Social Security
Ask Rusty – If Either of us Die, Will the other Get a Survivor Benefit from Social Security?
Dear Rusty: I am 79. My husband is also 79 and we both receive Social Security benefits. We were both married before, and we married each other at the age of 58. Am I to understand correctly that when either of us dies, the surviving spouse is not…
If only I had Waited Longer to Claim SS
“Hindsight is the best Foresight” As the old adage goes, “hindsight is the best foresight” and nowhere is that more evident than with some we counsel at the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Service. We regularly speak with older seniors…
Social Security’s New National System Has Been Put on Pause
The Social Security Administration (SSA) had planned to go live on March 7th, 2026, with its new Nationwide system to make it easier for people who need Social Security assistance. The two new systems that the SSA designed to make…
Married Couples Have Options For Maximizing Social Security Benefits
Married couples should look at options to maximize Social Security benefits. With inflation steadily rising and the average life expectancy increasing, it may be more important than ever to maximize your Social Security benefits to offset your other retirement funds.…
Social Security Makes Things Easier for You
Since the availability of being able to create a My Social Security Account online, you barely need to wait on hold to speak with someone at Social Security any longer. Having an online account gives you access to many services,…
A Recent OIG Audit Report Reveals Some Widows Are Being Underpaid
The Office of Inspector General (OIG) of the Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts audits from time to time of different beneficiary groups. This audit was conducted on Widow(er) benefits to determine if recipients were receiving the correct amount. Normally, the…
Buried in credit card debt on Social Security?
With prices going up, many seniors are relying on credit cards just to get by, and high interest rates only make it harder to keep up with payments. Angelica Leicht recently wrote an article with tips on how to talk…
Is your Social Security Benefit Amount Correct?
You should verify your Social Security earnings statement each year. Your retirement benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years, and your earnings through age 60 have been adjusted for inflation. This means they are worth more now than when…
Will Social Security’s Earning Test Be Repealed?
A bill, “The Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act,” has been introduced in Congress that would repeal the Retirement Earnings Test (RET). The RET currently limits Social Security benefits for recipients who have not yet reached their full retirement age…
Income Limit If You Work and Collect Social Security Before Your FRA
Some retirees who begin Social Security benefits choose to return to work for extra income or to stay active. You can start Social Security at 62, but payments may decrease if you keep working. Starting benefits before full retirement age…