SOCIAL SECURITY
Opposition to Privatization
The Social Security system is part of what makes America strong, and Susan is committed to safeguarding the program's core value and long-term viability.
Millions of Americans rely on Social Security when they retire or become disabled, and it’s crucial to keep it solvent for years to come. Susan has opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and has remained steadfast in the effort to keep it viable for future generations.
Backlog Concerns
Susan has also asked tough questions of the Social Security Administration (SSA) about the disability claim backlog in San Diego. In recent years, cases have not been closed for months or years, and the problem only became worse after SSA shifted a portion of its backlog to San Diego from other regions. The hearing backlog is expected to be eliminated by 2013.
Individual Casework
If you have concerns about your personal Social Security benefits, please refer to my federal agency assistance page by clicking here.
To go to the Social Security Administration’s website click here.
For information related to Supplemental Security Income for the elderly, blind, or disabled who have little or no income please click here.
Supplemental Security Income and Military Families
One of the programs that SSA administers is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Some military families receiving SSI for special needs children who are in danger of losing their benefits because of service-related compensation. The income of a family receiving SSI is closely monitored to make sure it does not exceed the threshold for eligibility. Certain military payments – such as parachute jump pay and hazardous duty pay – had been considered "unearned income" under current regulations and consequently were harming their benefits and eligibility.
Susan introduced the Military Families Financial Security Act, H.R. 337, which would eliminate this unfair practice and treat most military compensation as "earned income." The legislation was signed into law in 2008 as part of a larger military benefits package.