The Social Security Administration (SSA) is changing the way Social Security Numbers (SSNs) are issued. This change is referred to as “randomization.” The SSA is developing this new method to help protect the integrity of the SSN. SSN Randomization will also extend the longevity of the nine-digit SSN nationwide.

The SSA began assigning the nine-digit SSN in 1936 for the purpose of tracking workers’ earnings over the course of their lifetimes to pay benefits. Since its inception, the SSN has always been comprised of the three-digit area number, followed by the two-digit group number, and ending with the four-digit serial number. Since 1972, the SSA has issued Social Security cards centrally and the area number reflects the state, as determined by the ZIP code in the mailing address of the application.

There are currently 435 million numbers available for assignment. However, the current SSN assignment process limits the number of SSNs that are available for issuance to individuals by each state. Changing the assignment methodology will extend the longevity of the nine digit SSN in all states.

SSN randomization will affect the SSN assignment process in the following ways:

* It will eliminate the geographical significance of the first three digits of the SSN, currently referred to as the area number, by no longer allocating the area numbers for assignment to individuals in specific states.

* It will eliminate the significance of the highest group number and, as a result, the High Group List will be frozen in time and can be used for validation of SSNs issued prior to the randomization implementation date.

* Previously unassigned area numbers will be introduced for assignment excluding area numbers 000, 666 and 900-999.

Millions of Americans will no longer be able to get their Social Security and other federal benefit checks by mail, under a new timetable announced Tuesday.

Those already on Social Security will have until March 1, 2013, to make the switch to direct deposit or a debit card. New recipients of those benefits will have to accept paperless payment sooner — as of May 1, 2011.

More than 58 million retirees, disabled people and surviving family members get Social Security or Supplemental Security benefits. Eight out of 10 people getting federal benefits already receive those payments electronically, officials say.

The Social Security Administration just announced that Retirees will no longer be able to pay back benefits already received in exchange for higher Social Security payments going forward.

A little-known provision of Social Security law previously allowed individuals to begin payments at age 62, pay back all the benefits received at age 70 without interest, and then reclaim at a higher rate due to delayed claiming.

Under the new rules, Social Security beneficiaries may withdraw an application for retirement benefits only within 12 months of their first Social Security payment and are limited to one withdrawal per lifetime.

Another way Social Security beneficiaries were previously allowed to boost their checks was by suspending benefits already received retroactively, repaying the amount received, and then getting higher checks going forward. The new rules allow retirees to voluntarily suspend benefits only for months in which they did not receive payments. Beneficiaries may also suspend future payments beginning the month after the request is made.

These changes will be applied only to old-age benefit recipients, not survivor and disability beneficiaries.

On November 9, 2010 Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, hosted at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the agency’s sixth public hearing on Compassionate Allowances. Commissioner Astrue joined Susan B. Shurin, Acting Director of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, and other Social Security officials in listening to testimony from some of the leading experts on cardiovascular disease and multiple organ transplants regarding possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for both adults and children.

“Compassionate Allowances and the Quick Disability Determination process are making a real difference for disabled Americans by ensuring those with devastating disabilities receive their benefit decisions quickly and accurately,” Commissioner Astrue said. “This fiscal year, about 150,000 people will benefit from these fast-track disability processes. With this hearing, we continue to look at broader categories of conditions to determine if a subset or certain diagnosis might clearly meet our disability standards and qualify as a Compassionate Allowance.”

Social Security implemented Compassionate Allowances in October 2008 to expedite the processing of disability claims for applicants with medical conditions so severe that their conditions by definition meet Social Security’s standards. There currently are 88 specific diseases and conditions that qualify as a Compassionate Allowance. To learn more and to view a web cast of the November 9th hearing, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of artifacts pertaining to the history of people with disabilities. Located in Buffalo, New York, and on the World Wide Web, the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness.

The Museum of disABILITY History exists to advance the understanding, acceptance and independence of people with disabilities. The Museum’s exhibits, collections, archives and educational programs create awareness and a platform for dialogue and discovery.

The Museum of disABILITY History is open Monday-Friday, 10:00AM – 4:00PM, or by appointment. The Museum is closed on holidays. Admission is Free. The Museum is located at 3826 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226.

The Museum of disABILITY History is a project of People Inc. and is chartered by the New York State Department of Education Board of Regents. People Inc. exists so that individuals with disabling conditions or other special needs have the supports they need to participate and succeed in an accepting society.

For more information on the Museum of disABILITY History please visit www.museumofdisability.org

On November 20, 2010, INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital will host an Operation Walk surgical event in Virginia.

As part of this event INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital will be providing free hip or knee surgery to anyone without health insurance living in Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Call Genéa M. Luck at 703-664-7193 or Julie Warner at 703-664-7018 if you know anyone who does not have health insurance and they can benefit from a hip or knee replacement surgery.

Operation Walk provides everything for free (including all post-operative medical care, education, and rehabilitation).

To learn more about this operation walk event and others around the country, go to http://www.operationwalk.org

New Rules Will Further Speed Benefits to Tens of Thousands of Americans with Disabilities

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, just announced that the agency has published final rules that will further reduce the time it takes to decide applications for disability benefits from those persons with the most severe disabilities—a process that currently takes less than two weeks on average. The new rules allow disability examiners to make fully favorable determinations for adult cases under the agency’s Quick Disability Determination (QDD) and Compassionate Allowance (CAL) processes without medical or psychological consultant approval. It also will help the agency process cases more efficiently as it will give medical and psychological consultants more time to work on complex cases where their expertise is most needed.

“The new rules . . . will help us get disability benefits to the most severely disabled Americans even faster,” Commissioner Astrue said. “This year, more than 100,000 people benefited from our fast-track disability processes and received decisions in a matter of days rather than the months and years it can sometimes take. I am pleased that our fast-track processes will now be even faster and help speed much needed benefits to our most vulnerable citizens.”

Under Social Security’s QDD process, a predictive computer model analyzes specific data within the electronic disability file to identify cases where there is a high likelihood that the claimant is disabled and can quickly obtain medical evidence. The CAL process currently identifies 88 specific diseases and conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits and can be fast-tracked.

The final rules, 20 CFR Parts 404 and 416, can be accessed through the Federal Register online at www.regulations.gov. They will be effective on November 12, 2010.

Additional information about Social Security’s Compassionate Allowances process is available at www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.

The federal government announced on October 15, 2010 that Social Security Disability and Social Security Retirement recipients will not receive a cost-of-living adjustment in 2011. This will be the second year in a row that there has not been a cost-of-living increase.

The absence of a cost-of-living adjustment, calculated under a formula set by law, will be a shock to older Americans and the disabled already hit by plummeting home values, investment losses and rising health costs. More than 50 million people receive some form of Social Security benefits.

Before 2010 Social Security recipients had received automatic cost-of-living adjustments every year since 1975. The increase in 2009 was 5.8 percent. By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down.

The cost-of-living adjustment is intended to preserve the purchasing power of Social Security, by increasing benefits to keep pace with consumer prices. In the last year, overall inflation has been low, largely because of the economic downturn.

The Congressional Budget Office, has predicted that inflation would remain low for several years, so it is possible that Social Security might not pay a cost-of-living increase for several years.

Social Security Webinar: Applying Online for Social Security Disability Benefits

October 6, 2010, 2:00 p.m. EST

A number of enhancements have been made to Social Security’s online disability application, making it easier and more convenient to complete online.

During this webinar, Social Security will highlight the new aspects of this online application and tell you about other Social Security disability initiatives currently underway.

To RSVP for this webinar please click here

There is a new Medicare rule that is pushing hospitals to relegate patients to “observation” status vs. being fully admitted as an inpatient.

The limit is supposed to be 24-48 hours to make sure people are really sick enough to be there. Except that sometimes patients can be in as long as 5 days on “observation” status.

The big difference is instead of a patient meeting the three day hospitalization rule and then Medicare picking up the bill for the next round of skilled nursing care in a facility — those payments are now disallowed and the patient or their family ends up with the bill.

For more information please read this article entitled: “Hospitals Caught Between a Rock and A Hard Place over Observation”

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation has compiled a list of apps for SmartPhones (including iPhone, iPad, Android and BlackBerry) that benefit people living with paralysis of any kind.

The list is constructed from a wide range of apps and includes those that were specifically created for wheelchair users as well as apps that might just improve the quality of life for anyone including people living with paralysis.

Click here to see the list

SSA Webinar on September 21: Tips for People Who Receive Social Security

SSA is holding webinars on its website, www.socialsecurity.gov, on a variety of topics. Coming up on Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. ET, is the following webinar:

Using socialsecurity.gov: Tips for People Who Receive Social Security:

There are many Social Security services available online. You can replace a Medicare card, request a proof of income letter, change your address or phone number, start or change direct deposit, get or change a password or receive updates by email. Social Security will give you some tips on how to make the most of using those services.

You can sign up for the webinar on Social Security’s home page, www.socialsecurity.gov. Scroll down to the bottom of the center column to “Watch Our Webinars.” Double click on “Learn More.” You will be directed to a description and link to RSVP for the webinar.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has created a new website, which is designed to answer questions about the new Affordable Health Care Act. The website provides specific information on private and public programs for which you may be eligible.

The website is located at http://www.HealthCare.gov

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that benefit checks are being delivered to some Atlantic coast residents on Thursday, September 2nd, before the arrival of Hurricane Earl and ahead of the regular September 3rd payment date. About 737,000 beneficiaries in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. are affected by this early check delivery.

“Delivering checks early to these residents eliminates one concern beneficiaries might have as they prepare for the storm,” Commissioner Astrue said. “As beneficiaries take steps to ensure their own safety, this is one step we can take to help them. They should also be aware that Direct Deposit is a more secure and convenient way to receive payments, particularly when natural disasters strike.”

Social Security worked closely with the U.S. Postal Service and the Department of the Treasury to make the early delivery of checks possible.

A little-known strategy that allows Social Security recipients to boost their income by repaying retirement benefits received in earlier years and then claiming a bigger monthly retirement check based on their greater age may soon disappear. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is moving to eliminate the do-over strategy. If the agency gets its way, the rule could take effect within months. If you or someone you know might benefit from the payback strategy, now is the time to consider it and come to a decision. Putting it off could mean letting the government make the decision for you — by eliminating the opportunity. Retirees can collect Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but monthly payments are reduced by 25 percent compared with what they would be if claimed at full retirement age, which is 66 for those who claim benefits this year. Those who are willing to wait past age 66 can boost their benefits by 8 percent for every year they delay, up to age 70, increasing annual benefits to 132 percent of their base amount. In 2007, about 500 people — out of more than 37 million retirees and their dependents receiving benefits — took advantage of the payback option. By 2009, the number had nearly doubled as more retirees learned how they could repay their benefits, interest- and penalty-free, and restart them at a higher level. As a bonus, those who repay benefits can claim a tax credit or a tax deduction — whichever results in a bigger tax break — for any income taxes paid on the benefits as they received them.

Source: Washington Post (August 29, 2010)

Most Medicare beneficiaries will continue to pay the same $96.40 Part B premium amount in 2010. Beneficiaries who currently have the Social Security Administration (SSA) withhold their Part B premium and have incomes of $85,000 or less (or $170,000 or less for joint filers) will not have an increase in their Part B premium for 2010.

For all others, the standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $110.50 in 2010, which is a 15% increase over the 2009 premium. The Medicare Part B premium is increasing in 2010 due to possible increases in Part B costs. If your income is above $85,000 (single) or $170,000 (married couple), then your Medicare Part B premium may be higher than $110.50 per month.

In other words in 2010:

Beneficiaries who currently have the part B premium withheld from their Social Security benefit will pay $96.40.

New Part B beneficiaries will pay $110.50 (because they did not have the premium withheld from their Social Security benefit in the previous year).

Beneficiaries who do not currently have the Part B premium withheld from their Social Security benefit will pay $110.50.

Higher-income beneficiaries pay $110.50 plus an additional amount, based on the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA).

For Immediate Release August 13, 2010

75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT
- – - – - – -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On August 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law the Social Security Act to protect ordinary Americans “against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.” Our Nation was entrenched in the Great Depression. Unemployment neared 20 percent, and millions of Americans struggled to provide for themselves and their families. In the midst of all this, the Social Security Act brought hope to some of our most vulnerable citizens, giving elderly Americans income security and bringing us closer to President Roosevelt’s vision of a Nation free from want or fear.

As our country recovers from one of the greatest economic challenges since that time, we are grateful for President Roosevelt’s perseverance, and for the countless public servants whose efforts produced the Social Security program we know today. Seventy-five years later, Social Security remains a safety net for seniors and a source of resilience for all Americans. Since 1935, it has been expanded to include dependent and survivor benefits, disability insurance, and guaranteed medical insurance for seniors through Medicare. It is a lasting promise that we can retire with dignity and peace of mind, that workers who become disabled can support themselves, and that families who suffer the loss of a loved one will not live in poverty.

My Administration is committed to strengthening our retirement system and protecting Social Security as a reliable income source for seniors, workers who develop disabilities, and dependents. After a lifetime of contributions to our Nation and its economy, Americans have earned this support. The new health care law, the Affordable Care Act, helps sustain this commitment and improves the long-term outlook of the Social Security program. My Administration is dedicated to safeguarding Social Security’s promise of retirement with dignity and security.

On the 75th anniversary of the Social Security Act, let us ensure we continue to preserve this program’s original purpose in the 21st century. Together, we can give our children and our grandchildren the same protections we have cherished for decades, and in doing so, lead our Nation to a brighter day.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 14, 2010, as the 75th Anniversary of the Social Security Act. I call upon all Americans to observe this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities that recognize the historic legacy of the Social Security Act, as well as the vital safety net it provides to millions of Americans.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA
# #

The Social Security Board of Trustees just released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds and the long-range outlook remains unchanged. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2037, the same as projected last year. The Trustees also project that program costs will exceed tax revenues in 2010 and 2011, be less than tax revenues in 2012 through 2014, and then permanently exceed tax revenues beginning 2015, one year earlier than estimated in last year’s report. The worsening of the short-range outlook for the Social Security Trust Funds is due in large part to the recent economic downturn.

“The impact of the current economic downturn continues to be felt by the Social Security Trust Funds,” said Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “The fact that the costs for the program will likely exceed tax revenue this year is not a cause for panic but it does send a strong message that it’s time for us to make the tough choices that we know we need to make. I applaud President Obama for his creation of the Deficit Commission so we can start the national discussion needed to ensure that Social Security remains a foundation of economic security for our children and grandchildren.”

The Board of Trustees is comprised of six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Timothy F. Geithner, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee; Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security; Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Hilda L. Solis, Secretary of Labor. The two public trustee positions are currently vacant. President Obama nominated two individuals to serve as public trustees, and the Senate Finance Committee held hearings on July 29 for both trustee nominees. Their confirmations are pending.

The 2010 Trustees Report is available here

Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced that the agency is submitting legislation to Congress that would prohibit states, without the Commissioner’s prior authorization, from reducing the number of state personnel who make disability determinations for Social Security or the hours they work below the amount the agency authorizes.

“It is long past time that states end these unconscionable furloughs and hiring freezes that needlessly harm citizens with disabilities,” Commissioner Astrue said. “States realize no fiscal savings whatsoever from these actions and this legislation would prevent needless delays in the disability determination process. I am grateful for the President’s support and urge Congress to move quickly to help us make this provision the law of the land.”

More than a dozen states have implemented furloughs and hiring freezes that affect the federally paid state workers who make disability determinations for Social Security. The state agencies that employ these workers in their disability determination service (DDS) components receive 100 percent of their funding from the Federal government. Accordingly, states do not save any money by imposing furloughs and hiring freezes on federally funded employees. Rather, they slow benefits to some of the most vulnerable citizens – for example, furloughs in California in fiscal year 2010 delayed payment of over $11 million in benefits to more than 40,000 citizens with disabilities. State-imposed furloughs and hiring freezes also reduce state income tax revenue and increase unemployment in the state.

“The members of Local 1000 have always believed that furloughing federally funded positions doesn’t make economic sense and that has been proven in California during these past 18 months that Governor Schwarzenegger has imposed furloughs on state employees,” Yvonne Walker, President of Service Employees International Union Local 1000 said. “I applaud Social Security for initiating legislation that would prevent further bad economic policy from going forward. This provision will not only help DDS workers, but the claimants who rely on the services our members provide.”

“We commend the Commissioner for his forceful and dedicated leadership in taking this bold action,” said Susan X. Smith, President of the National Association of Disability Examiners (NADE). “Our members are witness to the impact the current economic recession has had for disabled citizens and we are working hard to meet the dramatic increase in claims for benefits. These furloughs further compound the problems faced by disabled citizens by creating unnecessary delays in the processing of their claims. NADE urges quick action with regards to this legislative proposal.”

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act the first member of the House of Representatives with quadriplegia presided over the U.S. House of Representatives.

Rep. Jim Langevin, D-R.I., was the first person using a wheelchair to take the helm of the House. The opportunity was possible because of recent alterations to the House Speaker’s platform making it wheelchair accessible through a series of lifts.

“I have long said that I may be the first quadriplegic to serve in Congress, but I won’t be the last,” Langevin, a five-term congressman, said in a statement. “This is an extremely proud moment for me and helps renew my spirit as we continue to remove barriers and strengthen the ADA for millions of Americans with disabilities in the decades to come.”

The U.S. Justice Department announced that George Washington’s home at Mount Vernon will undergo improvements to help people with disabilities with accessible walkways, closed captioning for films and sign language and audio tours in the mansion and on the grounds.

The Justice department reached agreement on the upgrades with the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. Plans call for a shallower entry ramp and modifications on the route to the ground floor of the historic mansion. There will be an accessible walk to a landing at the entrance for the shops, food court and Mount Vernon Inn. Controls of interactive exhibits will be modified so they can be used by visitors with physical disabilities.

Republican-held Congress might look to raise the retirement age to 70, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) suggested Monday June 28. Boehner, the top Republican lawmaker in the House, said raising the retirement age by five years, indexing benefits to the rate of inflation and means-testing benefits would make the massive entitlement program more solvent. “We’re all living a lot longer than anyone ever expected,” Boehner said in a meeting with the editors of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “And I think that raising the retirement age — going out 20 years, so you’re not affecting anyone close to retirement — and eventually getting the retirement age to 70 is a step that needs to be taken.” The GOP leader said Social Security was the most important entitlement to reform, though he also pledged Republicans would bring legislation to the floor to repeal and replace the health care reforms passed earlier this year if the GOP wins back control of the House this fall.

Source: The Hill (June 29, 2010)

Sheri Abrams will be speaking to the Family Focus Group at the Woodburn Center for Community Mental Health on June 29 at 7:00 PM. She will be speaking on how to receive Social Security Disability Benefits. The Woodburn Center is located at 3340 Woodburn Road, Annandale, Virginia 22003.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sheri R. Abrams receives 2010 Best of Fairfax Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Honors the Achievement

NEW YORK, NY, June 13, 2010 — Sheri R. Abrams has been selected for the 2010 Best of Fairfax Award in the Local Business category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

The USCA “Best of Local Business” Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)

U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Commerce Association
Email: PublicRelations@us-ca.org
URL: http://www.us-ca.org

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If you are a veteran who is disabled, and served on active duty before or after September 11, 2001 you may be able to receive a free Segway that is custom designed for your needs.

In order to qualify for a free Segway, you must have incurred an illness or injury resulting in permanent disability and difficulty walking as a result of one of the following:

Armed Conflict
Hazardous Service
Conditions Simulating War
Instrumentality of War
Combat Operation
Combat Zone

This program is sponsored by the Disability Rights Advocates for Technology, (DRAFT), which is made up of people with disabilities that refuse to be defined by their disability and have a passion for participating in life’s activities. They provide advocacy as well as education services as an advocate for the adoption of Universally Designed Technology Solutions. As part of their mission, they provide Segways for disabled veterans at no charge.

To date Segs4Vets has awarded more than 250 Segways to Veterans who were severely injured while serving our nation in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Please visit http://www.segs4vets.com for more information and to apply.