Headlines
Assessing the Implications of the Full Retirement Age (Hint: It’s not as simple as you think)
Reaching full retirement age (FRA)–the age at which a claimant can receive the full amount of their earned Social Security retirement benefit–was historically thought to be age 65. And it was…at least until the Social Amendments of 1983. A series…
A Common Sense Approach to Social Security Reform?
In a well-written, somewhat light-hearted, but nonetheless timely and realistic discussion, Stanford Magazine writer Summer Moore Batte summarizes the thinking of two scholars on how to address Social Security’s rapidly approaching financial cliff. In her news.stanford.edu post, Ms. Batte captures…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part 2
Understanding the “Widow Limit” The “widow limit” rules apply in situations where the higher-earning spouse took their benefits early, such as at the age of sixty-two. When someone takes their retirement benefits at age 62, they receive 75% of their benefit…
Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part I
Perched high on the list of questions most frequently asked of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisor Service is the topic of “survivor benefits.” The term “survivor benefit” refers to benefits available to the dependent(s) of a deceased person who was either…
The COLA Adequacy Argument and Retirement
The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits is intended to maintain at least some degree of financial stability for seniors in their retirement years. Good intention, but does it succeed? Many sources suggest it does not meet…
New Year’s Greetings from the AMAC Foundation!
AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Report editorial staff extends its wishes for a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We hope that 2026 brings continued progress for our nation and for all of you. Here at the AMAC Foundation, we look forward to…
Social Security and Income Taxes: Looking Beyond the $6,000 Bonus Deduction
At this point, it’s pretty well understood that the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” provides a “bonus” income tax deduction intended to offset (for most seniors) the impact of federal income tax levied on Social Security benefits. It’s also…
Social Security’s realities can be an eye-opener for some.
“Unfortunately, although many Boomers will rely on Social Security to help them cover essential (retirement) costs, many members of this age group simply don’t know the truth about this benefit program or what it can do for them.” That’s the…
Social Security and the Federal Payroll Tax
Nearly all workers pay it, but very few understand it – the Federal Payroll Tax. With few exceptions,[1] everyone who works and earns a paycheck is subject to the federal payroll tax on their earnings. That’s more than 180 million American workers, about 93% of the U.S. non-government workforce. …
Christmas Greetings from the Social Security Report Editorial Staff!
“I heard the bells on Christmas Day, Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet, The words repeat, Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow As we gather around our family and friends this Christmas, let…