Latest news with #USSocialSecurityAdministration
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Millions of legal immigrants' lives upended after social security freeze
Millions of legal immigrants may be left unable to work after the US Social Security Administration quietly instituted a rule change to stop automatically issuing them social security numbers. The Enumeration Beyond Entry program is an agreement between the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security, where US Citizenship and Immigration Services would provide social security with information from applicants for work authorization or naturalization. The program began in 2017 under the first Trump administration. Without any public notice, on 19 March, the program was halted, affecting millions of immigrants every year and burdening Social Security Administration offices, as those applicants will now have to visit a Social Security Administration office and apply separately to receive a social security number. Following the freeze, the Trump administration issued a memo on 15 April aimed at preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving social security benefits, but provided no evidence of it being a problem. Trump and Elon Musk, billionaire former leader of the so-called 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) have falsely claimed these programs are being used to attract unauthorized immigrants to vote for Democrats. 'Unauthorized immigrants are not eligible for Medicare or social security retirement benefits. Nor does any evidence exist that unauthorized immigrants fraudulently receive benefits in large numbers,' wrote Geoffrey Sanzenbacher, an economics professor at Boston College, in a blogpost. Lee Thacker moved to south-west Minnesota last summer with his now wife, a native of the US. After getting married, he applied for a work authorization card while his permanent residency application was being processed. When the 52-year-old from Pontypridd in Wales received his work authorization card at the end of April 2025, he began applying for jobs and received a job offer. After he failed to receive his social security number, 'I lost the job,' said Thacker. 'I needed a background check and the company doing the check required a social security number, and the company itself has a policy of not employing people without social security numbers. So I am legally entitled to work, but in practice I can't because no one will employ me without a social security number.' He noted the work authorization form, I-765, still has a checkbox on it to fill out to receive a social security number card, which he did. He paid $260 for the employment authorization card application and was expecting to receive a social security number within two weeks of receiving his work authorization card. Thacker was not informed why until he visited a Social Security Administration field office about half an hour away, where he was informed about the change. In 2022, undocumented immigrants paid $25.7bn in taxes to social security, despite not being eligible to receive the benefits. 'It's definitely affected a lot of individuals. We've tried to warn all of our clients,' said Jennifer Bade, an immigration lawyer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Bade explained the issues and difficulties immigrants face in visiting a Social Security Administration field office, including having to take time off work, language barriers, and issues and delays for immigrants who need a social security number to start a job, open a bank account, or receive a loan. 'The pausing of this program makes no sense,' added Bade. 'It's all just meant to attack immigrants, and it has no actual benefits. Pausing this program literally has no benefits.' Democrats on the House committee on oversight and government reform urged the Social Security Administration to reverse its decision to freeze the program. According to the then ranking member of the committee, the late congressman Gerald Connolly, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration personally approved the pause despite legal concerns and warnings over the effects of pausing the program. Hope Rudasill of North Carolina said her husband, whose name is being kept anonymous for fear of retaliation, recently filed for a work authorization card, but did not expect the delay in receiving a social security number, as he was told it would be issued automatically when he filed his application. 'My husband hasn't been able to start his job search because most employers require a valid social security number before even considering applications. It's also prevented him from applying for a driver's license which limits his ability to get around independently,' Rudasill told the Guardian. 'We haven't been able to open a joint bank account, which is not only inconvenient for managing finances, but also creates challenges when we go to our adjustment of status interview [an essential part of applying for lawful permanent residency] as a shared bank account is a key piece of evidence to prove we're building a life together and not having that documentation makes the process more stressful.' The rule change came as billionaire Musk pushed misinformation about immigrants and social security benefits, including touting data from the Enumeration Beyond Entry program, falsely claiming it was evidence of fraud. In fiscal year 2024, 3.24m initial employment authorization documents were approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services. The costs of issuing a social security number through this program in the same year, according to a Social Security Administration memo, was $8 per issuance, compared with $55.80 in a field office. Those field offices are also operating with reduced staff, as the Social Security Administration sought to cut staff by at least 12%, and Doge has terminated leases for at least 47 offices at the agency. The freeze is likely to add even more pressure to staff at the agency, in addition to new phone restrictions implemented by the Trump administration, which will require individuals to make 1.93m additional trips to social security field offices annually. 'I was hoping I would be able to work within a few months of applying for permanent residency, once I got the employment authorization card,' Lee Thacker added. 'If I had known social security cards were no longer being sent out automatically, I would have made an in-person visit shortly after getting my employment authorization card. There must be many people waiting patiently expecting to receive their social security cards. If this is a permanent change local SSA offices will be receiving more in-person visits at a time when staffing numbers are being reduced.' The US Citizenship and Immigration Services did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The Social Security Administration said in an email: 'The Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) process is currently paused for noncitizens granted work authorization (I-765) and newly naturalized US citizens (N-400) for 90 days, while the agency is evaluating its enumeration policies and procedures. SSA will continue to process EBE applications for those granted legal permanent resident status (I-485) along with all EBE applications that were filed prior to March 18, 2025.'
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
In A Surprise To Literally No One, Parents Aren't Naming Their Kids "Vance" Anymore
The baby name Vance is declining in popularity, according to new data from the US Social Security Administration. On Friday, the agency released the official list of most popular baby names in the US in 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, the name Vance fell 41 places, from the 955th most popular baby name for boys to No. 996 ― one of its lowest-ever rankings in the annual SSA lists, which date to the 1880s. 'On the whole, parents are likely avoiding the name Vance because it's simply not so fashionable anymore, but JD Vance is likely accelerating its decline,' Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief of Nameberry, told HuffPost. 'Political names tied to presidents and VPs were very common in the early 20th century, but today's parents generally stay away from overt political associations in baby names.' Even looking back to the late 1800s, the more positive influence of politicians on baby names is evident. 'Grover Cleveland pushed both his first and last names into the Top 100 in 1884,' said Abby Sandel, the creator of the baby name blog Appellation Mountain. 'Bryan first trended way back in 1896, when William Jennings Bryan ran for ― and lost ― the presidency. The name Franklin spiked in 1933, as FDR took office.' Kihm noted that modern parents are more likely to use names inspired by celebrities, influencers, and those figures' children than politicians. 'JD Vance is a polarizing figure and, right now, the most dominant association with the name Vance,' Kihm said. 'Parents that may have otherwise considered the name Vance may have nixed it from their lists to avoid assumptions or questions about their political affiliations. Interestingly, though, Elon actually rose by a few births. I bet we'll see that reverse in the 2025 data.' The name Vance briefly dropped off the Top 1,000 list in 1998 and 2000 but quickly recovered. Interestingly, the name rose in popularity from 2022 to 2023 before JD Vance joined the presidential ticket. But if its current trajectory continues, the name Vance may fall off for good this year. Meanwhile, the name Donald dipped 14 spots from No. 658 to No. 672 ― continuing a general trend of decline that goes back decades (with a couple of fleeting boosts after President Donald Trump entered the political arena). 'Vance did have a brief rise in the early 2000s and then again around 2015, the latter influenced by singer Vance Joy,' Kihm explained. 'But overall, it's dropped significantly from its height. Before 1970, Vance was impressively steady in the rankings, hovering in between No. 300 and No. 500.' The name peaked in popularity in 1969 at No. 328 and started appearing more on the pop culture scene over the next decade or so. 'Vance was very much a late 1970s style star,' Sandel said. 'Lance, too. During the 1980s, television series The Dukes of Hazzard cast briefly included a character called Vance Duke.' Both she and Kihm believe the decline of Vance is largely driven by style, even if accelerated by politics. Plus, fans of The Office might associate it too strongly with the 'Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration' character. 'I'm not at all surprised to see that Vance dropped in the rankings,' Kihm said. 'Statistically, it's a dad name or even a grandpa name. Vance was never so popular that it feels inextricably tied to a particular generation ― in this case, Gen X ― but that 'anc' sound found in names like Lance and Nancy has a strongly dated feel.' That doesn't mean all parents have fully rejected political ideals in their baby naming choices, however. 'One hopeful name from the new data that might point to how parents are feeling about the world around us?' Sandel said. 'Truce debuted in the boys' Top 1,000.' This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Buzz Feed
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Buzz Feed
Baby Name Vance Drops In Popularity
The baby name Vance is declining in popularity, according to new data from the US Social Security Administration. On Friday, the agency released the official list of most popular baby names in the US in 2024. Between 2023 and 2024, the name Vance fell 41 places, from the 955th most popular baby name for boys to No. 996 ― one of its lowest-ever rankings in the annual SSA lists, which date to the 1880s. 'On the whole, parents are likely avoiding the name Vance because it's simply not so fashionable anymore, but JD Vance is likely accelerating its decline,' Sophie Kihm, the editor-in-chief of Nameberry, told HuffPost. 'Political names tied to presidents and VPs were very common in the early 20th century, but today's parents generally stay away from overt political associations in baby names.' Even looking back to the late 1800s, the more positive influence of politicians on baby names is evident. 'Grover Cleveland pushed both his first and last names into the Top 100 in 1884,' said Abby Sandel, the creator of the baby name blog Appellation Mountain. 'Bryan first trended way back in 1896, when William Jennings Bryan ran for ― and lost ― the presidency. The name Franklin spiked in 1933, as FDR took office.' Kihm noted that modern parents are more likely to use names inspired by celebrities, influencers, and those figures' children than politicians. 'JD Vance is a polarizing figure and, right now, the most dominant association with the name Vance,' Kihm said. 'Parents that may have otherwise considered the name Vance may have nixed it from their lists to avoid assumptions or questions about their political affiliations. Interestingly, though, Elon actually rose by a few births. I bet we'll see that reverse in the 2025 data.' The name Vance briefly dropped off the Top 1,000 list in 1998 and 2000 but quickly recovered. Interestingly, the name rose in popularity from 2022 to 2023 before JD Vance joined the presidential ticket. But if its current trajectory continues, the name Vance may fall off for good this year. Meanwhile, the name Donald dipped 14 spots from No. 658 to No. 672 ― continuing a general trend of decline that goes back decades (with a couple of fleeting boosts after President Donald Trump entered the political arena). 'Vance did have a brief rise in the early 2000s and then again around 2015, the latter influenced by singer Vance Joy,' Kihm explained. 'But overall, it's dropped significantly from its height. Before 1970, Vance was impressively steady in the rankings, hovering in between No. 300 and No. 500.' The name peaked in popularity in 1969 at No. 328 and started appearing more on the pop culture scene over the next decade or so. 'Vance was very much a late 1970s style star,' Sandel said. 'Lance, too. During the 1980s, television series The Dukes of Hazzard cast briefly included a character called Vance Duke.' Both she and Kihm believe the decline of Vance is largely driven by style, even if accelerated by politics. Plus, fans of The Office might associate it too strongly with the 'Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration' character. 'I'm not at all surprised to see that Vance dropped in the rankings,' Kihm said. 'Statistically, it's a dad name or even a grandpa name. Vance was never so popular that it feels inextricably tied to a particular generation ― in this case, Gen X ― but that 'anc' sound found in names like Lance and Nancy has a strongly dated feel.' That doesn't mean all parents have fully rejected political ideals in their baby naming choices, however. 'One hopeful name from the new data that might point to how parents are feeling about the world around us?' Sandel said. 'Truce debuted in the boys' Top 1,000.'
Newsweek
06-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Social Security Announces Changes Coming This Summer: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Starting this summer, Social Security cardholders will have a new digital option for accessing their Social Security numbers. The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced it will roll out secure digital SSN cards via the "my Social Security" online portal, offering a modern alternative to the traditional paper cards used for decades. Why It Matters The shift to digital is intended to improve convenience and security for millions of Americans. SSA officials say this innovation will cut down on the need for physical visits to Social Security offices and reduce the reliance on mailed replacement cards, processes that can take days or weeks. With the increasing risk of identity theft and fraud, a digital SSN offers users a faster and more secure way to retrieve their number when needed for everyday non-SSA-related transactions. According to SSA Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek, the new feature is part of a broader effort to "provide better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure." A woman stands outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. A woman stands outside a US Social Security Administration building, November 5, 2020, in Burbank, California. VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images What To Know The digital SSN feature will be available to people with a "my Social Security" account and can be accessed through the SSA portal on mobile or desktop devices. Once logged in, users would securely display their Social Security number on screen. The option is intended primarily for those who may have lost their paper cards or simply forgotten their number. This feature is not a digital ID or government-issued mobile credential, and doesn't replace the need for a physical card in all situations. Rather, it's an additional access method aimed at simplifying proof of identity in contexts like job applications or financial transactions requiring a Social Security number. The digital rollout is scheduled to begin in early summer 2025 and reach all SSA field offices and card centers nationwide by season's end, according to SSA's press release. What People Are Saying Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "Think about it, no more tearing apart your filing cabinet looking for that little blue card! You'll be able to pull up your Social Security number right on your phone or computer whenever you need it." "But here's the catch, what about grandma who still uses a flip phone? Or people without reliable internet? The SSA says they're keeping all the traditional options available too, so nobody gets left behind. They've already shown they're willing to adjust when they get pushback, which is reassuring." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "The move from physical cards to digital versions is a much-needed step forward for the SSA. It's about time we caught up with the digital age. That said, if you still prefer a physical copy, you can absolutely get one. The digital version is just an added layer of convenience." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "It's a long overdue update. For years, many Americans have been asking for a digital update to physical forms of ID, as it's vastly easier to keep track of and utilize. Obviously, the primary concern from a government-level was maintaining the security of the card to ensure data was protected. The new virtual access can be used to verify Social Security information in any situation so that individuals don't have to find their physical card or send off for a new one." What Happens Next Users who wish to take advantage of the new digital card will need to create or log in to their existing "my Social Security" account at SSA recommends that people ensure their personal contact information is current to avoid login issues or security verification delays. "This is for the Gen X'ers mainly; those that have fully embraced the digital age and the very young boomers that can handle this transition," Thompson said. As the rollout progresses, SSA plans to monitor feedback and adjust for usability and accessibility, particularly for older adults and people with limited digital literacy. The agency has said that the paper SSN cards will remain available, and the digital version is an optional enhancement, not a mandatory replacement. "This is the SSA finally catching up with the 21st century. For most of us, it'll make life easier, but the success will really depend on how well they handle the transition for vulnerable populations," Ryan said.
Hindustan Times
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
SSI beneficiaries to receive two payments in May 2025, none in June—Here's why
Millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will see two deposits in May 2025 instead of the usual one. The US Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed that SSI beneficiaries will be paid on both May 1 and May 30, due to a calendar adjustment caused by June 1 falling on a Sunday, as reported by USA Today. Also read: Social Security May payment: Here's why SSI recipients will see two deposits in the same month While this may appear as a bonus or a special stimulus, the second May payment is actually the advance deposit for June. This long-standing SSA practice ensures that recipients are not left waiting if a scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, as reported by CNET. This means there will be no SSI payment in June, so beneficiaries are encouraged to budget carefully. The increased monthly benefit—$967 for individuals and $1,450 for eligible couples—reflects the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) of 2.5%, helping recipients cope with rising expenses and inflation. *May 1 – Regular monthly SSI payment *May 3 – Social Security payments for those receiving both SSI and Social Security *May 8 – Social Security payments for individuals with birthdays between the 1st and 10th *May 15 – Social Security payments for birthdays between the 11th and 20th *May 22 – Social Security payments for birthdays between the 21st and 31st *May 30 – Early SSI payment for June These payment dates include both SSI and Social Security distributions. Those receiving multiple benefits may see deposits on more than one date. With two SSI deposits landing in May, it's crucial for recipients to budget the second payment to last through June, as there will be no deposit that month. Recipients are also advised to keep track of the schedule and monitor their bank accounts to ensure payments arrive as expected. Direct deposit continues to be the safest and most efficient method for receiving payments. For those relying on mailed checks, delivery may take longer and should be accounted for when planning monthly finances. Also read: IRS tax refund schedule: Will your deposit arrive this week? Find out This dual-payment month is a normal occurrence within the SSA's system, not an anomaly or mistake. However, it serves as a timely reminder of the importance of financial awareness—especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and others who depend on fixed monthly income. For millions across the United States, the SSI program is a lifeline. Understanding the timing and structure of these payments is key to navigating the months ahead with financial stability.
