Dear Commander Bun Bun, My sister seems to think that she can live on Social Security alone. Do you think that is possible, and if so, do you have any tips I can share with her? Thanks, Nada Nuffmunney — Dear Nada, Millions of people count on Social Security as their primary source of retirement […]
State of the Union: Status of Senior Programs
Q. My husband and I watched the State of the Union address on Tuesday night, until we fell asleep. We heard a little bit about Social Security and Medicare, but couldn’t get the complete gist of what President Obama was saying. If you watched, what do you think are some of the key takeaways for seniors, about important programs such as […]
Balanced Budget Act: Good or Bad for Seniors?
Image source: Wall Street Journal On November 2, 2015, the Balanced Budget Act of 2015 (BBA) was signed into law by President Barack Obama. According to the President’s statement on the day of the signing, “Democrats and Republicans came together to set up a responsible, long-term budget process, and what we now see is a […]
What She Doesn’t Know About Social Security Could Cost Her Thousands
Q. My mother, Eileen, and her husband, Ray, just recently got divorced after 15 years of marriage. My step-father was the primary breadwinner throughout their marriage, while my mother was a homemaker, who worked a little here and there. Now that she’s turned 62, my mother wants to begin collecting Social Security as her sole […]
When it Comes to Social Security, what does “File and Suspend” Mean?
Dear Baxter, My neighbor mentioned something about a “file and suspend” strategy for Social Security to boost retirement income? Can you explain what that means? Thanks! Clay Min Stratagees — Dear Clay, For married couples, a Social Security claiming strategy known as “file and suspend” may help to boost their retirement income. How it works: A person […]
Strong or Vulnerable? Social Security in its 80th Year
For 80 years, Social Security has been protecting American families from both expected and unexpected challenges. Last week, the Social Security Board of Trustees released its annual report to Congress, which projects that Social Security’s condition isn’t as troubling as many think. The 2015 report presents an honest, open discussion about the value of Social […]
Highlights from the White House Conference on Aging
Photo from Whitehouse.gov This past Monday, on the cusp of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Medicare and Medicaid and the 80th anniversary of Social Security, the once-a-decade White House Conference on Aging was held. During the conference, 200 advocates, health care workers, and government officials discussed caring for seniors, addressing topics such as […]
A New Act to Help Special Needs Families
Q. My 9-year-old daughter, Noelle, is intellectually disabled. The costs for her therapy and assistive technology are quite high, and we are in the process of applying for government assistance (SSI). Despite our struggles to make ends meet, her grandparents and my husband and I would like to save as much as we can […]
Ask the Expert: Can You Explain Social Security, please?
Q. I am 62 and getting ready to retire. I am really confused about how Social Security works. Can I start collecting now, or do I need to wait until I am 65? Also, what is all this about credits? I thought Social Security was determined based on the number of hours worked in a […]
LGBTQ Marriage Ruling Brings New Planning Choices
LGBTQ married couples can now celebrate another important victory in their fight for equal rights. Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled to let the appeals court rulings allowing same-sex marriage in five states stand, clearing the way for same-sex marriages in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Now, same-sex couples can marry in 24 states, along […]
Helping Seniors and Veterans from Going Hungry
After working for decades and raising four children without government assistance, Carol found herself asking for help feeding herself and her husband, Richard. Faced with health problems that prevent them from working, Carol and Richard struggle to get by on their monthly Social Security check. And like millions of seniors today, by the time they […]
Recent News: Democrats Petition Obama to Limit Social Security Reform
The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform may recommend budget cuts with regard to social security benefits, but members of Democratic members of Congress are vehemently warning President Obama that they will oppose such propositions, reported SeniorJournal News. 136 Democratic members of Congress sent a letter to Obama last week, raising opposition to any […]
“Extra Help” Benefit for Seniors with High Prescription Expenses
When no generic version of a drug exists yet, the costs are even higher. The good news is that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has a program called “Extra Help” for some Medicare beneficiaries.
Obamacare Warfare: Why is the Public Positively Puzzled on Health Reform?
Paradoxically, the same principle that ensures Democracy in America is the source of the maddening confusion, delay, and uncertainty: “the Separation of Powers.”
Withdrawing Your Early Social Security Benefit
Did you elect to take Social Security benefits before your full retirement age? If you did and are now looking for extra income, there may be an answer. Once you reach full retirement age, you can pay back the money you have received and reapply for full retirement benefits.Although you can collect Social Security benefits […]