This month, we deliver the most popular baby names! We’re also pleased tell you about our efforts to help the homeless. We’ve published our annual performance plan. And our Agency says “konichiwa“ to Japan.

In this issue:

• Social Security Delivers Most Popular Baby Names
• Social Security Announces $6.6 Million Effort to Help Homeless
• United States and Japan Sign Social Security Agreement
• Annual Performance Plan Published
• Remember: Beneficiaries Can Earn More This Year
• We Have the Answers

Social Security Delivers Most Popular Baby Names

The most popular baby names in the United States for 2003 remain Jacob and Emily. The couple is becoming quite comfortable as leaders of the pack – Emily has been the most popular girl’s name each year since 1996; Jacob has been the most popular boy’s name since 1999. New to the top ten lists this year are Anthony and Elizabeth.

“Each year, Social Security produces the most popular baby names list based on all Social Security card applications for children born the previous year,” said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security.

A list of the 1,000 most popular baby names for 2003, and lists categorized by state, can be found on our website – where users may also apply for benefits, request replacement Medicare cards and calculate future benefits.

For more information – or for help naming your baby-to-be – read our news release.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2003-pr.htm

Social Security Announces $6.6 Million Effort to Help Homeless

Social Security is awarding $6.6 million in funding to help the homeless through Homeless Outreach Projects and Evaluation (HOPE). It is part of the Bush Administration’s commitment to end chronic homelessness in the next decade.

“Many homeless individuals suffer from a range of disabling conditions,” said Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security. “Through its network of over 1,300 offices, Social Security is uniquely positioned to provide assistance to homeless individuals.”

For more information on HOPE, see our press release.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/homeless04-pr.htm

United States and Japan Sign Social Security Agreement

The United States and Japan are saying “sayonara” to double taxation. An agreement has been signed by Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart and Japanese Ambassador Ryozo Kato that will remove a tax burden for workers in both countries. U.S. citizens working for American companies in Japan will not have to pay social security taxes to both countries, and the same will be true for Japanese citizens working for Japanese companies in the U.S.

“This agreement eliminates a serious and unnecessary impediment to American and Japanese businesses and their employees,” Commissioner Barnhart said. “Just as important, it promotes equity and fairness for workers who divide their careers between our two countries.”

The agreement makes it possible for people to qualify for Social Security benefits based on combined credits from both countries. The agreement must be approved by the U.S. Congress and the Japanese Diet before taking effect. The U.S. has similar social security agreements with 20 other countries, including Australia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, and nearly every country in Western Europe. For more information, see our fact sheet.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/factsheets/US-Japan.htm

Annual Performance Plan Published

Social Security’s fiscal year 2005 Annual Performance Plan has been published and is available for you to read. The plan describes Social Security’s key strategic goals, which are part of Social Security’s long-term Agency Strategic Plan and the President’s fiscal year 2005 budget for the Agency.

“I believe that this Annual Performance Plan underscores our Agency’s commitment to find the best ways to be more responsive to claimants and beneficiaries who depend on us for excellent service and the nation’s taxpayers who fund our programs and expect sound fiscal stewardship,” Commissioner Jo Anne Barnhart said.

One focus of Social Security’s continuing commitment to provide more responsive service to claimants and beneficiaries has been our ongoing efforts to improve service through technology. As eNews readers know, people can now apply online for Social Security retirement, spouse’s and disability benefits. Other online services allow people to find out if they may be eligible for benefits, or locate their local Social Security office. And individuals who are receiving benefits may use the website to change their address or request a Medicare card. As more and more people conduct business via the Internet, these online services save significant time and effort.

Applying for benefits online is only a link away.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/applytoretire

To see the full Annual Performance Plan, visit our online version.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/performance/

Remember: Beneficiaries Can Earn More This Year

There is good news in 2004, if you are younger than your full retirement age and you work while getting Social Security retirement or survivors benefits. You are able to earn more money before your benefits are reduced. You can earn up to $11,640 this year (up from $11,520 in 2003) before $1 is withheld from your benefits for every $2 you earn. And if you reach full retirement age during 2004 (65 and 4 months), $1 will be withheld for each $3 you earn over $31,080 until the month you turn 65 and 4 months. After you reach full retirement age you can receive your full benefit amount no matter how much you earn. To learn more about working and collecting Social Security benefits, visit our Retirement Planner.
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2/whileworking.htm

We Have the Answers

According to Internet experts, only a software company that produces popular video games had more hits on the “Frequently Asked Questions” section of its website last year than Social Security did. Social Security has more than 600 questions and answers listed on our site. If you cannot find one that answers your question, you can submit your own and get an E-mail response. Got a question? Get an answer!
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/ssa.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php