Susan visits with seniors in Lemon Grove.

On the Issues

Social Security

The Social Security system is part of what makes America strong, and Susan is committed to safeguarding the program's core value and long-term viability.  Millions of Americans rely upon Social Security when they retire or become disabled and it is crucial that we keep it solvent for years to come.  Because it is so important, Susan has opposed efforts to privatize Social Security and has remained steadfast in the effort to keep it viable for future generations.  Susan has also asked tough questions of the Social Security Administration (SSA) regarding the disability claim backlog in San Diego.  Cases are not often closed for months or years, and this problem became worse after SSA shifted a portion of its backlog to San Diego from other regions.  It is important to address the backlog to help those suffering from a disability.

Supplemental Security Income and Military Families

One of the programs that SSA administers is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  Some military families receiving SSI for special needs children are in danger of losing their benefits because of service-related compensation.  The income of a family receiving SSI is closely monitored to make sure it does not exceed the threshold for eligibility.  Certain military payments – such as parachute jump pay and hazardous duty pay – had been considered "unearned income" under current regulations and consequently were harming their benefits and eligibility.

Susan introduced the Military Families Financial Security Act, H.R. 337, which would eliminate this unfair practice and treat most military compensation as "earned income."  The legislation was signed into law in 2008 as part of a larger military benefits package.