March has been a month of intense scrutiny and analysis of the Social Security Disability program. Continuing that theme, another Congressional hearing was held last week to “examine policies that have expanded the role of subjective evaluations in determining whether applicants qualify for benefits and how these policies may result in unexplained variations in decision-making, weakening public confidence in the consistency and fairness of this national program. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Social Security’
13 For ’13 (A list of things we think will happen next year)
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From increasing backlogs to new hearing scheduling processes to anticipating the impact of the presidential election, 2012 brought its fair share of challenges and uncertainties for those who deal regularly with the Social Security Administration. Additionally, heightened scrutiny on the viability of the Social Security Disability Insurance program and one-sided criticism of those who adjudicate disability claims created a tumultuous environment for everyone involved in the process, including claimants, representatives, Social Security employees, and even organizations such as employers and long-term disability carriers who refer individuals for SSDI application and assistance.
While the end of the year is often a time for reflection on the successes and challenges of the last twelve months, it is also a time to look ahead to the new year and consider the challenges that are likely to come our way. With that in mind, we hope you enjoy today’s post: 13 For ’13.
1. Reduced hours at SSA will likely result in poorer customer service and longer waiting times: After announcing plans to reduce its workforce by 9,000 back in August, the Social Security Administration announced in November that it would reduce field office hours beginning immediately. Starting in November, all 1,233 offices began closing to the public 30 minutes earlier than normal and as of January 2, 2013, the offices will close to the public at noon on Wednesdays. While the majority of Advocator clients never have to visit a Social Security field office in order to apply for and be approved for benefits, this change will impact our ability to conduct status checks and other critical business with Social Security.
Compassionate Allowance Update
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Image courtesy of www.ssa.gov
It’s official. Today, Commissioner Astrue announced 35 new CAL conditions, bringing the total number of conditions included in the fast tracking initiative to 200.
“We have achieved another milestone for the Compassionate Allowances program, reaching 200 conditions,” Commissioner Astrue said. “Nearly 200,000 people with severe disabilities nationwide have been quickly approved, usually in less than two weeks, through the program since it began in October 2008.”
The complete press release, along with the list of 35 new CAL conditions (which can be viewed by clicking on the image above), can be found on Social Security’s website.
The Debt Ceiling Revisited
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A Congressional Budget Office report and related blog post indicated yesterday that the national debt is once again approaching the debt ceiling. According to the report, the U.S. Treasury “anticipates that borrowing will reach the current limit near the end of December 2012. However, because the Treasury can take certain ‘extraordinary measures’ that it has used previously when borrowing reached or approached the debt limit, CBO expects that the department will be able to continue funding government activities without an increase in the debt limit until mid-February or early March.
In the unlikely event that the debt limit is not increased before “extraordinary measures” are exhausted, the Treasury would not be authorized to issue additional debt that increases the amount outstanding, which would severely strain its ability to manage its cash and potentially lead to delayed payments for certain government activities. While the administration would determine which of the government’s financial obligations would be paid and which would not be paid, this could potentially impact Social Security beneficiaries who rely on timely monthly checks as their source of monthly income.
The Treasury faced a similar challenge in August 2011 and narrowly avoided a government shut down by raising the debt ceiling to where it currently stands at a whopping $16.394 trillion.
Treasury Department Launches “Go Direct” Website
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As we posted about back on September 20th, the U.S. Treasury Department is phasing out paper checks, meaning that most Social Security beneficiaries will be required to receive their monthly payments electronically. This change is being made for several reasons, but mainly because direct deposit is cheaper, costing the government almost a dollar less per payment. According to the Treasury, the move to electronic payments will save the Social Security Administration about $1 billion over the next 10 years, almost all of which will be saved directly from the Social Security Trust Fund.
To help ease the transition for those who are hesitant to make the change, the Treasury Department has launched a website, godirect.org, that provides several helpful tips and resources. On the new site, Social Security beneficiaries can find answers to Frequently Asked Questions, sign up for direct desposit, and learn more about the Direct Express card which can be used by Social Security beneficiaries without a bank account.
With limited exemptions available, everyone who receives a federal benefit payment will be required to switch to electronic payments by March 1, 2013. As you can see, the clock is ticking!
Work Incentive Seminar Events
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While getting approved for Social Security Disability benefits requires proving that you cannot engage in Substantial Gainful Activity, Social Security’s Ticket to Work program is available to offer support to those who have been approved for SSDI benefits in their efforts to enter, re-enter, and/or maintain employment. Under this program, beneficiaries can get the help they need to safely explore work options without immediately losing benefits.
Unfortunately, most SSDI recipients are relatively uninformed about the Ticket to Work program and how it works, leading to potential missed opportunities for disabled individuals who return to the workforce. To increase awareness, the agency holds online Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE), where interested SSDI recipients can learn about the Ticket to Work program and other available work incentives. As indicated on the website, WISE webinars are hosted on the fourth Wednesday of each month. You can also register on the website.
Past webinars are archived so you can listen to them at your convenience.
2013 Social Security Rates & Limits
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Every October, the Social Security Administration releases its program rates and limits for the following year. This year’s fact sheet indicates slight increases in maximum taxable earnings and the threshold for Substantial Gainful Activity, among several other adjustments. These increases go hand in hand with the recently announced 1.7% COLA increase for 2013.