Social Security
Is it possible to wait too long to start your benefits?
If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to 70, your benefit amount will increase. Your monthly Social Security benefits will increase by 2/3 of 1 percent each month you wait to start your Social Security…
Sometimes it pays to get your money sooner
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced. There are some good reasons to take your benefits at 62, and Maurie Backman outlines three…
Do not throw out your COLA letter
The Social Security Administration will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. If you have received your 2023 Social Security COLA letter, do not throw it away; you…
Helping You Avoid Scams this Holiday Season
Social Security-related scams continue to be widespread, especially during the holidays. Criminals pretending to be from Social Security and other federal government agencies are tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam tactics and scripts may vary,…
How to spot imposter scams
As we enter the season of giving, we are also entering the season of imposters and scammers. The Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General has received reports of scammers creating fake identification badges and using them to “prove” that…
A guide to your monthly benefits
Approximately 70 million Americans will see an 8.7 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023. Those individuals on Supplemental Security Income will get their first increased check in December. Katie Teague created…
Be aware of these changes to Social Security
There are changes coming to Social Security in 2023. Every year, Social Security undergoes some minor changes, and depending on your situation, they can be either positive or not. Even though you are not receiving Social Security benefits, you should…
Social Security benefits for children
Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefits. If a child receives survivor benefits, they can get up to 75 percent of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. There…
When can I see my cost of living adjustment for 2023?
Do you want to know how much your Social Security benefit will be next year in December? You can; if you did this one step before November 15th; if not, you will need to wait for Social Security to mail…
Social Security retirement earnings test
The current economic conditions have many retirees thinking about returning to the workforce. First, you can get Social Security retirement or survivor benefits and work. However, if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than a specific dollar…