Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 19 February 1998 — Page 7
The Muncie Times, February 19,1998, Page 7
Direct deposit way to go for Social Security checks
By William D. Brown An effort to encourage the public’s participation in protecting Social Security programs from fraud and abuse is paying off in calls to the agency’s new fraud hotline. More than 75,000 calls and an average of 75 letters a week have been received by the hotline during its first 6 months. The figures are contained in the Agency’s Inspector General’s Semi- Annual Report to the Congress. The report also indicated thatduringthe Orstbmonthsofthe fiscal year 1997, the Office of Inspector General opened 2,307 and closed 788 investigations,
obtained395 criminal convictions as a result of investigations and reported more than $11.5 million in fines, judgements and restitutions. According to the report, most ffaudallegations fall intoone offourcatergories: Social Security numbers (obtaining a Social Security number based on false information, counterfeiting Social Security cards); program fraud (concealment of work activity, false claims, forgery); employee fraud (mismanageijient, unauthorized activities); and other types of fraud (deceptive advertising, mail fraud, receiving benefits for children not in recipient’scare). “It’s important that we
recognize that we all have a responsibility to protect the Social Security program from fraudulent activity,” said Acting Social Security Commissioner John Callahan. “We all lose when program costs increase due to fraud and abuse.” The hotline telephone number is 1- 800- 269- 0271. The address is Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, Maryland 21235: It won’t be long. The cold winds of winter are just around the comer. Ifyousignup for direct deposit now you can sit at home this winter, warm and cozy,andknow yourmoneyisin
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the bank every month. Direct deposit is the safe,convenient way to receive your Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. You don’t have a bank account? Contact your bank, credit union or savings and loan office. They’llbegladtohelpyou set one up. If you already have a bank account, contact your bank or call Social Security, the representative will need to ask you a few questions to determine youridentity. If you have an account, you can call your bank or Social Security to switch to direct deposit. You’ll need your bank statement or personal check, and your Social Security number. You can expect your benefits to be deposited in your account within 30 to 60 days. We’ll send you a letter telling you when to expect your benefits to be in your bank account Questions and Anwsers Q. My son just enlisted in the Navy. Do people in the military pay Social Security taxes?
A. Yes, people who
serve in the military services on active duty or on active duty training have paid into Social Security since 1957. While those served in the military before 1957 did not pay into Social Security, their Social Security records are credited with special earnings for Social Secuirty purposes. For more information, call Social Security at 1- 800- 7721213 andaskforthefactsheet, “Military Service and Social Security.” Q. How much work do you need for retirement benefits? A. Generally, the amount of work you need is 10 years. Work credits may beeamedatanytime. They go with you from job to job and stay with you permanently. Q. Among Americans 65 and over, how many are receiving Social Security benefits? A Among Americans 65 and over, 92 percent are receiving benefits and antother 3 percent will be eligible to receive benefits when they retire.
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