Social Security
Moving? Remember to Alert Social Security!
Many Social Security beneficiaries elect to relocate, some to take advantage of a better climate, some to be closer to family, and some for any number of reasons. No matter why, it’s important that timely steps be taken to avoid…
An Update on Social Security’s On-Going “Customer Service Crisis”
Calling the current state of affairs “not normal” and “not acceptable,” Social Security Commissioner late last week outlined the priorities his leadership is bringing to the Agency in the face of considerable criticism directed at procedures in place. These priorities,…
Ask Rusty – Minister Wants to Maximize Social Security Benefit
Dear Rusty: I want to apply for Social Security, but I want to make sure I get all the benefits I have earned. I am a veteran with a 10% disability rating (not sure if that matters). I am 68…
Many seniors find “un-retiring” is a better option
For many seniors, working a whole career can get stale, causing retirement to look extremely attractive. But about 2 in 5 Americans have found that retirement isn’t all they dreamed it to be, and have returned to work – in…
Need to bolster your retirement income? Here’s how
Of course, everyone wants to maximize their retirement income, but options for doing that as you approach retirement age are scant. You’ve already saved as much as you were able to over your lifetime, so your nest egg is set…
A Sad Statistic: 30,000 died awaiting approval of SS Disability benefits
Social Security’s customer service issues are quite well known, especially by those who submit an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. On average, it’s now taking about 8 months for an initial SSDI determination, and appeals of denied…
A Widow’s Social Security Journey
The aftermath of losing a spouse is difficult enough, without the stress of dealing with the Social Security Administration when they learn of your spouse’s death. And Social Security does find out – if not from a survivor, they’re usually…
Early Estimate of 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)
While it is still way too early in the year to say with certainty what next year’s COLA increase will be, one senior’s group is suggesting that continued high inflation will likely mean another 3% (or so) increase to everyone’s…
The WEP/GPO Debate Rages On
Congress has been under considerable pressure lately over two Social Security provisions which have, for decades, irked some retirees from public service. The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) affect those who have a federal, state,…
Approaching 65? Here’s what you should know about Medicare
Medicare is the national healthcare plan for those over age 65 and, as you approach that age, there are several things you should keep in mind. First, you should remember than not enrolling in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period…