The Social Security Administration (SSA) helped millions since President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the agency in 1935. In addition to the obvious beneficiaries – retirees – the SSA provides benefits to disabled Americans and more than 50 million orphaned children. With an annual net cost of about $1 trillion in 2018, SSA spending comprises about 15% of all spending by the federal government. As of July 17, 2019, the Social Security Administration has a new commissioner.
Meet Commissioner Andrew Saul
After a successful 20-year career in the public sector, Commissioner Andrew Saul served state and local governments, as well as non-profit organizations. For example, the new commissioner previously worked with the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Mount Sinai Health System, the National Gallery of Art, and the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York.
Commissioner Saul served as chairman of the Federal Thrift Investment Board (FTIB) from 2002-2011. The FTIB offers additional retirement savings security for military and federal employees. In addition to introducing new programs during Commissioner Saul’s tenure, employee participation increased while costs dropped.
The new Commissioner’s term runs until January 19, 2025.
What Does the New Commissioner Mean to You?
The Social Security Administration touches millions of Americans every day through programs, including:
- Social Security Retirement,
- Social Security Disability Insurance benefits for disabled workers,
- Supplemental Security Income.
During his six-year term in office, the SSA’s new commissioner has the authority to affect recipients and future recipients of Social Security Administration benefits.
In fact, Commissioner Paul has stated that he will take “a top-to-bottom look at the agency’s five-year IT modernization plan, and will reexamine its growing disability backlog.” At this time, that backlog contains more than one million applicants. Some applicants wait more than a year before finally getting their disability hearing.
Applying for Social Security Benefits Is Difficult
Talk to an attorney about your eligibility for Social Security benefits. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have more than 50 years’ legal experience, much of it involving Social Security Disability Insurance claims.
Call us at 714-385-8100 for a free consultation. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
