Latest News
Disability claims backlog will disappear in 2015, Shinseki says
The Veterans Affairs Department is still on pace to clear its disability claims backlog by the end of 2015, so long as the agency is given adequate money for information technology programs and claims processors’ overtime pay, VA Secretary Eric…
GPO, WEP and Your Future Social Security Benefits
The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) are two provisions of the Social Security law that affect Social Security benefits to which CSRS retirees may be entitled. The WEP can apply to CSRS Offset and FERS Transferee retirees…
Social Security Disability with Brown and Crouppen
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that gives cash benefits to disabled people who are unable to work. Work Qualifications To qualify for benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Not every employee is…
New regulation would hike premium and drug costs for Medicare Part D users
An effort by the Obama Administration to impose new, unnecessary regulations on the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Part D, is nearing the final stage and would increase costs for seniors. The Administration’s effort to destabilize Medicare Part D has been…
Another, maybe better, reason to push off retirement
Most by now are aware that working beyond the full retirement age will yield bigger Social Security checks but here’s another reason why working longer can have a big payoff in larger Social Security benefits. Heads up to women who entered the workforce…
AARP Faces Competition From Conservative-Leaning Groups
Receiving a membership pitch in the mail from AARP just before one’s 50th birthday is an American rite of passage. The advocacy group, which itself turns 56 this year, is a powerhouse with 37.8 million members, known for its travel discounts…
Where did the Social Security debate go in Congress?
Two of three legs of a stool that once afforded Americans in their 60s a reasonably comfortable retirement have dwindled significantly, Washington lawmakers say, leaving an outdated Social Security program to bear the brunt of the ever-growing chasm dividing what…
Taking Social Security: Weigh These Factors to Make the Right Decision
Figuring out when to take Social Security is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all advice for everyone. How can you decide what’s right for you? Read more… Notice: The “Read more…” link…
Money matters: How will Social Security fit into your retirement strategy?
Have you given much thought to collecting Social Security? The answer probably depends on how old you are — but whatever your age, you’ll want to consider the best way of incorporating Social Security benefits into your retirement income strategy. Of…
Get set for 21st-century retirement
In a previous column (“Face the new retirement reality,” Feb. 17), we discussed the 21st-century version of retirement and how it will likely include part-time work or flexible working arrangements, in addition to income from Social Security and retirement plans…