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Chained CPI will financially harm seniors
A flawed policy initiative called the Chained CPI is gaining steam in Washington budget talks that would shortchange Nebraskans who receive federal benefits such as Social Security and federal annuities by lowballing their annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Chained CPI supporters…
A responsible fiscal agenda for Washington
Congress’s return to Washington on September 9 will launch a renewed debate about the nation’s fiscal future. We don’t know what the outcome will be, but we do know what’s at stake. Reporters and editors often liken policy debates to a…
Will Americans continue to work longer?
As a strong proponent of working longer, I have been delighted to see the increase in the labor-force participation of men age 60 to 74 in recent years. I, and other researchers, attribute this pattern to a host of factors,…
Advantages, disadvantages of veteran health benefits
Many veterans will find themselves in the enviable position of having health benefits from both Veteran Affairs and Medicare. There are a number of advantages as well as some pitfalls that you should be aware of. As an example, your VA covers…
In the aftermath of disaster, Social Security can help
For some, recent years have been made difficult by natural disasters. Fatal tornadoes in Oklahoma. Massive wildfires and strong earthquakes in Colorado and California. Landslides in Washington. Flooding in Texas, North Carolina and Florida. Hail storms in Tennessee. Hurricane Sandy…
New bill attempts SSDI reform for the terminally ill
Facing a terminal illness is among the most difficult experiences a person may have to confront. Under existing law, there is a five-month waiting period before an individual can receive SSDI benefits, which provides money for basic costs for disabled people.…
Harmful cuts to Social Security break promises
Harmful cuts to Social Security and veterans’ benefits break the promises to seniors and future generations. What is CCPI? The Chained consumer Price Index would cut Social Security and veterans’ benefits an estimated $127 billion over the next 10 years. Unfortunately, the…
Study: US could default as early as Oct. 18, delay Social Security …
A new study predicts the United States could default on its obligations as early as Oct. 18 if Washington fails to agree on legislation to raise the government’s borrowing cap. The Bipartisan Policy Center analysis says the default date would come…
5 Social Security Tips for Couples
If you are 66 and your spouse is collecting Social Security based on her earnings history, you can file and restrict your application and qualify for your spousal benefit based on her earnings history. By doing this, you will collect…
Understanding Obamacare: 4 Things You Need to Know
Will the newest changes to health insurance affect you, will Uncle Sam pick up part of the cost, what’s the penalty for not buying insurance and how much will it cost to become insured? Oct. 1 will be an important day…