The Aging Network

INFORMATION MEMORANDUM
AOA-IM-97-07

TO : STATE AND AREA AGENCIES
ADMINISTERING PLANS UNDER TITLE III
OF THE OLDER AMERICANS ACT OF 1965,
AS AMENDED

SUBJECT : SOCIAL SECURITY NEW PAYMENT CYCLE

LEGAL AND RELATED : OLDER AMERICANS ACT, AS AMENDED
REFERENCES

On December 4, 1995, the Commissioner of Social Security and the Assistant Secretary for Aging signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding to coordinate the delivery of services to older people by our respective agencies and to increase public understanding of the issues confronting federal programs for the elderly.

We are, therefore, very pleased to share some new information with the Aging Network about a new initiative called "payment cycling" which the Social Security Administration (SSA) will be implementing effective May 1, 1997. This change applies only to new Social Security beneficiaries who file applications for benefits on or after May 1, 1997. It does not affect current SSA beneficiaries or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients.

Please see the attached materials for an explanation of how this initiative will impact the delivery of Social Security benefits to millions of older Americans and how this change will result in better service to the public.

If you would like additional information, you may contact SSA's External Affairs staff at (410) 965-4023.

Robyn I. Stone
Acting Assistant Secretary for Aging

Attachment