Social Security
Enemy of Social Security Reform? Public Apathy
Despite all the media warnings about Social Security solvency and possible across-the-board benefit cuts in about a decade, a recent Gallup poll suggests that 53% of Americans still think they’ll get everything they’re entitled to when it comes time for…
Must I Pay Income Tax on Social Security Disability Benefits?
As with most Social Security questions, the answer is “it depends.” Social Security has an earnings test which affects anyone who is collecting Social Security benefits before they have reached their full retirement age, and that includes those collecting Social…
Allow “Phasing In” Social Security Benefits?
In this interesting opinion piece, one erudite expert suggests that Social Security should offer an option to allow phasing into retirement. This would be done by permitting one to first collect only a portion of their Social Security benefit early,…
Will Your Social Security be Taxable?
In response to threatened revenue shortfall for Social Security in 1983, Congress enacted a law which required those with incomes over particular thresholds to pay income tax on half of their Social Security benefits. The thresholds set in 1983 were…
When Should you Claim Social Security?
There’s no single answer to that question, but there is one very important factor which is crucial for you to know when deciding, and that is your full retirement age (FRA). You FRA varies depending on the year you were…
Is Even Discussing Fiscal Sanity a “no no?”
Is the partisan divide in Congress so great that even entertaining ideas to deal with the ever burgeoning national debt is an unacceptable concept? Or is discussing reform of programs which will soon become insolvent (Social Security and Medicare) completely…
Ten States which may Tax your Social Security benefits
Check out the accompanying article about federal income tax on Social Security benefits, and then read this one which reveals that some U.S. states also levy income tax on Social Security benefits. Although most states don’t tax retirement income, there…
Federal Income Tax on Social Security Benefits
That historic 8.7% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) last year was a welcome addition to everyone’s monthly Social Security benefit, but some beneficiaries may be in for a surprise when they file their 2023 taxes this year. A portion of…
“Common Law Marriage” and Social Security
Social Security’s rules regarding spousal benefits are quite clear – to be eligible for benefits based on their partner’s lifetime earnings history, the couple must be “married.” It’s the definition of “married” which often catches people applying for Social Security…
About Reforming Social Security
As we roll into this presidential election year, campaign rhetoric is already heightening, especially about Social Security. Most candidates pledge “not to touch” Social Security, while simultaneously suggesting that cutting the program is high on their opponent’s agenda. President Biden…