By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? Answer: It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before 01/01/1954 and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 19
Ron Tatro, Vice President at Elder Law of Michigan Recently, I was watching the evening news and viewing all the devastation across the country. Wildfires, flooding, blizzards, and tornadoes have resulted in the deaths of people and the loss of billions of dollars in damage to homeowners and commercial property. These tragic occurrences got me thinking about the role insurance plays in seniors’ lives. For many … Continue reading Do I Really Need Insurance?
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For generations, Social Security has been evolving to meet your changing needs. In April, we celebrate National Social Security Month by letting you know what you can do online with a my Social Security account. Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security number (SSN) card has never been easier. You can request a replacement SSN card online … Continue reading See What You Can Do Online During National Social Security Month-Part One
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you have higher income, the law requires an upward adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums. But, if your income has gone down, you may use form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amount. Medicare Part B helps pay for your doctors’ services … Continue reading Medicare: Rules for Those with Higher Income
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is required by law to review, from time to time, the current medical condition of all people receiving disability benefits to make sure they continue to have a qualifying disability. Generally, if a person’s health hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working, they will continue to receive their benefits. These continuing … Continue reading How Social Security Decides If You Still Have a Qualifying Disability
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Unfortunately, tragedy can strike without any warning. The loss of the family wage earner can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. The value of the survivors benefits … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits
Via Forbes.com By Ashlea Ebeling The Treasury Department told off employers back in 2015: Lump-sum pension buyouts for retirees already in payout status are a no-no. In practice, employers stopped offering them, per Notice 2015-49, despite the fact that proposed and temporary rules never came out. Now, in a Trump-era twist, the Treasury Department has backtracked with Notice 2019-18, a retraction of intent to propose regulations on the topic: … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Trump Treasury Backtracks On Lump-Sum Pension Rules Meant To Protect Retirees
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you are not self-employed, Social Security taxes are typically taken out of your paycheck automatically. You and your employer each pay a 6.2 percent Social Security tax on up to $132,900 of your earnings and a 1.45 percent Medicare tax on all earnings in 2019. You don’t have to do anything extra for the coverage you … Continue reading Social Security and Self-Employment
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Planning and saving are core elements to a successful retirement. For over 80 years, Social Security has helped Americans achieve that goal. Each year, the American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordinate America Saves Week. The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior; and a great time for people to assess their … Continue reading Social Security and America Saves Week
By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan If you’re like most Americans, you probably set some New Year’s resolutions in January that included a few money goals. As the new year moves forward, are you smashing those financial goals, or are you like most people, who end up hitting roadblocks? New Year’s resolutions, like getting physically fit or financially fit, have … Continue reading Achieving Your Financial Goals: Part 3
