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When do Americans typically take Social Security benefits?
Americans take Social Security benefits anytime between age 62 to age 70. Exactly when you should start is a personal decision depending on your individual situation. Also, it’s interesting to see what the average benefit is at different ages. Many…
Let’s take a look at Social Security overpayment rule changes.
When a person has been overpaid by Social Security the law requires the agency to seek repayment. Social Security had a 100% withholding rate for an overpayment being made to a recipient, this policy has been changed to reduce the…
Is your Social Security income taxable?
Wondering if your Social Security income is taxable? Or if you have to file a tax return? This article by Maite Knorr-Evans explains several scenarios to help you determine what the answers to those questions are for your situation. Read…
Changing how COLA is calculated
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced the bill “Under the Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act (S. 3974), which would change the calculation of the yearly Social Security cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) by switching from the Consumer Price Index Urban Wage…
You might enjoy a really nice benefit if…
What is the maximum benefit you can collect if you retire this year? If you are turning 70 this year and filing for the first time for Social Security, you could collect a monthly benefit of $4,873. However, not everyone…
Time is Ticking for Social Security
As insolvency looms closer every day, millions of Americans may face a cut to the income foundational to their retirement plan. A number of proposals for a solution are floating about but none seem to be making an impact on…
The newest COLA estimate
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the March 2024 Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) increased 3.5 percent over the last 12 months. Based on this announcement, the Senior Citizens League has estimated the cost-of-living…
House Ways and Means Committee to Hold Hearing on WEP and GPO
On Tuesday, April 16th, the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on bill H.R. 82 – the Social Security Fairness Act. This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits,…
Medicare rules for Hospice payment affects decisions for those with Dementia
For people with dementia support is needed far before the end of life. Hospice is intended for those who have no more than six months left to live. Since enrolling in Hospice ends the availability of specialist care or hospital…
What one more year will do for you
Satisfaction with their jobs was the main reason why 10 percent of retirees ended their careers later than planned, according to a recent MassMutual Survey. What benefits could you receive by postponing your retirement date for a year? Maurie Backman…