An estimated 300 people attended a Town Hall at Lane Community College last week to voice concerns about the future of Social Security with Rep. Val Hoyle, who has been hosting town halls since the start of the year.
With a lot to unpack, the discussion kept focus and centered squarely on Social Security. Hoyle said she has been hearing concerns from constituents on Social Security and the threat of privatization.
She was joined by former Congressman Peter DeFazio and Max Richmond, President and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, who both highlighted what they said is a critical need to expand benefits by lifting salary caps and countering misinformation about the program’s financial stability.
“I’ve spent the last few years trying to put into grasp a lot of lies about Social Security, that there’s no money there. That’s not true. We need to make some changes to make sure it can continue well into the future,” Richmond said.
Earlier this month, the Social Security Administration (SSA) initially proposed eliminating phone services for changing direct deposit information and applying for benefits to “reduce fraud.”
“Social Security is the most efficient and under-appreciated system in a lot of ways, DeFazio said, adding that “1% is the cost of administering Social Security out of benefits. One percent.”
Residents raised concerns about long wait times for Social Security services, potential cuts to benefits, the impact on vulnerable populations, complicated application processes that disproportionately impact seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals, and attempts to destabilize the Social Security system – what Hoyle called “intentional barriers” to discourage access to rightful benefits.
One audience member inquired about how people with limited internet access can access Social Security.
“Many of my constituents do not have high-speed internet. We also have seniors and people with disabilities that maybe can’t work their way through the process. Not being able to use the phone to apply for your Social Security benefits is a feature, not a bug, to make it so that the people who need Social Security the most can’t access it,” she said.
Lane County is classified as 97.6% rural, and 20% of the county population is 65 years or older.
The plan to cut phone services was reversed after facing public outcry and concern; SSA phones are operational.
“Because of the strong outcry from members of Congress and also from Social Security recipients, they heard from all of you … that edict around so that now people can use the phone to apply for their Social Security benefits. But we have to keep talking about it. People in rural communities and the most vulnerable are impacted the most,” Hoyle said.
Hoyle encouraged audience members to stay informed, speak up to their neighbors, attend more town halls and community gatherings, and contact her office if they are experiencing any issues receiving benefits.
And stay away from social media.
“Stop outsourcing your social connections to a social media algorithm that wants to keep you outraged and at odds with your neighbors. I live in a rural community. My neighbors vote differently than I do, but I speak to my neighbors, speak to people one on one, and tell them about what’s happening,” Hoyle said.
What can you do?
■ Create a personal account on Social Security website
■ Acquire and save earnings records
■ Print financial transactions regularly
■ Track credit history
■ Verify identity with Social Security office in person
■ Stay informed, contact your local state and national representatives.
