Social Security
Social Security Payments Should Continue Unabated n the Event of a Government Shutdown
“The Social Security Administration has plans in place to ensure that Social Security checks will still be sent out in the event of a government shutdown.” That’s the essence of an article from CNET contributor Thomas Kika in a post…
A Quick Review of Survivor Benefits
The question of what happens to the benefit picture when a Social Security beneficiary dies often factors heavily into retirement financial planning exercises. So, it’s good to be aware of the basic rules governing benefits for survivors. A brief video…
Life Expectancy, A Critical Piece of the Social Security Solvency Puzzle, Rising Again
Yesterday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released statistics indicating nearly a year of growth in Americans’ expected lifespan. Longevity, of course, is a major factor in the long-term financing of Social Security, presenting a challenge to ensure…
President-elect Trump’s Proposal on Eliminating Income Tax on Benefits Resonates Well
A Newsweek.com post published today indicates widespread support for Trump’s proposal to exempt Social Security benefits from the annual income tax calculation. Specifically, a recent Monmouth University poll, nearly two-thirds of the more than 1000 respondents favored the change, while…
WEP-GPO Debate Enters a New Stage as the Clock Winds Down
As noted in yesterday’s headline post on this website, the rush to obtain a Senate vote on the bill to repeal Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO) is hitting some roadblocks. The latest, as explained…
Social Security in 2025: Many changes, but some constants.
You’re probably well aware of some of the “regular” changes in Social Security that occur automatically with the calendar changing. Parameters like the taxable maximum, the cost-of-living adjustment, the earnings test limits, and so on are updated yearly to keep…
Correlating Retirement Ages and Social Security Claiming Ages
Retiring, defined as stepping away from the workforce, and filing for Social Security benefits, defined as laying claim to the benefits earned while a part of the workforce, are two separate milestones in the financial picture for older Americans. They…
Changes to Accessing SSA In-Person Services
From the Social Security Administration We are expanding appointment-based services at our local Social Security offices. By scheduling appointments, we aim to reduce wait times, streamline service delivery, and improve customer experience. Nearly 400 local offices have already moved to…
An Amusing Review of Social Security Teminology Issues
As a 32-year veteran of Social Security work, and as the writer of many public documents on behalf of Social Security’s policy matters, Tom Margenau is someone we frequently repost on this website. His insights are not only accurate, but…
Ask Rusty – Have I Saved Social Security Money by Claiming at 62?
Dear Rusty: I had to start collecting Social Security at 62, and I am 75 now. I believe that in the last 13 years I have saved Social Security money, so I do not know why I cannot draw my…