Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part 2

Understanding the “Widow Limit”  The “widow limit” rules apply in situations where the higher-earning spouse took their benefits early, such as at the age of sixty-two. When someone takes their retirement benefits at age 62, they receive 75% of their benefit…

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Social Security Survivor Benefits – Part I 

Perched high on the list of questions most frequently asked of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisor Service is the topic of “survivor benefits.”  The term “survivor benefit” refers to benefits available to the dependent(s) of a deceased person who was either…

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The COLA Adequacy Argument and Retirement

The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) applied to Social Security benefits is intended to maintain at least some degree of financial stability for seniors in their retirement years. Good intention, but does it succeed? Many sources suggest it does not meet…

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New Year’s Greetings from the AMAC Foundation!

AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Report editorial staff extends its wishes for a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. We hope that 2026 brings continued progress for our nation and for all of you. Here at the AMAC Foundation, we look forward to…

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Social Security and Income Taxes: Looking Beyond the $6,000 Bonus Deduction

At this point, it’s pretty well understood that the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” provides a “bonus” income tax deduction intended to offset (for most seniors) the impact of federal income tax levied on Social Security benefits. It’s also…

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“Ask Rusty – Why Didn’t My Friend’s Wife Get All Her SS Immediately?”

Dear Rusty: A friend told me about what he believes is a strange thing in the Social Security system. His wife reached her full retirement age (FRA) of 66 several years ago. She delayed filing for Social Security past her…

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