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German article
Q&As about Supplemental Security Income
Information from Social Security Administration
QUESTION
When did Social Security begin? B. Linares, Miami, Florida
ANSWER
The Social Security Act was signed by FDR on August 14, 1935. Taxes were collected for the first time in January 1937 and the first one-time, lumpsum payments were made that same month. Regular ongoing monthly benefits started in January 1940.
QUESTION
When did Medicare actually start? A. Torres, Westchester, Florida
ANSWER
Medicare was passed into law on July 30, 1965 but beneficiaries were first able to sign-up for the program on July 1, 1966.
QUESTION
When did COLA start? I. Abner, Margate, Florida
ANSWER
COLAs were first paid in 1975 as a result of a 1972 law
QUESTION
Are Social Security numbers reused after a person dies? L. Richardson, North Palm Beach, Florida
ANSWER
No. We do not reassign a Social Security number (SSN) after the number holder’s death, the current numbering system will provide us with enough new numbers for several generations into the future with no changes in the numbering system.
QUESTION
Are my disability benefit payments taxable? P. Whittman, Plantation, Florida
ANSWER
The answer to this question depends on what benefits you get and how much your total income is. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you will owe no Federal or State taxes on this benefit. If you have other forms of income in addition to your SSI (such as wages) you may owe taxes on that income. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may have to pay taxes on your benefits, depending on how much your total income is. Your total income includes your Social Security benefits and any other income you received such as wages, interest income and rental income. Social Security reports that about one-third of current beneficiaries pay taxes on their disability benefits. If you are unsure about whether or not you have to pay taxes, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or seek the services of a qualified tax professional.
Festival of Lights at Fishermen’s Village
Held at Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda’s Festival of Lights is a 48-day celebration filled with music, dancing, holiday shopping and, of course, an abundance of shimmering lights. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about the festival so you don’t miss a single part of the fun. The festival runs November 13 through December 31 and will feature events such as musical performances by the Boogiemen Band and instrumental holiday classics played by the Surf Kats. Visitors will also be able to enjoy magic shows, dance workshops, photos with Santa and a special parade by the Charlotte High Silver King Band. The Festival of Lights will be held daily from 10 am until 8 pm. During that time, residents from across the area will visit Fishermen’s Village and look in wonder at the more than 1 million lights illuminating the shops and marina. With a variety of restaurants, boutiques, a resort and a marina, Fishermen’s Village is a spectacular location for hosting the Festival of Lights. The village is easy to get to, conveniently located off Tamiami Trail, on the Punta Gorda side of the Peace River (1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950). When you arrive, there are several parking lots located near the marina. This festival holiday celebration is free to the public. However, Share the Blessings Ministry will be accepting food donations. Please bring your canned food items to the designated drop-off point located at the festival.
Festival of Lights Boat Parade
Every night of Punta Gorda’s Festival of Lights will be filled with fun and excitement, but there’s one night, in particular, you won’t want to miss. As part of the festival, the 26th Annual Lighted Boat Parade will set sail across the harbor, featuring dozens of decorated vessels floating across the water. Scheduled for December 13 around 6 pm, this nautical parade will include holiday music and entertainment that’s fun for the whole family. Go once and it’s sure to become a new holiday tradition. And if you’re interested in being a part of the parade, it’s free to enter. For more information, visit www.fishermensvillage.com.
