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The Financial Impact

This doesn't sit well with retirees such as Mary Stanley-Johnson of Hartford, CT. Now, 78-years-old and a recent widow, Stanley-Johnson takes care of her daughter Abigail who has a medical condition that qualifies her for Supplemental Security Income payments from Social Security every month. “It's not a huge amount of money, but it makes a big difference when you have basic needs met by having that money available,” said Stanley-Johnson during a phone interview. And when asked about her dealings with the local bank they have been doing business with since the early 1970's – the same response of, “Someone will contact you when we have more information.”

What to Expect: What You Can Do

There are a few things you can do in order to get a better handle on your situation. However, you should be aware that the process will take a considerable amount of time and some strategic planning. You may want to enlist the help of a person you completely trust or a professional who handles matters like this regularly.

• If you don't have an SSA.gov account, sign up for it today. You'll need an account to do things like apply for future and retirement benefits, order a SSA Card and get proof of benefit letters.
• The Social Security Administration highly recommends you make sure your personal information is completely accurate and up-to-date. You should immediately report any changes to your name, mailing address, phone number and email address.
• If you choose to be among the estimated 7,000 people that call the SSA's Hotline, their number is toll-free 1-800-772-1213. But, expect delays and being placed on-hold for times greater than two-hours depending upon what time you call. It is recommended that Tuesday to Thursday first thing in the morning is the best time to make that call. Their lines are open from 7:00 a.m. To 7:00 p.m. local time and the staff who answer calls are extremely helpful and polite.
• Be sure to have your Social Security number ready to enter during the call screening.
• You may also request a call back to save you time.
• You can save time by getting answers via their web portal

American's Abroad Experience Delay

In a report found on Kiplinger Personal Finance's website, it gave further insight to a possible reason Expats (a citizen of a country that resides in another country) have not been paid this month. “Retirees living abroad must complete a SSA questionnaire every one to two years. Failure to respond can lead to the suspension of your benefits,” a direct quote from their magazine webpage.

To remedy this matter quickly, American's living abroad simply need to fill out Social Security Form SSA-7162-OCR-SM. It's also known as the Foreign Enforcement Questionnaire which is used to report any changes to the administration. It typically is only requested every two years. Social Security's website advises if you're not sure what you need to complete and submit that you visit their website at www.SSA.gov or make an appointment with your local Social Security field office.

The History Behind The Act

The Social Security Act was signed into existence by late President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1935. It's sole purpose was to provide support to American's for their entire life after retirement. The Supplemental Security Income program was brought into being on October 30, 1972. Late President Richard Nixon signed Public Law 92-603 into existence.

The SSI program started paying benefits to qualified recipients in January 1974. Over the years, questions and concerns about the financial future of SSA, SSDI and SSI have loomed in the minds of both recipients and legislatures. Funding comes primarily from employees and employers payroll taxes that are automatically reduced every pay period from pay cheques Income tax on benefits and interest earned on trust funds are also what keeps the program with money.

The Future of Social Security

In an NBC News interview, President Donald Trump has promised to not do away with Social Security and other vital programs that help sustain every day Americans nationwide. The news media has been reporting drastic changes to federal programs and funding in an effort to reduce the national debt and bring stricter accountability to many federal agencies that have simply run amuck.

For more information about this and other stories, log on to www.MetSentinel.net and we will keep you updated as new, relevant information becomes available to us.