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When to Claim Your Social Security
The question we are most frequently asked here at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service is “when should I claim my Social Security benefits?” That’s not surprising, considering most people will rely on Social Security as a major source…
The Annual COLA Is Not Guaranteed
Fresh on the heels of the recent announcement that next year’s Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) will be 3.2%, many are already vociferously stating that it’s not enough. While there may be some merit to that opinion because many seniors…
Social Security Changes for 2024
As most who collect benefits already know, Social Security changes a bit each year and, as a rule, most of those changes are for the better. For example, everyone’s monthly payment will be going up by 3.2% next year as…
Shield your Social Security Number; but here’s what to do if it is stolen
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is a very important piece of information, and one which – in the wrong hands – can cause you all sorts of problems. That’s why it’s crucial that you keep your SSN to yourself and…
The 2024 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), plus other increases
In his own inimitable way, Tom Margenau – retired long-time Social Security employee – tackles the forthcoming changes to Social Security (and Medicare) for 2024, especially the ever-controversial Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Why is COLA controversial? Well, largely because so many…
Medicare “Open Enrollment” Is On – Time to check your coverage!
The annual Medicare “Open Enrollment” period started on October 15th and will continue until December 7th. This is the period, in the fall of each year, when you can review your current healthcare coverage to ensure it meets your personal…
Your Medicare Costs Are Going Up in 2024
On October 12, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced what those of us on Medicare will be paying monthly next year, and the news – as expected – wasn’t great. Medicare costs are going up pretty much…
What is the Best Age to Claim Social Security?
Spoiler alert: There is no one “best age” to start your Social Security benefits – each person is unique and their specific personal circumstances are what determines what that person’s optimum claim age is. Another spoiler alert: Age 62 is…
Working & Collecting Social Security? Some Things to Know
2024 is just around the corner, and with it comes changes to the Social Security program, several of which are of particular interest to those who are collecting benefits before their full retirement age (FRA) and are also working. First…
Four Key Moments from the Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Hearing on Improper Payments
WASHINGTON – With $16 billion in improper payments over the last five years, beneficiaries living on fixed incomes who rely on Social Security for their livelihood face challenging outcomes where they may receive less than they are owed or are overpaid…