Terrible national decision by Soc. Sec. Administration; particularly hard on low income and immigran
Our local chapter of SSW is meeting with our congressional delegation on this. Everyone should do so.
As you may know, SSA has decided, starting February 1, to begin to shift one important activity from the field offices and to eliminate another one entirely. Those activities are (1) benefit verification letters and (2) the provision of Social Security Number printouts. SSA has stated in internal documents that these changes could result in the need for increased security at field offices.
Last year, approximately 11 million people requested these documents at field offices. The documents are particularly important for low-income individuals who often need them to qualify for numerous assistance programs, as well as for jobs.
Starting February 1, SSA is to start notifying beneficiaries that, starting April 1, benefit verification letters will only be available by going to mysocialsecurity or by calling the hotline and waiting 5-7 business days. After April 1, the SSN printouts will only be available through an exceptions process in the event of “emergency and disaster related situations.”
The arguments for eliminating these services at the field offices are to relieve the workload at field offices and save money, as well as security concerns with the SSN printout. However, AFGE, who of course represents field office workers, was not consulted and strenuously objects to the changes.
Part of the reason for this email is to inform everyone about the change and to see if others in the coalition who represent stakeholders share AFGE’s concerns. In addition to the substance of the changes is their rapid implementation, without public or union input. Perhaps most alarming is the belief by SSA, indicated in internal documents, that those needing these forms will become so frustrated and angry that they might engage in violence.
If those representing stakeholders are concerned, there are several action steps we can take. In the last legislative call, it was mentioned that SSA may be holding a meeting with stakeholders to discuss these issues. Social Security Works has not been invited, but we are wondering whether others in the coalition have been. If someone on this list has been invited, could you please let us know. If the coalition is concerned, we should produce a large and well-informed group to attend; if no meeting has been scheduled and there is interest, we can request one.
In addition, Mike Gentile, staff member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, is interested in meeting with the Coalition to understand more about the issue and about our concerns. He would like to meet this week, so there might be time for the issue to be addressed either in the Labor-HHS appropriations bill or in the committee report accompanying this bill. In that regard, please email whether you want to attend that meeting and what your availability is. Again, if the coalition is concerned, we should produce a large and well-informed group of attendees.
We could have a call about this matter, but it may be enough simply to have a conversation through email exchanges. Please feel free to respond with your views.
Best,
Nancy
Nancy J. Altman
Co-Director, Social Security Works
Co-Chair, Strengthen Social Security Coalition
Office: 301-229-2651
Cell: 301-873-2610