Press Release
Tuesday November 19, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Earns Highest Grade from Congress on Computer Security Report Card
The Social Security Administration's (SSA's) computer security efforts earned the top grade for all Federal agencies in an annual Congressional report card. With a grade of "B-," SSA is the top-ranking government agency for the second time in three years. This report card, the third annual, is issued by the House Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations.
"Social Security has always recognized the importance of protecting the privacy of the people we serve and ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the records we keep," said James B. Lockhart, the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. "For more than 65 years, SSA has honored its commitment to the American people to maintain the confidentiality of our records."
In the two previous years the report card was issued SSA has fared well, earning the highest grade in 2000 with a "B" and the second highest mark in 2001. The subcommittee's computer security grades are based on information contained in agency reports to the Office of Management and Budget.
The subcommittee's chairman, Representative Stephen Horn (R-CA), stated "On the top end of the report card, I am pleased to note that the Social Security Administration continues to be a shining example of sound leadership and focused attention."
To view the computer security report card, please go to:
http://reform.house.gov/gefmir/hearings/2002hearings/1119_computer_security/computersecurityreportcard.doc
Press Release
Wednesday November 13, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration Launches Second Phase of New Program to Help People with Disabilities Go to Work
Ticket to Work Program Provides More Choices, Expanded Opportunities
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is launching the second phase of a new program designed to help people with disabilities go to work. The Ticket to Work program, which began in February of 2002 in 13 states, is now available in 20 additional states and Washington, DC.
"Today, less than one percent of the people who get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits leave the rolls each year to go to work. We can do better, and we must do better," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "President Bush said, 'My Administration is committed to tearing down any barriers that unreasonably prevent the full participation of Americans with disabilities.' And he said that he will work 'to help disabled Americans realize their dreams through meaningful and successful careers.' And the Ticket to Work gets us there."
Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability beneficiaries will receive a Ticket that may be used to obtain vocational rehabilitation, job training, and other support services. The Ticket Program will be in operation nationwide by January of 2004.
Tickets will begin arriving in mailboxes this week. Over the next several months, about 2.6 million Social Security and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities will receive a Ticket to Work. The mailings will be staggered, based on the last digit of a beneficiary's Social Security number. Anyone who wants a Ticket immediately can call 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-YOURTICKET). TDD/TTY users should call 1-866-833-2967 (1-866- TDD2WORK).
Individuals may take their Ticket to any of the employment service providers who offer services in their communities. These providers are called Employment Networks. A list of participating networks can be found at www.ssa.gov/work, by clicking on service providers.
Here's how the program works: a Ticket holder gives the Ticket to an Employment Network. The network and the Ticket holder together design an individual employment plan outlining the services to be provided to assist the beneficiary in reaching his or her employment goal.
The Ticket Program is voluntary. Social Security and SSI beneficiaries who receive a Ticket are not required to work, but may choose to use their Ticket to attempt to go to work. Likewise, Employment Networks are not required to accept Tickets.
The Ticket Program is designed to provide people with disabilities with more choices and expanded opportunities to help them go to work. Individuals will receive services from an Employment Network for free. SSA will pay the Employment Networks for successfully helping a beneficiary go to work. Employment Networks may choose to be paid based solely on helping an individual achieve self-sufficiency, or they may choose to receive payments when beneficiaries achieve different milestones during their attempt to go to work.
The Ticket Program is the cornerstone of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 1999. Other provisions of the law are already in place to help support people with disabilities as they go to work. These provisions include expanded health care coverage.
Many of the barriers that would force people to choose between health care coverage and work have been removed by the legislation. Social Security disability beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare, the Federal health insurance plan. Effective in October 2000, most Social Security disability beneficiaries are protected by Medicare for at least eight years and six months after they go to work. Medicare coverage continues even if an individual no longer receives a monetary benefit from Social Security. Most SSI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicaid, which is a state health benefit. These individuals should contact the state Medicaid office in their area for more information.
Beginning in November approximately 2.6 million beneficiaries will receive tickets in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia, and in the District of Columbia.
The first phase of the Ticket Program began in February 2002 in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin.
The final phase is scheduled for 2003 in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, as well as in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Those who have questions about the Ticket Program should call Maximus, Inc. Maximus, the organization selected by SSA to administer the Ticket Program, may be contacted toll-free at
1-866-968-7842 (1-866-YOURTICKET). TDD/TTY users should call 1-866-833-2967 (1-866- TDD2WORK). Internet users can visit www.yourtickettowork.com --Maximus' website.
For general information about the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, please go to SSA's Internet website-- www.ssa.gov/work --The Work Site.
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS:
Press Release
Friday October 18, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Commissioner Jo Anne B. Barnhart Announces 1.4 Percent Social Security Increase
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to more than 50 million Americans will increase 1.4 percent in 2003, Jo Anne B. Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security announced today.
"Today's news tells us that inflation continues to be low, which is certainly good news for the elderly and disabled," said Commissioner Barnhart. "Inflation is one of the biggest challenges for people living on a fixed income. The annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) ensures that a person's monthly benefit doesn't drop in value over time."
The 1.4 percent increase will begin with benefits that 46 million Social Security beneficiaries receive in January 2003. Increased payments to 7 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31.
Social Security and SSI benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) from the third quarter of the prior year to the corresponding period of the current year. This year's increase in the CPI-W was 1.4 percent.
Some other changes that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. Based on that increase, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) will increase to $87,000 from $84,900 in 2002.
As a result of the increase in the taxable maximum in 2003, the maximum yearly Social Security tax paid by employees and employers will increase by $130.20 each for a total of $5394.00. For self-employed workers, it will rise by $260.40 to a total of $10,788.00. Of the approximately 155 million workers who pay Social Security taxes, about 9.7 million are affected by the higher wage base in 2003.
Information about Medicare changes for 2003 can be found at www.hhs.gov - The Internet site for the Department of Health and Human Services.
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: A fact sheet showing the effect of the various automatic adjustments is attached.
Press Release
Wednesday Octoberr 16, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Announces New Initiatives to Promote Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, announced several new initiatives to assist people with disabilities who want to go to work. The initiatives, announced at the New Freedom Initiative Celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, include the Disability Program Navigator, a new position formed jointly with the Department of Labor, and "Ticket to Hire," a specialized referral network linking employers to job-seekers with disabilities. Also announced at the celebration was a new website--www.disabilityinfo.gov--an online resource for Americans with disabilities.
"Under President Bush's New Freedom Initiative, the Social Security Administration is providing greater opportunities for people with disabilities to stay connected to the workforce," said Commissioner Barnhart. "SSA is committed to making positive changes in the lives of millions of Americans."
The Navigators will link people with disabilities who visit the Department of Labor's One-Stop Career Centers with employers and benefit planning assistance and outreach organizations. The Navigators, who will work in the One-Stops, also will provide information on Social Security's work incentives, employment networks and the Ticket to Work program.
The Ticket to Work program, currently available in 13 states, will be available in 20 additional states starting in November. The Ticket program provides Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries with more choices and expanded opportunities to help them go to work. Upon receiving a Ticket from Social Security, individuals may give it to an employment network to obtain free vocational rehabilitation, job training, and other support services. The Ticket program, launched in February 2002, will be available nationwide by January of 2004.
As an offshoot of Ticket to Work, a new service has been developed with the Department of Labor to help employers locate and recruit skilled employment candidates with disabilities. The service, "Ticket to Hire," is a free, national referral service for employers to recruit workers from the Ticket to Work program. "Ticket to Hire" specialists, available at 1-866-TTW-HIRE (1-866-889-4473), will answer questions about the Ticket to Work program. Go to www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/TicketHire.html to find out more about Ticket to Hire.
Please visit www.ssa.gov for more information about Social Security's new disability initiatives, the Ticket to Work program and more.
Press Release
Monday September 30, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Announces New E-Government Project
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is phasing in a new E-Government initiative that will make it easier and quicker for people to apply for Social Security benefits. The project, called eVital, will provide immediate online verification of birth and death information. SSA's new initiative is part of the President's Management Agenda and the Office of Management and Budget's (OMB's) Quicksilver E-Government initiatives.
"The eVital initiative has tremendous potential to help us improve the service we provide to the American people," said James B. Lockhart III, the Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. "We want to use the latest and most innovative technology to make it easier for the public to access Social Security's services, while at the same time saving taxpayer dollars."
"eVital will save time, energy and money as it makes the required government interactions faster, more secure and efficient for the citizen. That's what E-Government is all about," said Mark Forman, OMB's Associate Director for Information Technology and E-Government.
The project, starting in Colorado and scheduled to expand to seven additional states in the coming weeks, will allow SSA employees to verify state birth and death information online, which will enable SSA to process benefit applications and Social Security card requests faster and at lower costs. Additionally, eVital's direct government-to-government transaction will help reduce fraud.
Currently, the public must provide birth and/or death information in order to receive benefits or a Social Security Number from SSA. If a person does not have the appropriate document, then he or she has to obtain a copy from a state bureau of vital statistics. In some situations, SSA may contact the vital statistics agency directly for a record. In both cases there is usually a fee for the record and a delay in obtaining the copy. This new E-Government project will reduce the cost and time it takes to verify birth and death information.
The National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS) is the liaison between SSA and state vital statistics agencies. Designated SSA employees use a single interface in a standardized format to generate a request to any participating vital statistics agency in the country. NAPHSIS has built a "hub" to filter the requests and responses to and from SSA.
NAPHSIS is an association with members who are responsible for the vital statistics agencies in every state and in other jurisdictions throughout the United States and its territories. Please visit www.naphsis.org for more information.
Visit www.results.gov/agenda for more information about the President's Management Agenda.
Press Release
Monday September 23, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Launches New Web Page For American Indians And Alaska Natives
Recognizing the need for American Indians and Alaska Natives to access timely, accurate information about Social Security, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched a new web page -- www.ssa.gov/people/aian -- Social Security Online for American Indian and Alaska Natives. The site provides basic Social Security program information on retirement, survivors, disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
"The Social Security Administration serves a diverse population," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "The agency will continue to develop and implement innovative technology that improves the services we deliver to the public."
In addition to program information, this new site shows how individuals can conduct business with SSA Online and information on how individuals and tribes or nations can contact SSA. American Indian and Alaska Natives also offers links to the Department of Health and Human Services' Administration on Native Americans and Indian Health Service; the Small Business Administration, Native American Affairs; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Minority Veterans; and Native Web.
Press Release
Monday September 23, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Launches New Web Page For Asian Americans And Pacific Islanders
Recognizing the need for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to access timely, accurate information about Social Security, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched a new web page -- www.ssa.gov/people/aapi -- Social Security Online for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The site provides basic Social Security program information on retirement, survivors, disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits.
"The Social Security Administration serves a diverse population," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "The agency will continue to develop and implement innovative technology that improves the services we deliver to the public."
This new site links to SSA's Multi-Language Gateway, providing information in Chinese, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese. Last year approximately 86,000 individuals requested services and information in an Asian language. The Asian American population in the United States, currently 4 percent of the U.S. population, is projected to grow to 9 percent by 2050.
In addition to benefit information, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders provides links to basic information throughout SSA's official website, Social Security Online, such as how individuals can contact SSA, SSA's interpreter service and information on business that can be conducted with SSA online. The site also offers links to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the Department of State, the Internal Revenue Service, the Small Business Administration and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Press Release
September 11, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security and September 11th: One Year Later
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Social Security is America's family protection plan. It is more than a retirement program; it provides valuable survivors and disability protection for workers and their families.
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As a result of September 11th, Social Security received 5,375 individual benefit claims from 2,060 families. Most of the assistance went to family members of those killed in the terrorist attacks. However, Social Security also helped workers get disability and retirement benefits.
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Survivors Benefits: When a worker dies, certain surviving family members may be eligible for benefits. Social Security is currently paying monthly benefits to 2,376 surviving children and 852 surviving spouses. In addition to monthly benefits, one-time payments were made to 1,800 members of victims' families.
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Nearly $31 million in benefits have been paid to people affected by the September 11th tragedies.
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The first payments to surviving family members (benefits for the month of September) were paid on October 3, 2001.
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As of August 2002, Social Security is paying more than $2.9 million per month.
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More than $30.8 million has been paid from September 2001 through August 2002.
Press Release
Tuesday July 30, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration's Multi-Language Gateway Internet Site Given E-Gov 2002 Explorer Award
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has received the E-Gov 2002 Explorer Award for its Multi-Language Gateway internet site. The site -- www.ssa.gov/multilanguage -- provides valuable Social Security information online in 15 different languages, including information on interpreter services in each of those 15 languages.
"The Social Security Administration wants all Americans to have access to the services we provide," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "We are pleased to be recognized for our efforts in communicating with people in their preferred language. The agency will continue to develop and implement innovative technology that improves the services we deliver to the public."
SSA's Multi-Language Gateway was launched in April 2001. The site is a way of ensuring that people have access to accurate information about Social Security programs in their preferred language. Users of the Multi-Language Gateway will find important information about Social Security retirement, survivors and disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits. This site explains each of the benefit programs, the requirements to qualify for benefits and how to apply. Each language also includes an explanation of Social Security's policy to supply an interpreter, upon request, free of charge to people who do not speak English.
Information about Social Security is available in the following languages:
- Arabic
- Armenian
- Chinese
- Farsi
- French
- Greek
- Haitian-Creole
- Italian
- Korean
- Polish
- Portugese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Tagalog
- Vietnamese
The site is designed to fill a clear demand for service. Last year, approximately 2.4 million peopl—10 percent of people doing business with SSA—preferred to deal with the Agency in a language other than English.
E-Gov is an organization comprised of professionals in marketing and education who have worked with technology in government and industry for more than twenty years. Their main focus is to foster communication and business between buyers and sellers of technology and services to facilitate changes in government. E-Gov's awards highlight federal, state, local and international government programs that have successfully implemented user-friendly online initiatives.
"The awards submissions were very impressive, making the selection process quite difficult," said Alisoun Moore, member of the selection committee and CIO, Montgomery County, Maryland. "These winning applications are models for effective E-Government, and the scope and capabilities they provide offers an exciting glimpse at the future of Electronic Government."
Press Release
Tuesday June 25, 2002
For Immediate Release
Initiatives to Strengthen Integrity of the SSN
Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security issued the following statement on initiatives by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to strengthen the integrity of the Social Security Number (SSN).
"The integrity of the Social Security Number is a matter of great importance to the Social Security Administration. For several years SSA has been working to strengthen the process for issuing SSNs and cards. Concerns about national security, along with the growing problem of identity theft, have caused us to accelerate our efforts.
"Initiatives already underway or soon to be implemented include:
- No longer issuing an SSN and card to non-citizens for the sole purpose of applying for a driver's license. (March 2002)
- Piloting an online system for employers to verify the names and SSNs of newly hired employees. (April 2002)
- Verifying with the state bureaus of vital statistics all birth records submitted by U.S. born citizens age one or older applying for an SSN. (June 2002)
- Verifying with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) all immigration documents for non-citizens requesting an SSN. (July 2002)
"We recognize that these initiatives may result in a delay in the receipt of SSNs for some citizens and non-citizens. However, these measures are necessary to ensure the integrity of the SSN and will help ensure that only those who should receive an SSN do so. We are working closely with the states and INS to minimize these delays. SSA is also working with INS to issue SSNs to non-citizens legally eligible for one immediately upon entry into the U.S.
"These initiatives will make SSNs less accessible to those with criminal intent. They will prevent individuals from from using false or stolen birth records or immigration documents to obtain an SSN. They help to ensure the integrity of the SSN for everyone.
Press Release
May 17, 2002
For Immediate Release
The Social Security Administration and the American Savings Education Council Announce National 'Save for Your Future' Campaign
Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, and Dallas L. Salisbury, chairman of the American Savings Education Council (ASEC), today announced plans to enhance national education efforts on the importance of saving. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and ASEC will combine their efforts through the national "Save for Your Future" campaign, which will begin in spring 2003.
"Social Security is the foundation of a secure retirement," said Commissioner Barnhart. "Social Security was and is meant to be only part of a three-legged financial stool, along with pensions and personal savings. Unfortunately, only half of today's retirees have a private pension. And too few Americans save as much as they should."
"We have made significant progress in building awareness among Washington, DC-area residents since launching the Choose to Save© program in 1998," said Dallas Salisbury. "We have built a strong base of awareness in the community, and we will concentrate our efforts on providing the hands-on savings and planning tips that help consumers prepare for financial security and retirement. The elements of this education program are ready to make this educational partnership successful nationally."
Barnhart and Salisbury noted that:
"Most financial planners say a person needs between 70% 80% of his or her pre-retirement income to live comfortably in retirement. But for the average worker, Social Security replaces only about 40% of pre-retirement income. The balance must come from pensions and personal savings.
"The EBRI-ASEC 2002 Retirement Confidence Survey reveals that 68% of American workers have not tried to calculate how much money they will need to save for a comfortable retirement. Yet, 45% of those who have done a calculation have made changes in their retirement planning as a result.
"SSA could not have a better partner in helping spread the message of savings than ASEC," said Commissioner Barnhart. "Each day, ASEC offers savings tips and planning advice to help citizens save and prepare for a secure retirement. During 'Save for Your Future' month, we will combine our efforts to make sure that the savings message is delivered throughout the country."
SSA's partnership with ASEC is just one of SSA's initiatives to educate workers about the importance of financial planning. Each year, SSA mails the Social Security Statement to all workers age 25 and older. The Statement provides customized benefit estimates and earnings information to individuals who are not receiving benefits.
SSA also offers an online Benefits Planner (www.ssa.gov/benefits/calculators/) where people can calculate their estimated retirement benefit. By clicking on the Retirement Income Estimator, people can link to ASEC's Ballpark Estimate worksheet (http://www.asec.org/ballpark/). The Ballpark Estimate worksheet enables individuals to combine their estimate of future Social Security benefits with estimates of income from pensions and savings to determine if they are saving enough for a secure retirement.
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: For more information about ASEC, call Variny Paladino at (202) 775-6321 or Jim Jaffe at (202) 775-6353.
Press Release
Friday May 10, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration Announces Emily and Jacob As the Most Popular Baby Names
Just in time for Mother's Day, Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the top female baby name in the United States for 2001 was Emily; for baby boys it was Jacob. The Social Security Administration (SSA) delivers this "birth announcement" based on all Social Security card applications for children born last year.
"Each year, SSA produces the list of the top baby names, and people love to see where their names and those of their family members rank," said Commissioner Barnhart. "This has become one of Social Security's most popular announcements."
The top ten boys and girls names for 2001 are:
| Boys: |
Girls: |
Jacob
Michael
Matthew
Joshua
Christopher
Nicholas
Andrew
Joseph
Daniel
William
|
Emily
Madison
Hannah
Ashley
Alexis
Samantha
Sarah
Abigail
Elizabeth
Jessica
|
For Emily and Jacob, it's a repeat appearance at the top of the list. Emily has been the most popular girls' name each year since 1996. Before that, it was Jessica, which sat atop the list from 1989 to 1995. Jacob has been the top boys' name for the past three years. Prior to that, Michael was the most popular name each year from 1964 to 1998.
A list of the 1000 most popular baby names for 2001, as well as the most popular baby names for each state, can be found at www.ssa.gov by clicking the link to the Most Popular Names.
SSA started compiling baby name lists in 1997. Today, the SSA website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880.
Regardless of what name a parent chooses, all newborns need a Social Security number. The easiest way for parents to apply for a baby's Social Security number (SSN) is through a process known as Enumeration at Birth. This automatic service enables parents to apply for an SSN at the same time they fill out the birth certificate information at the hospital. Enumeration at Birth, which saves parents time and makes a trip to the local Social Security office unnecessary, is available free of charge in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C. Last year, approximately four million babies received their Social Security numbers this way.
"Enumeration at Birth offers parents an opportunity to request a Social Security number for their newborn as part of the birth registration process," Commissioner Barnhart said. "The main reason to get an SSN for a newborn is so the child can be claimed as a dependent on the parents' tax return. Even though this may not be the first thing new parents are thinking about after having a baby, it is quick, easy, and convenient."
Press Release
Monday, May 6, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration Takes Action to Preserve Direct Deposit
Concerned that a recent United States Court of Appeals decision could threaten access to critical banking services such as direct deposit for more than 50 million elderly and disabled Americans, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is asking the Ninth Circuit to reconsider this potentially damaging decision.
Through the United States Department of Justice, SSA has filed a friend of the court brief in support of a rehearing of the case of Lopez v. Washington Mutual Bank.
"SSA wants to make sure our 50 million beneficiaries will continue to have access to valuable services like direct deposit," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "Direct Deposit is a safe, convenient and worry-free way for people to receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. But if the Court's decision stands, banks may be unwilling to accept individuals who receive these payments through direct deposits."
The plaintiff, Lopez, who had his Social Security and SSI benefits electronically deposited into his account, sued Washington Mutual to prevent the bank from using these benefits to clear overdraft balances and to pay overdraft fees. A district court granted a summary judgement for the bank, which Lopez appealed. A three-judge panel for the Ninth Circuit Court held that the bank was prevented from recovering overdrafts from benefits directly deposited in the account. SSA's friend of the court brief asks the full Circuit Court to reconsider that decision.
"We have met with advocates for both sides of this issue," said James Lockhart, Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. "SSA believes this case is critical to preserving direct deposit. Direct deposit has been available since 1976, and today almost 80 percent of our beneficiaries have chosen to receive their benefits this way. We believe that requiring banks to treat our beneficiaries differently may force these institutions to reduce the range of services they are willing to provide."
In the brief, SSA makes it clear that its primary interest is ensuring that direct deposit in banks remains an option for Social Security and SSI beneficiaries.
May is National Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Month. To learn more about SSA's latest efforts to promote direct deposit, visit www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/bravest.htm
Press Release
Wednesday May 1, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Teams With America's Bravest To Promote Direct Deposit Direct Deposit - It's Safe, Convenient and Easy
The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is helping the Social Security Administration (SSA) deliver the message that Direct Deposit is a safe, convenient and easy way to receive Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Through a series of television, radio and print ads, as well as bank statement inserts and teller handouts, members of the FDNY are reminding beneficiaries of the advantages of direct deposit. The ads -- a partnership between SSA, U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Veteran's Affairs, NACHA-The Electronic Payments Association and the FDNY -- are being launched during May, National Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Month.
"Direct deposit presents many advantages," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "It eliminates concerns about delayed mail and the need for frequent trips to the bank. Direct deposit removes the possibility of a lost or stolen check. I cannot think of a better partner to help us deliver this message than the New York City Fire Department. The FDNY is known around the world for its commitment to serving the public, in addition to its well-deserved reputation for bravery."
With direct deposit, payments are deposited automatically into accounts and are readily available for immediate use. There is no need to wait in long lines to cash a check or to worry when a visit to a bank is impossible due to inclement weather or a lack of transportation.
Direct deposit presents an advantage for the government as well. It costs the government 45 cents to process and mail a check while it costs only 4 cents to send a payment by direct deposit. Last year, direct deposit saved the Social Security Trust Funds approximately $133 million.
Currently, more than 50 million Americans receive Social Security and SSI benefits. Of those, almost 40 million (nearly 80 percent) have already taken advantage of direct deposit. Direct deposit has been available to Social Security beneficiaries since 1976.
Signing up for direct deposit is relatively simple and easy, just call SSA's toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY users), or visit the nearest local Social Security office. Banks, savings and loan or credit unions can also help people sign up for direct deposit. Visit SSA's website - http://www.ssa.gov/deposit/ - for more information on direct deposit.
If for some reason, an individual does not have an account and cannot open one at a bank, savings and loan or credit union, the Department of Treasury has created special low-cost accounts available to persons who receive a federal benefit. To find out where to open one of these low-cost Electronic Transfer Accounts (ETA) individuals should call 1-888-382-3311, toll-free or look for the ETA logo in the financial institution's window or lobby.
Press Release
Tuesday April 15, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration Earns Highest Grade in Government for Financial Management
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Reform, Subcommittee on Government Efficiency, Financial Management and Intergovernmental Relations has given the Social Security Administration (SSA) the highest grade in the federal government for its financial management practices.
SSA earned a "B" in the Subcommittee's 2001 Financial Management Status Report - the only agency to receive that high a grade this year. In addition, SSA was the only one of 24 agencies rated to see its grade improve, having earned a "B-" in last year's report.
"I am pleased that SSA received the highest grade in government this year," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "SSA's reputation for sound financial management is built on the great work that our employees and managers do everyday. SSA works hard to maintain the public's trust, and will continue to do so in the future."
The subcommittee grades are based on agencies' annual audited financial statements, which are required under the Government Management Reform Act of 1994. This year, the subcommittee also assessed whether agencies' financial systems can produce useful, reliable data on a real-time basis to support day-to-day management and policy-making. This additional grading criteria is in line with the President's Management Agenda, which assigns colors (green, yellow and red) instead of letters to grade agencies' performance.
"Financial management is one of the 5 key initiatives of the President's Management Agenda," said James Lockhart, Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. "SSA is committed to getting a green in financial management, as well as in the other 4 areas: human capital management, competitive sourcing, eGovernment and budget and performance integration."
More information about the 2001 Financial Management Status Report can be found at the subcommittee's website: http://www.house.gov/reform/gefmir/index.htm
Press Release
Tuesday March 26, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Trust Funds: Long-Range Deficits Remain
The Social Security Board of Trustees today declared that the Social Security program continues to be substantially underfinanced for the long term, while extending the projected solvency of the trust funds by three years.
In the 2002 Annual Report to Congress, the Trustees announced:
- The projected point at which tax revenues will fall below program costs comes in 2017 -- one year later than the estimate in last year's report;
- The projected point at which program costs exceed tax revenues plus interest from the trust funds comes in 2027 -- two years later than the estimate in last year's report;
- The projected point at which the trust funds will be exhausted comes in 2041 -- three years later than the estimate in last year's report;
- The projected actuarial deficit of taxable payroll over the 75-year long-range period is 1.87 percent -- slightly larger than the 1.86 percent projected in last year's report.
"These projections suggest that we have not lost ground in the past year," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "However, the report still projects that, once the trust funds are exhausted, payroll tax revenues will be sufficient to meet only 73% of Social Security benefit obligations under current law. And projections for the late 21st century paint an even bleaker picture.
"The message of this report is clear," Commissioner Barnhart said. "In order to create a sound and sustainable future, long-term trust fund deficits should be addressed in a timely way to allow a gradual phasing in of any necessary changes, and so workers can adjust their plans accordingly.
"The President has put forth six principles to guide our search for a way to ensure that Social Security remains secure through the entire 21st century. Under these principles, current and near retirees can be assured that their benefits will not be adversely affected; and the 153 million workers covered by Social Security this year can be confident that retirement benefits under the program will be reformed and made secure and the disability and survivors benefit components will be preserved.
"I am convinced that the current period of national debate and discussion can yield a bipartisan plan that will ensure that Social Security will continue to play its essential role for today's retirees and other beneficiaries, workers, their children and grandchildren. But, as the report issued today makes clear, we cannot postpone our task."
Other highlights of the Trustees Report include:
- The Old-Age and Survivors, and Disability Insurance Trust Funds paid benefits of approximately $432 billion in calendar year 2001;
- There were 46 million beneficiaries on the rolls at the end of 2001;
- Income to the combined Trust Funds amounted to $602 billion in 2001 and expenditures were $439 billion, increasing the assets of the combined funds by $163 billion to $1.21 trillion at the end of 2001;
- The cost of $3.7 billion to administer the program continues to be a very low 0.6 percent of total income;
- Interest earned on the invested assets of the combined Trust Funds was $72.9 billion in 2001.
Based upon the most recent experience and updated methodologies, the Trustees made several changes in assumptions from last year's report. The shorter-term outlook was improved primarily because of higher assumed productivity growth and revenue from taxes paid on Social Security income. The longer-term deterioration in outlook resulted from the passage of another year, a lower death rate assumption and projected higher benefits on average. The combination means that at the end of the 75-year period the program is in a significantly worse position than projected in last year's report.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of six members. Four serve by virtue of their positions with the federal government: Paul H. O'Neill, Secretary of the Treasury and Managing Trustee; Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security; Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health and Human Services; and Elaine L. Chao, Secretary of Labor. The other two members, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, are John L. Palmer and Thomas R. Saving.
The 2002 Trustees Report will be posted at www.ssa.gov/OACT by Tuesday evening.
Press Release
Wednesday March 13, 2002
For Immediate Release
James B. Lockhart III Sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security
James B. Lockhart III has been sworn in as Deputy Commissioner of Social Security. Mr. Lockhart was nominated by President Bush in July 2001 and confirmed by the United States Senate on January 25, 2002. Mr. Lockhart serves as the principal deputy to the Commissioner of Social Security, and as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Lockhart also will serve as the Secretary to the Social Security Board of Trustees and is also a member of the President's Management Council.
"I knew from my very first meeting with Jim that he was exactly the person I wanted for our Deputy Commissioner," Commissioner Barnhart said. "Jim brings a deep commitment to our country, our President, and the mission and employees of this agency."
Mr. Lockhart has a background in finance and pensions. He served with distinction in the previous Bush Administration as Executive Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation from 1989 until 1993. He was a director of the Association of Private Pensions and Welfare Plans (now the American Benefits Council) from 1993 until 1995.
Mr. Lockhart is the co-founder and former managing director of NetRisk, a risk management software and consulting firm serving major financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies and investment management firms worldwide. He has an extensive background in insurance. Prior to founding NetRisk, he was Senior Vice President of Finance for National Re and a Managing Director for Smith Barney. Earlier in his career he was Vice President and Treasurer for Alexander & Alexander, and worked for Gulf Oil in Europe and the U.S., serving as Assistant Treasurer.
The Social Security Administration, the largest independent federal agency, administers the Social Security retirement, disability and survivors insurance programs that pay $430 billion annually in benefits to almost 46 million beneficiaries, as well as the Supplemental Security Income program that provides $31 billion in assistance to over 6 million people with limited income and assets. The agency has a national workforce of about 65,000 employees with 1,500 field installations.
Mr. Lockhart is from Connecticut and is married with two children. He graduated from Yale University with a bachelor's degree and received a master's degree from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He also served as a Lieutenant (j.g.) in the U.S. Navy aboard a nuclear submarine.
Press Release
Tuesday February 5, 2002
For Immediate Release
Social Security Administration Launches New Program to Help People with Disabilities Go to Work
Ticket to Work Program Provides More Choices, Expanded Opportunities
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has launched a new program designed to help people with disabilities go to work.
"Today, only about one percent of the people who get Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits leave the rolls each year to go to work. We can do better, and we must do better," said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. "President Bush said, 'My Administration is committed to tearing down any barriers that unreasonably prevent the full participation of Americans with disabilities.' And he said that he will work 'to help disabled Americans realize their dreams through meaningful and successful careers.' And the Ticket to Work gets us there."
Social Security disability and SSI disability beneficiaries will receive a Ticket that may be used to obtain vocational rehabilitation, job training, and other support services. Initially, 13 states will participate in the Ticket Program, which will be in operation nationwide by January of 2004.
Tickets will begin arriving in mailboxes this week. Over the next five months, about 2.4 million Social Security and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities will receive a Ticket to Work. The mailings will be staggered, based on the last digit of a beneficiary's Social Security number. Anyone who wants a Ticket immediately can call 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-YOURTICKET). TDD/TTY users should call 1-866-833-2967 (1-866- TDD2WORK).
Individuals may take their Ticket to any of the employment service providers who offer services in their communities. These providers are called Employment Networks. A list of participating networks can be found at www.ssa.gov/work, by clicking on service providers.
Here's how the program works: a Ticket holder gives the Ticket to an Employment Network. The network and the Ticket holder together design an individual employment plan outlining the services to be provided to assist the beneficiary in reaching his or her employment goal.
The Ticket Program is voluntary. Social Security and SSI beneficiaries who receive a Ticket are not required to work, but may choose to use their Ticket to attempt to go to work. Likewise, Employment Networks are not required to accept Tickets.
The Ticket Program is designed to provide people with disabilities with more choices and expanded opportunities to help them go to work. Individuals will receive services from an Employment Network for free. SSA will pay the Employment Networks for successfully helping a beneficiary go to work. Employment Networks may choose to be paid based solely on helping an individual achieve self-sufficiency, or they may choose to receive payments when beneficiaries achieve different milestones during their attempt to go to work.
The Ticket Program is the cornerstone of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law in December 1999. Other provisions of the law are already in place to help support people with disabilities as they go to work. These provisions include expanded health care coverage.
Many of the barriers that would force people to choose between health care coverage and work have been removed by the legislation. Social Security disability beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare, the Federal health insurance plan. Effective in October 2000, most Social Security disability beneficiaries are protected by Medicare for up to eight years and six months after they go to work. Medicare coverage continues even if an individual no longer receives a monetary benefit from Social Security. Most SSI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicaid, which is a state health benefit. These individuals should contact the state Medicaid office in their area for more information. For more on the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability, click on the fact sheet at the end of this press release.
Between February and June, approximately 2.4 million beneficiaries will receive tickets in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Vermont and Wisconsin.
The second phase of the Ticket Program is scheduled for late 2002 in the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee and Virginia, and in the District of Columbia.
The final phase of the Ticket Program is scheduled for 2003 in Alabama, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming, as well as in American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Those who have questions about the Ticket Program should call Maximus, Inc. Maximus, the organization selected by SSA to administer the Ticket Program, may be contacted toll-free at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-YOURTICKET). TDD/TTY users should call 1-866-833-2967 (1-866- TDD2WORK). Internet users can visit www.yourtickettowork.com --Maximus' website.
For general information about the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, please go to SSA's Internet website-- www.ssa.gov/work -- The Work Site.
NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: For more information see
