Obama administration suspends mailing of annual social security benefit statements to cut deficit!

[Better Believe It]

Social Security Suspends Mailing of Annual Benefit Statements
By Mary Beth Franklin, Senior Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance
March 31, 2011

Blame it on federal budget woes and a general migration of information from printed to digital format. Starting in April, most U.S. workers will no longer receive their annual Social Security benefit estimates in the mail.

“In light of the current budget situation, we are suspending the mailing of the annual statements beginning in April,” Social Security spokesman Mark Lassiter tells Kiplinger’s. Congress has failed to agree on a budget for the current fiscal year, which means that most federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration, are operating at last year’s spending levels. Lawmakers have approved a series of short-term spending extensions, but if they don’t reach agreement on hotly contested budget issues, the federal government (excluding essential services) could shut down in mid April.

The agency began mailing annual Social Security statements to 125 million workers age 25 and older in 1999, at an annual cost of about $70 million. Last year, it mailed statements to more than 158 million Americans. Over the past decade, the annual statement has become an essential part of personal financial planning, supplying critical information about future retirement income and serving as a stark reminder of the need for personal savings to supplement those benefits.

The agency estimates it will save $30 million by suspending mailings for the remainder of the fiscal year, which ends in September, and will save an additional $60 million next year by restricting mailings to workers 60 and older.

Read the full article at:

http://content.kiplinger.com/columns/kiptips/archives/social-security-suspends-mailing-of-statements.html?si=1#

[dkf]

1. Makes sense. They should just give the info out on the Internet.

Funny how they won't send us paper tax forms anymore but they want to continue the SS stuff.

[monmouth]

3. Good idea. Your SS# would be your PIN to log in. Also, not really

necessary as we all pretty much know the status of our SS...

[Shagbark Hickory]

7. only if they provide free internet access to all . $70mil is nothing and these statements are needed

Fuck you "administration". Stop bombing shit.

[dkf]

10. Why do we need them?

[CreekDog]

14. i'd like to keep track of my retirement and i get statements for all other retirement accounts

can't we just not bomb something for a couple of weeks and keep our statements?

[dkf]

19. Those are only estimates based on projected future earnings and future laws.

If you want to project future retirement you might as well do it on a comprehensive program that looks at all your retirement funds and savings which can also estimate SS. And in any case you should be projecting with and without SS.

My 401k website at work does all this for me.

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[CreekDog]

58. the SS wages aren't estimates, and the total disability is not an estimate

if you became totally disabled near the time of the statement, your benefit would be in line with that estimate.

and i would like to note your previous support for changes to Social Security. you have posted again and again to suggest that Social Security is going broke or needs to be fixed or will cost future generations too much to keep in its present form.

[bobbolink]

88. How telling that you presenting the facts doesn't get an admission of misstatement.

Thanks! :yourock:

[CreekDog]

117. talking down Social Security means not having to say you're sorry

:rofl: :eyes:

:hi:

[bobbolink]

171. Its like being on that other web site that cannot be named.

Yet, we are told that it is the REPUBLICANS who are our only enemies.

Teh ignorance.

[dkf]

182. The past payments are true but there are assumptions about future payments

That go into the projections of the benefits. Also that is dependent on there being a surplus or that payments received match or exceed payments paid at the time of retirement. If there is no surplus and receipts cannot cover payments then payments will be reduced or congress would need to include extra funding for social security payments in the budget.

Lastly it depends on there having been no legislative changes along the way. Those are quite a few variables.

Frankly any future projection of anything is just a best estimate. I would say that for most people, the mailer from social security may be the best case scenario. Then again the deficit commission was considering moving around the bend points giving lower income people a higher payout and higher income people a lower payout. Those are moves that will advantage the worse off.

[dkf]

135. The statement makes some assumptions about how much you will make from here though.

It needs to because how do you know what you will be earning til you get to retirement age?

The disability number is relevant for now as is the insurance to your beneficiaries, but it is very difficult to collect social security disability and it takes a long time to get it.

As to projecting retirement with or without social security, that is to consider a worst case scenario which is a responsible thing to do.

My high school Econ teacher warned me I might not get social security when I retire so I've never counted on it. Then it is gravy if I do get it.

I started contributing to my 401k and my IRA as soon as I got out of college. I started projecting my retirement about 5 years into my career. This is just how I am looking out for my future.

[CreekDog]

159. do you support cutting Social Security benefits now or in the future?

and you know that for many low income and disabled people (who have work histories), that often Social Security is their only source of income.

that said, do you support reducing benefits now or anytime in the future?

and kudos that you can save money because Social Security doesn't provide a big check. but for low income workers, there is no way to save unless they starve themselves or go homeless.

for the disabled, they can't work or have gainful employment --that's why they are on Social Security disability.

now to you:

:shrug:

[Shagbark Hickory]

36. So people know how little they have in retirement. And they also explain what SS is, so people who

listen to RW media all day will understand what it is.

Not everyone has other investments or retirement accounts. They think ss will be there when they retire.

[bobbolink]

39. I have answered that question twice in this thread. I hope you will avail yourself of the facts.

It is very sad that this question is even asked.

[otohara]

116. There's This Thing Called A Phone

for those who don't have internet access.

[Better Believe It]

23. And what about the millions of people who don't know how to use computers or aren't on the internet?

[pipi_k]

131. They don't have friends or family who could help them?

Either to figure it out, or to get the information for them?


Once a year. Not a huge imposition by any means.

[Better Believe It]

180. How about just mailing them the frickin statements instead of creating obstacles? Problem solved!

[damntexdem]

24. Makes political sense:

let elders know that budget cuts affect them, even if it's just not receiving a paper benefit statement.

[tabatha]

2. Online would be fine.

Less paper to recycle.

[Shagbark Hickory]

12. I'm paying $70 a month for internet. How much you paying?

[tabatha]

16. I pay $50 a month

but I do not have TV. Otherwise it would be double.

On edit: they have tried to sell me double the speed for $11 more per month, but I refused, despite the fact that I feel that internet is vital and I would have it anyway. I pay many bills online to reduce paper waste.

[Shagbark Hickory]

20. Lots of people don't ahve internet access. but everyone has a mailbox.

[tabatha]

32. How many people have cellphones with inteet access?

[Shagbark Hickory]

There's a lot of people that don't even have a home phone let alone a $90/mo smart phone.

[former9thward]

40. If you don't have Internet everyone has access to a library.

All libraries have internet access and librarians who will show you how to use it if you don't know how. It is not the end of the world unless you are looking for something to be outraged over. .

[Shagbark Hickory]

41. Not true. Not every municipality has libraries and not every library has computers for the public.

[former9thward]

66. And not every little town has a post office or other government buildings.

Would you propose post offices and federal government buildings in every town no matter what size?

[Shagbark Hickory]

85. Wrong again. Post office in every town. nt

[former9thward]

96. LOL. That is not what the post office says.

http://www.doughroller.net/personal-finance/united-states-post-office-closures/

[Shagbark Hickory]

98. Ok well the thuglicans and DINOS are taking those away too. I suppose you support that as well?

I mean, there's always internet if you got 50-100$ a mo to spend on that.

[former9thward]

110. I do not support post offices in towns with 10 people in them.

Neither does anyone sane.

[Shagbark Hickory]

124. Would you like to go back to the days of the Pony Express?

Maybe Wells Fargo will lobby congress to outsource the mail to them.
Whammo Blammo! wow! Banking and mail all in once convenient place!

[former9thward]

127. Don't know what your post has to do with the thread at hand.

But I'm sure in your world you do.

[Shagbark Hickory]

129. Thanks for the compliment.

[RC]

107. No, they have been shutting them down for decades.

[pipi_k]

119. Ummmmm.....not a huge problem...

I live in a tiny little rural town, population about 1300

We have a library housed in a former school building along with apartments.

In our little library there is a computer. With real, honest-to-goodness Internet access.


If one little rural town doesn't have a library with a computer, perhaps a nearby town does.


Where there aren't computers, there are always people who HAVE computers who probably would be more than willing to access this information for someone else...friend or family.

[Shagbark Hickory]

130. You're living in fantasyland. Why the hell would somebody drive 50 miles to the nearest computer to

read their goshdamn social security statement?

[pipi_k]

132. Nobody would, and I never said they should drive that distance

Most small towns are within a few miles of each other.

Where I live it's the same distance from my house to the library in my town as it is to the library in the neighboring town.

If someone lives far away from a library, then they do the next most sensible thing.

They contact a friend or family member and have that person get the information, print it out, then mail it, if a printed copy is needed.


Really. What's so hard about that?

People are coming up with the most ridiculous excuses for being outraged over this whole thing.


And on edit...

Most people who live in rural locations know that it makes sense to plan most of their activities on a certain day to cut down on travel time to the "Big City". So someone who had to go into the city or next town to use the library to access SSA for their information could also plan to do shopping or have dinner or see a movie or get a haircut or make some other appointment. That's just the way it's done out here. So this whole "fantasyland" crap is just that...crap. People can drive 50 miles to do a whole lot of stuff in one day, including stopping at the library to get SS information.

[Shagbark Hickory]

155. So you're saying, why let 80 cents of tax dollars be spent on it when instead it can cost

several dollars in gas and take an hour or more of time?

Why would someone even think to check their SS balance if they didn't even know what SS was?

The argument got sidetracked when post offices were mentioned. You don't need a post office. You need a postal carrier that's going to go to your house anyway to drop off bills and a few pounds of junk mail.

[bobbolink]

47. OMG.

The willful ignorance abounds.

Not to mention the lack of any sort of understanding or caring for those besides our own damned selves.

[former9thward]

64. Where are you posting from?

[bobbolink]

65. Why? Do YOU give out your personal info on the internet tubes?

the point is to be more aware and more compassionate, NOT dig into the personal lives of others to give a judgement.

[former9thward]

69. I am not interested in personal information

But you have indicated you are homeless so I presume you post from a library or similar building. Yet you seem to say it is not available. It is.

[bobbolink]

74. You know, the know-it-all attitude does NOT speak well for Dems or "progressives".

All of this has been discussed many times, including right here at DU.

Yet, the interest is in making it personal.

Digusting.

Yeah, you got some of us upset. Mission accomplished?

[former9thward]

77. You have just thrown mud when I have presented facts.

That's pretty disgusting.

[bobbolink]

81. You have presented judgement.

It must feel good to be so superior.

[Donnachaidh]

84. facts? Really?

Didn't notice any links to anything backing up the personal statement you are claiming as FACT.

Epic Fail. :eyes:

[former9thward]

101. Do you really want to claim libraries do not provide internet service?

https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doctype=cite&docid=15+DePaul-LCA+J.+Art+%26+Ent.+L.+231&srctype=smi&srcid=3B15&key=215adb19fa225876f517e81a882b3dee The Telecommunications Act of 1996 gives funding to libraries to provide internet service. As of 2000 95% of libraries provided the service. I doubt it has gone down since them.

[fascisthunter]

92. your judgement is NOT a fact

dur

[former9thward]

102. Actually it is.

https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doctype=cite&docid=15+DePaul-LCA+J.+Art+%26+Ent.+L.+231&srctype=smi&srcid=3B15&key=215adb19fa225876f517e81a882b3dee

[fascisthunter]

106. wtf?! Do you just randomly find links to post as a form of rebuttal

weird

All to further disenfranchise citizens just so the rich and wealthy can have their fucking away.... disgusting.

[former9thward]

108. It is not a random link assuming you know how to read.

I said libraries provide internet service. The link shows that as of 2000 95% of libraries provided internet service. If you have information that libraries no longer provide internet service I suppose you can link to that but I won't hold my breath.

[fascisthunter]

111. you may as well have posted a scan of a book cover... the link goes to a subscription

[former9thward]

166. No need to go to any link.

The summary and background on the left tells you anything you need to know. But again -- must be able to read. But if you want to assert libraries do not provide internet service to their patrons feel free.

[Better Believe It]

50. So you're opposed to the SSA sending out this information because it costs too much?

[former9thward]

63. As they teach in Rhetoric 101 any sentence which begins with "So" is a straw man.

But I'll answer as an adult. 1) I think it is a waste to send these estimates to anyone younger than 55. Ninety per cent throw it away and the other ten percent can easily find out the information as an estimate on the SS website. 2) These estimates rarely change on a yearly basis. How much did yours change from last year to the year before? Tell us. They could easily send these things out every five years with no problem. 3) No, I don't think, it is the end of the world if they don't send them THIS YEAR which is what they are saying and then just to 60 and up the next year. Civilization will not end.

[Better Believe It]

120. You obviously aren't familiar with these annual Social Security statements..

But, don't let that stop you from commenting on them!

1. You wrote: "the other ten percent can easily find out the information as an estimate on the SS website."

No they can't. The detailed estimates of a persons various social security benefits are available posted on the SSA website. The article pointed out that "The individual statements contain more information than is currently available from the online Social Security Estimator tool, such as annual earnings history and estimates of disability and survivor benefits."

If you had actually read the article before deciding to comment on it you would know that.


2. You wrote: "These estimates rarely change on a yearly basis."

You're wrong again!

The truth is just the opposite of what you claimed. I and my spouses estimate of benefits have changed every single year in which we receive an annual statement without exception! And that is likely the case for just about everyone else, except for you of course.

3. You pointed out that civilization won't end if people don't receive annual Social Security statements. Thanks for the info!

That's true. But, did someone suggest that failure to send out these statements would destroy the human race? Talk about a strawman!

4. You failed to answer a simple question posed to you. Are you opposed to having these annual reports sent out because in your opinion they cost to much? If not. what is your rational for withholding this information from the people?

I'm listening.

[former9thward]

172. You are not listening you just want to make a point that these statements are vital.

As I said how much do they change from year to year? I challenged to tell us how much they have changed from year to year. No response from you other than -- they did change!!!. Every five years would be fine. Have you changed your lifestyle because of these statements? Did you radically change your spending habits because your benefits were projected to go up $7.00 20 years from now? Yes you can go to the website and the formula is explained in general terms. If the SS thinks they cost too much for the remainder of THIS YEAR to send out I have no problems with that. Answer enough for you? Get your outrage really worked up now!!!

[Better Believe It]

181. Your previous comment has been refuted point by point.

It's obvious from your latest post that you're completely in the dark about what these annual statements are and how they change every year for people who work for a living and pay into the system.

Have you never held a job?

[bobbolink]

68. Makes a lot o sense, doesn't it? As I posted, which the naysayers ignore, it iwll cost MORE

in terms of employee hours to print out the info for those who NOW have to come into the office to get the proof they need.

It will cost MORE.

:crazy:

[former9thward]

72. The estimates they send out are not proof of anything.

They are estimates and just that. Can't be used for anything.

[bobbolink]

75. You are so wrong.

It is proof for MANY things.

Just another example of know-it-all-ness that is mean-spirited.

[former9thward]

79. Since it is 'proof' of many things I'm sure you will tell us just one.

[bobbolink]

82. I already did, but of course, you didn't manage to see it. Try FOOD STAMPS.

The list goes on...

[former9thward]

94. You are so wrong it is not even funny.

The Food nutrition program does not accept estimates of future SS benefits for any of their programs. But don't believe me as I know you don't. Ask your SS office what it can be used for.

[bobbolink]

170. Ah, the pride. SSI/ SSA/SSDIis indeed income that often qualitfies for food stamps.

Having that letter IS the proof that is needed. In fact, it is about the only proof.

Look it up.

Get the facts.

Then have the decency to apologize for the attitude.

[former9thward]

173. The statement the OP is talking about is FUTURE benefits

Which may be 40 years from now. It is not for benefits being received now. No, no food stamps do not care about or accept information about benefits which may be received DECADES from now. Your refusal to accept simple facts is amazing. Have the decency to apologize for the attitude.

[bobbolink]

174. What part of "ANNUAL" do you not understand?

"Obama administration suspends mailing of annual social security benefit statements to cut deficit!"

You can apologize now for just wanting to say anything in order to keep arguing.

[former9thward]

176. OMG. You don't even know the meaning of the word "annual"

And you clearly don't know what statement the OP is referring to and have never seen it. This statement is sent out EVERY YEAR giving an estimate of SS benefits sometime in the FUTURE. You do understand what the word FUTURE is don't you? It is NOT PRESENT benefits. In fact people getting benefits NOW DO NOT get the statement the OP is writing about.

[bobbolink]

177. It has been fully explained to you that people receiving SSI and other benefits get an annual letter

stating the amount they receive, which is used as proof for other things that people must apply for.

If you wish, prove that this is not true.

Otherwise, it is clear that you have come to disrupt, and the game is up.

[former9thward]

178. It has been fully explained to you that the statement the OP

posted about is for FUTURE benefits not PRESENT benefits. That is the statement the SSA says they will not longer mail out this year. They have may no comment or changes about anybody receiving CURRENT benefits. You are the one who has attempted to disrupt this thread over something you know nothing about.

[Better Believe It]

126. If they make a mistake you can correct because of the info contained in the statement.

Without the annual statement they can make an error without your knowledge.

[Shagbark Hickory]

87. No. I'm opposed to ceasing to send it out in hardcopy form so everyone knows exactly how much they

don't have in SS. And what SS is and how it works.

[tabatha]

42. Yes, I have never had a cell phone.

[Name removed]

90. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LoZoccolo]

25. It's also on your paycheck.

[Shagbark Hickory]

33. I don't get a paycheck. Many people are self employed or don't have big company checks

[LoZoccolo]

62. If you give me your Social Security number, I might be able to call them and get it for you.

[dionysus]

4. they're not doing a mailer? outrage fail.

:rofl:

[bigwillq]

5. They should give folks a choice.

Obviously it wouldn't save as much money. I would just go on-line. My grandparents, no. They don't have a computer and probably like that it's mailed to them.

[dkf]

6. Why do you need to know what your benefits are going to be if you are already getting them?

Unless your grandparents are too young for social security?

[bigwillq]

18. I was confused for a moment. sorry.

Gotcha.


Brain freeze.

edit: I still believe that they should give folks a choice. But, yeah, grandparents are too old. They are already receiving SS.

[Better Believe It]

26. You don't get an annual statement if you're already receiving SS benefits.

[shraby]

34. In the spring you get an annual statement showing how

much you received in benefits for the previous year and how much you paid for part B medicare for the previous year so you can put it on your income tax forms.

[Better Believe It]

45. That's not an estimate of future benefits which is my point.

[bobbolink]

35. That letter is PROOF, which is needed for many things that people have to apply for.

Say, for instance, food stamps.

That is only ONE example.

[dixiegrrrrl]

43. This could be a set up for businesses to pay LESS Soc Sec tax. Follow me on this:

The statement shows you if there is a problem in amounts credited to your SS account, for one thing

If your employer does not pay the full amount of the tax to SS,
which happened in my case, you can get less "earnings credits" towards your SS check in the future.
In every statement, there is a request to tell Soc. Sec. if you see a mistake in the earnings numbers.

I found that my employer had not reported ( or paid) the full amount of SS taxes they were supposed to pay.
The statement was proof of the problem, I had MY tax records that showed there was discrepancy,
and, as the statement requests, I sent a letter and copies to Soc. Sec.

After awhile, SS sent me a corrected statement, and I figure they may have gone after my employer for failure to
pay the amount of taxes.
this was in the 1980's, still possible for it to happen now.

[pipi_k]

8. Somehow I just can't find the energy to be upset over this n/t

[ClarkUSA]

9. This move will save forests of trees. I've completely gone to eco-billing and do online banking.

Considering most paper mills are highly polluting to the water sources they are close to, it is a very green move from a very green WH administration.

Thanks for bringing us this good news for once. :sarcasm:

[Armstead]

27. Not everyone has a computer...Let 'em eat cake?

Many can't afford a computer and Internet access...I guess they don't matter?

[Name removed]

37. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ClarkUSA]

46. Those complaining about this certainly can afford it. I pay $33/mo. That comes out to about $1/day.

That's not a whole lot. Anyone who can't afford internet access can pick up a phone and call SS for the information, presumably. Or make an annual trip to their library, if they care that much. I highly doubt they would because if they can't afford internet, they probably don't make enough to pay any taxes, anyway. Besides, why does anyone need a statement if you're already getting benefits and can do simple math? What did American workers do before 1999? What did those 60 and over do prior to 1995?

[Armstead]

97. Like I said....let 'em eat cake

People might like to know how much they have coming to them so they can plan their life -- it's not just 'simple math' to a lot of people who depend on that money. And if you only pay $33 for Internet you're lucky -- and for some people even that is too much. And, sure they can pick up the phone....except, wait. Agencies (like businesses) are now deliberately making it harder to actually talk to then on the phone, because they are trying to funnel them onto the Internet. (Don't believe me? Read one of the IRS progress reports on efficiency.)

Why do I wonder if GW Bush did something like this, a lot of the people defending it would be griping about it?

[pipi_k]

113. Net Zero

I hear it's free dial up service.

Yeah, you only get a certain amount of time each month, but it's something, at least.

All this "I'm too poor" for internet access is bullshit

[Armstead]

145. Um, you need a computer to use Net Zero

For many people, having to spend several hundred dollars on a computer is a hardship when they are struggling to meet their basic bills.

Your attitude sounds mighty conservative. "Oh you fools whining about poor people."

[pipi_k]

154. OK so they don't have a computer...

No friends or family who could donate one, either, I suppose.

And there's no such thing as Craigslist, or other places where people are looking to get rid of old computers instead of throwing them away...either for free or a very minimal cost.


And all these people don't have a trusted friend or family member who could access the information for them on their own computers....noooooo....



As for my attitude sounding "mighty conservative", I'm really disappointed to be told that coming up with viable alternatives...a Plan B, to be exact...is a "conservative" attitude.

Yeah. Let's all just roll over and die without coming up with creative solutions.

sigh...

[Armstead]

161. Why force people into such gyrations?

I called it conservative because that is always the fallback position of people like Rush. "Those freeloaders on unemployment who claimn they can't find a job. They just aren't enterprising enough. They can always go to the nearest McDonalds and flip burgers." (even if they are 60 years old and have four children to support and a mortgage.)

Why should people have to go through such gyrations to receive some basic information they are entitled to?

[XanaDUer]

179. +1

amen.

[fascisthunter]

183. I see a concerted effort to push the dem party more to the right

and it IS a problem. What's ironic is, most conservatives have been allowed in due to our Big Tent, however now that they are in, they want the party to reflect only their POV.... it is a big problem.

[tahrir]

156. "All this "I'm too poor" for internet access is bullshit" - yikes

not only do you need internet access, but you also need a computer, not to mention the skills and cash required to use and maintain a computer, which, believe it or not, lot's of people do not have.

you should not assume that everyone is in the same circumstance as you, because they certainly are not.

[tahrir]

157. dupe

[ReggieVeggie]

125. talk about out of touch

:crazy:

[pipi_k]

103. Enterprising souls...

can always find a way.

Libraries have computers

Family or friends may have computers


Before my daughter got a computer I would look stuff up for her on mine.

Family friends (a couple in their 70s and 80s) who didn't have a computer often called and asked us to look for stuff.

And before my mom (77 this year) got a computer, my sister who lives near her would find info for her.

"Can't afford internet access" really isn't a good excuse

[Armstead]

146. Okay Rush, You're right.

[pipi_k]

158. Nice one-liner...

They're usually thrown out as a last-ditch effort to look intelligent when someone has run out of constructive and adult things to say.


If coming up with alternative ways of getting something done is a "Rush Limbaugh" type attitude, then I'm worried that this country is fucked.

Seriously.

The creative spirit in this country has basically shit the bed.

[Armstead]

162. See my reply above.

[pipi_k]

167. My sincere sympathies...

Really.

I always feel sorry for people who, when they can't find anything adult to say, resort to insults and name-calling.

You don't like my opinion, so you address me using the name of one of the most disgusting right wing people in the media.

not just once, but twice.

Bravo.

So I bet you'll probably reply to this post with a third insult, but it will be for nothing as I'm putting you on my ignore list. If I want to be insulted, I can call my seven year old grandson, who at least is able to use his imagination.

[Shagbark Hickory]

11. The statements also explain what ss is, for people that listen to fox news and may not understand it

Another brilliant idea. Gotta free up more money for wars.

[liberal N proud]

13. That covers the first day of bombing in Libya

Now what will we have to "share the sacrifice" to pay for the rest?

[Lynx]

15. This is sad

I looked forward to getting mine. It's a great help. Now I'll just have to print the darn thing out.

[Hubert Flottz]

17. Meanwhile Back At The Banks...

The CEOs are looking forward to paying no taxes again this April 15th.

[blindpig]

21. Out of sight, out of mind. n/t

[Better Believe It]

28. And how does this cut the deficit?

Doesn't the administration receive enough FICA taxes to cover Social Security Administration costs?

And 30 million is barely a piss in the ocean.

Well, we know what the priorities are!

More bombs for Libya!

[CreekDog]

31. it doesn't...one month action in Libya costs $70 Million

so basically, we're stopping mailing retirement benefit statements, NOT to cut the deficit, but to fund bombing in Libya.

[ClarkUSA]

49. $30M this year + $60M starting next year = $570M in 10 years not adjusted for inflation

Plus the priceless value of conserving countless forests of trees which in turn saves the ecosystem which depends on them. You may not care, but green liberals like myself do.

[CreekDog]

29. Obama cuts nose, to spite face

The Social Security statements showed every working person the benefits current laws mandated for them, including total disability should that befall them.

It was also a way to tell people how much they qualify for and to arm them with information in the face of the ubiquitous falsehoods (some right here at DU) spread about Social Security as an attempt to "reform" (read, "cut" it).

[ClarkUSA]

52. Garbage. Anyone who wants one can log online, make a trip to the library or call their SSA office.

[bobbolink]

30. Those "unnecessary" letters are the proof needed for many things that people have to apply for.

Not mailing the letters still means that they will have to be printed.

People will now be required to go to their local SS office and ask for a print out, requiring more time from more SS employees.

How in hell is that supposed to save money?

The nonsense is compounding.

Just make life more hell for poor people... that will solve it. We poor folk need to "sacrifice" more.

Fuck it.

[ClarkUSA]

51. Like what? I can't even apply for a library card with it. Only photo IDs are allowed these days.

Plus, the librarian told me just yesterday that they don't want anything with a SSN on it for the purpose of identity theft prevention.

[Little Star]

60. Yep!!!

[bobbolink]

61. Yet look how many people here have decided they aren't "necessary".

:nuke:

Some compassion.

[pipi_k]

105. Get a copy from the internet

As I pointed out above, there are always ways of getting access to one.

Libraries...friends and family.


It's not as difficult as people are making it out to be.

[Wait Wut]

38. TEH HORRAH!!!!

They didn't start mailing the statements out until 1999. I remember 1999. It was dark, cold and there were dinosaurs trying to eat teh children.

Seriously. Of all the ridiculous things to bitch and whine about, this has got to be the ridiculousest. I get all my other statements and bills online (except my water bill...they're still stuck in 1999). Save a friggin tree. Don't have/can't afford internet? Try a library. Don't have/can't get to a library? Call the SS office. Don't have/can't afford a phone? Send them a letter of request.

The few that will be seriously put out by this (all 15 of you) will survive. This will save approx. $70 million. And, you're bitching because...you hate trees...like wasting money? What?

For the love of pie, use a little common sense and logic before you complain about something so dumb.

[Sheepshank]

59. go tell it!!!!

+1+1+1+1

of the 158 Million mailers...i wonder how many actually need the paper? I'd bet that a hard copy could be obtained upon request.

and for those that think $70M is no biug deal? Serious? One year savings, times by X number of years...it's fucking big deal.

[Wait Wut]

78. I'm so glad this is Friday.

Was planning on staying home and relaxing, but I think after this thread I may need a drink. The comments are freakin' amazin' I tell ya.

[SidDithers]

76. +1. Especially for use of "ridiculousest"...

:hi:

Sid

[Name removed]

121. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Wait Wut]

150. Interesting.

I know a lot of low income seniors and none have ever told me they need their SS statement for rent. Are they not currently receiving SS checks? Wouldn't their bank statements/check stubs be acceptable? What were all those low income seniors doing before 1999? Or, did we not have low income seniors back in the dark ages? Or, is your statement just a dumb comment from a fellow "Dumb DUer"?

Tell ya what, bud...I'll do some research this weekend and see if I can't track down the reality of your low income seniors friends situation. Then, you can be the HERO when you tell them that this will not force them out into the streets!!!

:toast:

[Duer 157099]

44. I just got mine yesterday n/t

[Better Believe It]

48. Not knowing how much you will receive should discourage some people from applying for benefits!

More transparency!

This decision will result in some reduction in social security payments over the next few years and I believe that's a major objective of this administration.

People are less likely to apply for early retirement before they reach the "full" retirement benefits age if they don't know how much social security they will receive.

[ClarkUSA]

53. That's ridiculous. Give one credible example in the press of that happening recently.

[ProSense]

55. "Not knowing how much you will receive should discourage some people from applying for benefits!"

Were people discouraged from applying for Social Security before 1999?

Why didn't FDR make a paper statement mandatory? Were people cheated out of their benefits for the more than 60 years before the mailings began?

"This decision will result in some reduction in social security payments over the next few years and I believe that's a major objective of this administration."

Not mailing a statement = Cut Social Security?

:rofl:

[Wait Wut]

67. Okay...I get it.

April Fool's, right? Please tell me I'm right.

[NightWatcher]

54. Helps the rw(?) meme that SS is going broke. "see they wont even send you a statement"

why does he keep playing into their hands?

[ClarkUSA]

56. FACT 1: Paper SS statements to US workers only began on September 30, 1999.

How tragic! Whatever did they do before this?? Besides not razing whole forests and polluting countless waterways in order to provide paper, that is.

Proof: http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/statement.html

I had no idea President Clinton was such a beast! How dare he subject Americans to an additional SEVEN long dark years of deprivation (and let's not forget how awful FDR was not to do this starting with the creation of SS) before making Americans' lives so much easier and happier? I can barely imagine the outrage and despair that existed prior to this joyous event... :sarcasm:

[ClarkUSA]

57. FACT 2: "SSA began sending the statements automatically to individuals age 60 and over in 1995."

How tragic! Whatever did they do before this?? Besides not razing whole forests and polluting countless waterways in order to provide paper, that is.

"SSA began sending the statements automatically to individuals age 60 and over in 1995."
http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/statement.html

President Clinton was such a beast! So was FDR and JFK and Carter and Truman!! How dare Clinton wait three whole years before relieving the dark nightmare that seniors have suffered through since the awful days of FDR? I can barely imagine the outrage and despair that existed prior to this blessed event... :sarcasm:

[Wait Wut]

91. Didn't you know?

No one filed for their benefits before 1999 because they never received their statements. It's true, I tell ya!!! It was a conspiracy by all those presidents! But, it wasn't until the evil "Obama Administration" (otherwise known as the EOA) came along that we found out the TRUTH!!!

[Armstead]

100. FACT 3: (Or Question 3) So it's GOOD to roll back progress?

Just because it is relatively new doesn't mean it is not worth saving.

Maybe we should just get rid of the Family Leave Act because that was only passed in the 1990's.

hell, let's get rid of the EPA while we're at it. That isn't all that old.

[ProSense]

104. FACT 4:

This is the stupidest outrage ever. Ever!

Maybe they should go back to mailing paper checks.

Progress is moving away from paper.

[Armstead]

136. It's not an outrage...Just yet another annoyance.

Kind of a: "Screw you old people who can;t use computers and you younger ones who can't afford one. We gotta play along with the GOP and slash these budgets."

[ProSense]

151. BS! n/t

[Armstead]

153. Very cogent comeback

and you are allowed to say "bullshit" here.

[cottonseed]

70. So much hate you gotta go digging through the garbage for things to spin now?

You're wasting your life's productive energies trying to get people riled up over unread mailings?

[RebelOne]

71. I am not concerned because I am already

receiving SS benefits, so I know how much I am receiving each month. I would like it if I was notified that I would be receiving COLA in the near future.

[SidDithers]

73. I like how you substitute whatever agency is involved with "Obama administration"...

What's next?

Jane Doe fails her driving test? Obama Administration bars Omaha Woman from public roads!!

:rofl:

Sid

[Wait Wut]

86. AAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

:applause:

[Bobbie Jo]

89. ROFL

I sense a pattern. :rofl:

[Armstead]

99. I wonder if this would be defended so hard if this had been posted during the Bush admninistration

Just wondering, of course

[pipi_k]

123. If it was done to keep costs down

and enable the continuation of SS as it is, then I would feel the same way.

Not a big deal.

People without computers can go to the library or have a friend or family member access the info for them. It's not like the people at SSA have Skype and want to actually SEE the person accessing the information, for heavens sake.

[ReggieVeggie]

128. nonsense

if Bush did it you would be apoplectic

Obama could more than cover this stuff cutting a FEW percentage points of defense budget

[pipi_k]

133. Yeah, OK

because, like, you know me.

:eyes:


I wouldn't care if Bush did it, because I don't care period.


It's not an issue to get apoplectic about.

[ReggieVeggie]

134. it denies people their right to know what their benefits are

and, again, isn't there ANYTHING else Obama could cut? Anything?

[pipi_k]

140. It doesn't deny anybody anything.

People would still have the right to know what their benefits are. They would just get the information another way. That's all.

Please don't equate a change in method of delivery with denying people their rights.

As for what else Obama could have cut, who knows?

I don't have a crystal ball, and I don't have insider access to what goes on in the White House.


All I know is that it's both sad and amusing that people are coming up with every excuse in the book for hating this. As someone who has been disabled with panic disorder and agoraphobia for a LONG time, I know every excuse in the book for not being able to do something, and most, if not all, of the excuses here are lame beyond belief.

I'm also pretty good at finding a way to get done what I need to get done.

People who don't have computers can always find a way to get the information they need.

[ReggieVeggie]

148. excuses

that's what you're coming up with

[pipi_k]

163. Excuses?

No. Others are coming up with excuses for why this sucks. How people are being denied their rights. How they CAN'T get this information.

Bullshit.

People have the right to have this information, and they'll likely just get it some other way.

If that way involves the computer, then there are ways to do that.

Buy one. If they can't afford a computer, go to the library. If there's no library nearby, have a trusted friend or family member get the information on their computer.

Honest to God...how do people here ever survive when circumstances change, is what I want to know...

Do people just sit around crying "Oh woe is me...boo hoo...I CAN'T do this"...or do they get up and find a way around the roadblocks?

Some of the attitudes here are scary.

[Mimosa]

80. This is wrong. n/t

[Politicalboi]

83. How about

Those who want them on paper send a self stamped addressed envelope and they will print it up for you, or the SS can send it around tax time if you request it for a $1.00 fee.

[fascisthunter]

93. wow... those who have little money, look upon the snobby

the upper crust know-it-alls... yeah, they exist in our party too, but they are a MINORITY. A loud, obnoxious minority with very little empathy for anybody but the status quo and those in power.

This shit is what turns off folks to the democratic party... the attitude towards the poor is sickeningly familiar.

[Bluebear]

122. Absolutely right.

[EFerrari]

141. I know. It's disgusting. nt

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

95. Well, he has to find some way to pay for those CIA boots that aren't on the ground.

[Shiver]

109. I can't seem to find any outrage for this...

:shrug:

Sorry. Maybe someone can spare some for me?

[fascisthunter]

114. well, you'd care if you needed SS someday

kinda important to know how much money you have in your SS.

[Name removed]

115. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[snooper2]

112. Everyone is throwing a fit about this online

irony much :rofl:

[pipi_k]

118. No shit

and I wonder how many here are homeless or can't otherwise afford their own computers and are using a computer in a library or somewhere else.

[Armstead]

138. The irony is that so many supposed Democrats say: "I've got mine so screw everyone else."

It may not be a huge deal, but it is yet another brick in the wall of Democrats following along with the GOP agenda.

[MadHound]

139. Yeah, it's called empathy

I can recognize the problem that this move will be for many people in this country, and empathize with the difficulty this will bring them.

Empathy, part of what makes you human. Perhaps you should try it sometime.

[pipi_k]

142. Not being able to feel outrage

doesn't exactly translate to "lack of empathy".

I'm sure most of us here are suitably empathetic even though we're not foaming at the mouth about it.

[Armstead]

147. No you are batting back against those expressing empathy

[pipi_k]

160. Nobody is battling back against people expressing empathy

It's more like people are coming up with every stupid excuse they can think of for why this is an infringement on people's rights, blah blah blah.

There are other ways of getting this information which could be as easy as, or easier than, walking out to one's mailbox.

But nobody wants to hear about them.

It's not as big a problem as people are making it out to be.

You know the people I have outrage for? The ones who will find their SS benefits reduced, or cut out altogether.

I'll bet they would give their right arms to get them back and have to get their income information from ANYWHERE. Even if it means having to drive to the library to use the computers.

[MadHound]

149. You ass u me that I'm "outraged"

Again, misreading my emotions.

I think that this is a mistake, an insensitive mistake, on the part of the Obama administration. Nowhere in my post did I mention anything about "outrage". Nor does my post imply a single thing about "foaming at the mouth".

Apparently your emotional understanding of others is somehow stunted, since you're completely misreading what I've said:shrug:

Oh, and the figure we're looking at here is this, approximately one third of Americans don't have access to a computer and/or the internet. One third, a pretty big number to cut out of the loop regarding their SS benefits, don't you think?

[pipi_k]

164. If I misunderstand what you write...

then maybe the problem is that you haven't made yourself clear.

Maybe my "misunderstanding" stems from the fact that someone who was unable to work up sufficient outrage was told by you that s/he lacked empathy.

I think it's only natural to connect the dots and assume that because you are empathetic, that you are also outraged.

Otherwise, why point out to someone who isn't outraged that s/he is not empathetic?

Throw around stuff like that, and yeah...you're going to be misunderstood.

[MadHound]

168. Or it could very well be that you have a logical disconnect.

Here's one for you, you state that, "I think it's only natural to connect the dots and assume that because you are empathetic, that you are also outraged."

That simply doesn't follow a logical chain of thinking. Just because I'm empathetic doesn't mean that I am bipolar, either outraged, or not. There are a wide range of emotions in between, yet you ass u me that I'm immediately at outraged. Again, this points up to what seems to be a lack of understanding peoples' emotions on your part.

The reason that I'm pointing out to you that you seem to lack empathy is, well, because you do seem to lack empathy. You can't put yourself in the shoes of a single online poster and successfully discern their emotional reaction, instead simply assuming that they're outraged. Likewise, you can't seem to put yourself in the shoes of the one third of the population that doesn't have online access. This does indeed point out to me that you are lacking in empathy:shrug:

Hey, if the foo shits. . .

[EFerrari]

143. You don't know any seniors w/out net access?

Two in my family.

[pipi_k]

165. I knew some myself

And they have, in the meantime, gotten computers and internet access.

But before that, they would ask their friends/family to get information for them. Even fill out online forms.


that excuse doesn't fly.

[EFerrari]

175. All seniors don't have computers.

And all seniors don't have someone to fill out forms for them.

This kind of attitude is why the Republicans get away with everything. Every time they try to take something away from social services, half the Democrats say it's just dandy. Unbelievable.

[SpartanDem]

137. Saving trees and money

sounds good to me

[EFerrari]

144. On the backs of senior citizens. Well done.

[fascisthunter]

184. save the trees, screw the people.... nice framing

[dionysus]

185. .

:rofl:

[fascisthunter]

186. I'm Sure the Working Class who reads this thread thinks it's hillarious

what political ingenious....

:dunce:

[Lucinda]

152. Good.

[killbotfactory]

169. People are upset by this? Really?

Uh, okay guys...

*backs away from thread slowly*