So, SSA officials decided to simply postdate the letters so that people would have the full 60-day period of time to prepare an appeal once the letter actually arrived in their mailbox. Again, they are trying to help you. They are not being incompetent or deceptive. Geez, buddy, chill out!
I just got a check from Social Security for about $30 with no explanation. I was very confused. I called the SSA. They told me a letter will follow in a week or so. What’s wrong with that picture? That’s the government for you. They can’t do anything right!
A: As with so many people, I think you are too quick to criticize the government. Many years ago, I helped the SSA conduct focus groups with Social Security beneficiaries. We asked them this: “Let’s say the agency owes you some money. Would you rather get the money first? Or should we hold off giving you the money until you get a letter explaining it?”
The focus group participants overwhelmingly answered, “Give us the money first!” So that’s what the SSA does. Actually, the money and a letter explaining the money go out on the same day. It’s just that a direct deposit transaction happens almost instantaneously. But, of course, it takes a while longer to prepare a letter and send it through the mail.
So, despite your accusation that the government “can’t do anything right,” I hope you now understand that they did the right thing and asked the American people what they wanted. And then they gave them what they asked for.
