Latest News
Social Security’s Operational Funding Shortfalls Highlighted in Appropriations Hearing
Yesterday’s hearing by the House Appropriations Committee and the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee spotlighted the impact of current Social Security Administration funding levels on the agency’s customer service capabilities. In her remarks at the…
“Fixing” Social Security has a Wide Range of Options to Consider
We’ve mentioned many perspectives on the best ways to address the looming Social Security insolvency crisis on this website. In a recent post on nasdaq.com, columnist The Motley Fool’s Matt Frankel covers a list of 16 possible ways to put…
Addressing Retirement Savings Concerns…Some Help Coming in 2025
The importance of building a satisfactory financial “nest egg” one’s life in retirement cannot be understated, especially when viewed in light of Social Security’s design to replace about 40% of most workers’ re-retirement earnings. With the median household retirement savings…
A Discussion on Strenghtening the “Guardrails” for Social Security and Medicade
The crisis in Social Security and Medicare funding is drawing attention from many quarters, especially as the flashpoints draw closer. We’ve reached the point where the luxury of deferring action on the insolvency issues facing these two critical programs will…
Understanding SSDI’s 5-Year Rule
The application for Social Security Disability Income benefits can be a daunting process, and one of the often misunderstood rules encountered concerns the number of years an applicant older than 31 must have worked before developing a disability. Maite Knorr-Evans…
SSA Representatives Outline *00-number Improvements
In a recent press release on the SSA website, agency representatives Tiffany Countess and Chris Chapple outlined improvements implemented on the program’s 800 number platform. Their post touches on the Call Back Assist feature and interpreter services and includes an invitation to…
A Quick Look at 2025 Changes that Impact Social Security Beneficiaries
As expected each year, January brings a series of Social Security changes that impact participants. There’s really nothing new about these changes…they happen every year, but it’s always good for planning purposes to be sure they’re factored into financial plans…
SSA commissioner O’Malley Set to Resign 11/29
CBS News reports that Social Security Administration Martin O’Malley has resigned from his position with the office as part of his candidacy for chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Commissioner O’Malley was appointed as the 17th SSA Commissioner in…
Retirement: Dealing With the Emotional Part of the Equation
Quite a bit of material has been published about the financial aspects of retirement. You know, the tips for maximizing your monthly Social Security benefits, understanding spousal and survivor benefits, the perils of claiming before full retirement age, and so…
An Update on SSA’s Overpayment Clawback Reform measures
Eight months ago, Social Security Commissioner Martin O’Malley announced plans for policy changes intended to address the heavy criticisms facing the Social Security Administration in the face of its efforts to recover funds incorrectly paid to some beneficiaries. In a…