Illegal immigrants get jobs using counterfeit, invalid, and stolen Social Security numbers that employers use to withhold payroll taxes and report earnings to the Social Security Administration. Immigration advocates argue that unauthorized workers have little chance of collecting benefits. "That changes once those workers gain a valid Social Security number," Hyland says. Social Security Administration policy allows noncitizens who have evidence of earnings under invalid Social Security numbers, to claim and reinstate those earnings for use in determining entitlement once they obtain a valid Social Security number. The earnings are then used to determine the initial retirement benefit amount..Lawmakers in Washington had mixed reactions to Judge Hanen's injunction. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn said, "Today's victory is an important one, but the fight to reverse the President's unconstitutional overreach is not over. The President must respect the rule of law and fully obey the court's ruling." Meanwhile, Representative Luis Gutierrez called the injunction a simple "bump in the road." He stated: "The administration intends to take this to the highest court in the nation, where we know justice and fairness will prevail on this executive order.".In addition, one new cosponsor Rep. Steve Cohen signed on to the bipartisan CPI for Seniors Act. The cosponsor total is now at three in the House. If adopted, it would mandate the monthly formulation and publication of a consumer price index specifically for seniors. Currently, Social Security cost-of-living adjustments are based on the inflation experienced by young, urban workers, but H.R. 2016 would establish a more accurate index for beneficiaries..For example, if you and your spouse were over the age of 65 in 2016 and had an AGI of ,000, you could deduct the amount of allowable medical expenses over ,750, which is 7.5% of ,000. If your total medical expenses were ,000 you could deduct ,250.Last year the Government Accountability Office in a report to Congress defined "notches" as "unduly large incremental reductions." In addition, the GAO further said "Notches create marked inequities between beneficiaries close in age to each other.".When it comes to the future of Social Security, we have a choice: we can tell our children and grandchildren that their Social Security benefits won't be there for them because of a regressive tax that benefits the wealthy. Or, we can do what's right to make sure America's seniors and disabled citizens don't fear living in poverty. Our country is stronger when everyone can be financially independent and living with dignity, thanks to a program they paid into..Most surviving children would not be eligible for Notch Fairness Act benefits, but the issue should concern every single child of a Notch Baby. Recent Social Security reform proposals to attach a "price index" to the Social Security benefit formula would cut benefits for future retirees in a manner similar to the 1977 changes that led to the Notch. In addition, Congress thus far has taken no constructive non-partisan action to address Social Security's looming shortfall - meaning they may have to make very deep and abrupt cuts when they can no longer stall for time..If your brother was a victim of auto dealer fraud, you may want to look for an attorney who would be willing to work on a contingency basis. If fraud is proven, your brother may be allowed to surrender the unwanted vehicle and the court may order a refund of all payments made toward purchase in addition to canceling any outstanding loan balances. If your brother will have trouble affording an attorney, contact your local Area Agency on Aging or senior services department and ask about legal aid services in your area..Several controversial policy riders are currently acting as hurdles in the discussions. Many are pushing to revive expired tax breaks for businesses, while some are hoping to put an end to restrictions that ban the exportation of crude oil. Other potential riders include changes to the Dodd-Frank financial regulation law, new research on gun violence, and an extension of health benefits for 9/11 first responders.
