Evening star., 1951-06-26
Workers Of IS
Urged 10 Learn
Of Pension Help
sociul Security Aide
Invites Queries on
Expanded Benefits

Workers who are 65 years old,
whether they are ready to retire or
not. were urged today to visit the
Social Security Administration
field Office to find out about their
rights under the expanded old
age and survivors insurance pro-
gram.
Victor Sadd, manager Of the
Washington field Office at 1900
Pennsylvania avenue NV, re-
ported that 13,807 men. women
and children here were receiving
$496,8l5 monthly at the end OF
February under the program.
This is gain Of about 80 per-
cent over the 10,45S District bene-
ficiaries at the end of 1949, and
an increase of 1877 per cent in the
monthly amount.
But Mr.. Sadd said there are still
many other persons eligible to
receive payments under recent
changes in the law who do not
know their rights. Benefits cam
not be paid until an application
is on file.
$6 Million Paid Yearly.
At the present rate. payments
here are roughly Sc million a year.
The increase in the number and
amount of benefits reflects the
first six months of operation under
the 1850 amendments which lib
eralized eligibility requirements
and benefits.
OF the total beneficiaries, 1893
were retired workers 65 years old
or more, who were being paid
$302,311 a month. In addition,
$37,526 a month was going to L.
573 wives and dependent husbands
Of retired workers.
Others receiving payments in
cluded LAO widows and depend
ent widowers who had reached IS,
and 734 mothers younger than S.
with minor children. Benefits to
widows and widowers totaled $52,-
365. and mothers were receiving
$24. 1856 a month.
Serves Five Counties.
There were 2,s72 children re-
ceiving total monthly payments
of $78, ,444. An amount of $1,812I
was being paid to 40 aged depend
ent parents of deceased workers.
The Washington field Office also
serves five nearby Maryland
counties - Montgomery, Prince
Georges, Calvert. Charles and st.
Marys.
In the service area, 1888 per-
sons were receiving payments at
the rate Of nearly So million al
year. Nationally at the end of
February. more than $134 million
was being paid monthly to 3.706,-
586 persons.
Benefits can be paid to eligible
workers at 65 for any month in
which they earn $50 or less on jobs
covered by the law. At the age
Of IS. workers can receive their
retirement payments regardless of
the amount of their earnings.
A second time for action in
wolves the immediate family or
close relatives Of a worker who
died either before or after retire
ment. Mr.. Sadd said inquiry
should be made as soon as pos
sible to protect family rights
under the survivorship provisions.
War Service Benefits.
He also urged survivors of
World War II veterans killed on
duty during the war, or who died
later. to get in touch with the
field Office If they have not done
so since last August.
A recent change makes it pos
sible to pay certain survivors of
qualified veterans regular social
security benefits based on World
War II service alone, or on COM
bination of such service and en-
ployment on jobs under the law.
Survivors should find out their
eligibility Immediately in order to
prevent any loss of benefits. he
said, particularly surviving de-
pendent parents of World War m
servicemen.
Regardless of their ages now.
they must file proof OF this de-
pendency with the Social Security
Administration no later than sat
urday. or within two years of the
death OF the seryiceman, which,
ever is later.
Residents Of nearby Virginia
counties are serviced by the Alex
andria field Office in the A. r.
.Rupley Building, 815 King street.