Latest News
Two Announcements from the Social Security Administration
First, if you created your My Social Security login account before September 18, 2021, you will need to transition to a login.gov account before the end of the year or you will no longer be able to access your information.…
How does the COLA work?
Each year, depending on the rate of inflation compared to the third quarter of last year, Social Security beneficiaries get a “Cost of Living Adjustment”. Next year, 2025, is expected to be low compared to the last few years. Christy…
Who is Eligible for a Spouse Benefit?
A spouse benefit is available in many different situations, primarily when a lower earning spouse’s benefit is less than 50% of a higher earning spouses benefit when taken at Full Retirement Age (FRA). In some cases ex spouses are eligible…
Is the Notice I received from Social Security to Change My Account a Scam?
This is not a scam. Social Security is requiring everyone who has a myssaccount to change it so that it can be accessed through login.gov. It will make access to our Social Security information consistent for all users. An article…
The Logic of Claiming Social Security at 67
You can choose to start collecting Social Security at any age between 62 and 70. So many options can cause confusion. Maurie Backman at The Motley Fool makes a good case for taking your benefits at your Full Retirement Age…
If You Claimed Social Security Benefits too early, You Could Consider the “do over” option.
The “do over” option is a little known strategy that allows you to pay back the benefits you have received within one year of starting them and start over again at a later date. It can be helpful for some,…
Does your State Tax Social Security Benefits?
The federal government DOES tax Social Security benefits, but most states do not. Find out which states do and which states don’t here… Notice: The link provided above connects readers to the full content of the posted article. The URL (internet address)…
Social Security rules have been consistent for the last 40 years
If you are new to Social Security the rules can seem complicated and confusing, however, there have been hardly any changes at all since 1983. The basic rules, spouse benefit rules, survivor rules and disability rules are unchanged. So, once…
The 2024 election and entitlements
Do Americans care about Social Security when they vote? Lorie Konish cites a National Institute on Retirement Security finding. The group polled 1,208 people aged 25 and older and found 87% want action to address Social Security’s trust fund shortfall. Also, 69%…
Commentary: Eliminate improper Medicare & Medicaid payments to save Social Security
Thomas M. Cassidy, a former senior investigator for the New York State Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, suggests better management of Medicare and Medicaid to save Social Security from insolvency and across the board cuts in 2033. He notes…