Social Security
Are You Eligible for a Spousal Benefit?
Even if you never worked, if you are married or were married at least 10 years, you could qualify for benefits based on your spouse’s record. You can get a spousal benefit equal to 50% of your spouse’s full retirement…
Changes May Be Coming to How Social Security Disability is Determined
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is considering a proposed rule that will affect how disability eligibility is determined for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). One of the changes would replace the outdated occupational data. The…
Your Social Security Benefits May Still Be Taxable
If you plan on working after starting your Social Security benefits, your earnings will still be subject to payroll taxes. It doesn’t matter if you start receiving benefits before or after your full retirement age (FRA); you will continue to…
Longer Life Expectancy Increases the Need for Retirement Savings to Last Longer
The average life expectancy in the United States has grown from age 61 in 1935, when Social Security was first created, to age 79 today. At that time, women were expected to live until 64, and men until 58. Someone…
Deciding When to Start Your Social Security Benefits
Deciding the right time to start your Social Security benefits is a personal decision only you can make. Everyone’s situation is different. Only you can decide the right time to start receiving your Social Security. If you are married, it’s…
Is Your Social Security Benefit Enough
Social Security plays a huge role for many older Americans, and it is not uncommon to wonder how their own benefit compares to others. Your Social Security benefit is based on your highest 35 years of earnings; the more you…
Expect a Substantial Increase in the Medicare Part B Premium in 2026
The Social Security Trustees Report for 2025 projects a Medicare Part B increase of 11.6% in 2026. The premium is estimated to be $206.50. This is a $21.50 increase, the largest since 2022. In 2022, the premium rose by $21.60,…
Ask Rusty – Should I Claim Social Security Early Because it is Going Bankrupt?
Dear Rusty: My best friend is going to be 62 and wants to begin taking her Social Security immediately. Her reasoning not to wait is the thought that it is going to run out in 10 years, so she wants…
Don’t Risk Losing Any of Your Social Security Benefits
Keep your information up-to-date with Social Security. Errors in reporting your income, change of address, or your marital status can affect your eligibility. You don’t want to find yourself dependent on your Social Security for income, to be notified that…
Paper Checks Ending Soon for Most Federal Payments
As of September 30th, 2025, Social Security will no longer be mailing paper checks unless you qualify for a hardship waiver. There are still more than five million people that still receive paper checks from the government. This group consists…