Social Security’s is turning 80!  Since the retirement program was enacted in 1935, it has expanded in important ways. The disability component, introduced later, is a now critical piece of Social Security, and ensures that those who aren’t able to work have a  small measure  of protection. Now is the time to ensure that the Social Security programs remain strong for our future.  I’m joining with other NOSSCR  members in honoring this anniversary and a calling for1 the program’s protection in the future.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was enacted 25 years ago, yet we are still discussing the same issues for people with hearing loss. The terms “disability” and “access” have morphed into just meaning physical disability and physical access. Source: Hearing Loss, the Forgotten Disability | Janice S. Lintz

Important Information for Same-Sex Couples On June 26, 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. As a result, Social Security is no longer prevented from recognizing same-sex marriages in determining entitlement to Social Security benefits or eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. We can also recognize some non-marital legal same-sex relationships (such as civil unions and domestic partnerships) as marriages for purposes of determining entitlement to Social Security and Medicare benefits. We published instructions that allow us to process many benefit claims in which a same-sex marriage or non-marital…
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