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Paying SSS benefits through banks
FOR some time now, the Social Security System (SSS) has required applicants for retirement, disability and death pensions to open a pension savings account in the bank of their choice, where their social-security benefits will be deposited. What used to…
Obama 2015 budget focuses on boosting economy
President Barack Obama sent Congress a $3.9 trillion budget Tuesday that would funnel money into road building, education and other economy-bolstering programs, handing Democrats a playbook for their election-year themes of creating jobs and narrowing the income gap between rich…
Obama’s 2015 budget appeals to Democrats
Striving for unity among Democrats rather than compromise with Republicans, President Barack Obama will unveil an election-year budget on Tuesday that drops earlier proposals to cut future Social Security benefits and seeks new money for infrastructure, education and job training. But…
Jolly is right: Social Security is not guaranteed
Ads promoting the candidacy of Democrat Alex Sink, former Bank of America executive and state chief financial officer, continue to misconstrue – employing the politest possible term – Republican David Jolly’s position and statements regarding Social Security, making it sound…
Agency-by-agency summary of Obama budget
Here is an agency-by-agency summary of President Barack Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal 2015, beginning next Oct. 1. The top-line figures do not include spending on automatic benefit and subsidy programs that together account for 70 percent of government spending. Figures…
With or Without Chained CPI in President’s Budget, Social Security Reform Should Start
The American Academy of Actuaries is taking the opportunity presented by President Obama’s FY2015 budget request to remind the president and members of Congress of the pressing need for Social Security reform. This year’s budget request is expected not to…
Medicaid Expansion Terms Possible
Former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen says federal health officials are probably willing to talk terms on an expansion of Medicaid in Tennessee with the state’s current governor. “The feds want us to do it badly enough that they will negotiate some…
HealthStyle: How to win the battle of the bulge
Many Americans suffer with obesity problems. It’s estimated that nearly two-thirds of Americans are now overweight and many have given up the struggle to return to a healthy weight. As your weight increases, the chances of losing it seem to…
Veterans’ Corner: Social security options for veterans
Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some programs…
Disability-related films get Oscar nominations
This year’s Oscar-nominated themes range from slavery to aging and disability. AIDS, mental illness and cancer are the disabilities of some Best Actor nominees’ characters. There is also a disability-related film nominated for Best Picture. “Dallas Buyers Club” is based on a…