More fall out from special government employee, Elon Musk’s Department of Governmental Efficiency (DOGE). Acting SS Commissioner, Michelle King, has resigned in protest of access being denied DOGE. President Trump has named Leland Dudek, a long-term SS employee, as Acting Commissioner. Frank Bisigano has been nominated by the President to be permanent Commissioner.
The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Bulletin reports that as of January 2025 Social Security beneficiaries can no longer just drop by their local district office with a question or to get an issue resolved. Most people must call for an appointment. Exceptions are made for military personnel, people with terminal illnesses and those…
Summer 2021 Newsletter STILL STANDING…AND PRACTICING I published the first issue of Social Security & You in Spring of 1993. Some years I’ve published more issues than others. The most recent issue was dated Spring 2019: over 2 years ago. The world was a much different place then. Especially for me. Read the full newsletter…
Spring 2019 Newsletter An Opioid Story I’ve changed his name. Let’s call him Gerald. He was a laborer. And by that I don’t mean that he just did physical work. He was a card-carrying member the Labor’s Union local. And that meant a lot to him. I represented him for Social Security disability and Michigan…
Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, is warning about new tactics being used by telephone scammers. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of telephone scammers using real Social Security official’s names in their calls.
Some names are available on Social Security websites or through an on-line search. Other callers are being given “badge #s” of law enforcement officers. Some callers request email attachments be sent with personal information.
Inspector General Ennis emphasizes Social Security will never:
“Suspend” your Social Security number because someone used it in a crime.
Threaten you with arrest or other legal action unless you immediately pay a fine or fee.
Require payment by gift card, wire transfer, internet currency or mailing cash.
Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.
Send official letters or reports containing your personal information via email.
If you get such a call Inspector Ennis recommends you hang up
If you owe money to Social Security you will receive a letter in the U.S. mail with payment options and appeal rights. Ennis urges recipients of scam calls to report them to the OIG website