SSA faces hurdles in replacing data center, IG says Nov 13, 2009
Under the economic stimulus law, SSA will receive $500 million for building a new data center ... By 2012, it might not be able to support SSAs workload, and yet the replacement center will not be brought online until 2015, the inspector general noted ... The IG is also concerned about SSA's disaster recovery plan. (FCW.com)
Wrong in Washington Nov 12, 2009
I understand that our president recently approved a 2 percent pay raise for all federal employees at about the same time as the Social Security Administration announced that those on Social Security will not receive a cost of living increase in 2010. I suppose seniors can do their share to help our struggling economy, especially those who are in the poor house or knocking on the door to get in the poor house. (New Iberia, LA)
Medicare Part D - Decisions for 2010 Nov 12, 2009
Individuals can apply for the Low Income Subsidy at any time during the year through the Social Security Administration, and if they qualify for assistance they can select/change to an appropriate prescription drug policy at that time. Individuals who currently receive the low income subsidy may have received a letter from the Social Security Administration asking if there has been a change in their resources or income. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
House chairman calls delayed payment to veterans 'an insult' Nov 12, 2009
BY Mark X on 11/11/2009 at 20:24Dealing with the VA is a joke even members of the SSA joke about how long it takes to get any action ... Also above the fold: Another link to an AP piece, which recounts the current blame game in the Fort Hood massacre. (TheHill.com)
NATIONAL GUARD - Homeless Vets Get Help Nov 12, 2009
More than 30 different service organizations participated in the event, including government and nonprofit organizations, such as Department of Veterans Affairs medical, benefit and vocational rehabilitation and employment services; the Social Security Administration, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and the Veterans of Foreign Wars were also among the list of providers who were there to help and represent the homeless among them. (DOD DefenseLINK)
Cash error in Mass. favor Nov 11, 2009
At issue is the way the Social Security Administration handles disability claims. Health and Human Services Secretary Bigby said the federal agency often declines applications for disability payouts on an applicant s first attempt. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Can't tax to prosperity Nov 11, 2009
One only has to look at the Social Security Administration, Postal Service, Fannie Mae, Freddy Mac, our national parks, the Department of Transportation, to see that there has not been one instance of a government-run program that has succeeded or is operating in the black. The thought that the government can take over failing businesses, or the health care industry, is laughable. (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
IBM opens D.C. analytics center, adds 100 jobs Nov 11, 2009
The company also is working with the Social Security Administration and MedVirginia to develop an electronic records exchange system, as well as a system that can identify disability applications that are likely to be approved and can be addressed quickly to speed up processing. Most Read Stories. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Constitutional Ignorance Reigns Supreme on Capitol Hill Nov 10, 2009
This is the same Democrat Party whose Medicare and Medicaid agencies deny 2 claims for every 1 in the private sector, the same Democrat Party whose Social Security Administration requires over 1/2 of those applying for SS benefits to employ an Attorney for the very benefits they ve paid for. You trust those Democrats and their Federal Government agencies to show you their kind and understanding side. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Social Security: Take less now or more later? Nov 8, 2009
The number of new claimants spiked 19 percent over the 12 months ending Sept. 30, according to the Social Security Administration ... As a general rule, older Boomers retiring at 62 get only about 75 cents on the dollar compared with what they would receive at what the Social Security Administration defines as their "full retirement age." Younger Boomers will receive only 70 cents on the dollar compared with waiting ... The Social Security Administration (www. (AZCentral -- News)
Veteran admits faking paralysis to avoid Iraq Nov 7, 2009
As part of the scheme, court records show, Rush received $107,857 in benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs and scammed $28,730 from the Social Security Administration ... Rush, standing upright in court Friday, pleaded guilty to two fraud conspiracy counts and one count apiece of mail fraud and making false statements to the Social Security Administration. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Fed-up sport supporters won't be the silent majority for muchlonger Nov 7, 2009
A not-for-profit organisation, SSA will also provide a conduit for fans, many of whom are volunteers, to have their issues raised with government and the businesses that invest in sport. SSA chairman, Michael Riley, a former News Ltd sport journalist and head of government and external relations in Australia for a leading global pharmaceutical company, said: ''We want to ensure the average fan is not priced out of supporting spectator sports in the future ... SSA's initial research among fans... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
FDIC Takes Over 5 More Banks Nov 7, 2009
Welcome to the SSA (Socialist States of America) ... Send me a copy of this message ... Add your own personal message: (Optional). (CBS News)
A Cookbook for the Pennywise and Time-Crunched Nov 7, 2009
The SSA tells me there is no record of a 1099 in my name ... Sept. 7, 2006 : A security guard, Solomon Savea, badge number - 90187, at the Hawaii State Library, calls me a "ni - - er" twice" in the library foyer, in a loud voice. Aug. 10, 2006: I have been told by Sen. Barack Obama's office, where I sent this same correspondence, that someone from Sen. Akaka's office would contact me, because Sen. Obama's office forwarded the correspondence to them. I have yet to hear from Sen. Akaka's office.... (Epicurious.com)
Area retirees gather for 46th annual event Nov 6, 2009
Representatives from TRICARE West, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration each gave presentations in Eisenhower Auditorium. Several organizations and vendors had booths throughout the Lewis and Clark Center with information for retirees and family members, and the Adjutant General office was open for DEERS updates and ID cards issuance. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Equifax buys Rapid Reporting Verification Nov 4, 2009
Its products include IncomeChek, which provides IRS verification of income tax information, and DirectChek, which provides Social Security Administration verification of social security numbers and also meets USA Patriot Act compliance requirements. "More than ever, today's lenders need better tools to determine creditworthiness before qualifying a loan," said Trey Loughran, Equifax senior vice president of corporate development, in a statement. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
Can Washington Make You Buy Health Insurance? Nov 4, 2009
Bill Murchison : Can Washington Make You Buy Health Insurance. Columns, funnies in your inbox. (Townhall.com)
Quality primary education Nov 3, 2009
And it did take significant steps to strengthen elementary education through the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) and also made elementary education a fundamental right of every child. But it has done precious little to increase the efficacy of public spending in educ 00004000 ation. (India Times)
Vendors flock to HHS's health information exchange Nov 3, 2009
So far, a handful of federal agencies including the Social Security Administration, , and members of a broader vendor and agency community are experimenting with various uses. We are trying to knock down the barriers to adoption, Riley said. (FCW.com)
U.S. Sued Over Dropping of Benefits for Disabled Nov 1, 2009
"The Social Security Administration . . . projects that over 46,000 immigrants will be cut off from SSI in the years 2006-2012 as a result of delays in granting citizenship and the operation of the seven year rule," the lawsuit says ... The suit was filed against top officials of the Social Security Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) unit of DHS, the Justice Department and the FBI.. (Yahoo News -- Disabilities and the Disabled)
Genealogical Data: Social Security ... Nov 1, 2009
The Social Security Administration began paying retirement benefits in 1940 to enrolled persons who were age 75 ... Although it is not necessary, if an inquiry to the Social Security Administration contains the ancestor s social security number, the search fee is less and the record is more readily located ... If an ancestor s data cannot be located by the Social Security Administration, be aware that benefits claimed by siblings may furnish the desired data. (Suite101.com)
Retiree day set for Oct. 31 Oct 30, 2009
Guest speakers include Kathy Lucero from TRIWEST Healthcare Alliance; Natasha Cooper with the Social Security Administration, Kansas City Field Office; and Family Life Chaplain Col. Michael Brainerd. Service Agencies and information tables will be available 10 a.m. to noon, including retired pay and vehicle registration. (Leavenworth Lamp, KS)
Readers Write 10/30 Oct 30, 2009
Re As cost of living rises for seniors, so should the size of their checks (Opinion, Oct. 20): the Social Security Administration is not denying a 2010 cost-of-living adjustment. They are just following the law. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
8 On Your Side Fair | Nov 3rd Oct 30, 2009
Social Security Administration. Southern Nevada Health District. (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Castle Rock man gets citation for killing deer within Kelso city limits Oct 29, 2009
fossagrimmin wrote on Oct 28, 2009 6:08 PM:" A pet dear....lol. Acually they shot the dear 75 feet outside of the city of Kelso's boundry,,they drug it to the city of Kelso's boundry..the court will decide..All you wacked out librals worryed about firearms being discharged,,lol,,,unless it was to protect your butt,,ha. " ... I also wonder $390 from SSA or SSI, or both ... " Have something to say about this story? Submit it! The comments approved for posting aren't edited, and don't necessarily... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Fitness Levels Decline Faster after Age 45 Oct 29, 2009
Because increasing rates of obesity and low levels of physical activity have been observed in the general population, the researchers say their findings suggest that more men and women will reach the fitness level designated by the Social Security Administration as representing disability at a younger age. "These data indicate the need for physicians to recommend to their patients the necessity to maintain their weight, engage in regular aerobic exercise, and abstain from smoking," the... (CBS News)
CDC expands flu-tracking efforts Oct 28, 2009
The NHIN eventually will be used for national health data exchange, but is currently a platform for several demonstration projects, including one involving the Social Security Administration and MedVirginia, a regional network of health care providers, to exchange patient medical information for determining disability benefits eligibility. It will soon be accepting data from the Veterans Affairs and Defense departments. (FCW.com)
Health Department sets clinic for health providers Oct 28, 2009
and consistent with section 1135 of the Social Security Act (SSA), as amended (42 U.S.C. 1320b-5), do hereby find and proclaim that, given that the rapid increase in illness across the Nation may overburden health care resources and that the temporary waiver of certain standard Federal requirements may be warranted in order to enable U.S. health care facilities to implement emergency operations plans, the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic in the United States constitutes a national emergency.... (Brownstown Jackson County Banner, IN)
Capital Hill Oct 28, 2009
In a , Andrew Biggs, scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and a past deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration, makes the case that the Senate Finance Committee health plan depends on new Social Security payroll taxes to make ends meet. The case is fairly clear cut. (Investors Business Daily)
Newsweek: Gaming Social Security Oct 28, 2009
(Workers can find their own expected benefits at the Social Security Administration's ... "This is like getting a free loan from the Social Security Administration," says Avram Sacks, a Social Security legal analyst with CCH, a tax research firm. (MSNBC -- Business)
Minuteman Senior Services: 'Don't expect COLA payments' Oct 28, 2009
According to the Social Security Administration under present law, there will be a COLA for Social Security and SSI benefits provided only when there is an increase in the average of the Consumer Price Index-W from the third calendar quarter of the prior year to the third calendar quarter of the current year of at least 0. 1 percent. (Lexington Minuteman, MA)
Fitness Fades Fast After 45 Oct 27, 2009
"The Social Security Administration actually has an aerobic capacity threshold. If you're below the threshold, you are considered disabled," said study author Andrew Jackson ... "Exercise is the most potent medication around, and the Social Security Administration agrees with me.". (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Groups call for balance in labor, immigration laws Oct 27, 2009
U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security could not go ahead with their plan to send joint letters warning businesses they'll face penalties if they keep workers whose Social Security numbers don't match their names. Breyer said the new work-site rule would likely impose hardships on businesses and their workers. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Around Frisco Oct. 25 Oct 25, 2009
such as Medicare, Veterans' Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Social Security Administration or the Internal Revenue Service. They also may help facilitate overseas adoptions. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
City couple accused of Social Security violations Oct 25, 2009
Edna Heft, 59, and Ronald Heft, 62, were indicted on four counts of making false statements to the Social Security Administration beginning in March 1997 and continuing through July of this year. The indictment was announced Thursday by U.S. Attorney Deborah Gilgs office in Omaha. (Fremont Tribune, NE)
Mali: Mentors to Boost Breastfeeding Oct 24, 2009
"Before, women fed their newborns tea and water without knowing the consequences of this practice," San mothers' group leader A ssa Tangara Traor; told IRIN. The UN has estimated that 300,000 babies could be saved every year in West Africa if they were fed only mother's milk for the first six months rather than formula, tea, water or food as is generally the case ... This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations. (allAfrica.com)
Oh Ghana! Lets start to do a few things right! Oct 24, 2009
Here in the US, the Social Security Administration provides information on its ability (or inability) to make the full promised payment in the future. If a shortfall is expected in the future, this information is made known well in advance so the nation can find solutions before that future date arrives. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Davidsville woman sentenced to federal prison Oct 23, 2009
Authorities said Joyce A. Bowser, 63, of Carpenters Park Road, received 268 benefit payments totaling approximately 215,000 from Feb. 3, 1994, to April 3, 2008. Bower was not entitled to the funds. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
No COLA for seniors, one-time payment touted Oct 23, 2009
According to the Social Security Administration under present law, there will be a COLA for Social Security and SSI benefits provided only when there is an increase in the average of the Consumer Price Index-W from the third calendar quarter of the prior year to the third calendar quarter of the current year of at least one-tenth of one percent (0. 1 percent). (Burlington Union, MA)
McCaul formally asks for hearings on vehicle contract Oct 23, 2009
With the award given to another manufacturer without previous experience building this truck line, significant costs are going to be incurred by the awardee in refitting its facilities to handle manufacturing the FMTV line as well as filling the thousands of employee positions necessary to meet this contract ... Some of these items include: the awardee was notified of the contract award two full days before it was publicly announced by the Department of Defense (stock price shot up 19 percent in... (Brenham Banner, TX)
The One Thing Oct 23, 2009
The proposal came a day after the Social Security Administration said there wouldn t be a cost-of-living increase in payments for 2010 because consumer prices declined this year. The. (Fox News)
Congress likely to give E-Verify program an extension Oct 22, 2009
The Internet program ties into databases maintained by the Social Security Administration and Homeland Security. Firms that screen workers through E-Verify are less likely to invest time and money in valuable employees who might wind up getting deported, said Sharon Rummery, a spokeswoman for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in San Francisco. (AZCentral -- Business)
Judge: Notices must be in formats blind can read Oct 22, 2009
A federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Social Security Administration must provide information on benefits in a way that is accessible to blind people ... U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security could not go ahead with their plan to send joint letters warning businesses they'll face penalties if they keep workers whose Social Security numbers don't match their names ... SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge has ruled that the... (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Social Security acts now to avoid future data overload Oct 22, 2009
SSA upgrades its data exchange systems to support growing demand for information ... Although SSAs existing IT infrastructure is sufficient to support current outgoing data exchanges, SSA officials and the agencys partners anticipate that the number of these exchanges will continue to increase and become more complex, placing greater demands on the infrastructure and systems, GAO said ... To address overall agency needs for a more cost-effective and efficient computing environment, SSA... (FCW.com)
Social Security told to modernize for the blind Oct 21, 2009
(10-20) 17:17 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- The Social Security Administration must give the nation's 3 million blind or visually impaired recipients the option of receiving benefit notices in braille or by audio computer disc, a federal judge in San Francisco said Tuesday ... The case involves some of the 100 million notices the Social Security Administration sends each year to its 61 million beneficiaries, advising them of scheduled appointments, program changes, tax filings and possible benefit cuts... (San Francisco Chronicle)
Senate OKs transfer of Gitmo prisoners for trials Oct 21, 2009
The bill also would extend for three years the E-Verify program, which uses the Social Security Administration database so that employers can verify the immigration status of new hires. A GOP plan to permanently expand the voluntary program and make it mandatory for federal contractors which passed the Senate in July was dropped during House-Senate talks. (MSNBC -- International)
As cost of living rises for seniors, so should the size of their checks Oct 20, 2009
The proposed denial of any Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2010 by the Social Security Administration, for the first time in 35 years, represents nothing less than the betrayal of America s elderly by the very agency charged with protecting us ... Americans of all ages should object immediately to this unfair and unwise denial by the Social Security Administration, petition Congress to reverse this unjustified decision, and ask the White House to exercise its leadership on behalf... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
SSA needs more planning for data systems upgrades, GAO says Oct 20, 2009
The SSA currently shares data in about 1 billion transactions a year in programs such as the E-Verify employment verification system with the Homeland Security Department, as well as state systems for drivers' licenses, voters registration and food stamps. Overall, the SSAs information technology infrastructure is sufficient to meet the current demands, the Oct. 16 GAO report said ... According to DHS officials, SSA has dealt with the problem and has plans to implement enhancements to prevent... (FCW.com)
Trust but E-Verify Oct 20, 2009
Using information gathered by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration, E-Verify helps employers confirm that newly-hired employees are eligible to work in the United States. . (Townhall.com)
Justice Dept. rejects Georgia’s appeal of voter verification Oct 20, 2009
The checks verify five criteria for new voters against information in databases held by the Georgia Department of Driver Services or Social Security Administration. The Justice Department said the citizenship match had flagged 7,007 individuals as non-citizens but many were shown to be in error. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
Social Security office coming to town Oct 18, 2009
In 2011, Rio Ranchoans won t have to drive to Albuquerque to get a Social Security card or conduct business with the Social Security Administration. Lars Sego, of Dura Bilt Products, said the plan is to have a Social Security Administration office in the Enchanted Hills area by the end of 2010. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
The best insurance may come as a surprise Oct 18, 2009
Medicare is managed by the Social Security Administration, and Tricare by the Department of Defense. Both programs are extremely well-managed. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
CB Richard Ellis adds Birmingham office Oct 17, 2009
The global real estate firm recently signed on to manage the Social Security Administration building in downtown and now has a staff of five, including a senior real estate manager, in the local facility, said Marcy Moneypenny, a managing director of the firm. So with staff in place and interest from institutional clients that own local properties, CB Richard Ellis said it will use those opportunities to beef up its local presence and garner additional business, she said. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Social Security: no cost of living increase Oct 17, 2009
Published: Friday, October 16, 2009 6:09 AM CDT The announcement by the Social Security Administration yesterday that there will be no cost-of-living increase next year was met with sadness and predictions of problems to come as local seniors wonder how they are going to pay for medication and other necessities. For more than 50 million Social Security recipients across the country, 2010 will be the first year without a raise since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975. (Hartford City News-Times, IN)
FEMA revamps Spanish language site Oct 17, 2009
The Social Security Administration offers a Spanish-language site, while the Veterans Administration offers Web pages with fact sheets on available benefits in Spanish. About the Author. (FCW.com)
Voter checking system rejected Oct 17, 2009
ATLANTA --- The U.S. Department of Justice has for the second time rejected Georgia's system of using Social Security numbers and driver's license data to check whether prospective voters are citizens. The Justice Department first rejected Georgia's request for preclearance for the checks in May. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Greatest generation becomes greediest generation Oct 16, 2009
The twin statements, by the Labor Department and the Social Security Administration, came less than a day after President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress tried to salve the impact on older and disabled Americans by saying the government should provide $250 payments to 57 million people who depend on Social Security, pensions, or disabled veterans benefits ... Andrew Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute and former deputy commissioner of the Social Security... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Social Security makes it official: No COLA Oct 16, 2009
The Social Security Administration makes it official: There will be no cost of living increase for Social Security recipients next year, the first year without one since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975. . (MSNBC -- Politics)
Diminishing Returns? Oct 16, 2009
Data used from Social Security Administration. Diminishing Returns. (Nebraska Statepaper)
The Politics Don't Add Up Oct 16, 2009
For the first time since 1975, the Social Security Administration has announced, seniors will not receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment in their Social Security benefits. The move makes good policy sensethe formula used by the SSA shows the cost of living has not increased in the past year. (Slate)
Social Security Oct 16, 2009
Suicide Car Bomber Strikes Pakistani City of Peshawar. By ALICE GOMSTYN ABC NEWS Business UnitOct. (ABC News -- Business)
Almost 50 and on AARP mailing list Oct 15, 2009
I imagine I ll be receiving similar AARP mailings each year as my birthday approaches, just like the Social Security Administration mails out a letter each year showing me how much I m probably not going to get when I retire. In the meantime, I ll stick with my own financial common sense and save the $16 annual membership fee until some point in the future when I better fit the acronym. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Social Security office coming to Rio Rancho Oct 15, 2009
In 2011, Rio Ranchoans won t have to drive to Albuquerque to get a Social Security card or conduct business with the Social Security Administration. Lars Sego, of Dura Bilt Products, said he anticipates having a Social Security Administration office in the Enchanted Hills area by the end of 2010 ... The company has recently built buildings Social Security Administration buildings in the Texas cities of Harlingen, Brownsville and Houston. (Rio Rancho Observer, NM)
RealID real sneaky Oct 15, 2009
The burden of proof will be on the individual to produce evidence proving their identity to the many bureaucrats in the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security. Guess who gets to keep all that verification information. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
With Social Sec. flat, Obama seeks $250 remittal Oct 15, 2009
WASHINGTON - President Barack Obama urged Congress to provide an extra $250 each to about 57 million seniors, veterans and people with disabilities as the Social Security Administration prepared to announce today that there would be no cost-of-living raise in 2010. Social Security benefits are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year. (AZCentral -- News)
