Social Security
Debt-ceiling debate prompts questions on Social Security’s future
As Congress debates the vote to raise the federal government’s debt limit, Social Security reform proposals are in the mix. Although the Social Security program lifts more than 22 million people above the poverty line, the program is facing a…
Your Social Security chart can help you decide when to start your benefits
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced. You are entitled to full benefits when you reach your full retirement age. If you delay…
These moves could help you protect your future benefits
If you have not retired yet, should you be thinking about Social Security? The answer is yes. You should take steps during the course of your career to make sure you get the benefits you deserve later in your life.…
Will there be Social Security reform in 2023?
Social Security will be celebrating its 88th birthday on August 14, 2023. Like most 88-year-old systems, it needs some help. We are all aware the Social Security Trust fund will run dry in 2034, causing cuts to the benefits paid…
Is it possible to wait too long to start your benefits?
If you delay taking your benefits from your full retirement age up to 70, your benefit amount will increase. Your monthly Social Security benefits will increase by 2/3 of 1 percent each month you wait to start your Social Security…
Sometimes it pays to get your money sooner
You can begin your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. However, if you start receiving benefits early, your benefits are reduced. There are some good reasons to take your benefits at 62, and Maurie Backman outlines three…
Do not throw out your COLA letter
The Social Security Administration will mail COLA notices throughout the month of December to retirement, survivors, and disability beneficiaries, SSI recipients, and representative payees. If you have received your 2023 Social Security COLA letter, do not throw it away; you…
Helping You Avoid Scams this Holiday Season
Social Security-related scams continue to be widespread, especially during the holidays. Criminals pretending to be from Social Security and other federal government agencies are tricking victims into sending money or sharing personal information. The scam tactics and scripts may vary,…
How to spot imposter scams
As we enter the season of giving, we are also entering the season of imposters and scammers. The Social Security’s Office of the Inspector General has received reports of scammers creating fake identification badges and using them to “prove” that…
A guide to your monthly benefits
Approximately 70 million Americans will see an 8.7 percent increase in their Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments in 2023. Those individuals on Supplemental Security Income will get their first increased check in December. Katie Teague created…