Muncie Times, Muncie, Delaware County, 19 September 2002 — Page 27

The Muncie Times, September 19,.2002, page 26

SOCIAL SECURITY

Baby Boomers population doubles this century Farmers who have been busy with the planting season should also remember how to help sow future Social Security protection for any farm workers they hire. Most farm workers are “covered” by Social Security. By reporting farm workers’ wages and paying Social Security taxes, farmers can help ensure that their workers earn valuable Social Security retirement, disability and survivors program benefits. Farm owners also need to be aware that if they don’t report wages and pay the taxes due, they could be subject to an IRS penalty. Of course, I am often asked if farm workers can be considered independent contractors. The answer is that if they are working under a farm owner’s direction and control, they cannot be considered independent contractors. They are employees

and their wages must be reported to Social Security. Some farmers hire “crew leaders” to manage their farm workers and to handle their entire wagereporting responsibilities. In these cases, the crew leader is often considered the “employer” of the farm worker and has the responsibility for submitting wage reports. For more information about the issue of who is considered a farm worker’s employer, or other questions regarding farm workers and Social Security, call our tollfree number - 1-800-772-1213-and ask for the pamphlet, “A Guide to Social Security for Farmers, Growers and Crew Leaders.” The New York City Fire Department (FNDY) is helping the Social Security Administration (SSA) deliver the message the direct deposit is a safe, convenient and easy way to receive Social Security and

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Through a series of television, radio and print ads, as well as bank statement inserts and teller handouts, members of the FDNY are reminding beneficiaries of the advantages of direct deposit. The ads - a partnership between SSA, U.S. Department of Treasury, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, NACHA-The Electronic Payments Association and the FDNY - were being launched during May, National Direct Deposit and Direct Payment Month. “Direct deposit presents many advantages,” said Jo Anne Barrnhart, commissioner of Social Security. “It eliminates concerns about delayed mail and the need for frequent trips to the bank. Direct deposit removes the possibility of a lost or stolen check. I cannot think of a better partner to help us deliver this message than the New York City Fire Department. The FDNY is known around the world for its

commitment to serving the public, in addition to its well-deserved reputation for bravery.” With direct deposit, payments are deposited automatically into accounts and are readily available for immediate use. There is no need to wait in long lines to cash a check or to worry when a visit to a bank is impossible due to inclement weather or a lack of transportation. Direct deposits are an advantage to the government as well. It costs the government 45 cents to process and mail a check, while it costs 4 cents to send a payment by direct deposit. Last year, direct deposit saved the Social Security Trust Funds about $133 million. More than 50 million Americans receive Social Security and SSI benefits. Of those, almost 40 million (nearly 80 percent) have taken advantage of direct deposit. Direct deposit has been available to Social Security beneficiaries since 1976.

Signing up for direct deposit is relatively simple and easy: just call SSA’s toll free number, 1-800-772-1213 (or 1-800-325-0778 for TTY users), or visit the nearest local Social Security office. Banks, savings, and loan or credit unions can also'help people sign up for direct deposit. Visit SSA’s website - http://www.ssa.aov/deposit - for more information on direct deposit. If for some reason, an individual does not have an account and cannot open one at a bank, savings and loan or credit union, the Department of Treasury has created special low-cost accounts available to persons who receive a federal benefit. To find out where to open one of these low-cost Electronic Transfer Accounts (ETA) individuals should call 1-888-382-3311, toll-free or look for the ETA logo in the financial institution’s window or lobby.

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