Tag #Social Security

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npr.org

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Aug 5, 22:15

SSA's New Phone System Causes Delays, Frustration

The Social Security Administration's new phone system, intended to reduce wait times, is rerouting calls to offices lacking jurisdiction, causing delays and frustration for both callers and employees, according to disability advocates and agency staff.

SSA's New Phone System Causes Delays, Frustration

The Social Security Administration's new phone system, intended to reduce wait times, is rerouting calls to offices lacking jurisdiction, causing delays and frustration for both callers and employees, according to disability advocates and agency staff.

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What are the consequences of the SSA's new phone system for both agency employees and beneficiaries, and how do these consequences compare to the intended goals?

The new system connects callers to available staff, aiming to reduce wait times. However, it results in transferring calls to offices outside the caller's jurisdiction, leading to longer resolution times and increased workload for employees who must refer cases to the correct office. This inefficiency contradicts the stated goal of enhanced customer service.

dw.com

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Aug 1, 13:13

Germany's Aging Population Fuels Pension Reform Debate

German Economy Minister Reich proposes working longer to fix the pension system, sparking debate; the worker-to-pensioner ratio is 2:1, declining to necessitate reforms before 2025 when pension spending reaches €121 billion; the current retirement age is 65, slated to increase to 67 by 2031, while a...

Germany's Aging Population Fuels Pension Reform Debate

German Economy Minister Reich proposes working longer to fix the pension system, sparking debate; the worker-to-pensioner ratio is 2:1, declining to necessitate reforms before 2025 when pension spending reaches €121 billion; the current retirement age is 65, slated to increase to 67 by 2031, while a...

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How do differing perspectives on pension reform, specifically concerning the retirement age, reflect broader political and socioeconomic divides within Germany?

The current debate centers on raising the retirement age, a contentious issue due to its disparate impact on workers. While increasing the retirement age could alleviate the financial burden, it also risks reducing pensions for those unable to work longer due to health reasons. Alternative solutions include improving childcare to allow more parents to work full-time and increasing contributions from self-employed individuals.

cnn.com

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Jul 30, 04:12

Social Security's New Online Verification Policy to Disrupt Millions

Starting August 18, the Social Security Administration will require online identity verification for address changes, claim status requests, and benefit verifications, potentially forcing 3.4 million people annually to visit field offices due to technological barriers, according to a recent regulato...

Social Security's New Online Verification Policy to Disrupt Millions

Starting August 18, the Social Security Administration will require online identity verification for address changes, claim status requests, and benefit verifications, potentially forcing 3.4 million people annually to visit field offices due to technological barriers, according to a recent regulato...

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How does the new policy affect senior citizens and individuals with disabilities who lack online access or digital literacy skills?

This policy change, intended to combat fraud, disproportionately affects older Americans and those with disabilities who may lack online access or digital literacy. The 35-day wait for field office appointments exacerbates the problem, causing significant inconvenience and potential hardship. An additional 1.9 million annual visits are anticipated due to a similar pre-existing policy regarding direct deposit changes.

forbes.com

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Jul 27, 13:13

OBBBA Provides Tax Deduction for Seniors, Highlights Tax Disparity for NRAs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, introduces a temporary tax deduction of up to \$6,000 (\$12,000 jointly) for taxpayers aged 65 or older, from 2025-2028, reducing taxable income but not eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits; this contrasts with the 30% withholding...

OBBBA Provides Tax Deduction for Seniors, Highlights Tax Disparity for NRAs

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, introduces a temporary tax deduction of up to \$6,000 (\$12,000 jointly) for taxpayers aged 65 or older, from 2025-2028, reducing taxable income but not eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits; this contrasts with the 30% withholding...

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What specific tax relief does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act provide to American seniors, and how does it impact their Social Security tax liability?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) grants a temporary tax deduction of up to \$6,000 for single filers (\$12,000 for joint filers) aged 65 or older, reducing taxable income but not eliminating Social Security taxes. This applies to tax years 2025-2028 and phases out based on income. The Social Security Administration initially misrepresented this deduction's impact, stating it would eliminate taxes for most recipients, a claim later corrected.

dw.com

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Jul 26, 19:12

German Minister Urges Longer Working Hours Amidst Pension System Concerns

German Economy Minister Katherine Reiche advocates for longer working hours in Germany due to demographic changes and rising life expectancy, citing unsustainable retirement models and low annual work hours compared to the US, while facing criticism from within her party and social organizations.

German Minister Urges Longer Working Hours Amidst Pension System Concerns

German Economy Minister Katherine Reiche advocates for longer working hours in Germany due to demographic changes and rising life expectancy, citing unsustainable retirement models and low annual work hours compared to the US, while facing criticism from within her party and social organizations.

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What are the immediate consequences of Germany's aging population and declining workforce participation on its social security system?

Germany must work longer and more", says German Economy Minister Katherine Reiche, citing demographic change and rising life expectancy as reasons for extending working lives. She highlights the unsustainable nature of the current two-thirds working, one-third retirement model, noting that many have long ignored demographic shifts. This is coupled with the fact that German workers average 1340 hours annually compared to 1800 in the US.

zeit.de

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Jul 24, 07:15

German Crafts President Warns of Social Security System Collapse

German Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich warns of the imminent collapse of the German social security system due to insufficient reforms and rising social contributions, urging immediate action, including a review of early retirement options and the Bürgergeld system.

German Crafts President Warns of Social Security System Collapse

German Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich warns of the imminent collapse of the German social security system due to insufficient reforms and rising social contributions, urging immediate action, including a review of early retirement options and the Bürgergeld system.

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What are the most significant challenges facing Germany's social security system, and what immediate actions are necessary to prevent a crisis?

German Handwerkspräsident Jörg Dittrich warns of impending collapse of social security systems due to insufficient reforms and rising social contributions, urging immediate action to avoid a crisis. He specifically criticizes the lack of concrete reform plans within the coalition agreement and the insufficient response to rising energy costs.

pt.euronews.com

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Aug 2, 13:16

European Pension Income Disparities Highlight Social Security System Variations

In 28 of 29 OECD-analyzed European countries in 2022, older people's average disposable income lagged behind the overall population; income sources vary widely, with public pensions dominating in some, while work and private pensions are more significant in others.

European Pension Income Disparities Highlight Social Security System Variations

In 28 of 29 OECD-analyzed European countries in 2022, older people's average disposable income lagged behind the overall population; income sources vary widely, with public pensions dominating in some, while work and private pensions are more significant in others.

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What are the primary income sources for older people in Europe, and how do these sources vary across different countries?

In 2022, the average disposable income of older people was lower than the total population in 28 European countries, according to the OECD. Luxembourg was the only exception among the 29 countries analyzed. This income disparity highlights financial difficulties faced by pensioners, leading many over 65 to continue working.

welt.de

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Jul 31, 19:17

Germany to Review Social Security System Amid Sustainability Concerns

German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche announced a comprehensive review of the nation's social security system this fall, citing concerns about its long-term sustainability and the need for reforms in response to demographic changes and evolving employment patterns. Chancellor Merz supports this i...

Germany to Review Social Security System Amid Sustainability Concerns

German Economy Minister Katharina Reiche announced a comprehensive review of the nation's social security system this fall, citing concerns about its long-term sustainability and the need for reforms in response to demographic changes and evolving employment patterns. Chancellor Merz supports this i...

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How do the proposed reforms to the social security system connect to broader issues of demographics, immigration, and labor market dynamics in Germany?

The impending review of Germany's social security systems is driven by demographic shifts and evolving employment patterns. Minister Reiche highlights the urgent need to integrate diverse work biographies, address labor demands, and manage immigration effectively to maintain high levels of work productivity. This challenge is intensified by an approaching "tipping point.

nrc.nl

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Jul 28, 01:11

VVD Prioritizes Security and Economic Growth in Election Program

The Dutch VVD party launched its election program, "Sterker uit de storm," prioritizing economic growth, national security, and a smaller government, proposing cuts to social programs and increased defense spending to meet NATO targets, while downplaying climate change.

VVD Prioritizes Security and Economic Growth in Election Program

The Dutch VVD party launched its election program, "Sterker uit de storm," prioritizing economic growth, national security, and a smaller government, proposing cuts to social programs and increased defense spending to meet NATO targets, while downplaying climate change.

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What are the key policy changes proposed by the VVD in its election program, and what are the immediate implications for social programs and government spending?

The VVD, a Dutch political party, released its election program titled "Sterker uit de storm" (Stronger from the storm), focusing on economic growth, national security, and a smaller government. The party proposes cuts to public spending, including civil servants and development aid, to fund increased defense spending to meet NATO targets and protect "our way of life.

faz.net

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Jul 27, 19:15

Germany's Stagnant Pension Reform: A Commission and Voluntary Extension Fall Short

Germany's coalition government faces criticism for its insufficient pension reform, proposing a commission and a tax-advantaged, voluntary extension of working life instead of structural changes, despite concerns about overstretched social systems and conflicting interests among employers, unions, a...

Germany's Stagnant Pension Reform: A Commission and Voluntary Extension Fall Short

Germany's coalition government faces criticism for its insufficient pension reform, proposing a commission and a tax-advantaged, voluntary extension of working life instead of structural changes, despite concerns about overstretched social systems and conflicting interests among employers, unions, a...

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How do conflicting interests between employers, unions, and the SPD influence the prospects for pension reform in Germany?

The German coalition's failure to enact meaningful pension reform reflects deep-seated disagreements and priorities. While a new commission is formed, past inaction suggests limited progress. The introduction of a voluntary, tax-advantaged extension of working life is a compromise, reflecting conflicting interests between employers who prefer early retirement and the SPD, representing worker interests.

cbsnews.com

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Jul 25, 22:12

Early Social Security Claims Rise Amidst Financial Pressures

More Americans claim Social Security at age 62 due to financial pressures, despite higher payments from delaying; strategies like annuities, reverse mortgages, and maximizing retirement accounts can help delay claims and maximize benefits.

Early Social Security Claims Rise Amidst Financial Pressures

More Americans claim Social Security at age 62 due to financial pressures, despite higher payments from delaying; strategies like annuities, reverse mortgages, and maximizing retirement accounts can help delay claims and maximize benefits.

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What are the primary financial pressures driving early Social Security claims?

Financial pressures like job loss, rising costs, and insufficient retirement savings force early Social Security claims. The current economic climate, with high inflation and housing costs, exacerbates this trend. Strategic financial planning can mitigate these pressures.

npr.org

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Jul 24, 07:16

SSA Redistributes Staff to Reduce Phone Wait Times, But Overburdens Remaining Workers

The Social Security Administration is temporarily reassigning 4% of its field staff to reduce phone wait times, but this is causing increased workloads and potential delays in processing benefit applications due to existing staff shortages stemming from previous workforce reductions.

SSA Redistributes Staff to Reduce Phone Wait Times, But Overburdens Remaining Workers

The Social Security Administration is temporarily reassigning 4% of its field staff to reduce phone wait times, but this is causing increased workloads and potential delays in processing benefit applications due to existing staff shortages stemming from previous workforce reductions.

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What immediate impact has the SSA's strategy of reassigning staff to reduce phone wait times had on its field offices?

To reduce wait times on its national 800 number, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has shifted about 4% of field staff to handle phone calls. This has increased workloads for remaining staff, who report handling significantly more work than before, leading to concerns about service disruptions.

Showing 37 to 48 of 411 results