Latest news with #SSA
Newsweek
14 hours ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Social Security Update: Senator Warns Agency Hiding 'Extent of the Problem'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, called for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide more accurate and detailed information about the agency's phone call wait times on Sunday, warning the agency may be hiding "the extent of the problem" from policymakers and the public. In a letter sent to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano and obtained by The Hill, Warren asked for additional data, following up on a commitment she secured from Bisignano for a public audit regarding call wait time data and increased transparency in reporting. Why It Matters Social Security serves over 70 million Americans, including retirees, the disabled, and survivors, making the accessibility and responsiveness of its services crucial for millions who depend on timely benefits. Persistent issues with customer service, especially prolonged call wait times, can directly impact vulnerable populations' ability to access critical support. According to recent data and advocacy groups, ongoing administrative challenges and staffing concerns have already resulted in long delays and confusion for benefit recipients. Trust in the system's reliability is a growing public concern as the U.S. faces discussions over the program's long-term future and funding. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during a rally opposing House Republicans Tax Proposal prior to the final House vote on Capitol Hill on May 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) speaks during a rally opposing House Republicans Tax Proposal prior to the final House vote on Capitol Hill on May 21, 2025, in Washington, Families Over Billionaires What To Know Senator Warren's renewed inquiry stems from findings by her staff, most recently in June, that showed some SSA phone wait times averaged around one hour and 45 minutes, with some callers reporting delays of over three hours. In her letter, Warren wrote, "The SSA is failing to provide policymakers and the public with accurate information about the extent of the problem, using convoluted calculations to obfuscate the real data, or withholding information entirely." The senator called for an Inspector General-led public audit of the agency's reporting procedures for phone wait times. She thanked Bisignano for agreeing to such an audit but did not specify a timeline. Warren's letter requested that by August 11, the SSA provide the total number of calls received; details on calls handled by an artificial intelligence tool, including the percentage dropped, transferred, or ended unresolved; and similar details for calls handled by human representatives. Warren also criticized the SSA for what she called the distribution of an "inaccurate and overtly partisan email" regarding the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill," alleging that it included false information about eliminating federal taxes on Social Security benefits. "Warren is absolutely right about one thing," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "The email that went out claiming 90 percent of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay taxes on their benefits was flat-out false. It was political propaganda dressed up as government communication. The message even praised the OBBA and mentioned Trump by name, which is a direct politicization of a government agency. That's unacceptable." The SSA has faced scrutiny for changes implemented under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was initially led by billionaire advisor Elon Musk before he parted ways with the Trump administration in late May. The SSA has faced staffing cuts and office closures that have contributed to service delays since then. In one notable incident in April, a technical error on the SSA website incorrectly notified Supplement Security Income recipients their benefits had ended, compounding concerns among the vulnerable populations it serves. Newsweek reached out to the SSA for comment via email. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "The SSA has started implementing new tech systems, which could eventually improve things, but that takes time. What doesn't help is letting go of experienced staff or forcing early exits, only to expect automation to solve every problem overnight." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Senator Warren is concerned based on data she's received that release doesn't reflect the reality of what's actually happening, with internal reports saying wait times for call have actually increased in some situations, not decreased. It's important to have an accurate reflection of this information, too. With Social Security facing a shortfall in the coming years, legislators need to know if the administration can truly get by with a smaller staff or not." What Happens Next Commissioner Bisignano has committed to an Inspector General audit, though a date was not detailed by Warren or the SSA. By August 11, the agency is expected to provide the requested call data to Warren's office. The SSA's reported willingness to undergo greater independent scrutiny could lead to further reforms in customer service procedures and increased congressional oversight, depending on audit findings. "Understaffing, especially after DOGE budget cuts, has left fewer hands to handle an aging and growing beneficiary population," Thompson said. "Until those gaps are filled and systems are modernized, people will continue to sit on hold for hours just trying to get basic help."
India Today
18 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
Stalin urges PM Modi to release Rs 2,149 crore pending under Samagra Shiksha funds
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin submitted a petition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging the immediate release of over Rs 2,000 crore in pending educational funds and the implementation of long-pending railway projects across the state. The appeal was made through State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu during the Prime Minister's two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, where he inaugurated various development projects and unveiled a commemorative coin honouring Rajendra his letter, the Chief Minister said that the Tamil Nadu government has been effectively implementing the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme since 2018, which has led to consistent improvements in educational outcomes. However, he noted that the Union Government had made the full adoption of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 a precondition for the release of central funds. He reiterated that the state has legal and policy-based objections to certain provisions of the NEP, especially the imposition of the three language policy and the restructuring of school education to the 5+3+3+4 format.'The Tamil Nadu School Education System currently accommodates 43.90 lakh students, 2.2 lakh teachers and more than 32,000 supporting staff. Withholding funds for such a critical and large-scale scheme severely affects the future of lakhs of students,' Stalin said. He urged the Prime Minister to immediately release Rs 2,149 crore due to the state under the scheme for the financial year 2024–25, expedite the first instalment for 2025–26, and ensure that funding is not linked to signing the PM SHRI (Prime Minister Schools for Rising India) Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, Tamil Nadu's School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi met Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan in New Delhi on Monday and submitted a memorandum seeking the urgent release of funds. The state is yet to receive the central share of Samagra Shiksha funds for the financial year 2024–25, as well as the first instalment for 2025– the education appeal, Stalin pressed for the implementation of multiple railway projects that have remained pending despite being sanctioned more than a decade ago. These include the Tindivanam–Gingee–Tiruvannamalai (70 km), Erode–Palani (91 km), Madurai–Thoothukudi via Aruppukottai (60 km), Athipattu–Puthur (88 km), and Chennai–Cuddalore via Mahabalipuram (180 km) also requested the fast-tracking of the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari double track (87 km), approval for the Tirupattur–Krishnagiri–Hosur line, and surveys or Detailed Project Report (DPR) approvals for several proposed routes including Coimbatore–Palladam–Karur, Coimbatore–Gopichettipalayam–Bhavani–Salem, Madurai–Melur–Thuvarankurichi–Viralimalai–Inamkulathur, and a suburban ring railway around on X, Stalin stated: 'We have submitted a petition to the Honourable Prime Minister Modi, emphasizing funding for the education of Tamil Nadu students, railway projects for the transportation of poor and middle-class people, the livelihood of fishermen, and the Salem Defence Industrial Park.'I trust that the Prime Minister will provide appropriate solutions, valuing the sentiments of the people and the development of the state,' he added. - Ends IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
The Hill
19 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hill
Warren wants answers from Social Security chief on phone wait times
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) is asking Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank Bisignano to provide additional information about the wait times for phone calls, amid reports of discrepancies in data. In a letter sent Sunday evening to Bisignano, provided exclusively to The Hill, Warren followed up on her meeting with the SSA chief last Wednesday, when, the senator said, she secured a commitment from Bisignano 'that SSA would undergo a public audit by the Inspector General regarding your phone call wait time data reporting and that you would publish additional wait time data.' A June survey from Warren's staff found that wait times averaged nearly an hour and 45 minutes, with maximum wait times lasting longer than three hours, according to the senator. 'But the SSA is failing to provide policymakers and the public with accurate information about the extent of the problem, using convoluted calculations to obfuscate the real data, or withholding information entirely,' she wrote in her letter. Warren said she has communicated with the inspector general about the audit and thanked the SSA chief for 'agreeing to a rigorous, independent, public audit.' The senator did not specify when the audit would take place. She asked Bisignano to provide data by Aug. 11, including on the total number of calls received; details about the calls taken by an artificial intelligence tool — including the percentage of calls dropped, transferred, or ended without resolving the issue; the same details about the calls taken by a human customer service representative. Warren expressed similar concerns about the circumstances that, she said, led the SSA to send out 'an inaccurate and overtly partisan email to the millions of 'my Social Security' users that purportedly described the 'Big Beautiful Bill.'' 'The email contained a number of falsehoods about the benefits of the bill, including an inaccurate statement that it 'eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security,'' Warren wrote in the letter.
Newsweek
a day ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Social Security: Two Types of Benefits To Be Paid This Week
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. This week, two payments will be made by the Social Security Administration (SSA). What To Know Millions of Americans receive Social Security benefits, whether it be retirement checks or disability payments, known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On Friday, August 1, checks will go out for SSI recipients, retirees who have been collecting checks since before May 1997, and retirees who also collect SSI benefits. Following on the from this, further payments will be made on Wednesday, August 13 : Retirement, spousal and survivor benefits for those born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month : Retirement, spousal and survivor benefits for those born between the 1st and 10th of any calendar month Wednesday, August 20 : Benefits for those born between the 11th and 20th : Benefits for those born between the 11th and 20th Wednesday, August 27 : Benefits for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st : Benefits for those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st Friday, August 29: SSI payments. This payment would usually come at the first of the month for September. However, due to September 1 falling on Labor Day, a national holiday, the payment will be made slightly earlier. Stock image/file photo: A Social Security card with U.S. Dollars. Stock image/file photo: A Social Security card with U.S. Dollars. GETTY How Much Can I Get? The average Social Security check was $2,002.39 as of May 2025, although numerous seniors have expressed dissatisfaction about the amount they get. "The average Social Security benefit amount changes monthly," an agency spokesperson told Newsweek. "As wages tend to rise over time, each new group of retirees raises the average benefit amount, since their benefit calculations typically reflect higher earnings." Social Security benefits vary by individual. Payments are calculated based on a person's 35 highest-earning years—adjusted for inflation—and the age at which they begin claiming benefits. In 2025, the maximum monthly benefit for someone retiring at the full retirement age of 67 is $4,018. Retiring early at 62 reduces the maximum to $2,831, while delaying retirement until 70 raises the potential benefit to as much as $5,108 per month. SSI recipients received an average of $718.30. How much beneficiaries get is based on how much money they earn and other resources available to them. Seniors on Social Security With more than 50 million Americans collecting retirement checks from the federal government every month, many seniors want to see major reform to the program, according to a new report by The Senior Citizen's League. The advocacy group found that only 10 percent of beneficiaries are satisfied with their monthly check, while 63 percent reported being dissatisfied. Beneficiaries have also taken issue with the annual cost of living adjustment, or COLA, with many saying it doesn't accurately reflect cost increases year-to-year for older Americans. In a recent poll, 34 percent of respondents identified updating the COLA formula as their top policy priority for enhancing Social Security benefits.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
SSA to roll out August payments for beneficiaries soon: Check schedule, eligibility and more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is scheduled to roll out its August payments for beneficiaries soon. Depending on the number of benefits you are entitled to receive, your payment dates will differ according to a pre-decided calendar. However, due to the complexities in next month's calendar, beneficiaries will receive two checks, and some even three, during August. For those impacted by this change, it is important to understand the reasons behind it. SSA to roll out August payments for beneficiaries soon: Check schedule, eligibility and more (REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo)(REUTERS) How much will you receive? 'The monthly maximum Federal amounts for 2025 are $967 for an eligible individual, $1,450 for an eligible individual with an eligible spouse, and $484 for an essential person,' reads the official SSA website. 'In general, monthly amounts for the next year are determined by increasing the unrounded annual amounts for the current year by the COLA effective for January of the next year. The new unrounded amounts are then each divided by 12, and the resulting amounts are rounded down to the next lower multiple of $1.' Also receive supplemental security income (SSI) The usual date for beneficiaries who began receiving social security before 1997 or those who receive both social security and SSI benefits would have been August 3. However, due to it falling on a weekend, these payments will now be rolled out on August 1 itself. Since September 1 is Labor Day, payments for that month will be rolled on August 29. This change is in line with the SSA's policy of distributing checks early in case the payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday and is undertaken to keep beneficiaries' accounts in balance. Hence, this is not a double payment but simply a prepayment. Regular payment schedule For those who only receive social security benefits, payments are rolled out depending on the beneficiary's birthdate. This process is undertaken over the last three Wednesdays of the month. • For those born from the 1st to 10 of any month, payments are given on the second Wednesday, i.e., August 14 • For those born from the 11th to 20th of any month, payments are given on the third Wednesday, i.e., August 21 • For those born from the 21st to 31st of any month, payments are given on the fourth Wednesday, i.e., August 28 Eligibility criteria You are eligible to receive this paper check if you • Are an SSI beneficiary • Have updated your bank information • Haven't had a recent change in status Direct deposits usually take less time than mailed checks to arrive and are distributed depending on the receiver's preferred mode of payment. The SSA usually advises beneficiaries to wait for three days in case they haven't received their check before raising a complaint. – By Stuti Gupta
