We realize it may be a stretch for ordinary people to want to keep up with the comings and goings of the Social Security Administration, but sometimes circumstances permit where someone does want to follow the latest news regarding the agency due to a possible retirement or disability interest. This blog is an ongoing piecemeal of recent stories that have involved Social Security. Some are tidbits and some are important things that should be known in the world of retirement or disability and others are just interesting stories and nothing more.
Agency Attempts To Upgrade IT Infrastructure
Social Security recently began a five-year effort to modernize the agency’s information technology infrastructure. According to a story reported by Federal News Radio, the focus of the upgrade will be on services used by the general public and the first year of the upgrades will be on improving communications and existing services.
“We are currently working to put all of our online services behind that secure online portal…my Social Security,” Sean Brune, the agency’s chief program officer for IT modernization, was quoted in the story reported by Federal News Radio. “We encourage all members of the public to establish their personal my Social Security account. That will then allow, prospectively, a member of the public to see all the relevant services for their circumstances.”
One of the major goals of this first wave of technology updates includes an effort to cut down the huge backlog of disability claims. These new efforts will allow Social Security to test new software, convert the code and compare the results with what Social Security now receives from its current system. One source of funding Social Security hopes to use to upgrade its IT infrastructure is the Modernizing Government Technology Act. This measure, which was signed into law last December, allows Social Security to apply for funds to modernize its budget.
Another Threat Against Social Security
An Illinois man has been charged with threatening to “blow-up” a Social Security office in Palos Hills. The report indicates the man charged, Michael Perelka, 48, was not happy with the services he was receiving at the local Social Security office and allegedly yelled “I’ll blow this place up.” We have reported previously on similar kinds of incidents. It is definitely not a wise idea to threaten to blow-up a government building no matter how much frustration exists. For his alleged actions, Perelka was charged with disorderly conduct. A court date has been set for May 31.
Schumer Calls For Increased Social Security Funding
The most powerful democrat in the United States Senate recently called for increased funding for Social Security to keep up with the 10,000 baby boomers who are reaching retirement age every day. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer, (D-N.Y.) recently met with a group of seniors calling for new funding for Social Security to keep up with the demand for services. Schumer said that there are 10,000 less Social Security employees than there were in 2010, according to a story published by News10. Schumer said the current wait times customers are experiencing at local Social Security offices are unacceptable.
“If you just place a phone call you have to wait an average of 40 minutes just to get someone on the line,” Schumer said. Additionally, Schumer said the fact that 10,000 people died last year while waiting on disability claims can’t be tolerated.
