Critter Corner: Social Security Scams Are Linked to New Higher COLA

Dear Angel, It’s 2023, and with the new year comes a new higher cost-of-living adjustment. I can’t say that I am not excited about that. Unfortunately, I heard that there are some scammers out there trying to get their hands on … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: What Changed With the Social Security Statement?

Dear Hayek, I heard that the Social Security Benefits Statement has undergone a visual overhaul.  What can I expect to see on the newly designed statement? Will the new format be mailed to current and former beneficiaries or … [Read more...]

What the New Outlook for Social Security and Medicare Means for You

Each year the Trustees of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds report on the current and projected financial status of the two programs. The new 2021 annual report was just released and on a positive note, the pandemic has … [Read more...]

Some Major Changes are Coming to Social Security this Year

Q. I read that the retirement age for Social Security purposes is set to increase by two months each year until it hits 67? I heard this is one of many significant changes to Social Security this year. What other major changes can … [Read more...]

Will the Coronavirus Pandemic Affect Social Security?

Mike is 58 and hopes to retire from the government in seven years. His wife Diane will be 56 in the spring and plans to retire when Mike does. Similar to most people these days, they are staying at home and have had some time to … [Read more...]

Social Security Error Affects Medicare Coverage For 250,000 Seniors

James and his wife Elizabeth were surprised last month when they lost their Medicare drug coverage all of a sudden. They had the same drug plan since 2013 with no issues, which is why they were so taken aback when notified that … [Read more...]

If You Collect Social Security, You’re Getting a “Raise!”

Q1. My husband and I rely on Social Security for about half of our monthly income. I heard that the cost-of-living adjustment announcement by the SSA is happening this week. Do you happen to know how the COLA is determined and how … [Read more...]

Social Security is 83! How to Get the Most Out of the Program

Q. My husband and I are approaching 62 years old, the year when we both first qualify for Social Security. Now that we’ve reached this point, I have a few questions about the program. I was wondering what the advantages are of … [Read more...]

Is Social Security Taxable?

Q. I retired last year, and started receiving Social Security benefits. I am getting ready to do my taxes, and was wondering if I have to pay federal or state taxes on my Social Security income. My understanding was that Social … [Read more...]

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