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Federal law requires noncitizens who earn income in the U.S. to file tax returns. In order for a person who isn't eligible for an SSN to do this, the Internal Revenue Service provides an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number to facilitate the filing of tax returns. The number looks very similar to an SSN, having nine digits. Although that number does not authorize the number holder to work, undocumented workers use them to get jobs. More than 7.8 million ITINs were issued between 2005 and 20The Social Security Administration itself is another major source of abused numbers. Between 1974 and 2003 the SSA issued 7 million "non-work" SSNs. The cards are clearly printed NOT VALID FOR EMPLOYMENT and they do not authorize noncitizen number holders to work. Audits by the Social Security Inspector General have found these numbers are widely misused by illegal workers..The Senior Citizens League is pleased that lawmakers acted swiftly and responsibly to avert a government shutdown and an unprecedented default on the federal debt. Failing to do so could have resulted in delayed Social Security checks and reimbursements for health care providers who treat Medicare patients. Lawmakers now have until early December to negotiate a broader funding bill to keep the federal government operating. For progress updates, follow TSCL on Facebook or Twitter..Key Social Security Bills Gain Support in House.Unlike the rest of our tax system, which is progressive, meaning the lower the income, the lower the tax rate that people must pay - Social Security payroll taxes are regressive. The first dollar of earnings is taxed for Social Security, and all workers pay 6.2% tax on earnings - an amount that is matched by employers - but only on the first 8,500 in earnings. But because of the taxable maximum cap, the highest paid workers, like CEOs of major corporations who receive millions in wages and even Member of Congress, are pocketing a huge tax break, 6.2% of every dollar earned over 8,500..After Surgery What Can I Do About Unexpected Bills?.A new study has found that it is more than prices that are high when it comes to so many prescription drugs. According to Modern Healthcare newsletter, "A .40 increase in out-of-pocket costs per prescription was associated with a 22.6% drop in consumption and a 32.7% increase in monthly mortality rates, an analysis of more than 358,000 relatively healthy 65-year-old Medicare beneficiaries found.".TSCL Supports New Legislation.If enacted, this bill will make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to American families. It will encourage drug companies to put people before profits, not the other way around..that your health insurance is taking a big portion of your Social Security,