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Editorial: Break out the birthday candles — Social Security’s Importance in U.S.
Social Security, that irreplaceable program of financial assistance in the United States, turned 78 Thursday. Little was made of it, which is a shame. Americans should have thrown it a party. By any estimation, it is one of this nation’s most…
Social Security Administration Changes Official Terminology from …
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2013 — In a final rule published in the Federal Register on August 1, the Social Security Administration announced it will abandon the use of the term “mental retardation” and adopt “intellectual disability” in its Listing of Impairments used to evaluate…
Fox Hypes Fear-Inducing “Debt” Figure
On the August 15 edition of Fox News’ America’s Newsroom, hosts Martha MacCallum and Bill Hemmer suggested that the current figure of national debt is grossly underestimated. MacCallum claimed that, according to research by economist James Hamilton, “the true national debt…
Progressive Ad Hits Mitch McConnell on Social Security, Medicare
(WASHINGTON) — The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) is launching a new television ad pushing embattled Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., to oppose cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits. The ad features Kirk Gillenwaters, a Louisville, Ky., worker…
Pushback Against Safety Net Cuts During August Recess
When Congress returns from its five-week recess this fall, a huge task awaits: passing comprehensive immigration reform. The House will (or, maybe won’t) pass its plan, which will then have to be reconciled with the bill already passed by the…
52 Percent of Young Americans Favor Social Security Opt-Outs Even If It Reduces Current Benefits
The vast majority of Americans (64 percent) have a favorable view of the Social Security program, with 25 percent who are very favorable, according to Reason-Rupe. However, delving deeper, it is less clear if Americans approve of the mechanics of the…
Individuals in Same-Sex Marriages Should Not Wait to Submit Applications for Social Security Benefits If They Believe They Are Eligible
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), Social Security and Medicare benefits may soon be available to same-sex couples in the District of Columbia and the 13 states recognizing same-sex…
Social Security and IRAs when suddenly single
Recently I wrote about when people who are suddenly single — whether widowed or divorced — and the things they need to consider before making financial decisions. I’ve always said that to avoid costly mistakes, individuals should try to avoid making financial decisions…
New bill aimed at helping detained veterans
We’re hearing mixed reviews after a new bill, introduced by Assembly member Rudy Salas, was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown. AB 555 would provide benefits and services to veterans detained in a correctional facility or jail. The bill was signed…
This 1 Chart Shows Why Social Security Is So Important
With Washington leaders continuously debating the future of Social Security, it can be easy to forget just how important the program has become to retired Americans. The truth is that the bottom 80 percent of Americans have stashed little away in retirement savings programs,…