Latest news with #SSFA
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Rs3.743bn spent on security of Reko Diq project
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has spent Rs 3.743 billion on the security measures of Reko Diq gold and copper project amid growing concerns over the law and order situation in Balochistan. Ministry of Interior's supplementary grant for fiscal year 2024-25 has been laid before the Parliament for approval including money spent on security measures of the gold and copper mine. In March 2025, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) sanctioned the funds of only Rs 1.79 billion aligned with the decision of the Security Services Framework Agreement (SSFA) between the Reko Diq Mining Company (RDMC) and the Government of Pakistan, as well as an MoU signed between RDMC and the Frontier Corps Balochistan (South). Reko Diq project: foolproof security ordered by PM The Ministry of Interior and Narcotics Control had originally submitted a request for a technical supplementary grant (TSG) of Rs 1.792 billion through the Finance Division. However, the Finance Division initially approved only Rs 286.987 million, leading to further deliberations. Later, the government released the full TSC of Rs 3.74 billion, sourced from RDMC's payment for security expenses. The funds had been allocated under Demand No 062 for the Combined Civil Armed Forces, supporting the Frontier Corps Balochistan (South) in its operational and security-related responsibilities. As per the agreement, RDMC will provide financial support under the term support allowance which will not be used for the salaries or allowances of Frontier Corps personnel but will cover specific operational security costs. The approved funds will be managed through a dedicated cost centre, 'Reko Diq Project Frontier Corps Balochistan (South).' Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Kokua Line: Do community gardens have grace period on new rules?
Question : The city recently changed some of the rules at its shared gardens. Do you know how long we have to comply ? Some of us will have to substantially change our plots. Answer : Community gardeners have a one-year grace period to adapt their plots and common areas to the new rules, although that allowance does not apply to violations of rules that were in place before the revisions, according to Honolulu's Department of Parks and Recreation, which announced on May 14 that rules governing the Honolulu Recreational Community Gardening Program officially have been updated after four years of 'robust community outreach.' They were last revised in 1984, after being established in 1975. DPR said in a news release that 'plot permits may still be revoked during this (grace ) period for violations of any new rules that were part of the former rules and regulations. These include issues such as missed payments, failure to attend required meetings or cleanups, creating fire hazards, improper pesticide use, and violations of City or State laws.' You can review the updated rules on DPR's website, at. According to DPR, the rules aim to enhance garden safety, including by prohibiting roofing and imposing tree, fence and border height limits ; increase fairness and ease of plot turnover, including by requiring trees and woody plants to be in pots and not allowing garden spaces to be inherited ; reduce the burden on volunteers, including by modernizing communication and payment methods ; promote ecologically sound practices, including by prohibiting the use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or soil amendments without prior approval and banning the use of Styrofoam ; and improve how the community garden program is run, with a transparent penalty process for rule violations. The city has 11 community gardens, with a total of about 1, 238 garden plots ; 300 people are on the waiting list, the news release said. Q : When will all the WEP /GPO cases be resolved ? I had to apply and have not received my past payment or a monthly payment moving forward. A : The Social Security Administration 'is helping most affected beneficiaries now, but under SSA's current budget, SSA expects that some complex cases that need to be processed manually could take up to one year to adjust benefits and pay all past due benefits, ' the agency said in an update to its website this week. SSA began adjusting benefits at the end of February and by June 6 had processed more than 2.5 million of about 3 million accounts affected by the Social Security Fairness Act, the website said. The agency also updated a warning not to fall for scams related to the SSFA or any other aspect of Social Security, saying : 'Unfortunately, bad actors might attempt to take advantage of situations when money is involved. SSA will never ask or require a person to pay either for assistance or to have their benefits started, increased, or paid. Hang up and do not click or respond to anyone offering to increase or expedite benefits. Learn more about Social Security-related scams, and how to report them to SSA's Office of the Inspector General, at /scams.' The Social Security Fairness Act repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, which had reduced or eliminated Social Security benefits for people receiving pensions from jobs not covered by Social Security. The repeal made claimants newly eligible for Social Security or increased the benefits they did receive. Mahalo Mahalo for the offer to cut the line at the Ala Moana post office. I am a kupuna who was carrying heavy packages but I am proud of my strength ! Still, it was kind of you, the man who looked like a tourist with two young daughters.—A reader------------Write to Kokua Line at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 2-200, Honolulu, HI 96813 ; call 808-529-4773 ; or email.------------
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Williamson County commissioners considering federal grant application for $28M road project
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Williamson County's commissioners will discuss authorizing the application of a federal grant application to help fund a $28 million road infrastructure project in Tuesday's county commissioners court meeting. The safe streets and roads for all (SS4A) grant is a federal grant offered through the U.S Department of Transportation dedicated to improving roadway safety and achieving a goal of zero traffic fatalities. The SSFA grant application for Williamson County is a joint effort by the county and cities within it such as Cedar Park, Georgetown, Round Rock and Taylor. About 80% ($20 million) of the proposed project would use the SSFA grant money. The remaining 20% ($8 million) would be funded by Williamson County and cities within the county. Williamson County would be responsible for $1.75 million, and the other cities involved would be responsible for $6.25 million. One of the bigger investments in the project is relocating the southbound entrance ramp on Interstate 35 in Georgetown 3,000 feet south and installing a median barrier between the IH 35 mainlines and frontage. This part of the project would cost an estimated $6.6 million. Many of the other road infrastructure improvements in the proposed plan include installing signal backplates and rapid flashing beacons (RRFBs). Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act
Changes in Social Security policy can cause alarm to those currently on or soon to be claiming benefits. However, one piece of legislation, The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), signed by President Joe Biden in the last couple of weeks of his presidency, is designed to help certain groups of Social Security recipients. Find Out: Read Next: Financial experts explained what the SSFA means for retirees, and some budgeting tips when these changes go into effect. The SSFA repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) from 1989 and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) from 1977, according to Don Grant, a CFP and CFP Board ambassador at CFP Board. 'Those two programs affect approximately 2.8 million government workers who were considered to have been double-dipping if they were to collect Social Security benefits while receiving pensions from non-Social Security-covered public sector jobs or a government pension,' he explained. By eliminating the WEP and GPO programs, nearly 3 million public workers, including teachers, firefighters, police officers and federal employees, will now be allowed to take their Social Security benefits in addition to their pensions, Grant explained. Learn More: While the SSFA reinstated eligible recipients' Social Security benefits, retroactive through 2024, Grant pointed out that recalculating benefits for 3 million current retirees takes time and resources. 'That effort is ongoing and may be in jeopardy due to the current administration's efforts to slash budgets and manpower in the agencies that perform those recalculations,' he urged patience to government and/or public sector workers affected by WEP or GPO, who haven't received benefits yet. 'There is no assurance that you'll receive the benefits as directed by the SSFA's repeal of those programs, but you can hold out hope.' If you do end up receiving the extra benefits, be careful of how you spend it, according to George McFarlane, president of 7 Waters Advisors. 'First and foremost, it's important these retirees don't let this income boost lead to a change in their lifestyle,' McFarlane warned. 'Increased income could lead to increased spending.' Retirees may also want to visit with a tax advisor in case the income pushes them into a higher tax bracket, McFarlane said. 'This could happen, especially if the retiree is pulling money from pensions, IRAs or other investments. Looking into strategies to reduce taxable income may be necessary,' he said. Retirees should also consider using extra funds to build a larger safety savings account, such as an emergency fund. 'This account should be earmarked for emergency expenses that may arise in retirement. This account should be enough to cover six- to 12-months' worth of living expenses,' McFarlane said. Another smart move with extra income is to purchase long-term care insurance or estate planning vehicles (life insurance or trusts), McFarlane advised. 'These products can help retirees maintain control during retirement, while ensure there is a legacy left behind for your family after you're gone.' Regardless of how you plan to spend additional income, Grant urged some smart budgeting basics. First, look at your total income, from all sources (pension, rental properties, investment royalties, annuities, etc.) and then calculate your spending across 'needs' and 'wants.''Net your earnings to your spending. Do you come up short? Or do you have a surplus of income? If it's a surplus, you should be fine. If a deficit, there are several actions you can take. You have two choices: Spend less or make more.' One way to enhance your income would be to shift your investment allocation, Grant said. He recommended working with a CFP to build a 'more income centric investment portfolio.' This means finding products that are designed for income, such as dividend-bearing stocks, hedged equity funds and options-based those who are expecting but haven't yet received these increased benefits, should stick with their existing budgets and act as though the additional money may never come. That way, you won't overspend or make plans you can't afford. More From GOBankingRates How Much Money Is Needed To Be Considered Middle Class in Every State? 5 Types of Cars Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying This article originally appeared on 6 Budgeting Tips for Retirees After the Social Security Fairness Act Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Social Security Highlights From Trump's First 100 Days — How They Impact You
President Trump's first 100 days in office have brought sweeping changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Learn More: For You: In its work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the SSA is on a new course that prioritizes improving customer service, reducing waste, fraud and abuse while optimizing its workforce to better serve the public, the SSA announced in April. Here's what's happening in the SSA — and how it could impact you and your Social Security benefits. The SSA has implemented the Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), which is a law that repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). The WEP and GPO reduced benefits for 2.2 million people who received a pension based on work not covered by Social Security. The SSA paid over $14.8 billion in retroactive payments. This will only impact those who received a pension from work where they did not pay into Social Security, such as teachers, firefighters and police find out if the SSFA affects you, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) suggested reviewing your work history, especially if you've held a public sector job or receive a pension from one. They also recommended reaching out to the SSA to get details on how your specific benefits may be impacted. Consider This: The SSA implemented new 'common-sense approaches' to cut costs by over $1 billion for fiscal year 2025. This included areas such as payroll, information technology, contracts and grants, real property, printing, travel and purchase card policies, according to the SSA. These cost-saving measures are intended to make the SSA more efficient and better able to deliver service. However, the Center for American Progress (CAP) pointed out that cuts to the SSA could lead to delayed or missed payments, longer wait times or slower response times. The SSA has a staffing target of 50,000 — a 7,000 reduction to its workforce. The CAP reported reduced staff levels likely mean greater delays. Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren also recently said the workforce reduction and chaos have led to an increase in mistakes and a reduction in available support for correcting them. The SSA began rolling out a modern telecommunications platform on its National 800 Number. This will allow the agency to better handle calls to field offices while providing more self-service options. According to the SSA, there have already been improvements in office answer rates and average speed of answer. For retirees, this could mean faster access to support when questions arise about monthly payments, benefit adjustments or account issues. Complete rollout is expected by the end of summer 2025. The SSA has also improved fraud prevention tools for claims filed over the phone. This adds an extra layer of protection against identity theft and unauthorized access to retirees' Social Security benefits. After reports of people who are 'implausibly old to be living,' the SSA is improving the accuracy of death data. This could also prevent fraudulent claims that could strain program resources. According to the SSA, this is an important anti-fraud measure, as criminals may use those individuals' information to commit fraud. The SSA is increasing how much it withholds from monthly benefits when overpayments occur, raising the default rate from 10% to 50%, according to an SSA emergency message. This means retirees who owe money to SSA may see a larger deduction from their checks each month. The agency is also restarting the Treasury Offset Program (TOP), which allows the government to collect old Social Security debts, such as overpayments, by withholding federal payments like tax refunds. For retirees with unresolved debts, this could result in unexpected reductions in benefits or other federal payments. The SSA is rolling out a new system called the Payroll Information Exchange (PIE), which automatically pulls wage data from payroll providers. This allows the agency to quickly and more accurately verify income and reduce the chances of overpayments or errors. For retirees who still work or have fluctuating income, PIE means fewer reporting headaches and a lower risk of accidental overpayment that could later lead to withheld benefits. The SSA is expanding its Health Information Technology (Health IT) program, which enables the agency to access medical records for disability claims electronically. For those applying for disability, this helps streamline the determination process, which could allow applicants to receive decisions and potentially benefits more quickly. The Electronic Consent Based Social Security Number Verification (eCBSV) service, which helps financial institutions and government agencies verify identities, is getting an overhaul. The plan will reduce operating costs and lower user fees to allow for greater accessibility. For retirees, this could also mean smoother and faster identity verification, resulting in fewer delays and identity-related errors. The SSA is completing its nationwide rollout of the new Hearing Recording and Transcriptions (HeaRT) system, which replaces outdated equipment with advanced, AI-powered software. This upgrade will help create more accurate hearing transcripts, and for retirees involved in appeals or disability hearings, HeaRT can mean faster, more reliable records of their proceedings. The SSA, in partnership with its Office of the Inspector General, is stepping up efforts to combat Social Security-related scams, especially those targeting retirees. For retirees, staying informed is a must. Scam allegations increased by 22.1% from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, according to the Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (OIG). Scammers often pose as SSA employees to trick individuals into giving up personal information or making payments. The SSA has ramped up efforts to keep the public informed about how the agency is performing. It now publishes key performance metrics directly on its website at These updates give retirees and the broader public a clearer view of how the SSA is doing. For retirees, this increased transparency allows them to stay informed about any improvements or delays that may impact their benefits. More From GOBankingRates 6 Used Luxury SUVs That Are a Good Investment for Retirees How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region 7 Overpriced Grocery Items Frugal People Should Quit Buying in 2025 12 SUVs With the Most Reliable Engines Sources Social Security Administration (SSA), 'Social Security Administration Highlights Key Accomplishments in the First 100 Days of the Trump Administration' International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), 'Q&A: How will the Social Security Fairness Act impact me?' Center for American Progress, 'Cuts to the Social Security Administration Threaten Millions of Americans' Retirement and Disability Benefits' SSA, 'Social Security Announces Workforce and Organization Plans' SSA, Emergency Message Office of the Inspector General (OIG), 'Recent Trends in SSA-related Scams Reported to SSA OIG' SSA, Social Security performance This article originally appeared on Social Security Highlights From Trump's First 100 Days — How They Impact You
