Social Security
Social Security is Going to A National System
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is moving away from its usual local handling of cases to a national workload system. This will allow claims and service requests to be handled by any field office nationwide. SSA is attempting to do…
Social Security Benefits based on an Ex-Spouse
If you were married at least 10 years before your divorce, you may be eligible for benefits on your ex-spouse’s Social Security record. Not even a divorce decree can take away your eligibility for benefits if you meet the length…
Collecting Social Security and Continuing to Work
After reaching your full retirement age (FRA), you can work and earn any amount. If you claim Social Security before your FRA, different rules apply. If you decide to take your benefits before your FRA, you are not only taking…
Social Security is Going National March 7th
On March 7th, 2026, Social Security will introduce a National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC) and National Workload Management (NWLM) platform. Even though Social Security is a federal program, its customer service has been more locally based. With the change, instead…
Assets Do Not Affect Your Eligibility For Social Security
Social Security was created in 1935, and the rules have changed over the years. The earnings limit now ends in the month you reach your full retirement age (FRA). Originally, if you made any money, you could not receive your…
Social Security Has Reduced the Disability Backlog
Social Security has been reducing the backlog of disability claims. The average wait time for a hearing is now the lowest it has been in the past 20 years! The average wait time has dropped to 265 days; it used…
Maximizing Your Social Security Benefits
You are now 62 and eligible to start receiving your Social Security benefits. But should you start them? If you were born in 1960 or later, your full retirement age (FRA) is 67. If you start your benefits at 62,…
The Importance of Discussing When to Start Your Social Security Benefits with Your Spouse
If you and your spouse are close in age, starting your benefits at the same time may not always be the best option for you. You both need to consider your life expectancy, health, and other retirement funds, such as…
How do you earn the maximum Social Security benefit?
Everyone can maximize their Social Security benefit amount by delaying taking it as long as possible. Your benefit maxes out at age 70, so there is no sense delaying it any longer. Your Social Security benefit increases by 76% between…
Women Tend to be More Dependent on Social Security Than Men
Women often stay home to raise children or care for ailing family members. They also tend to live longer than men, approximately 5 years. Women have come a long way in advancing their careers, but they still tend to earn…