Social Security
The Social Security Administration Is Going Big on Technology
On March 7th, 2026, Social Security is launching its new National Scheduling and Workload Systems. These two new systems will change how the field offices handle claims and schedule appointments. When the SSA implements the National Appointment Scheduling Calendar (NASC),…
Surviving Spouse and Social Security
Surviving Spouse and Social Security It’s difficult to acknowledge that one spouse usually outlives the other, but it’s hard to make important decisions when that time comes. One of the decisions you will have to make is when to start…
Did You Know Your Social Security Payments Can Be Garnished?
Even though private creditors cannot touch your Social Security payments, the Federal Government can if you owe it money. You can also have your Social Security payments garnished if you are in arrears on child support or alimony. The type…
When Should You Take Your Social Security Benefits?
When to take your Social Security benefit is a decision only you can make. If you are married, you should decide with your spouse. This decision will affect the rest of your life. You should consider your life expectancy (you…
Estimating Your Life Expectancy is One of the Most Important Parts of Retirement Planning
No one knows how long they will live, but it is important to consider your life expectancy when deciding when to retire. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a 65-year-old retiree today should expect to live…
Nine States That May Tax Your Social Security Benefits in 2025
There are still nine states that may tax your Social Security Benefits in 2025. In 2026, only eight states will still tax Social Security benefits. This is the last year West Virginia is taxing Social Security benefits. Unless any of…
The 2026 COLA: The Net Increase, and its Relationship to Inflation
Social Security beneficiaries saw a gross increase of 2.8% in their monthly payments, but most have now realized that the net increase was less than that. This, of course, is the result of the $17.90 Medicare Part B premium increase…
Workflow Changes, DOGE data handling, and the Government Shutdown: Social Security Perpectives
An Investopedia post by personal finance writer Elizabeth Guevara notes that in about a month, changes to the Social Security Administration’s workflow processes will provide increased focus on in-person service and specialized teams managing complex cases. The changes follow staffing…
Rethinking the Early Filing Decision
Claiming Social Security benefits at the program’s Early Eligibility Age–62–remains the most popular choice, statistically anyway. Most claimants realize the monthly benefit received via early filing is reduced from the amount available at full retirement age, but financial experts wonder…
Social Security Administration Releases an Update on the Effect of the Government Shutdown on Its Services.
Even though the Government is temporarily shut down, monthly Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue. The SSA is encouraging everyone to utilize their My Social Security Account …. online during the shutdown. You can view…