examiner has a fairly predictable article that decries the number of people drawing disability benefits from Social Security. At least the piece has an interesting map showing the counties with the highest incident of disability. Hint: Disability hits hardest in rural areas represented in Congress by Republicans.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
To The ALJ Association
Posted on 07:58 by Unknown
Dear ALJ Association:
Take a look at the sort of thing that comes from claiming that because Social Security pressures you to hold more hearings and issue more decisions that the agency is forcing you to approve more disability claims. You're not getting back at your enemy, Social Security. You're not reducing the pressures you face to hear and decide cases. You're only aiding those
Take a look at the sort of thing that comes from claiming that because Social Security pressures you to hold more hearings and issue more decisions that the agency is forcing you to approve more disability claims. You're not getting back at your enemy, Social Security. You're not reducing the pressures you face to hear and decide cases. You're only aiding those
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)