How many years have I been warning people to get their papers in order?
Effective March 31:
Steve
5 Likes
Their request for the info requires them to document they are actually from Social Security. Passports work. If not, then nobody in this administration can legally enter any other country (no valid “papers”).
Well, if you walk into a building with a big sign that says “Social Security”, that would be a pretty good clue you are in the right place. This is the sign at the office where I signed up.
Thing is, as the pressure builds to reduce outlays, the hoops will be harder to jump through. Only a matter of time, before they start going back to people who are already receiving benefits to check their papers.
Steve
I’m guessing that this attempt to reduce Social Security fraud will probably cost more than it saves. About 70 million Americans are using SS. Mistakes are inevitable with that many people. There comes a point where efforts to eliminate all mistakes are not cost effective.
This new system will likely require a significant increase in staffing and paperwork at all these regional SS offices. In effect, bigger government. And since there is very little fraud going on the benefits will be very small. Fact Sheet: How much waste, fraud, and abuse is there in Social Security? | Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Another dog and pony show moment from this administration. Greater inconvenience for little benefit and higher expense.
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You missed the point. Denial of service is the objective. Add up the “savings”, if every person who applies for SS benefits, can’t get an appointment for a year. Then add up the additional “savings” from people who don’t have a certified birth certificate. Then add up the additional “savings” from “losing the paperwork”, and making people start the process all over. The objective is to prevent some portion of retirees receiving any benefits, and telling the “base” they were all frauds.
Steve
8 Likes
Old people vote and there are a lot of old people in red states and counties. If this is the objective, it is a dumb one. Democrats should love the notion of republicans making new retirees wait a year for an SS appointment.
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The trick is how it’s done. The “base” would be riled if everyone’s benefits were cut, or if everyone’s retirement age was increased. “Denial of service” lays traps that only some people will fall into. The best thing is requiring documentation, because not everyone will have it in hand. Government authorities will be flooded with requests for birth certificates, causing delays. If you miss your SS appointment, because you have not received your birth certificate, then make a new appointment, a year out, and it isn’t SS’ fault. Most people would be able to receive benefits without a problem. And, they will be told, the people who were denied, were all frauds. So the “base” will cheer.
Steve
1 Like
They have never known what they are voting for.
For that matter we do not know why they vote either.
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Denial of service also feeds the sentiment that government is incompetent and social security must be privatized. That’s the big prize.
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“Sign zee papers, old man!”
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The ol’ divide and conquer. Works every time.
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You mean the very thing that they are currently pushing to cut?
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