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Social Security Disability’s “5 Year Rule”
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are there for eligible American workers who become unable to perform “substantial gainful activity.” SSDI provides a financial lifeline for working Americans who become disabled and, thus, lose their income. It is, however, an…
A Fresh View of Retirement Planning
Whenever I hear the words “retirement planning” I think of spreadsheets, data entry, earnings history and future income projections, investments and return rates, and all things financial. And these things are, indeed, a part of what one considers and goes…
2024 is fast approaching; here’s how Social Security will change
As we enter this year’s holiday season and get all caught up in the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah, 2024 will soon be upon us, ushering in a spate of regular annual changes to the nation’s Social Security program.…
Only a few weeks left in the annual “Medicare Open Enrollment” period
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period starts on October 15th and ends on December 7th of each year. This is a time during which you evaluate how your current healthcare plan fits your needs, and switch to another plan if…
COLA: How Can it be a Raise if we lose Buying Power?
Inflation is an insidious thing. The rising cost of consumer goods takes its toll on our budget nearly every year, meaning we lose buying power almost daily (our dollar buys less as prices go up). “COLA,” or Cost of Living…
About Taxation of Social Security Disability Benefits
Are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits subject to income tax? It’s a question regularly asked of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service and, as with many questions about Social Security, the answer is “it depends.” There are nuances…
Counter-perspective of Social Security
It would be hard to find anyone in Washington, D.C. or, for that matter, among any of the 70 million Americans who receive benefits, who would argue that Social Security is a program which has outlived it’s time and purpose.…
Things to Know Before You Claim Social Security
Unfortunately, many people claim Social Security as soon as they can “because it’s there” and that is usually the wrong thing to do. Everyone’s personal circumstances are different and the best time to claim can’t be determined until you’ve considered…
When Will I Get My Social Security Payment?
It’s kind of a tricky question, and many who claim are perplexed trying to figure out exactly when their monthly Social Security payment will be available. It’s especially difficult for those trying to time receipt of their first Social Security…
Social Security Benefits Can be Reduced in Several Ways…It’s Important to Know the Rules!
Once the decision to file for Social Security benefits has been made, most folks weave the amount of their monthly payment into their financial picture and sit back for the long haul. That’s fine, but you need to understand that…