Social Security Administration Will Resume Mailing Paper Statements

The Social Security Administration announced on Tuesday, September 16th, that the agency would resume mailing paper statements about benefits to workers so they know what their retirement benefits will look like.

In 2011, the Social Security Administration stopped mailing paper statements and instead set up a website for soon-to-be retirees to check on their upcoming SSI benefits. The agency made the change, they said, in order to save $70 million per year.

However, Congress passed a bill that would require the Social Security Administration to resume mailing paper statements to workers once they turn 60. The current federal retirement age is 67, so workers receive one mailed statement every five years with their current Social Security benefits information. Workers can claim reduced retirement benefits beginning at 62; full benefits are available at age 66, and benefits begin to increase at 67 and older.

“We have listened to our customers, advocates and Congress,” acting Social Security Commissioner Carolyn Colvin said in a statement. “Renewing the mailing of the statement reinforces our commitment to provide the public with an easy, efficient way to obtain an estimate of their future Social Security benefits.”

The five-year paper statements will include wages that workers earned through their working lives, taxable earnings, and payroll taxes so that recipients can check the information for mistakes. That should help those planning their retirements to estimate their monthly benefits.

The agency said it expects to mail 48 million paper statements this year, with a cost burden of about $23 million.

Colvin added that those who sign up for the Social Security Administration’s website will be able to check their retirement benefits information any time, and will not receive paper statements in the mail. Currently, about 14 million people have accounts at the website.

Social Security Administration Still Cutting Services As Program Hits 79th Year

On Thursday, August 14th, the Social Security Administration celebrated the program’s 79th year offering financial support for retirees and the disabled. However, the program continues to face budget cuts and less tax revenue than years past, which has led to continued cuts to services across the country.

“Since 2011, SSA’s staff size had decreased by nearly 11,000 employees. According to SSA, overall service suffered,” the inspector general said. “As a result, in [fiscal year] 2013, the public waited longer for a decision on their disability claim after filing for Social Security Disability, to talk to a representative on the National 800-Number, and to schedule an appointment” at a field office, which is the primary place for in-person service – a necessity especially in areas that have limited internet service for the elderly and disabled to fill out applications online.

“The Social Security program, including the disability component, is an important public structure – very much like our highways or water systems, and they need be regularly maintained and supported,” said Barbara Silverstone, Executive Director of the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives(NOSSCR). “Congress needs to fully fund the Social Security Administration to help the program run as smoothly as possible for those who are no longer able to work due to age or disability, and their family members.”

“Social Security has served as one of our nation’s hallmark social insurance programs for almost eight decades and instead of criticizing the program and its key components, including Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security, with myths and untruths, let’s come together to protect the program and urge Congress to strengthen it for current and future generations,” continued Silverstone.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Social Security Benefits Claims

Applying for Social Security Disability or Social Security Insurance for retirement can be complex. We understand that you need your benefits, and we will put our years of experience to work for you to ensure that you have the representation necessary to actively pursue your claim. Call the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm today to discuss your Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income case today. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have during our free, confidential consultation. Call the experienced attorneys at the Strom Law Firm at (803)252-4800.