Social Security
When Does it Make the Most Sense to Apply for Social Security?
There are significant financial repercussions for applying for Social Security at age 62, explains adviser Jim Lange, CPA.
The Pros and Cons of Claiming Social Security Early During the COVID-19 Pandemic
With the historic levels of unemployment resulting from COVID-19, should you tap your Social Security early to replace lost income?
The Top Five Facts You Need to Know about Social Security
Social Security is a vital program that provides financial protection for workers and their families. Here are the top five facts for why Social Security is an important program.
Time is Running Out for Older Americans to Use Restricted Filing
Restricted filing allows a worker at full retirement age to collect a spousal benefit from his or her spouse and earn delayed retirement credits at the same time.
The "Mom Gap" Can Lower Your Social Security Benefit
The "Mom Gap' could have women lose a few years of earnings and make a significant difference in woman's Social Security benefits.
Ask Bob: Who Qualifies for Supplemental Security Insurance?
If you don't qualify for Social Security because you haven't worked long enough, but you're disabled, is Supplemental Security Insurance an option for you?
Should You Claim Social Security Early Because of COVID-19?
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in the fastest spike in unemployment in history. Many people are considering claiming Social Security benefits early. What will make the most sense, in the long run?
Ask Bob: Filing for Social Security under an Ex-Spouse
Marc Kiner a CPA with Premier Social Security Consulting, helps a reader learn how to apply for Social Security benefits online - if she's claiming under her ex-spouse's record.
How Working Affects Your Social Security Benefit
The earnings limitation on Social Security is one that can put you in a jam if you claim early and continue to work.
Ask Bob: How Much Does Social Security Increase Each Year After 62?
For every year you delay claiming Social Security past your full retirement age up to age 70, you get an 8% increase in your benefit.
Ask Bob: Is it Possible to Stop and Restart Social Security Before Full Retirement Age?
Financial adviser David Cechanowicz explains how to stop and restart Social Security benefits.
Half of Retirees Pay Taxes on Social Security Benefits: Survey
Half of retirees say they paid income taxes on a portion of their Social Security benefit income for the 2019 tax year, according to a new survey by the Senior Citizens League.
How to Suspend Your Social Security Benefit Payment
Dave Freitag, a Social Security expert with MassMutual, explains how to suspend your Social Security benefit payment.
Social Security Is Not Going Bankrupt
Retirement Management Advisor Marcia Mantell explains that Social Security is sturdier than you might think at first glance. What’s jittery and unstable is our own ability to make the best possible decisions about our own Social Security-claiming strategy during a crisis.
How to Fix Your Social Security Claiming Mistakes
Many people choose to claim Social Security as soon as they can, only to regret the decision later after realizing they could have had more if they'd waited.
How to Maximize Your Social Security Benefits
Adviser Jim Blankenship explains how Social Security benefits are calculated and reviews ways you can maximize your benefits.
Social Security, Disability and Long-Term Planning
A reader who is disabled needs help discerning benefit qualifications.
11 Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming Social Security
Robert Powell says it's so easy to make mistakes when claiming Social Security benefits and it's costly. Here's how to get every penny you deserve.
Trade off: Retroactive Social Security Benefits
The rules for retroactive benefits are different for different kinds of Social Security payments, according to Social Security expert Andy Landis.
Two Quirky Social Security Rules
When it comes to Social Security, there are plenty of quirky rules. Bill Reichenstein highlights two worth knowing.
Will Social Security Be There When I Retire?
Adviser Timothy Kenney puts the future security of Social Security into perspective.
Strategies to Get the Highest Social Security Benefits
Advisers Tom Farrell and Elena Ladygina explain the best strategies to help you determine when and how to claim Social Security benefits to get the biggest check.
What's New for Social Security in 2020
What's ahead in the coming year for Social Security? Robert Powell looks at the cost-of-living adjustment, benefits, and full-retirement-age levels.
Is Social Security Really Different for Women?
Adviser Marcia Mantell explains why women often receive lower Social Security benefits than men and how to plan for that.