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Getting the max Social Security benefit isn’t easy, but it’s doable.
The Social Security Administration states the maximum monthly benefit is $4,873 for 2024. So, how do you achieve this amount; is it even achievable? If you follow a few steps during your working career, you may be able to receive…
Did you hear about a Medicare Flex Card?
You may have heard the term Medicare Flex Card used in the recent Annual Open Enrollment, but what is it, and can I get one? First, the federal government does not issue these cards; it is a benefit available to…
How long do I have to pay FICA?
One question asked by Social Security recipients who are still working is whether they have to pay Social Security taxes. Yes, unless your wages exceed the wage cap for 2024. Maurie Backman explains who will be paying Social Security taxes…
The pros and cons of starting at 62
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits early at 62, the most popular age. If you decide to start receiving benefits early, they are reduced, but if you wait until you reach your full retirement age, you are entitled…
Learn About Social Security Online in 2024
Our programs touch the lives of more than 71 million people. We work hard to ensure critical benefits and other services are accessible to you. Consider the start of the new year as an opportunity for you to engage with…
“Clawback” Update–A Real Life Example of What To Do
The Social Security overpayment problem, and the Agency’s much-criticized actions to “clawback the mistaken payments, are continuing to draw attention in the media and Congress. If you’ve received one of the infamous SSA demand payment letters, you should know that…
Revisiting Some Lesser-Known Social Security Rules
For someone beginning to take their first preparatory look at Social Security, the basics are fairly well known. Age 62 is your early eligibility (with reduced monthly benefits), your full retirement age is based on your year of birth (if…
Election 2024 – The Knives are Coming Out
If you’ve checked in on the various debates and Town Halls starring the 2024 presidential challengers, you’ve seen the growing intensity relating to positions on Social Security reform. It’s pretty clear that there are differences of opinion on what needs…
Life Expectancy and It’s Impact on the “Retirement Safety Net”
As the rhetoric heats up on Social Security, and as the leading 2024 presidential candidates debate their policy thoughts on this issue, extension of the full retirement are (FRA) for benefits is getting quite a bit of play. In fact,…
Attention, Women: Some Rules You Should Know About
Social Security is, as most people know, gender-neutral. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t portions of the rulebook that women need to pay special attention to. Tom Margenau, a 32-year veteran of various positions with the Social Security Administration, offers…