social security administration http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for social security administration Copyright 2008 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:39:54 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/social+security+administration Overview to Help Understand Your Application For Medicare Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-to-help-understand-your-application-for-medicare-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-to-help-understand-your-application-for-medicare-insurance#comments Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:50:25 +0000 social security and medicaresocial security officesocialsecurity govsocial security administrationsocial security benefitsmedicare eligibilitymedicare card http://www.artwoo.com/article/overview-to-help-understand-your-application-for-medicare-insurance
If You Already Receive

If you're over the age of 65 and receiving regular Social Security benefits, you should already be enrolled in Medicare and don't have to do anything else. By registering for your Social Security, you also registered for Parts A and B of Medicare at the same time. There is no need to fill out an additional Medicare application.

Medicare should begin the month you turn 65. For example, if your 65th birthday is on October 15, 2009, your will begin on October 01, 2009. Once you apply for your Social Security, your will be mailed to you several months before your 65th birthday. If you wish to opt out of Medicare Part B, simply return the card.

Applying for at the Same Time

If you're coming up on 65 but have yet to apply for Social Security and Medicare, you should do so at least three to four months before your 65th birthday. Applying for Social Security will automatically register you for Medicare. Failure to apply on time could result in your benefits being delayed.

Eligibility for Medicare

Generally, most people are eligible for Medicare - as long as you or your spouse worked for a minimum of 10 years with a Medicare-covered employer (most employment scenarios are eligible), are over the age of 65 and currently a resident in the United States. Those with certain types of long-term illness or a disability may also qualify for Medicare.

The Social Security and Medicare Application Process

To apply for Medicare and Social Security, visit a local or call the at 1-800-772-1213. You can also fill out an application online at their website, which can be found at socialsecurity.gov.

To be eligible for an online application, you must prove your identity by answering a series of questions. You will also be required to prove your eligibility - you should be at least 61 years and 9 months old, you must be planning to start your Social Security benefits within the next 4 months, you must live in the United States and you must be willing to receive your Social Security benefits through direct deposit.

Applying for Medicare, but not Social Security

Many people assume that if they do not already receive Social Security benefits, they do now qualify for Medicare. This is not the case.

If you do not receive Social Security or do not plan to receive the benefits, you can still obtain Medicare. To do so, you must fill out a separate Medicare application. You can do so by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting a local Social Security office.For great information on senior retirement preparation, please visit seniorretiretips.com, a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey, including Roth IRA contribution limits, retirement new homes, and many more!]]> Social Security Retirement Benefits Do Not Fill Financial Need http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-retirement-benefits-do-not-fill-financial-need http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-retirement-benefits-do-not-fill-financial-need#comments Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:25:00 +0000 security retirement benefitssocial security retirementsocial security administrationretirement ageearly retirementcontactwill also receive http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-retirement-benefits-do-not-fill-financial-need Security retirement benefits do not provide enough for most people to live on, especially if they plan to continue their previous standard of living. In order to maintain their quality of life, they will need something to supplement the benefits they earned during their lifetime.

Although many people retirement benefits from the place of employment, that plus Social Security retirement benefits still may not equal the income they were receiving while they were working. Additionally, there may be some income received by retired workers that will affect the amount of Social Security retirement benefits they are entitled to receive. At any time during a person's working life, they can the for an update on the benefits they would be eligible to receive upon retirement.

The age at which a person chooses to retire will affect the amount they receive in Social Security retirement benefits and the full , according to SSA is based on the year of birth.

Benefits Reduced By

Laws governing Social Security retirement benefits recently changed, and could change again in the future, but currently with an age of 66 considered as full retirement age, if a person has earned enough credits, they can retire at the age of 62 with a 25 percent reduction in Social Security retirement benefits. At age 63 they would receive a 20 percent reduction of the full amount and at 64, a 13 and one-third percent cut and at age 65, their benefit would be reduced by six and two-thirds percent.

The amount received in Social Security retirement benefits will be determined by the amount a person has earned over their lifetime. A person who continues to work past their retirement age may see an increase in their benefits. SSA will annually review a person's work record each year and notify them if there will be any change in their benefits.

Persons who opt to retire before reaching full retirement age will be restricted to the amount of income they can earn before losing some of the Social Security retirement benefits to which they were qualified at the time of taking early retirement. The maximum amount a person can earn each year without losing benefits is currently $12,960 and the Social Security retirement benefits will be reduced by $1 for each $2 earned over that limit. For a whole lot more information about retirement and all kinds of great information about retirement plans please visit Scott's website at: http://www.all-about-retirement.info ]]> Proving You Are Disabled to the Social Security Administration http://www.artwoo.com/article/proving-you-are-disabled-to-the-social-security-administration http://www.artwoo.com/article/proving-you-are-disabled-to-the-social-security-administration#comments Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:50:43 +0000 social security disabilityadministrative law judgesocial security administrationsocial securdisability casesdisability lawsocial security disability lawyer http://www.artwoo.com/article/proving-you-are-disabled-to-the-social-security-administration ity Disability Law Practice. A potential client will contact us for the first time after their case has been lost before an . When we ask why they did not use a lawyer to try their case the answers we almost always get is "my doctor said I was disabled and even wrote a letter," or "I thought it was obvious from my records I was disabled". Other times, we hear "I thought I couldn't afford a lawyer."

What these people did not understand, sadly, is that there is nothing obvious about Social Security . The regulations governing SSD, SSDI and SSI are very complex, even for lawyers who devote their entire practice to this area of the law. Here are some things to keep in mind that will help prove your disability to the :

1. Hire a lawyer with extensive experience in Social Security Disability law. This seems obvious...because it is. Attorney fees in social security are only paid if you win. The lawyer receives a percentage of the back benefits up to $5,300.00. The average attorney fees are much less. With the fees being so small compared to what is at stake, why would anyone try to go it alone? For information as to what you should look for in a .

2. See your doctor regularly, even if you don't have medical insurance. I know, seeing a doctor can be very expensive, but regular treatment is critical to proving your case.

3. Document your disability impairments, symptoms and limitations with your doctor and be specific. When a doctor writes in his record "Mr. Smith is disabled" it is not very useful. On the other hand, when the doctor writes "Mr. Smith cannot sit or stand for more than 20 minutes at a time because of severe pain" or "Mr. Smith has shortness of breath and chest pain on even minor exertion", we have much more to talk about with a social security judge.

These simple steps will greatly improve your chances of being awarded the social security disability benefits to which you entitled.

If you've applied for social security disability benefits and haven't been able to get your disability recognized, it's not too late to bring a Social Security disability attorney on board now. Your next step will be to file a Request for Reconsideration, which must be filed within 60 days. Since the same committee that made the first decision makes the second, the odds are high that your application will be denied again.

In that case, your social security disability law attorney will be able to help you plan a case that will be presented to the Administrative Law Judge. Rather than relying on the previous decisions, the Administrative Law Judge will examine the evidence, listen to the expert opinions of your doctors and psychologists and then make a decision. This is the sole part of the process that you are actually able to speak and be seen by the judge.

Sometimes, the judge retains an additional medical expert to review your history and records and offer an opinion, as well as a vocational expert. The vocational expert will assess your employment background, education and skills, and physical limitations, and then make an assessment on your ability to hold a full-time job.

The complexity of a social security disability benefits case can not be under-estimated, which is why it's very important to work with an attorney who specializes in the field.Matt Berry is a Social Security (SSI) lawyer . As a Social Security (SSI) attorney he works with various disabled people, including those with questions for]]> How a Social Security Attorney Can Help With Your Claim http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-a-social-security-attorney-can-help-with-your-claim http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-a-social-security-attorney-can-help-with-your-claim#comments Mon, 18 Aug 2008 15:08:35 +0000 disability determination servicessecurity disability benefitssocial security disability benefitscongestive heart failuresocial security disabilitysocial security administrationdisability examiner http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-a-social-security-attorney-can-help-with-your-claim Security disability benefits.

Among other conditions, if you suffer from bipolar disorder, breast cancer, , colitis, Crohn's disease, COPD, depression, diabetes, heart disease, IBS, MS, Parkinson's or schizophrenia, you may be eligible to receive disability benefits.

Disability benefits are available to people who fall into three categories: disabled, insured workers under age 65, people who have been disabled since childhood and a disabled widow or widower age 50-60. People with financial need and children may also qualify for benefits.

If you believe you might be entitled to benefits, consider contacting a Social Security disability attorney who specializes in the field. An attorney's expertise in navigating the complications of Social Security disability benefits can go a long way towards making the process seem easier. People with attorneys win a lot more often than those that self-represent.

First Step:

The first step towards receiving Social Security disability benefits is establishing that you are, in fact, disabled. The (SSA) calls their evaluation for disability the sequential evaluation process. Basically, this process entails the government considering the age, education, work history, severity of disability and functional capacity of the person requesting benefits.

They'll also contact doctors who have treated the applicant, and perhaps request a consultative exam, with the applicant's existing doctor or with another doctor. The general information will be verified by the local Social Security field office, and the evaluation of the disability is the responsibility of the state's (DDS).

Disability Application Determination:

Determination of whether the applicant has a disability is made by a and a medical or psychological consultant. There are 4 potential outcomes: the examiner might ask for more evidence of the disability, the examiner might refer the applicant to vocational rehab, the applicant might be found not disabled, or the applicant might be determined to be disabled.

If benefits are denied, there are a series of appeal processes.

First Appeal:

If the state determines that the applicant does not have a disability, don't lose hope. This is where a lawyer specializing in disability law becomes even more important, as you'll have to dispute the determination. The Social Security Disability appeal process will be very similar to the first process, but with a different two-person team making the final determination of disability. If the appeal results in a non-disabled determination, further appeals are also possible.

Second Appeal:

The second appeal of a disability benefits case is heard by an administrative law judge at the Hearing Office of the SSA's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. In this case, the administrative law judge usually conducts a hearing that allows the applicant's attorney to present a case. Generally, the applicant has more evidence of the disability to present at this point, from previous or new medical sources. It's important to work closely with your Social Security disability lawyer at this point.

Once it's determined that the applicant does have a disability, the Social Security Administration computes the benefit amount and begins making payments. The disabled person might be able to receive benefits as quickly as the first full month after they applied.

It is important to remember during the application process that the sooner a lawyer becomes involved the sooner the process can be affected. Good luck with your disability case!Matt Berry is a Social Security lawyer . As a Social Security attorney he works with various disabled people, including those with MS disabi]]> Social Security, Employment And Identity Theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft#comments Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:14:59 +0000 federal immigration lawsocial security statementsocial security cardsocial security administrationsocial security benefitssocial security numberssocial security number fraud http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-employment-and-identity-theft
Why would anyone steal your identity just to get a job? For many reasons, for example some people are in the United States illegally and do not have a social security number. Some people can not pass background checks, or have a criminal background that would keep them from getting jobs. Whatever the reason, are hot merchandise, if yours can be gotten, it can be sold.

"Misuse of another individual's SSN is a violation of federal law and may lead to fines and/or imprisonment and disregarding the work authorization provisions printed on your may be a violation of . Violations of applicable law regarding and misuse are serious crimes and will be prosecuted." According to the , The crime is considered a felony under federal and state laws and may result in fines and imprisonment.

In order to determine if there has been any use of your SSN to obtain employment, it is important to review your W-2 each year to determine that your are being accurately reported and that the correct SSN is being used. Next, review your issued to you each year. Check your statement against your W-2 to determine if there are any discrepancies. One way of determining if your SSN has been used illegally will be by monitoring the information on you benefits statement; which may state that benefits have been accessed or that the amount paid in maybe greater than the number reported on your W-2. To obtain a copy of your Statement of Benefits you may call the SSA toll-free at 1-800-772-1213.

Are you responsible for the taxes on the wages resulting from someone being illegally employed? Probably not, and the taxes are paid directly through the employer. As a result that money is just sitting in an account held by the federal government.

What about Social Security Benefits? What happens to the money paid in through two people employed and using the same social security number? It is estimated that approximately 420 billion dollars in federal funds are sitting in "limbo." The government calls this the Earnings Suspense Fund. The money has been paid in, but there is no one to credit the funds or benefits to. This is because in many cases the user of your social security number is also using either their own name, or a fake name. The only people that benefit from this extra payment are the federal government as well as the imposter who is able to be employed. Each government agency (IRS and SSA) have a list of mis-matched numbers, that don't belong to the names that are using them, so what are they doing about it?

Illegal use of your SSN is very difficult to find out about, unless you happen to apply for a job at the same place, or if they are also using it for theft of your credit information.

If after reviewing your benefits and wages information you are suspicious, take the next steps. Request a credit report to see if credit has also been obtained using your identity. If so, it is time to move quickly in order to rectify the errors in your employment, social security and credit history.

If you determine that your social security number has been compromised, you must contact the Social Security Administration and report it. Reports are made to the Social Security Administration (SSA) Office of the Inspector General. You may file a complaint online at www.socialsecurity.gov/oig, call toll-free: 1-800-269-0271, fax: 410-597-0118, or write: SSA Fraud Hotline, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235.

Can you get a new social security number if you suspect that your number has been used? Maybe, but not always. The SSA will not issue a new number in the following circumstances: it was lost or stolen and no proof of damage has occurred, you are trying to avoid detection of poor credit or a criminal record, or you are trying to avoid some form of legal responsibility. However it is up to you to prove to them that your number is being used illegally, that you are not attempting to avoid credit collection or any other actions possibly pending against you.

Be proactive and try to protect and repair the damage yourself. File a report with the Social Security Administration, Federal Trade Commission and the three major credit agencies. However, without the issuance of a new Social Security Number, you are still at risk so you may want to consider using all the credit protection available to you such as placing fraud alerts on your credit report, credit freezes and consistent monitoring of your credit report. To report Identity Theft you may contact the Federal Trade Commission via telephone 1-877-438-4338.

You may find it necessary to consult with an attorney to protect your current and future benefit rights. Know your rights and stand up for them. Credit lenders or collection agents may attempt to threaten you or force you to pay for outstand debts incurred by use of your information. Consult with law enforcement officials, an attorney, the State's Attorney General and consumer credit counseling organizations to determine what your rights and responsibilities are and you can assert them. Lisa Carey is a contributing author for http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit, as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com ]]> Railroad Workers Are Also Entitled To Disability Benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/railroad-workers-are-also-entitled-to-disability-benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/railroad-workers-are-also-entitled-to-disability-benefits#comments Sat, 22 Mar 2008 08:20:02 +0000 railroad retirement boardstates railroad retirement boardsocial security administrationsocial security benefitssocial security actdisability claimsdisability benefits http://www.artwoo.com/article/railroad-workers-are-also-entitled-to-disability-benefits
While compensation can sometimes be recovered by railroad workers injured on the job through FELA (the Federal Employer's Liability Act), there is another route for railroad workers to recover benefits if they are disabled due to a work related injury or a non-work related disability.

Railroad :

If you are a railroad worker or former railroad worker and are disabled, you may qualify for disability benefits from the United State . The United (RRB) is a co-equal agency to the (SSA). The RRB is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The RRB administers retirement, survivor, and for railroad workers (and their spouses and minor beneficiaries). Generally, the RRB administers claims for workers with 120 or more months of railroad service. Under certain circumstances, workers with 60 or more months of railroad service can file a claim with the RRB, that is part RRB and part SSA. Claimants with less months of service must apply to SSA for benefits.

The annuity payable to railroad workers is somewhat different than the benefit payable by SSA. The railroad worker receives a Tier I benefit that is the Social Security equivalent. They also receive a Tier 2 component which is largely funded by an additional tax on railroad employee's wages, paid by the employer.

The RRB has largely adopted the Social Security Administration medical criteria (Listings of Impairments) and Regulations (Section 404.1500, et. seq.) for the evaluation of a disability annuity under the Railroad Act. There are some differences. The provisions of the that preclude payment of where drug abuse and/or alcoholism are material to a finding of disability are not applicable under the Railroad Retirement Act. The Railroad Retirement Act provides for an "occupational annuity" when the worker has at least 240 or more months of railroad service. The worker need only prove inability to perform his usual railroad occupation over the past 15 years, not all occupations. As most occupations in the railroad industry involved rather heavy work, this benefit can be easier to qualify for. The monthly benefit for the occupational annuity is the same as for the "total and permanent annuity", analogous to the Title II Social Security disability benefit, however the benefit is fully taxable and does not provide a Medicare entitlement. Workers who have received the occupational annuity at some time in the past can upgrade this annuity to a "total and permanent" category by filing a new claim and proving entitlement under SSA's criteria, which also includes entitlement to Medicare benefits. The value of Medicare greatly exceeds any legal fees that would be incurred for proving entitlement to "total and permanent" benefits, so it is almost always to your benefit to apply for this upgrade where it is applicable.

If a railroad worker has somewhat less than 240 months of railroad service, he or she can sometimes buy the missing months of railroad service to reach 240 months as part of a Federal Employer's Liability Act (FELA) settlement. The advisability of doing this depends on the ability to qualify for the total and permanent annuity. An experienced attorney in Railroad Benefits can help you analyze the merits of a particular claim.

As in the case of SSA disability benefits, it is important to have an experienced attorney from the beginning stages of your claim help guide you and your claim through the bureaucratic minefield.

Attorney fees under the Railroad Retirement Act are not as highly regulated as are those under the Social Security Act. Generally, payment of a fee is a matter to be decided by the claimant and representative. Usually the fee is 25% of the retroactive benefits, the same fee as charged in Social Security Disability cases. No fee is charged unless there is an award of benefits. Evan Zagoria of Provizer and Phillips, P.C., http://www.AskEvan.net; (800) 399-EVAN (3826); has spent his entire 30+ yr. career handling social security and other disability matters. He is a former attorney for the Social Security Administration, a member of the Board of N.O.S.S.C.R. ]]> Social Security Benefits Act: A Real Savior http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-act-a-real-savior http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-act-a-real-savior#comments Sun, 14 Oct 2007 14:35:00 +0000 social security benefitssocial security schemesocial security officedisability rightschild should havedivided into fivedisabled person http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-act-a-real-savior
To help such people, governments of various countries have come up with the concept of . To safeguard their rights and the rights of their families there has been formulated the Social Security Benefits Act. This act is a comprehensive law enactment that includes stern clauses and provisions for and benefits. The act is basically a set of guidelines for the disabled people and the privileges that they can avail on the onset of any form of disability.

But the benefits under this act cannot be availed by each and every . If a person is disabled for a minimum period of one year, it is only then that he can be benefited. For this purpose, the medical records of the patient are scrutinized, prior giving a clean chit for availing benefits under the .

Social security benefits are generally major forms. It covers benefits for retirement, disability, family benefits, survivors and medicare. The best part about these benefits is that they can not only be availed by the disabled person but also by his family members. A provision has been made that gives powers to avail special benefit by the disabled widows or widowers of a person who had been a working professional for a considerable period of time, before dieing.

A same provision is valid for the disabled children whose parents died in a mis-happening. But for that to happen, the been afflicted from disability before 22 years of age. You can easily file your social security benefits papers in person, by dropping in to the nearest . Or, make a phone call to file the claim by having a telephonic interview with them.

Just secure your future and your family and protect yourself from falling prey to the ill hands of disability. To get more information visit http://www.about-disability.com/social-security-disability-benefits/, http://www.about-disability.com/americans-with-disabilities-act/ and http://www.about-disability.com/disability-insurance/ ]]> A Guide To Secure Social Security Benefits Against Disability http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-secure-social-security-benefits-against-disability http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-secure-social-security-benefits-against-disability#comments Mon, 05 Feb 2007 06:27:08 +0000 disability insurance benefitssocial security actsocial security benefitsdeceased parentsdeceased wifewidowerlivelihood http://www.artwoo.com/article/a-guide-to-secure-social-security-benefits-against-disability livelihood but sometimes also brings him social disrespect. Thus, disability exists not physically only, but also in the minds of the people who constitute our society.

You must have come across various cases, when an efficient employee of an organization was thrown out because he suffered from a kind of disability, and now his family does not even have enough resources to continue even a minimal livelihood.

Disability can bring you to a sorry state. But to safeguard the rights of disabled ocial security benefits are provided by the government. Under the disability is defined as the inability to perform any substantial activity, due to a medically determined mental or physical impairment.

To be eligible to get , you need to be disabled for a year. Social Security includes the combination of various impairments that one can suffer. To give you the benefit, all your medical records are collected and then they are carefully studied.

There are five major types of Social Security benefits to the disabled. Of them the is the most important. It is for the people who were working in the recent years, generally the last five years, and are disabled in the present.

Apart from this the disabled widow's and the 's are provided with the social security benefits. A person who is 50 years of age and is disabled after the death of the spouse is eligible for this benefit. But the or husband should have worked for enough number of years to get the benefits under the social security.

There are also social security benefits for the disabled adult children of the . For this to happen the child should have suffered from disability before 22 years of age.

The disability insurance benefits due to the disabled Widow's, Widower's and children with disabilities, are paid to them, irrespective of their financial condition. These benefits are paid on the basis of the record of the social security earnings of the beneficiary. Despite this some other security income benefits, that are given in the form of supplement, are paid to the people who have a poor financial condition and are also disabled.

There is an easiest and the best way to file the social security benefits. You can go to a nearest social security office personally. The alternative way can be that the person may telephonically contact the social security office and then arrange an interview to file a claim.

The very common question that boggles everybody's mind is what is the right time to file a security benefit. Should you wait for some time to claim the benefit or immediately do it? The answer to this query is that you can file for it on the very same day on which you became disabled. Do not make the mistake of waiting for months and years, after encountering disability. The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on disability visit http://www.about-disability.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.about-disability.com/disability-aids/ and http://www.about-disability.com/disability-insurance/ ]]> Americans With Disability Act- A Pie Of Cake? http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake#comments Mon, 16 Oct 2006 06:27:06 +0000 long term disabilitydisability insurance policiessocial security disabilitylong term disability insurancesecurity disability benefitsdisability lawssocial security administration http://www.artwoo.com/article/americans-with-disability-act-a-pie-of-cake
Howsoever citizen-friendly, law is a law. You need to have the legal brain to interpret the maximum advantage or you need to engage the services of a competent attorney to guide you through the legal complications to the best of your advantage.

The issue is not as simple as filling up the claim form and getting the payment by courier. The issue related to your disability could be any one or more of the following such as deciding the optional health care benefits and retirement plan for your situation; obtaining disability retirement compensation; shielding you against retaliation; working out equal opportunity disputes and many other issues.

You get help from the Disability Firms for , Supplemental Security Income, Americans with Disabilities Act. Your long-term disability claims are also processed.

Under the Worker's Compensation (Act), you will find the listing of firms who handle disabling injuries.

The firms which handle discrimination against the handicapped by the educational establishments are listed under the Education Law.

The pays the social to those who have put in the number of years of service as required by the law and who can prove disability.

The Supplemental Security Income benefits to the disabled persons who can prove to the satisfaction of the authorities, is also paid by the Administration.

The employers normally provide the insurance policies. You can make your private arrangements as well. Buy a policy as per your requirements, using your own judgment.

Any changes proposed by the State/Federal Governments against the draw strongest reaction by the highly conscious legal community and social activists in USA.

Bryan Blackwell, a lawyer who represents Social Security claimants in Dothan, Alabama, said the wide variety of health problems that his clients have would make it difficult for them to continue working.

"You have people who have been injured on the job and who may have received a little money from workers' [compensation], but that's either run out or fixing to run out," Blackwell explained to The New Standard. "Maybe they get a small check, but it doesn't come out to what they were earning previously. And you know people like that sometimes have to file for disability."

Likewise, attorney Donald Bishop says about many of his clients in rural North Arkansas and the Ozark Mountain who do the back-breaking work in the timber industry and mason since their teens.

"Several of my clients have done such arduous work and have arthritic backs, a seventh-grade or less education can barely stand mostly upright for six hours," wrote Bishop in his public comments to the SSA in response to its rule-change notice. "Persons like these hard workers are the most obvious persons to be harmed by this proposed rule change."

Americans want something better for the disabled--nothing to dilute their benefits! http://www.about-disability.com/ and Disability articles page provides detailed information on disability, mental health disability, medical disability and more. ]]> Are You On The No-Fly List? What You Can Do http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-on-the-no-fly-list-what-you-can-do http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-on-the-no-fly-list-what-you-can-do#comments Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:50:02 +0000 transportation security administrationcontacttsaairport securityproper paperworkmistaken identitiesmisspelled http://www.artwoo.com/article/are-you-on-the-no-fly-list-what-you-can-do mistaken identities or names. Despite what you are told or may think, there are ways that you can get yourself off of the no-fly list.

Although you can get your name off the no-fly list, it is important to remember that it will not happen overnight. In fact, if you are notified that your name is on the no-fly list at the airport, it is almost a guarantee that you will not be able to board your plane. Since cannot rely on your word, they will likely not allow you to proceed any further. In fact, you may even be detained a short period of time by airport security. Once you are released, you can begin taking the steps needed to have your name removed from the no-fly list.

The first step in getting your name off the no-fly list is to the the (). Once you are notified that your name is on the no-fly list, you should be provided with the contact information for the TSA. If you are not provided with this information, you can easily obtain the telephone number needed to directly contact the administration by visiting their online website. That online website can be found at http://www.tsa.gov. Once you have made contact with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), you will be provided with instructions on what to do next. Those instructions will likely include filling out a form that should be mailed to you.

In addition to filling out the , you will also be asked to submit identification. In fact, you will need to submit more than one piece of identification Most travelers need three different items. Accepted items include a driver's license, a government identification card, a military card, a social security card, a voter registration card, a passport, a visa, or a birth certificate. Although only three pieces of identification are required, you may want to have additional identification documents on hand, just in case. After you have collected these items, they will need to be notarized by the proper officials.

After you have submitted all of the required documents, the process should begin, which will result in your name being removed from the no-fly list. This process could take as little as a few weeks, but it could take months. You are advised against making any travel plans until you receive confirmation that your name has officially been removed from the no-fly list. Once your name has been removed, all airlines will be notified of this removal. This should mean that you are now able to purchase airline tickets and make travel plans at http://review4.info .

In addition to actually having your name on no-fly list, namely due to a mistake, there is a chance that someone else with the same name as you could be on the no-fly list. Despite the fact that you are not the one on the no-fly list, you may experience some problems. For that reason, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has developed a traveler verification program. In the event that you are commonly mistaken for someone else, it may be a good idea to register for that program. Information on this helpful program can be found by visiting the Transportation Security Administration (TSA)'s online website. As previously mentioned, that website can be found at http://www.tsa.gov.

Although getting off the no-fly list may seem like a long and frustration task, it is something that you will want to do. Chances are your name will not magically disappear from the list. This means that if you are planning on traveling, now or in the near future, you will want to take the appropriate steps to ensure that you will make it to your intended destination. http://www.reviews7.info ]]> Social Security Benefits Will Not Pay All The Bills http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-will-not-pay-all-the-bills http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-will-not-pay-all-the-bills#comments Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:20:00 +0000 social security benefitsretirement ageretirement benefitscost of living adjustmentscost of livingknowingadditional income http://www.artwoo.com/article/social-security-benefits-will-not-pay-all-the-bills knowing you will have financial security for you and your family. Most people will spend years working, knowing retirement is going to sneak up on them, and unfortunately, few will begin planning soon enough. When talking to financial planners they will tell you that it is never too soon to begin planning for your financial future, but at some point, it will be too late.

It has often been said about business that those who fail to plan, are planning to fail and the same could be said about planning for retirement. There are very few who will not qualify for when they reach the appropriate , but the money from those benefits is not likely to provide a lifestyle they have grown accustomed to living. For example, a person who averaged a net pay, take home, of about $3,200 per month, may expect only about $1,500 per month if they work until full retirement age.

If they choose to go into retirement at age 62, Social Security benefits will be reduced by 25 percent and by 20 percent, if they work until they are 63. This reduction will be in place regardless of how long Social Security benefits are paid. The only time it will increase is when the government issues adjustments, which usually are not very high.

To maintain your standard of living through retirement, a minimum of $1,700 will be needed each month, in addition to Social Security benefits just to stay even. You might consider the savings by reducing the expenses by not going to work everyday, but as the cost of living rises on an annual basis, you will want to know that your income has the option of rising with it. How to achieve that is what you need to plan for now, while you are still working. Remember, that income from additional employment after age 62, if you are receiving , will cause your monthly Social Security benefits check to be reduced.

Others may decide not to give up a plum job, continue working through their first years of full retirement, and not receive Social Security benefits at that time. Continuing to work beyond the age of eligibility for full Social Security benefits will be rewarded by an increase in allowable annual benefits. By staying on the job and paying into Social Security for an additional five years, for example, will see the monthly Social Security benefits increase by as much as eight percent per year.

There is no magic time to begin planning for retirement, but everyone should be aware by now that Social Security benefits will not offer enough to live on through their retirement years. At some point, a person has to sit back and look at the big picture, and then break it down into manageable pieces. Consider all available retirement income, Social Security benefits, and retirement fund from your job, 401K or IRA and estimate what the monthly income will be once you become eligible for full Social Security benefits. Estimating what you will most likely need to live on and any difference between the two amounts is the additional amount needed to save before you quit working.

Whether you begin another savings account or add additional money into an existing IRA or 401K-retirement fund is irrelevant. The important thing is to have the money put aside when you will need it the most. Caution should be noted, however that putting pre-tax money into a retirement account will trigger a tax on that amount if it is used prior to full retirement age. George White is the CEO of GN Services Inc, a company devoted to helping others become successful. http://retirement.cyberbizonline.com/retirement-days-hotline/social-securit= y-benefits.php ]]> Seattle Estate Planning - Recommendations on Where to Go For Credible Consultation http://www.artwoo.com/article/seattle-estate-planning-recommendations-on-where-to-go-for-credible-consultation http://www.artwoo.com/article/seattle-estate-planning-recommendations-on-where-to-go-for-credible-consultation#comments Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:01:30 +0000 social security questionssocial security administrationestate planning councilsocial security benefitsestate planning servicesseattle branchseattle website http://www.artwoo.com/article/seattle-estate-planning-recommendations-on-where-to-go-for-credible-consultation
Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle

The Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle (SRAS) has a great program where they match seniors with retired estate planners, accountants, lawyers and financial advisors to help them with their estate planning and financial goals. To participate in the program, you must first set up an appointment. You can do so by calling 206-448-5720.

The Senior Rights Assistance of Seattle office is open from 9:30 to 3:30 every Monday to Thursday. They can also help provide recommendations for attorneys, advance directives, will preparation and other . If you get a voicemail, just leave a message.

of Seattle

The Estate Planning Council (EPC) is a national trade association with an active . Their membership is comprised of estate planners, attorneys, financial advisors, trust officers, chartered accountants, funeral directors and insurance brokers. Each of their members is focused on providing sound advice and services related to estate planning, advance directives, wills and more.

You can visit the Estate Planning Council of online at epcseattle.org. From there, you can access a full list of their membership alongside piles of free information resources.

Social Security in the Seattle Area

Social Security is a federal issue, not simply a Washington state issue. However, it is critical that you understand how much Social Security you should be receiving and what happens to those payments after you pass away. One place to find answers for all your is the .

For help with your , try contacting the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or online at socialsecurity.gov. Their website offers a comprehensive FAQ, various how-to articles and lots of online tools to help you.

Legal Aid Clinics

The King County Bar Association runs regular and free legal aid clinics in 25 locations across the county and throughout Seattle. The advice is free and includes help dealing with estate planning issues.

Attendees of these events are offered 30 minutes of free consultation with a volunteering attorney and can get assistance with questions about their wills or anything related to estate planning matters. People of all income levels and ages are welcome to attend. To book an appointment or for more information, call 206-267-7070.

When it comes to assistance with estate planning, Seattle has numerous options that are geared toward retirees and seniors. From the numerous legal aid clinics throughout the city to the ongoing assistance of the Senior Rights Assistance group, it's all available and free of charge.

Though many people find discussions about estate planning uncomfortable - since we face the reality of our mortality - it is important to make the effort nonetheless so your property and possessions are distributed according to your wishes once you have left this life.For great information on senior retirement preparation - please visit seniorretiretips.com - a popular site providing insights to help prepare for the next steps in your life journey - including Roth IRA contribution limits - retirement new homes - and many more!]]> What Every Veteran Should Know About Identity Theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-veteran-should-know-about-identity-theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-veteran-should-know-about-identity-theft#comments Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:29:59 +0000 law enforcement authoritieslap top computersocial security numberfree annual credit reportsunisys corporationfree credit reportsfree credit report http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-every-veteran-should-know-about-identity-theft lap top computer, containing important personal information such as name, date of birth, address and , as well as benefits eligibility. Another 16,000 veterans were at risk when a government contractor's lap top computer was stolen from his home.

It is a common practice for the VA to contract out certain jobs such as software support and insurance billing and claims resolution to a subcontractor. According to a statement issued by the Veterans Administration this is done in order to provide better customer service. But what happens when this "customer service puts the customer at risk of identity theft and false claims for benefits?

In this the most recent incident, of a contractor, the contracting company, offered s to those affected. However, are already available through the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Veteran's Administration also claimed that it works closely with contractors in developing the "highest standards" of protection and security. However, it does not designate what systems are in place to protect a veteran's information. The federal employee who took home veterans information on a laptop computer was required to undergo computer security and regulations training.

Thousands of people were or may have been affected by this lack of stringent rules regarding the protection of their information. And the options available to them after the information may have been released were not comforting. They were advised to obtain their free credit report, monitor it (at an additional charge to the veteran) and then to report to local any problems with their credit or instances of identity theft.

Veteran's circumstances and the effects of identity theft are unique. Many veterans are recipients of additional benefits such as education and medical that most people are not. Their children may also be eligible for specific benefits, either monetary, educational, home buying or medical. This makes identity theft, an already serious problem, even more complicated.

Veteran's whether they feel their information is at risk or not should be extra vigilant. In addition to taking many of the steps to protect their personal, financial, and medical information they should go many steps further to protect their information, their benefits and the benefits for their family. Be sure to install virus and anti spyware to protect information contained on your computer. Do not conduct personal or financial business at work, as it puts you at risk of being overheard. You may not be as protected by the business computer security system as you think you are. Consider placing a "credit freeze" on your credit information. This requires the three major credit agencies to contact you to "lift" the freeze before making any changes to or issuing any new credit in your name. You may take steps yourself to perform the credit freeze or you may use a service such as Trusted ID.

In the event your credit, personal, financial or benefits information appears to be at risk or "stolen" you should do the following: dispute the information on your credit report and ask the three major credit reporting agencies of TransUnion, Experian and Equifax to place a fraud flag on your credit file. Contact the credit lenders and advise them of the situation as stated on your credit report. Placing a fraud alert insures that additional steps are taken before new accounts or changes to existing account in your name can occur.

Although everyone should review their Social Security Benefit information to determine if their benefits have been illegally used, veterans in particular should review both the Social Security Benefits statement as well as their Veterans Benefits eligibility. To order a Social Security Benefits report, contact the Social Security Administration office.

The first step for protecting veteran's information is for government agencies and contractors to take those efforts necessary to protect this information. The next step is for veteran's to do all that they can to keep their information private. However, in the event these efforts are not effective veterans much report and dispute false or incorrect information on their credit report or other service reports. It is necessary after reporting to the local law enforcement to contact the Veteran's Administration office as well as your State's Attorney General's office and The Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Lisa Carey is a contributing author for http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com. You can get tips on Identity theft protection, software, and monitoring your credit, as well as learn more about the secrets used by identity thieves at http://www.IdentityTheftSecrets.com ]]> Retirment Coming? Don't Fall Off That Three-Legged Stool http://www.artwoo.com/article/retirment-coming-dont-fall-off-that-three-legged-stool http://www.artwoo.com/article/retirment-coming-dont-fall-off-that-three-legged-stool#comments Wed, 14 Feb 2007 04:27:05 +0000 social security pensionssocial security checkssocial security fundscollect social securitypublic pensionsquotstate and local governments http://www.artwoo.com/article/retirment-coming-dont-fall-off-that-three-legged-stool
We have been trained to believe that we will be safe because of the 3 legged stool of retirement planning. Those three legs are social security, pensions, and 401(k)'s. We need to be aware of the perils of relying on these three legs to hold us up for when we retire.

Almost everyone knows that social security is in trouble. The promise of social security is that there will always be enough workers to support the smaller amount of retired and disabled people who collect .

The problem is that we are spending at a rate that will not be able to keep up with the growing number of persons collecting it compare to the amount of workers contributing to it.

and;By the year 2042, the entire system would be exhausted and bankrupt,andquot; said President George W. Bush not long ago. He also appealed to parents: andquot;If you've got children in their 20s ... the idea of Social Security collapsing before they retire does not seem like a small matter.andquot;

Pensions have also not been all they are cracked up to be. in New York, New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, Vermont and Colorado are among the many who are feeling the crunch of a lack of funds in . It is calculated that as of 2003, the 123 largest state and city funds were around $366 billion short of meeting their retirement funding liabilities as a whole, and a whopping $611 million turnaround from where they stood in 2000.

One of the main problems with 401(k)'s is that they are not liquid enough. If an emergency comes up, there are heavy penalties for early withdrawal. Another problem is that there are many who spend their 401(k) money too quickly when they retire. If they run out before the end of their lives, they will be left with nothing but Social Security and any other savings they might have.

I am not saying that a 401(k) us a bad thing, it can be a good part of financial planning. You just have to be disciplined in managing it well and not putting all your nest eggs in this one basket. For ideas and information about retirement planning the website http://www.ourtimenow.com is a great resource for those that are already retired or are planning for retirement ]]> Supplemental Security Income: A Valuable Aid To The Disabled http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled#comments Sat, 09 Dec 2006 08:27:21 +0000 adult disabilitychildhood disabilitydisability benefitssocial security administrationsupplemental security incomessassi http://www.artwoo.com/article/supplemental-security-income-a-valuable-aid-to-the-disabled
Now the harder part. The philosophical distinction between and is also reflected in the one is entitled to, albeit in a slightly different fashion. To put it straight, the law makes a distinction between the disabled below and above 18 years of age.

or is a social benefit program instituted by the (). The SSA pays a monthly sum to those whose income is lower on account of old age, blindness or disability. Most of those under 18 years of age are considered children and the ones above as adults by the SSA. To be eligible for the SSI the rules are much the same for children and adults, but 'disability' in case of children is by definition more accommodating than the one employed for the adults.

The amount one gets as SSI is meant to meet one's very basic needs because it is assumed that a disabled person may not be able to earn enough. The need of one person living in a certain condition may be different from another in another set of circumstances. Therefore, the amount payable also differs. For instance, it is estimated that the disabled children living with their parents in the State of California need a sum of $722 per month. For those who are blind the amount is higher at $ 901, as their expenses are higher.

If, in the opinion of the authorities, you have money to spend on your basic needs in view of your sources of income, the amount is deducted from the payable sum and what remains is what you get for the SSI. The author writes about a number of different topics. For more information on disability visit http://www.about-disability.com/ and also visit the article pages: http://www.about-disability.com/disability-aids/ and http://www.about-disability.com/disability-and-civil-rights/ ]]> Illegal Workers And Identity Theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/illegal-workers-and-identity-theft http://www.artwoo.com/article/illegal-workers-and-identity-theft#comments Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:30:00 +0000 social security administrationsocial security numbervalid social securitythis means thatvalid social security numberillegal workersillegal immigrants http://www.artwoo.com/article/illegal-workers-and-identity-theft illegal workers using someone else's to obtain work and housing. Often, the identities used are of children or the very elderly, because these people aren't likely to notice that their identities are being used elsewhere to help someone get a job.

If the 's records don't match worker information, that worker's Social Security earning will be sent to a "suspense file." These files have been around since 1937, and by 2004, accounted for nearly six billion dollars in wages. This money came from more than two hundred sixty million W-2 forms that didn't match the information that they were supposed to. Theft from illegal workers is the most visible reason for this to happen. Over ninety percent of cases of identity theft are due to this reason. However, you could also find it happening if a worker has changed names without reporting it, or other information problems have occurred.

While the majority of identity theft by undocumented workers is done in an attempt to get a job, some incidents are more sinister. Bank fraud is another very common reason someone =96 whether legitimately in the country or not =96 might try to steal your identity. Since a federal immigration reform in 1986, employers have been required to keep the SSN and other information of any employee on hand. all who are trying to get a job that doesn't pay under the table have to find some way to give a number =96 and that number may be yours.

Recently, the Legislature held an interim meeting to discuss this problem, after which, the Bush administration announced a new policy to attempt to curb this problem. However, this policy is current under litigation, and has been temporarily placed under a restraining order until its validity under the Constitution can be proven. Until the government is able to take an appropriate step to curb identity theft by undocumented workers, there are a few things you can do yourself.

Making sure that all your personal documents have been shredded, using a modern cross-cut shredder, is one way to keep your identity safe. In addition, be careful what kind of information you put out in public, and keep a close eye on your personal identification =96 driver's license, Social Security card, etc. - at all times. These techniques will help guard against traditional identity theft =96 the kind that can involve bank fraud and ruin your credit. However, there's not a lot you can do to prevent someone from randomly picking your SSN in an attempt to get a job. Until more appropriate legislation comes into being, there's little we can to do protect ourselves from that problem. Thus now you know more about Illegal Workers and Identity Theft. Author and internet entrepreneur Bernard Pragides offers expert advice and tips regarding identity theft. Learn more about identity theft and fraud by visiting his identity theft blog at: http://identity4life-blog.com and his website http://www.IdentityProtek.com for more helpful info. ]]> Direct Deposit Cash Advances For Recipients Of http://www.artwoo.com/article/direct-deposit-cash-advances-for-recipients-of http://www.artwoo.com/article/direct-deposit-cash-advances-for-recipients-of#comments Tue, 30 May 2006 09:33:00 +0000 social security administrationsocial security act of 1935direct depositmailsocial security recipientselectronic depositdeposit program http://www.artwoo.com/article/direct-deposit-cash-advances-for-recipients-of Social Security recipients depend solely on their payments to meet their monthly needs and more than half rely primarily on them to make ends meet each month. The Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Program, administered by the U. S. , provides to millions of elderly, widowed, and disabled American citizens their only regular source of income. The program, created under the , is a social insurance safety net funded through a dedicated payroll tax paid equally by employers and employees during their entire working lives.

Social Security paid out almost $500 billion in benefits in 2004. The U.S. Social Security program is the largest and most successful government program in the world, and the most durable.

Since 1975, recipients of Social Security payments have been able to enroll in the of Federal Recurring Payments Program in which they designate a financial institution to receive an on their behalf rather than a paper check through the . They were the first group of recipients of Federal benefits to be able to participate in this program and, from inception, they have accepted it readily as a way to receive their funds quickly, safely, and conveniently. As a bonus to all taxpayers, the Federal government saves $9 million each month because direct deposit is less expensive than the paper check system that preceded it. After 24 years of Direct availability, 80 percent of recipients elected to use it rather than receive checks in the mail. In 2000, Direct Deposit became mandatory for new recipients and checks are now issued only in certain circumstances. The Direct Deposit Program is also available to recipients of Supplemental Security Income payments administered by Social Security and other Federal payments programs such as Veterans Disability, Railroad Retirement, Miner's Benefits, and military and civilian agency pensions.

A recipient of a Federal program enrolls in Direct Deposit when their eligibility for payments is established by completing a form. In the case of Social Security, this is a Form 1199. With this form, the individual designates their financial institution by name, address, and routing transit number (the financial institution's ID number within the banking system), and provides their own account number. The designated financial institution may be a commercial bank, mutual savings bank, savings and loan association, industrial bank, or credit union chartered by either the Federal or a state government. The account that is designated as the repository of funds may be either a checking or savings account with the recipient named as either the sole or a joint owner. Some recipients may not have bank accounts. In such circumstances, they may open an Electronic Transfer Account (ETA). This is a Federal government-insured account at a financial institution that is able to receive Direct Deposits payments.

Just as Direct Deposit is a safe, reliable, and secure way to receive recurring benefits payments, it is also the best way to receive cash advances associated with those payment, and for the same reasons. Should you need cash prior to the your next social security payment, a direct deposit cash advance is a loan against your next payment that is deposited to the same bank account in which you receive your Federal payment. You won't have to worrying about lost, stolen, or misplaced checks or cash. The type of personal loan involved is also called a payday loan, and there are many reputable lenders that offer the direct deposit of loan proceeds via web sites on the Internet. They consider your participation in a Federal recurring payments program as the most important factor in approving your loan application. They do not perform credit checks on applicants. Typically, all a cash advance lender will need to approve the loan is information from a recent Social Security statement that shows what amount you receive each month. Other information about the borrower is also needed as is the relevant information regarding the borrower's bank.

If you are in need of cash and want to use your Social Security payments as the basis for a small, short-term advance of $1,000, consider seeking out an Internet-based direct deposit loan company. You will find the process easy and fast and you will have your extra money for those unplanned circumstances that arise from time to time. http://www.cashadvance.org ]]> Foreign Student Studying In The Us?: Getting A Social Security Number http://www.artwoo.com/article/foreign-student-studying-in-the-us-getting-a-social-security-number http://www.artwoo.com/article/foreign-student-studying-in-the-us-getting-a-social-security-number#comments Sat, 28 Oct 2006 12:27:27 +0000 ssn officejob offergetting a jobsocial security numbermost importantlygovernment officewrite you a letter http://www.artwoo.com/article/foreign-student-studying-in-the-us-getting-a-social-security-number Social Security Number (SSN).

1. Try to work on-campus.

Working on campus is good for a number of reasons. Firstly, it helps you get a better feel for the campus, which will make you more comfortable in a foreign place. Secondly, the campus often have a lot of support resources that can help you. But , if you work on campus (in a library, as a research assistant, or in whatever capacity you can find) the international students office of you school will to take with you to get your social security number.

2. Why do I need a Social Security Number?

You need a Social Security Number (SSN) if you are getting paid in any way in the United States. This means that you will need a social security number even if you are receiving a scholarship. (Even that money is taxable, and trust me, they will be taxed). Don't delay in your SSN application because sometimes employers won't be able to give you your pay check until you have your number.

3. How long does it take?

It takes about four weeks to get a social security number, once you have gone to the . This means that you need to make sure that you begin your paperwork right away.

4. Where do I start?

The first step is to apply for jobs on campus (or off-campus). Once you have a printed in your hand, then you can go to the office of international students. They will probably photocopy your job offer, your passport, and your visa. If you are not on campus, you will still need a written version of your job offer to take with you.

5. What should I bring?

Find out where the nearest is to you. When you go there, you will need quite a few things: a) Your Letter of Offer (from your job or scholarship), b) A letter from the office of international students (if you are applying for an on-campus job; this letter will say that you are currently enrolled and attending classes; you don't need it for an off-campus job), c) your passport, d) your visa (F-1, J-1, etc), e) all other immigration papers that you have (this means bring in any forms that you can think of, such as your I-94 form; you can even consider brining your SEVIS fee form...it never hurts to bring too much).

When I went to get my SSN, they also asked to see my birth certificate, which is not on the list of mandatory items to bring. For a friend of mine, they asked to see her driver's license. It is better to bring these just in case. You don't want to be turned away or have to come back with more information.

There aren't any forms to fill out for the SSN before you get there. A person at the office will help you fill out all of the forms that you need to.

Good luck!

I'm sure that you won't have any problems finding a job, or getting your SSN. It's a lot of paperwork, but in the end it's worth it. You can also use your SSN to open up a bank account. You can even use it to take out a bank loan. For information on student loans, visit http://www.theguideto-studentloans.com/international_student_loans/ ]]> Transportation Security Officer (TSO) Job And How To Get Tso Job http://www.artwoo.com/article/transportation-security-officer-tso-job-and-how-to-get-tso-job http://www.artwoo.com/article/transportation-security-officer-tso-job-and-how-to-get-tso-job#comments Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:20:00 +0000 transportation security administrationhigh school diplomasecurity officer jobsnoisy situationsweapons of mass destructionadministration officerseducational qualification http://www.artwoo.com/article/transportation-security-officer-tso-job-and-how-to-get-tso-job Transportation Security Administration can't seem to find enough people to fill its job openings. At the top of these openings, are the Transportation . If you are a job seeker, by all means, you should consider getting one of these jobs. In this article, I will cover the things you need to secure the TSO job.

The Transportation Security Administration has recently made this job more appealing by establishing career tracks. You can start at the entry level as a transportation security officer or airport security officer as it is called by some people and work your way up. The higher position you attain, the more money you can make. You don't have to worry about being stuck in the same position for the rest of your career, like before.

If you get a job as a TSO employee, you will provide security and protection to passengers, airports, and aircrafts. Those that have done any travelling by air lately have seen transportation at work. They screen passengers and baggage to make sure nothing dangerous gets on the airplane.

To do this job well, you should posses the following skills:

1. The ability to communicate and give clear directions

2. The ability to make decisions in routine and emergency situations

3. The ability to maintain your focus and awareness in busy, distracting, and

4. The ability to lift and carry baggage that weighs up to 70 pounds

5. The ability to operate an x-ray machine

6. The ability to identify and locate life threatening situations and devices. This could include devices that can be .

7. The ability to stand for long hours

Transportation security officer must meet minimum . They are:

1. or GED

2. Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening

3. Successfully completion of required training. This includes 168 to 200 hours of classroom and on the job training

4. Pass a certification examination

5. Continue to take recurrent training

6. Continue to pass recurrent certification exams

One year of work experience can replace the above high school diploma or GED requirement. The accepted experience is work as a security officer, x-ray technician, or airport screener.

There are also additional requirements to getting the TSO job. They are:

1.You must be a US Citizen or National

2.You must pass criminal background check

3.You must pass credit history check

4.You must pass drug and alcohol screening

5.You must have good vision

6.You must successfully complete a medical evaluation

7.You must have at least an average hearing

Because of the level of terror threat all over the world, this has become a security sensitive job. Expect to be fingerprinted and photographed. Also be ready to complete some national security paperwork.

There you have it. The things you need to get a transportation security officer job. If you are interested in this career, there is no better time than the present to apply for the job. The Transportation Security Administration needs you and you will be providing a needed service. This service will lead to a nice career and benefits.

Note: You are free to reprint or republish this article. The only condition is that the Resource Box should be included and the links are live links. Copywrite Kenneth Echie. Kenneth is a writer for http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com. You can apply for Transportation Security Officer Jobs by visiting http://www.criminaljustice-schools-degrees.com/tsa-officer-jobs.html. Also see: http://www.extra-income-ideas.com ]]> How To Get Alabama Affordable Health Insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-alabama-affordable-health-insurance http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-alabama-affordable-health-insurance#comments Mon, 26 Feb 2007 06:27:16 +0000 health insurance planaffordable health insurancehealth insurance portability and accountability acthealth care coveragegroup healthebsaconsolidated omnibus budget reconciliation act http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-alabama-affordable-health-insurance affordable health insurance in Alabama, you can contact the Department of Insurance for assistance. The Alabama Department of Insurance can give you specific information about health insurance for adults such as the Alabama , for children such as Allkids, and for seniors, including Medicare and Medicaid. The Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program, also known as SHIP, provides information about Medicare, while the Alabama Medicaid Agency can help you obtain affordable Alabama health insurance if you meet certain qualifications.

If you obtain your health insurance through your employer in the form of an employer-sponsored plan, your health insurance is also regulated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration, or the . While the EBSA may not be able to help you find Alabama affordable health insurance, they can help you with any situations you may have with your current health insurance plan. Such situations may include:

• Not being offered , also known as COBRA, continuation even though you believe you were eligible

• Feeling that your health insurance plan was terminated on unjust grounds

• Having general concerns about the way your employer handles the group health insurance plan offered to his or her employees

Both the Alabama Department of Insurance and the Employee Benefits Security Administration will be able to help you if you have any questions or concerns about your COBRA continuation health care coverage, as well as the , also known as HIPAA.

You can shop for affordable health insurance online, but to ensure you are getting Alabama-specific information and coverage, your first stop should be the Alabama's Department of Insurance or the U.S. Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration, depending on your situation. http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/ http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car-new-jersey.shtml ]]>