Social Security
Filing for Benefits in 2026? Here are some steps to take in advance.
It’s a big decision…one that for most folks will have a substantial impact on their standard of living in their later years. Because of its significance in retirement planning, it’s essential to take several key steps well in advance of…
Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount Explained
By now, most Social Security beneficiaries are aware that the Medicare Part B premium increase has been offset by the 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026. For higher earners, though, there may be even higher cost increases via the Income-Related…
COLA Thoughts: Looking Ahead to 2027
Even though the 2026 cost-of-living adjustments are just now being reflected in benefit payments, pundits have begun looking way down the road to what might happen next year. For example, The Motley Fool’s Bram Berkowitz, in a post on their…
Ask Rusty – Am I Entitled to More Social Security as a Veteran?
Dear Rusty: I served in the U.S. Army from July 1964 to July 1967. Am I eligible for a higher Social Security payment? Thank you. Signed: Vietnam Era Army Vet Dear Army Vet: Please accept my sincere thanks for your…
Definition Time: The Old-Age Dependency Ratio and its Relationship to Insolvency
Perhaps the most significant story relating to the U.S. Social Security system these days is the onerous projection of its looming insolvency. Who hasn’t seen the headlines proclaiming Social Security’s impending “bankruptcy” or the incessant warnings of a major benefit…
More Thoughts on the “When to File” Question…Age 62 Might Not Be All That Wrong?
When to file for Social Security benefits is one of the more daunting decisions seniors in their early 60s need to make. In fact, here at the AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisory Service, it’s one of the top questions we…
Crunching the numbers of early versus delaying Social Security
You can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. If you start receiving benefits early, your benefits will be permanently reduced. However, you are entitled to full benefits only when you start at your full…
Potential violations of the Hatch Act
In newly disclosed court documents, the Justice Department revealed the DOGE team may have misused Social Security data. A top Justice Department official said, “SSA referred both DOGE employees for potential violations of the Hatch Act, which bars government employees…
Consider this new Social Security change as a necessary evil
With a new year comes changes. The majority of Social Security recipients are now aware of their new monthly benefit; if not, you will soon. The new amount is due to the 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment, COLA, along with the…
This year’s federal tax filing, are you ready?
It is that time of the year again, when we start gathering all our documentation to file our Federal income taxes. This year, the conversation around taxes on Social Security benefits will be impactful to all seniors. It’s well understood…