Latest News
What’s the big deal about Retroactive SS Benefits?
Always an interesting read, retired Social Security employee Tom Margenau writes regularly about Social Security matters, with his articles published nationally. Mr. Margenau’s most recent article touches on something we regularly encounter here at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory…
Retirement Savings: How do you measure up?
For many young people, “retirement savings” is something to think about in the future. But, believe it or not, the future may be closer than you think. Ask anyone in their early sixty’s evaluating if they can retire and how…
Pre-approval of some procedures being piloted by Medicare
A significant advantage of so-called “original Medicare” is that pre-approval for most medical procedures is not normally required, as is often the case for many medical procedures under private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Indeed, this is frequently the very reason…
Are Social Security Income Taxes Eliminated, or Not?
Well, as we’ve shared in other articles at this website, including our recent Ask Rusty weekly publication, the answer to that is somewhat confusing to explain. Taxes on received Social Security benefits have not, yet have, been effectively eliminated, at…
About Customer Service at Social Security Offices
Considerable changes in how customer requests are handled at the Social Security Administration are, and have been, taking place at SSA in recent months, thanks to the efforts of the new Commissioner of Social Security and his team. We’ve chronicled…
A $5,000 per month Social Security benefit?
May seem like an unreachable star, but getting a monthly Social Security payment of $5,000 isn’t an impossible dream! As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait, and that is precisely true when it comes to when…
Social Security Benefits based on an Ex-Spouse
If you were married at least 10 years before your divorce, you may be eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s Social Security record. Not even a divorce decree can take away your eligibility for benefits if you meet the length…
Collecting Social Security and Continuing to Work
After reaching your full retirement age (FRA), you can work and earn any amount. If you claim Social Security before your FRA, different rules apply. If you decide to take your benefits before your FRA, you are not only taking…
Beware of the “IRMMA Trap” When Making Your Retirement Plans
Discussion of the requirements for minimum distributions (RMDs) usually focuses on the tax effect. Especially since your RMDs can go up as you age. Marc Gubert has written an article with some pointers to help you avoid “The Potential Tax…
Assets Do Not Affect Your Eligibility For Social Security
Social Security was created in 1935, and the rules have changed over the years. The earnings limit now ends in the month you reach your full retirement age (FRA). Originally, if you made any money, you could not receive your…