For as long as Attorney Crawforth has been practicing Social Security’s evaluation process has included Past Relevant Work for jobs going back 15 years. That will now change. For decisions dated June 22, 2024 or later the relevant time period is 5 years meaning only jobs in that time frame are evaluated.
The annual report of the Social Security & Medicare Trustees has a bit of good news. Due to the strong economy, low unemployment & wage growth the insolvency date for the combined retirement and disability trust funds is up a year to 2035. Without changes the benefits payable at that time would be 83% of…
Summer 2021 Newsletter STILL STANDING…AND PRACTICING I published the first issue of Social Security & You in Spring of 1993. Some years I’ve published more issues than others. The most recent issue was dated Spring 2019: over 2 years ago. The world was a much different place then. Especially for me. Read the full newsletter…
Spring 2019 Newsletter An Opioid Story I’ve changed his name. Let’s call him Gerald. He was a laborer. And by that I don’t mean that he just did physical work. He was a card-carrying member the Labor’s Union local. And that meant a lot to him. I represented him for Social Security disability and Michigan…
Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, is warning about new tactics being used by telephone scammers. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of telephone scammers using real Social Security official’s names in their calls.
Some names are available on Social Security websites or through an on-line search. Other callers are being given “badge #s” of law enforcement officers. Some callers request email attachments be sent with personal information.
Inspector General Ennis emphasizes Social Security will never:
“Suspend” your Social Security number because someone used it in a crime.
Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
Require payment by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency or mailing cash.
Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.
If you get such a call Inspector Ennis recommends you hang up
If you owe money to Social Security you will receive a letter in the U.S. mail with payment options and appeal rights. Ennis urges recipients of scam calls to report them to the OIG website