FEDERAL AGENCY:

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION

AUTHORIZATION:

Tax Adjustment Act of 1966, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 427-428.

To assure some regular income to certain persons age 72 and over who had little or no opportunity to earn Social Security protection during their working years.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Direct Payments with Unrestricted Use. Place Cursor Here for Definition

USES AND USE RESTRICTIONS:

Special monthly benefits are paid to eligible beneficiaries, age 72 and over. There are no restrictions on use of the benefits, although the right to future benefits is not transferable or assignable.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Individuals who reached age 72 before 1968 need no work credits under Social Security to be eligible for special payments. Those who reached age 72 in 1968 through 1971 need some work credits to be eligible. The amount of work credit needed increases gradually each year for people reaching age 72 in 1968 through 1971. This special benefit is not available to people who reach age 72 after 1971.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   Individuals who reached age 72 before 1972. Those who reached age 72 between 1967 and 1971 must have Social Security work credits.

Credentials/Documentation:   Proof of age is required.

Pre-application Coordination:   None. This program is excluded from coverage under E.O. 12372.

Application Procedure:   Telephone or visit the local Social Security Office.

Award Procedure:   After review of the application is completed, the applicant (or representative payee) will be notified by mail.

Deadlines:   Applicants should apply as soon as they are eligible, as no retroactive benefits can be paid.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Not applicable.

Appeals:   Telephone or visit the local Social Security Office. The appeal process ranges from a reconsideration to a review by the Federal courts.

Renewals:   Not applicable.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   This program has no statutory formula or matching requirements.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Not applicable.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   Beneficiaries must notify the Social Security Office if they change their address, become eligible for a Government pension or pension amount change or receive Supplemental Security Income benefits or welfare cash benefits.

Audits:   None.

Records:   None.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   20-8006-0-7-651.

Obligations:   (Benefit Payments) These figures represent benefits actually paid, or expected to be paid. FY 01 $149,000; FY 02 est $50,000; and FY 03 est $0.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:   The payment for each qualifying individual as of December 2001 was $233.70. Payments are not made for any month for which the person receives a payment under the Supplemental Security Income program. Payments are reduced by the amount of most other governmental pensions, retirement benefits, or annuities.

In fiscal year 2001, the number of beneficiaries decreased to 50 by the end of the fiscal year. In fiscal year 2002, it is estimated the number of beneficiaries will decrease to 3 by the end of the year. By the end of fiscal year 2003, the number is estimated to be zero.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 20, Parts 401, 404, and 422. "Your Social Security," and other publications are available from any Social Security Office without charge.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   Consult Appendix IV of the Catalog.

Headquarters Office:   Office of Public Inquiries, Room 4100, Annex, Social Security Administration, Baltimore, MD 21235. Telephone: (410) 965-2736. Use the same number for FTS.

Web Site Address:   http://www.ssa.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Not applicable.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

Not applicable.