Latest News
New Social Security Online Account is Easier to Use
In a continuing effort to provide enhanced online services, the Social Security Administration has announced that they have updated the “my Social Security” account homepage to facilitate access to your personal Social Security information. The new format makes it easier…
Coming Soon: Medicare’s Annual “Open Enrollment” Period!
It’s coming up fast: Medicare’s annual “Open Enrollment Period” which starts each year on October 15th and runs through December 7th. This is the time when American seniors can enroll in or change a stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug…
Saving Millions Won’t Solve a Trillion Dollar Problem
In this intriguing Morningstar article from Dow Jones, the Federal budget deficit is discussed in very realistic terms, while evaluating the more recent efforts to “eliminate waste and fraud” by the much maligned Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The basis…
Social Security Will No Longer Mail Paper Checks
This article proclaims it’s “the end of an era,” and it definitely is. Social Security has been mailing monthly payments to beneficiaries since the late 1930s. Of course, for many years, Social Security has also been requiring new recipients to…
Sometimes you need to take your Social Security at 62
You constantly hear about strategies for maximizing your Social Security benefits, but it is not always your best option. When to take your Social Security benefit is a personal decision only you can make, depending on your personal circumstances. …
Are You Eligible for a Spousal Benefit?
Even if you never worked, if you are married or were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for benefits based on your spouse’s record. You can get a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement…
Can Medicare deny services?
Can Medicare deny someone services if they are not financially needy? The answer is no, since Medicare is not a needs-based program. Medicare has specific eligibility rules for certain medical services, as mentioned on The Elder Law Answers website, such…
Your Social Security Benefits May Still Be Taxable
If you plan on working after starting your Social Security benefits, your earnings will still be subject to payroll taxes. It doesn’t matter if you start receiving benefits before or after your full retirement age (FRA); you will continue to…
Choosing your Medicare coverage
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is approaching quickly: October 15 to December 7. At this time, you can change your Medicare Part C and Part D plans for the upcoming year. This allows you to ensure you are enrolled in…
Deciding When to Start Your Social Security Benefits
Deciding the right time to start your Social Security benefits is a personal decision only you can make. Everyone’s situation is different. Only you can decide the right time to start receiving your Social Security. If you are married, it’s…