Social Security Testifies Before Congress
Posted March 16, 2018 by Premier Disability Services, LLC®
Two Social Security representatives recently testified before Congress. On January 24, Jim Borland, acting deputy commissioner for communications, testified before the Senate Special Committee on Aging on the subject “Navigating Critical Decisions to Age Well.” “Few government agencies touch the lives of as many people as we do,” Borland said. “Social Security pays monthly OASDI benefits to approximately 62 million individuals. During fiscal year (FY) 2017, we paid about $934 billion to Social Security beneficiaries.”
Borland also described Social Security’s important role in helping people to understand Social Security retirement and Medicare benefits so that they can make their own informed decisions. He said, “Before individuals apply for and receive Social Security benefits, SSA has an important role to provide objective and clear information that individuals may use to plan for retirement and make informed decisions appropriate for their circumstances. We have a variety of ways to inform individuals about their claiming options before they decide to file for Social Security benefits or enroll in Medicare. These resources are critical because they allow individuals to consider the best age for them to start benefits based on their health, finances, and other personal circumstances. We provide this information using a variety of methods, including the Social Security Statement, our website and publications, outreach, and more.”
On February 7, Gina Clemons, associate commissioner for disability policy, testified before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Subcommittee on Social Security. Her testimony covered the many ways Social Security serves America’s Veterans, including wounded warriors and the disabled.
Clemons stated, “Through the programs and services we provide, it is our duty to show our appreciation and support for their sacrifices. We are proud of our ongoing partnerships and processes to help wounded warriors and other service members and Veterans. By working together, we continue to provide the high-quality service that our military men and women deserve.”
If you or someone you know is unable to work due to a medical condition, please contact us for a free evaluation of your claim!
By: Thomas A. Klint of Premier Disability Services, LLC®
You can read both testimonies at socialsecurity.gov/legislation/congressionaltestimony
