The Saipan Tribune has been following the story of the CNMI government seeking to enroll its employees in the U.S. Social Security system. I have seen significant confusion and misinformation about the options available to the government. This is an important issue and that makes it important for everyone to have the facts.
Social Security is already working in partnership with the CNMI government to enroll its employees into Social Security. The Governor has submitted the required request to the Commonwealth legislature. The House passed it last month and the Senate is expected to approve it shortly. Once approved, the request will go to the U.S. Department of the Treasury to begin the tax collections and coverage for the government employees.
There is no ability under current law to provide government employees of the CNMI with retroactive Social Security coverage. To pursue any retroactive coverage, CNMI would need to seek legislation in the U.S. Congress to authorize such coverage.
I know this is a difficult time for the Commonwealth employees. They and the government need to have the right information to make the best choices.
Bill Zielinski
Social Security Administration regional commissioner
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