Social Security Lawyer Journal

As of March 31, 2025 persons wishing to change their address with the Social Security Administration will have to do so through the secure “my Social Security” website or visit a SS office, in person.  It will no longer be possible to make changes by calling Social Security. This is to combat fraudulent address and…

Last year, under President Joe Biden an Social Security Commissioner, Martin O’Malley,  the Agency only recovered 10% of overpayments each month.  This policy recognized that Social Security is the sole support of the overwhelming number of disability recipients and an important source for retirees.  The recovery rate for SSI recipients remains 10% Commissioner O’Malley resigned…

You knew it was coming given the cutbacks in other parts of the Social Security Agency.  President Trump’s efficiency guru, Elon Musk has plans to cut back 7,000 of the 60, 000 SS employees. This means that the wait time to answer the phone and process hearings and appeals will likely get longer. Employees have…

More fall out from special government employee, Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE).  Acting SS Commissioner, Michelle King, has resigned in protest of access being denied DOGE. President Trump has named Leland Dudek, a long-term SS employee, as Acting Commissioner.  Frank Bisigano has been nominated by the President to be permanent Commissioner.

The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Bulletin reports that as of January 2025 Social Security beneficiaries can no longer just drop by their local district office with a question or to get an issue resolved.  Most people must call for an appointment.  Exceptions are made for military personnel, people with terminal illnesses and those…

In December Congress passed, and President Biden signed, the Social Security Fairness Act, which will raise Social Security benefits for nearly 3 million Americans.  The new law repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision Offset and the Government Pension Offset. These 2 laws coordinated and offset Social Security benefits for recipients of government pensions for federal, state…

We already knew Social Security benefits were rising 2.5% due to the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).  We now know Medicare premiums will increase, as well, cutting into the increase for most recipients. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the part B premium for most recipients will increase by .30 from 4.70…

Just when the Social Security Agency finally had a progressive, engaged commissioner in former mayor of Baltimore and governor of Maryland, he’s gone. Effective November 29th Martin O’Malley is resigning to run for chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Among other positive changes made during O’Malley’s all too brief tenure as commissioner was modification of…

The annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) for more than 72.5 million Social Security and SSI recipient for 2025 will be 2.5% as inflation comes under control. The COLA for 2024 was 3.2%. The average retiree will receive more per month next year. The earnings limit for workers younger than full retirement age will…

On 8-27-24, the Social Security Administration announced a large step in a multi-year effor to simplify processes for people who are applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by starting to offer an online, streamlined application for some applicants starting in December. SSI provides monthly payments to people with disabilities and older adults who have little…