Mary Jean Kuda asked:


Social Security has been one of the country’s most successful programs. It aids people from financial uncertainty especially in their trying times.

The program provides several protections such as:

•    progressive benefit formula

•    comprehensive insurance benefits that include disability

•    survivors and retirement benefits

•    spouses’ benefits

•    a cost of living adjustment

•    coverage until death

These protections will be placed at risk if fraud related claims continue to spoil Social Security.

Identity theft using the Social Security numbers (SSNs) is one of the common Social Security frauds that have been weakening the program.

History on the Use of Social Security Numbers

SSNs were first issued in 1936. The federal government assured the public that the use of the numbers would be restricted to Social Security programs such as calculating retirement benefits.

Today, however, SSN has become the de facto general identifier.

Government agencies and private businesses use SSNs even for a wide range of non-Social Security purposes. These purposes include:

•    employee files

•    medical records

•    health insurance accounts

•    credit and banking accounts,

•    university ID cards

•    utility accounts

The use of SSNs as both an identifier and an authenticator makes these numbers highly desirable to fraudulent acts, such as identity theft.

Social Security Fraud by Using SSN

Identity fraud is not all about money. The persistent use of SSNs as an identification mechanism gives the thieves many options.

Identity thieves seek SSNs so they can use these numbers to assume the identity of another person and commit fraud.

A thief can fraudulently use your SSN to assume your identity and gain access not only to your Social Security information but also to your bank accounts, credit accounts, utilities records, and other sources of personal information.

They can also establish new credit and bank accounts in your name, use your SSN for employment purposes or obtain medical care.

How to Prevent Identity Theft

Official efforts are under way to restrict use of SSNs. For instance, the Social Security Administration shortens SSNs on the benefit statements it mails each year.

While essential information can be acquired in credit card, bank accounts and other documents, SSNs are the most common way of getting personal information.

In California, for instance, a birth certificate (or many other types of documents) and a valid SSN are required to get driver’s license or identification card.

The following steps are essential in reducing identity theft using SSNs:

•    Protect your SSN. Provide it only when necessary such as in tax forms, employment records, most banking, stock and property transactions. The SSN is the key to your credit and banking accounts and is the prime target of thieves.

•    If business or establishment requests your SSN, ask if you can use another number instead.

•    Do not have your SSN printed on your checks. Do not let merchants write the SSN onto your checks because of the risk of fraud.

•    Do not utter your SSN aloud when you are in a public place. Speak softly or write it down on a piece of paper instead. Be sure to retrieve and shred that paper after use.

•    Check your Social Security Personal Earnings and Benefits Estimate Statement each year to check for fraud.

•    Do not carry your SSN card in your wallet except for emergencies.

•    Do not carry wallet cards that display the SSN such as insurance cards, except when needed to receive healthcare services.

Theft identity entails a lot of damage. If you are a victim of it, consult a Social Security fraud attorney to help you in your tedious legal battle ahead.



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Peter Drummond asked:


If you have been feeling the crunch of finding ways to curb your spending on an already fixed income, then you will be delighted to know that your Illinois social security benefits will increase beginning in January.

The Social Security Administration announced on Thursday, October 16 that social security benefits will increase by 5.8 percent in January 2009. It’s easy to see why most social security recipients will welcome this change. Illinois social security benefit payments have not seen an increase since 1982, well over 25 years ago. Illinois social security recipients may see as much as an additional $63 in their monthly checks. Whether retirees receive Illinois social security checks as an Electronic Funds Transfer or by a paper check, they will find it a bit easier to breathe with an added bonus.

Although many people have felt the strain of increased food and gas prices as well as gas and electricity prices, this Illinois social security increase may lessen the pain of those rising costs. Illinois social security retirees have felt the pressure of having to resort to using their savings accounts as well as reaching into their retirement funds to pay for exorbitant basic monthly bills in addition to medical bills. Retirees and those on disability have felt the pain of rising prices more than most and hopefully the Illinois social security benefit increase will offset some of that sting.

With the market’s unpredictable fluctuations and overall economic unease apparently here to stay, many Illinois social security recipients worry that their retirement plans will also be affected. Furthermore, the Congressional Budget Office predicts that Americans’ retirement plans have actually lost as much as $2 trillion over the past year and a half. This is, indeed, something to worry about and why it’s important to leave some of that 5.8 percent increase from Illinois social security paychecks in the bank.

Due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), Illinois social security retirees would have seen an even higher increase if it wasn’t for the dip in energy costs at the end of summer. Over the past 15 years, COLA has been much lower, so Illinois social security recipients should be thankful for this higher increase next year. However, the increase may not be enough to recover from recent months’ influx of daily living costs. The highest COLA occurred in 1980 with a 14.3 percent boost, which is nearly three times greater than the one beginning in January 2009. Illinois social security benefits have had an annual adjustment since 1975. If you need more information how this increase will affect your benefits, contact an Illinois social security attorney.

If you currently have Medicare, your Illinois social security benefit increase will not, for most retirees, be affected by higher premiums. However, those who are making more than $170,000 a year will see an increase in their premiums. This may be a relief to those earning below $170,000; however, if you’re in the latter category then your questions can be answered through an Illinois social security lawyer.

 

Whether you receive Illinois social security benefits, SSI, or disability benefits, everyone will see an increase in their monthly payments. Furthermore, if you are married you may see as much as $100 more combined a month.

Politicians and other public policy experts have predicted that social security benefits will eventually run dry and it may be sooner than the 78 million baby boomers who are soon to retire had expected. Although the social security trust fund may run out of funding by 2041, Illinois social security retirees and those who will be retiring in the next ten years will actually pay more into the fund than it collects beginning in 2017.

With nearly 170 million workers paying into the system with social security taxes next year, approximately 10 million of those workers will be paying higher taxes resulting from the COLA increase.

So does this mean that now is the right time to start receiving your Illinois social security benefits? That may depend on several things. Illinois social security recipients, along with those who are planning on starting to receive their social security payments within the next year, should ask an Illinois social security attorney any questions they have concerning their benefits, Medicare payments, social security disability payments and other factors that will affect their payments beginning in January.



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Claysphere Rivera asked:


According to a recent study, the denials of initial application of social security benefits are prevalent.

In response, the Granada Hills Social Security Lawyers have made the initiative to impart some basic information regarding social security and relate the judicious option in cases of denied claims for social security.

Cases of denial at the initial application for social security disability benefits or SSI disability benefits of individual claimants are on high.

This is a fact but true in all instances.

Practically, many factors lead to the denials of most disability benefits claims.

Among the varied reasons is the lack of necessary preparation, insufficiency of pertinent documents – particularly the medical records – lack of a sound professional advice and guidance and the proper representation even at this early stage of application.

The factual scenario would lead to the conclusion that the whole process for social disability claims is tough and arduous.

Having been denied of their claims, individual claimants relatively have different reactions.

Some are in the dilemma whether to give up on their case or not. To some, they consider starting over with the filing of a new application. Some claimants have referred to social security lawyers and decided in taking the course of appeal.

From these diverse reactions, a judicious option is worth to expound.

From among the varied reactions, the most sensible option is going through the appeal process. By appeal, the claimant’s will have a better chance of getting their worth. It is the best and smartest choice.

It is worthy to note that in some jurisdictions, a reconsideration of the denial is required before the proper appeal process.

The reconsideration usually takes a relative amount of time before the proper appeal. However, the reconsideration phase may no longer be in effect in recent times. A move to streamline the whole process has been devised.

Going back, the appeal process involves a great deal of perseverance and attention. Taking the appeal course involves time element (to be exact, lengthy) and a lot of paperwork. Not to mention, the financial devastation it could bring to the claimants.

Substantiation of the claims is more sophisticated at this stage. Pertinent documents such as the detailed Medical records and evidences in reference to the disability are highly required at this moment.

Aside from the paperwork, the hearing with the administrative judge needs a lot of preparation so that the desired result would be achieved.

The whole appeal course could be tiresome, stressful and distressing. But on the lighter side, if the same have been smoothly endured it would reap positive results.

Of course, conferring with a qualified social security attorney is paramount at this stage. The need of professional help following this course is crucial.

Appointment of a representative lawyer would ease up the whole process and would freed claimants from discomfort.

The representative lawyer would usually do the work in the claimant’s behalf. The gathering of the necessary paperwork as well as the preparation and attendance at the hearings before the administrative judge are the usual things that a representative attorney does in the representation of the claimants.

In full, it would really be a judicious option to take the course of appeal. Consideration of the appointment of a representative– a social security lawyer is also paramount, at all cost.

To help you with your social security claims and other benefits, you can consult with our experienced social security lawyers by logging on to our website and avail of our free case analysis.

 



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Peter Drummond asked:


The Treasury Department, in conjunction with Comerica Bank based in Dallas, has created a social security Direct Express Debit MasterCard as an alternative to paper checks for those persons who do not have bank accounts. The debit card is now available in ten southern states, but is on its way toward the north and western states. Missouri social security lawyers are ready to answer clients’ questions regarding the pros and cons of using this free debit card that will be an option in the coming months. 

The Advantages of the Direct Express Debit MasterCard:

- Will help about 4 million Americans who do not have a bank account, and must receive paper checks.

- Will reduce the vulnerability of check fraud

- Dramatically help the delay of checks mailed in hurricane-ridden states such as Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Mississippi

- No sign-up fees

- No monthly fees

- No overdraft fees

- No credit check is required to enroll

- Gain access to cash via an ATM, bank teller or retailer

- Set up free “low balance” alerts via email or phone 

While the advantages look appealing with all the “freebies” and usability, Missouri social security lawyers remind their clients to read the fine print. The same holds true for SSA’s new debit card because there are still fees associated with the little plastic card that all people should be aware of. Nothing is a “one-for-all” payment plan, so be sure to read the small print at the bottom of the agreement for this debit card, even if you have to use those extra strength reading glasses. 

The Disadvantages of the Direct Express Debit MasterCard:

- ATM fees – users can make one free withdrawal from a network ATM per month; all other ATM withdrawals within the network will cost 90 cents.

- Non-network ATM use will incur the 90 cent fee in addition to the surcharge of the other bank, which can be as much as 3 dollars per cash withdrawal.

- Social security debit cards are costly to use outside the U.S. ATM withdrawals can incur both a bank fee as well as 3 percent of the amount withdrawn. Debit purchases also cost an additional 3 percent of your total amount. Your best bet is to use your one month free withdrawal from a network ATM before you travel abroad or to Mexico or Canada and exchange it for the country’s currency.

- Paper statements cost 75 cents a month. Best option is to receive them via email and print them yourself.

- Online billing from Comerica will also incur a 50 cent per bill charge. Use the merchant’s Website to make payments or purchases online.

- Only 1 free replacement card each year; additional replacements cost $4.00, or $13.50 if you require an overnight delivery. 

Obviously many people have several concerns about the fees and limitations of the SSA’s alternative payment system. Even those folks who have not started receiving social security have voiced their disdain about such a program. While others are simply concerned about the amount of social security they receive or may receive in the future to cover daily living expenses such as heat, electricity, food and medical bills. What happens when their monthly checks run out before the end of the month or they require more money to cover unforeseen medical bills? How will the social security administration help those who need it most? 

If you need further information or have greater concerns with this new system, your Missouri social security lawyers are just a phone call away.



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Claysphere Rivera asked:


With the continuous growth of claimants for disability benefits, the Rowland Heights Social Security lawyers have taken the initiative in coming up with an abstract in reference to the social security disability program.

Social Security Disability is a federal government program that primarily caters the provision of disability benefits to qualified claimants in the whole United States.

The disability benefits that the federal government extends to qualified claimants are coursed through this program. Under the program, a disabled person may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.

Worthy to note however, that to reap the social security disability benefit, a person must satisfy the specific requirements laid. In other words, the claimant must have suffered a disability, whether physically or mentally.

The Social Security disability program has defined the term “disability” in a technical sense. The program defines “disability” as “the inability of claimants to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to last for a continuous period of 12 months or more or result in death.”

Satisfying the above definition would be the foremost considerations of claimants when applying for social security disability benefits.

Before taking any action in regard to your claim, it is highly advised that you seek the sound legal advice of a social security lawyer who specializes in the area of disability claims.

This is to say, that your rightful claims would be put in the right track when you are well advised and represented.

Even at this very early stage of initial claims, representation may be permissive.

Going back, after assessing your qualification, filing an application for social security disability benefits can be the best way to start with.

For that, an initial claim may be filed with the local Social Security Office. There are different avenues for commencing the SSD or SSI disability application. The same may be initiated:

* Through phone

* By visiting the local social security field office

* Or even online

All the options have their own advantages and disadvantages. But the choice of mode for application would vary relatively to the personal circumstance of the claimants and of course the better judgment of the social security disability benefits lawyer acting as your representative.

After the initial application has been filed, a waiting period, which would last for several months, would be anticipated. In most cases, decision on your application or claims can take several months.

Claimants that were represented by a social security disability lawyer however, can expect that their waiting time would be far lesser than those who are not represented.

Besides the less waiting period, the represented claimants could possibly get the desired decision for their social security benefits claims.

These were the plus factors in appointing a representative social security disability lawyer.

Going further, when a denial is issued, three options are available. That is:

* Give up the application

* File a brand new social security claim

* Appeal the denial within the 60 day deadline and, after the appeal forms are received, completing the appeal forms out and returning them to social security promptly

On this score, those unfortunate claimants must really seek the services of a social security disability attorney to represent them.

Otherwise, they would just completely waste their time and effort asserting a claim that is out of line.

Of the three options earlier mentioned, the appeal makes most sense.

Usually, moving for reconsideration of the denial of social security disability claims is the first step in the appeal process.

The resolution of this would virtually take several months. However, having an expert representative social security disability lawyer by your side can fast track the appeal and streamline the process to your benefit.

With the above abstract, you can readily conclude that in each of the various stages, properly represented and informed claimants have the best chance of getting what they truly deserve.

To help you with social security disability and other issues, you can avail the services of our experienced social security lawyers.



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Adriane Lauren Luna asked:


Losing a loved one is hard. It is additionally difficult when that person was the one who was providing for the family. Without him, family members begin to think that they had no one else to turn to for support, especially for emotional and financial support.

 

Luckily, this is not true. Social Security came up with a seamless solution. With the help of the Social Security Survivor Benefits Program, surviving family members would be able to get on their feet after the loss and start anew.

 

What is Survivor Benefits?

 

It is a program launched by the Social Security to aid surviving family members by providing them monthly pensions based on the contributions given by the deceased wage earner to Social Security.

 

How can a worker be eligible for Survivor Benefits?

 

By paying contributions to the Social Security, a worker earns credits that are transmitted to his Survivor Benefits. Generally, his eligibility is founded on the number of years he/she worked and how old he/she died.

 

Younger workers earn higher credits than older workers. Nevertheless, a worker who has rendered 10 years of service is automatically entitled to the Survivor Benefits.

 

Exception: If within three years before the worker’s death, he had worked for only a year and a half, his children and his spouse (who cared for his children) shall be entitled to survivor’s benefits.

 

How much Survivor Benefits will I receive?

 

The computation for the Survivor Benefits is based on how much the deceased paid to Social Security. The more contribution he/she gave the more benefits the family members will receive. It is calculated by getting the percentage based on his basic benefits amount. The said percentage shall vary on how old the survivors are and how they are related to the deceased wage earner. For instance:

 



The Widow or widower gets 100% benefits if he is within the retirement age or older.

The Widow or widower gets 71-94% benefits if he is between 60 to 64 years old.



 



The Widow or widower, regardless of the age, gets 75% benefits if with a child under age 16.



 



The Children gets 75% benefits.



 

What is the one-time death payment?

 

A one-time payment of $255 shall be given to a spouse or to the minor children if they have met the requirements set by the Social Security and if the deceased worker has worked long enough.

 

Who receives the survivor benefits?

 

Not all family members get to receive the survivor benefits. Only those eligible receives them. They are as follows:

 



The widow or widower who shall receive the (a) full benefit if 65 years or older; or if disabled and 50 years or older; (b) reduced benefit if aged 60 years.







The widow or widower who shall receive benefits, regardless of age, if she/he takes care of the deceased’s child (a) entitled to child’s benefit and is age 16 and below; or (b) who is disabled.



 



The unmarried children who are (a) 18 years and below; (b) up to 19 years old if attending full time elementary or secondary school; (c) disabled, regardless of age, if became disabled before turning 22 and remain disabled.



 



The stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren or adopted children, under certain circumstances.



 



The dependent parents if they are 62 years and above.



What should I present to avail of the survivor benefits?

The following may be presented by the dependents in order to claim the survivor benefits of a deceased loved one:



Proof of death;



 



The deceased’s and your social security number;



 



Your birth certificate;



 



Your marriage certificate;



 



Your divorce papers;



 



The social security numbers of dependent children;



 



The birth certificate of dependent children;



 



W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year of the deceased worker; and



 



The bank’s name and your account number where you want the survivor benefits to be deposited.



For more questions on Survivor Benefits, it would be advisable to consult a Social Security Attorney near you.

 

 

 



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