[Nfbc-info] Important Information On SSI/SSP Payments

[Mary Willows]

Hi Jonathan,
This is a crutial report for recipients.  Can you give an update and report 
at the convention?  I'd like to put it on the agenda for Sunday morning. 
Please let me know ASAP as I am trying to get everything on paper before I 
go back to work.

Thanks,


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jonathan Lyens" <jonathan at lyens.com>
To: "NFB of California List" <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2009 11:51 PM
Subject: [Nfbc-info] Important Information On SSI/SSP Payments


> Fellow Federationists
>
>
>
> I wanted to share with you some important information regarding recent
> news reports of the state delaying payment of SSI/SSP payments as early
> as July. I've had several people ask me about this. I know that there
> has been a lack of information out there, and people are understandably
> concerned.
>
>
>
> The most important thing to know about this possible delay in payment is
>
>
>
>
> **This will not impact SSI recipient's monthly checks.
>
>
>
> Federal law sets a minimum amount of SSI benefits. Each individual state
> is with in its power to offer an additional supplement to this federal
> minimum. In California, this added money is known as the "SSP".
>
>
>
> The SSP is what the state is threatening to withhold payment on.
> However, this payment goes to the Federal Social Security
> Administration, not SSI recipients directly. The Social Security
> Administration then disperses a full check to you the recipient - in
> California it is comprised of the Federal minimum and the California
> SSP.
>
>
>
> The Social Security Administration has stated that even if California
> delays this payment, it will honor SSI recipient's full payment on time.
> It will consider it a "loan" to the California state government.
>
>
>
> Social Security is required to provide at least a 30 day notice of any
> change to your benefits. This is true even with the state's SSP.
>
>
>
> If you have questions about this, please feel free to email me off-list.
> I will be happy to help in anyway I can.
>
>
>
> Also, if you are interested in learning more about the "I.O.U.s" that
> California is planning to issue, please visit the state Controller's
> website. There are other programs that may not be as lucky as the SSP
> program.
>
>
>
> http://www.sco.ca.gov/5935.html
>
>
>
> ** Please know that this is not the end of our fight. California's
> budget "mess" is far from over. The state legislature is currently in
> negotiation about what will be cut! They have $23.4 billion to cut in
> order to balance the 2009-2010 budget. It is likely our fight will
> continue. I am currently analyzing the list of current proposals for the
> budget "chopping block" and how they may impact blind Californians.
> Doubtless, I will be calling upon you again very soon to preserve
> services for blind Californians. It is our collective voice that makes
> us such a powerful movement.
>
>
>
> Best-
>
>
>
> Jonathan Lyens
>
>
>
> NFBC Treasurer
>
> NFBC Legislative Committee Chairman
>
>
>
> Jonathan T. Lyens MPA
>
> Email: jonathan at lyens.com
>
> Fax: (321) 256-8896
>
> Skype: jlyens
>
>
>
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