Press Release
Monday, December 16, 2013
For Immediate Release
Statement of Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, on New Payments to Same-Sex Married Couples
"I am pleased to announce that, effective today, Social Security is processing some widow's and widower's claims by surviving members of same-sex marriages and paying benefits where they are due. In addition, we are able to pay some one-time lump sum death benefit claims to surviving same-sex spouses. As I stated shortly after the Supreme Court decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, our goal is to treat all Americans with dignity and respect.
We ask for continued patience from the public as we work closely with the Department of Justice to develop policies that are legally sound so we can process claims.
If you believe you may be eligible for Social Security, I encourage you to apply now to protect against the loss of any potential benefits. We will process claims as soon as additional instructions become finalized."
To learn more, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/same-sexcouples.
Press Release
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
For Immediate Release
Social Security Announces 1.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2014
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 63 million Americans will increase 1.5 percent in 2014, the Social Security Administration announced today.
The 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits that more than 57 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2014. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2013.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $117,000 from $113,700. Of the estimated 165 million workers who will pay Social Security taxes in 2014, about 10 million will pay higher taxes as a result of the increase in the taxable maximum.
Information about Medicare changes for 2014 is available at www.Medicare.gov.
The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. To read more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: A fact sheet showing the effect of the various automatic adjustments is attached.
Press Release
Friday, August 9, 2013
For Immediate Release
Statement of Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, on Payments to Same-Sex Couples
"I am pleased to announce that Social Security is now processing some retirement spouse claims for same-sex couples and paying benefits where they are due. The recent Supreme Court decision on Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, made just over a month ago, helps to ensure that all Americans are treated fairly and equally, with the dignity and respect they deserve.
We continue to work closely with the Department of Justice. In the coming weeks and months, we will develop and implement additional policy and processing instructions. We appreciate the public's patience as we work through the legal issues to ensure that our policy is legally sound and clear.
I encourage individuals who believe they may be eligible for Social Security benefits to apply now, to protect against the loss of any potential benefits. We will process claims as soon as additional instructions become finalized."
To learn more, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
Press Release
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
For Immediate Release
Update on the Supreme Court Decision Regarding the Defense of Marriage Act and Its Implications for Social Security Benefits
The President has directed the Attorney General to work with other members of his Cabinet to review the recent Supreme Court decision and determine its impact on Federal benefit programs - including benefits administered by Social Security - to ensure that we implement the decision swiftly and smoothly.
We are working with the Department of Justice to determine how the decision affects our programs, and to develop appropriate instructions for our personnel. We encourage individuals who believe they may be eligible for Social Security benefits to apply now, to protect against the loss of any potential benefits. We will process these claims as soon as we have finalized our instructions.
Below are a few frequently asked questions to provide additional clarification:
Q1: What should I do if I think I might be eligible for benefits?
A1: If you think you might be eligible for benefits, we encourage you to apply right away. Applying now will preserve your filing date, which we use to determine the start of potential benefits.
Q2: When will SSA begin paying benefits to same sex couples?
A2: We will move swiftly to process claims once we have finalized instructions for our personnel.
Press Release
Friday, May 31, 2013
For Immediate Release
Social Security Board of Trustees: No Change in Projected Year of Trust Fund Reserve Depletion
The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the long-term financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds are projected to become depleted in 2033, unchanged from last year, with 77 percent of benefits still payable at that time. The DI Trust Fund will become depleted in 2016, also unchanged from last year's estimate, with 80 percent of benefits still payable.
In the 2013 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced:
- The combined trust fund reserves are still growing and will continue to do so through 2020. Beginning with 2021, the cost of the program is projected to exceed income.
- The projected point at which the combined trust fund reserves will become depleted, if Congress does not act before then, comes in 2033 - the same as projected last year. At that time, there will be sufficient income coming in to pay 77 percent of scheduled benefits.
- The projected actuarial deficit over the 75-year long-range period is 2.72 percent of taxable payroll -- 0.05 percentage point larger than in last year's report.
"The Social Security Trust Funds' projected depletion dates have not changed, and three-fourths of benefits would still be payable after depletion. But the fact remains that Congress needs to act to ensure the long-term solvency of this vital program," said Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. "The projected year for Disability Insurance Trust Fund depletion remains 2016, and legislative action is needed as soon as possible to address this financial imbalance."
Other highlights of the Trustees Report include:
- Income including interest to the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $840 billion in 2012. ($590 billion in net contributions, $27 billion from taxation of benefits, $109 billion in interest, and $114 billion in reimbursements from the General Fund of the Treasury—almost exclusively resulting from the 2012 payroll tax legislation)
- Total expenditures from the combined OASDI Trust Funds amounted to $786 billion in 2012.
- Non-interest income fell below program costs in 2010 for the first time since 1983. Program costs are projected to exceed non-interest income throughout the remainder of the 75-year period.
- The asset reserves of the combined OASDI Trust Funds increased by $54 billion in 2012 to a total of $2.73 trillion.
- During 2012, an estimated 161 million people had earnings covered by Social Security and paid payroll taxes.
- Social Security paid benefits of $775 billion in calendar year 2012. There were about 57 million beneficiaries at the end of the calendar year.
- The cost of $6.3 billion to administer the program in 2012 was a very low 0.8 percent of total expenditures.
- The combined Trust Fund asset reserves earned interest at an effective annual rate of 4.1 percent in 2012.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Jacob J. Lew, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee; Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security; Kathleen Sebelius, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Seth D. Harris, Acting Secretary of Labor. The two public trustees are Charles P. Blahous, III and Robert D. Reischauer.
The 2013 Trustees Report will be posted at www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TR/2013/ on Friday.
Press Release
Thursday, May 9, 2013
For Immediate Release
Jacob and Sophia Repeat atop Social Security's Most Popular Baby Names List
Jacob Holds Top Spot Since 1999
Jacob and Sophia are repeat champions as America's most popular baby names for 2012. This is the fourteenth year in a row Jacob tops the list for boys and the second year for Sophia. There is a new couple in the top 10 this year--Elizabeth and Liam replace Chloe and Daniel. Elizabeth has been here before, but this is the first time Liam breaks into the top 10. Perhaps Liam's new found success can be attributed to Liam Neeson's recent major roles in "Battleship" and the popular "Taken," "The Chronicles of Narnia," and "Clash of the Titans" franchises.
For all the top baby names of 2012, go to Social Security's website www.socialsecurity.gov. Here are the top 10 boys and girls names for 2012:
| Boys: |
Girls: |
- Jacob
- Mason
- Ethan
- Noah
- William
- Liam
- Jayden
- Michael
- Alexander
- Aiden
|
- Sophia
- Emma
- Isabella
- Olivia
- Ava
- Emily
- Abigail
- Mia
- Madison
- Elizabeth
|
Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, reminds people to create a my Social Security account while having fun with baby names on www.socialsecurity.gov. Social Security's website has the top-rated online services in the U.S., including the services available with a my Social Security account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits.
More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history, and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.
People age 18 and older who are not receiving benefits can sign up for a my Social Security account to get a personalized online Social Security Statement. The online Statement provides eligible workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for their retirement.
People age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once there, they must be able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions that only they are likely to know. After completing the secure verification process, people can create a my Social Security account with a unique user name and password to access their information.
Now back to the list. Many pop-culture naming trends appear in a popular feature of Social Security's baby names website--the "change in popularity" page. This year's winners for biggest jump in popularity in the Top 500 are Major and Arya.
The fastest riser on the girls' list may have been influenced by the popular cable TV series "Game of Thrones." Arya is the daughter of a leader of one of the Seven Kingdoms. She also is an expert sword fighter, so doubt her influence on the popular names list at your own risk.
For the boys, parents may associate Major with the military title. Acting Commissioner Colvin added "I have no doubt Major's rising popularity as a boy's name is in tribute to the brave members of the U.S. military, and maybe we'll see more boys named General in the future." You also might trace Major's increase in popularity to a cable TV show. "Home by Novogratz" is a popular home design show featuring Major Novogratz, the youngest son of designers Robert and Cortney.
The second fastest riser for boys was Gael, and for girls, Perla. Both names most likely are on the rise due to the increase in the Spanish-speaking population in the United States. Perla is the Latinized version of Pearl and is popular among Hispanic-Americans. Gael's popularity could be tied to Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal.
Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997, and the agency's website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. Social Security is America's source for most popular baby names because parents supply this information to the agency when applying for a child's Social Security number at the time of the child's birth.
Press Release
Monday, May 6, 2013
For Immediate Release
Social Security Announces New Mobile Site for Smartphone Users
Agency Leverages Technology to Meet Customer Service Expectations
Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the agency is offering a new mobile optimized website, specifically aimed at smartphone users across the country. People visiting the agency's website, www.socialsecurity.gov, via smartphone (Android, Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows devices) will be redirected to the agency's new mobile-friendly site. Once there, visitors can access a mobile version of Social Security's Frequently Asked Questions, an interactive Social Security number (SSN) decision tree to help people identify documents needed for a new/replacement SSN card, and mobile publications which they can listen to in both English and Spanish right on their phone.
"We are committed to meeting the changing needs of the American people and the launch of our new mobile site helps reinforce our online presence and adaptability to advances in technology," Acting Commissioner Colvin said. "I encourage all smartphone users looking for Social Security information to take advantage of our new mobile site."
In addition, visitors to the new mobile site can learn how to create a personal my Social Securityaccount to get an online Social Security Statement, learn more about Social Security's award-winning online services, and connect with Social Security on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest. For people unable to complete their Social Security business online or over the telephone, the agency also unveiled a new mobile field office locator. The new mobile office locator has the capability to provide turn-by-turn directions to the nearest Social Security office based on information entered by the person.
"With significant budget cuts of nearly a billion dollars each year over the last few years, we must continue to leverage technology and find more innovative ways to meet the evolving needs of the American public without compromising service," said Acting Commissioner Colvin.
Each year, more than 35 million Social Security web page views come via smartphones.
For more information, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov.
Press Release
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
For Immediate Release
Commissioner Astrue Receives 2013 VIDA Award from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, received a 2013 VIDA Award from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health (the Alliance), a science-based source of information and trusted advocate for the health of Hispanics in the United States. The national award honors leaders that exemplify the VIDA credo of Vision, Innovation, Dedication, and Advocacy.
"Commissioner Astrue's commitment to all communities has defined his life. He is a man of principle and values that we respect and honor," said Dr. Jane L. Delgado, President and CEO of the Alliance.
The VIDA National Hispanic Health Leadership Award is presented by the Alliance to recognize exceptional leaders for their work to secure the best health outcomes for all. Under his leadership, Social Security has reduced the average length of time applicants wait to receive a decision on their claim for Social Security disability benefits. Key components to this reduction were his development and expansion of initiatives such as Compassionate Allowances and Quick Disability Determinations. This two-part, fast-track system makes disability decisions in days instead of months or years and provides benefits quickly to applicants with the most severe disabilities. In the last two years, nearly 300,000 people have been awarded disability benefits under these innovative initiatives.
Commissioner Astrue received the award at the Alliance's 40th Anniversary celebration, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the Compassionate Allowances program, please visit www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances.
Press Release
Monday, January 28, 2013
For Immediate Release
Commissioner Astrue Returning to Massachusetts
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today informed his employees that he will be leaving the agency next month to return to his home in Massachusetts. Commissioner Astrue has completed a six-year term and has been serving under the holdover provisions of the agency's authorizing statute. He has served longer than any Republican Commissioner and longer than any Commissioners except Arthur J. Altmeyer (1946-53) and Robert M. Ball (1962-73).
"I consider it a great privilege to have led this remarkable agency for six years," Commissioner Astrue said.
Commissioner Astrue overhauled the agency's complex operations to improve its efficiency and the quality of its services. During his tenure, the agency:
- Adopted fast-track procedures for the 6% of the disability claimants who are most obviously disabled;
- Reduced the time to a disability hearing from about 540 days to about 360 days in an era of rapidly rising claims and dwindling budgets;
- Replaced the fraying data center with a state-of-the-art facility due to open next year and built a second co-processing center that can continue operations in the event of a disaster;
- Developed a suite of electronic services that are rated the best in government;
- Developed the federal government's first interactive suite of Spanish services;
- Updated most of the agency's medical listings and entered into a partnership with the Bureau of Labor Statistics to replace the antiquated vocational tool used for disability determinations;
- Created the online Retirement Estimator, which allows Americans to better plan for retirement by obtaining personalized information about their projected retirement payments;
- Improved the quality of disability decision-making through better staffing, training, and software support; and
- Spearheaded "plain language" efforts for the annual reports on the financial status of the Medicare and Social Security programs.
Commissioner Astrue's previous federal service includes time at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislation, Counselor to the Commissioner of Social Security, and General Counsel. As General Counsel, he was an architect of the Food and Drug Administration's expedited drug approval plan, successfully argued the first federal patient dumping enforcement case, and successfully tried the first federal HIV discrimination enforcement suit. He also served as Associate Counsel to Presidents Reagan and Bush, including service as White House Ethics Officer.
Commissioner Astrue began his work in the biotechnology industry as General Counsel of Biogen. As CEO of Transkaryotic Therapies, he led a highly successful turnaround of that company. He served as Chairman of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Vice Chairman of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, and as a member of many corporate and non-profit boards. He also taught biotechnology law and policy at Boston University and poetry at Emerson College.
Commissioner Astrue has received many awards, including the Humanitarian of the Year Award from the Alzheimer's Association, the Public Health Leadership Award from the National Organization of Rare Disorders, the President's Award from the ARC, and the VIDA Award from the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
Commissioner Astrue, who is 56, married a Yale classmate who is a language teacher. They have a son who is a software developer and Maryland Army National Guard officer, as well as a daughter who served in Teach for America and teaches in Tennessee.
Press Release
Monday, January 7, 2013
For Immediate Release
Social Security Announces New Online Services Available with a my Social Security Account
Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced the agency is expanding the services available with a my Social Security account, a personalized online account that people can use beginning in their working years and continuing throughout the time they receive Social Security benefits. More than 60 million Social Security beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients can now access their benefit verification letter, payment history, and earnings record instantly using their online account. Social Security beneficiaries also can change their address and start or change direct deposit information online.
"We are making it even easier for people to do their business with us from the comfort of their home, office, or library," Commissioner Astrue said. "I encourage people of all ages to take advantage of our award-winning online services and check out the new features available through an online my Social Security account."
Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients with a my Social Security account can go online and get an official benefit verification letter instantly. The benefit verification letter serves as proof of income to secure loans, mortgages and other housing, and state or local benefits. Additionally, people use the letter to prove current Medicare health insurance coverage, retirement or disability status, and age. People can print or save a customized letter.
Social Security processed nearly nine million requests for benefit verification letters in the past year. This new online service allows people to conduct business with Social Security without having to visit an office or make a phone call, and very often wait for a letter to arrive in the mail. It also will reduce the time spent by employees completing these requests and free them to focus on other workloads.
People age 18 and older can sign up for an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once there, they must be able to provide information about themselves and answers to questions that only they are likely to know. After completing the secure verification process, people can create a my Social Security account with a unique user name and password to access their information.
People age 18 and older who are not receiving benefits can sign up for a my Social Security account to get a personalized online Social Security Statement. The online Statement provides eligible workers with secure and convenient access to their Social Security earnings and benefit information, and estimates of future benefits they can use to plan for their retirement. In addition, the portal also includes links to information about other online services, such as applications for retirement, disability and Medicare.
"Given our significantly reduced funding, we have to find innovative ways to continue to meet the needs of the American people without compromising service," said Commissioner Astrue. "These new enhancements will allow us to provide faster service to more people in more places."
For more information, please go to www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
