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 taking the benefits earlier rather than later, or vice versa. Will I even […]
What Does the 2018 Medicare Trustees Report Say About Social Security?
Dear Magic, I read that the 2018 Medicare Trustees Report was recently released. There have been some alarming headlines about the future of Medicare, but I haven’t seen anything about Social Security. Based on the findings in the report, what does the future look like for Social Security? Thanks, Nada D. Pleated — Dear Nada, […]
What the SSA Wants You to Know During National Social Security Month
Dear Ribbit, I am getting ready to retire, and want to make sure I make the most of my Social Security benefits. What are some things I should know and actions I should take? Thanks, Ben Afitts —- Dear Ben, The Social Security Administration (SSA) has declared April National Social Security Month, and the agency […]
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 Security is considered a tax-free benefit, but I heard that is not always the […]
What If I Claimed Social Security Too Early?
Dear Magic, In June of 2010, when I was 62 years old, I decided to quit working and take Social Security. I was afraid Social Security might go away before my full retirement age, or that I might die before that time, so I went ahead and locked in at the lower benefit. I also […]
Do You Need a Representative Payee for Social Security if You Have a Financial Power of Attorney?
Q1. My long-time friend, Ellie, is a widow who lives alone and never had children. Without family members to help, and dealing with her own dementia-related challenges, she’s finding it more and more difficult to manage her day-to-day finances and expenses, which she pays almost exclusively with her monthly Social Security income. She recently received […]
Top 17 Articles of 2017
From the passing of the RAISE Family Caregivers Act to offer much-needed support to caregivers, to Trump’s tax overhaul, we covered a lot of ground in 2017. It was a year that included a massive data breach, the ACA almost being repealed, and amazing new technological innovations to help seniors age-in-place. At the Farr Law […]
Find Out Why Only 1.5% Of Social Security Recipients Use This Program!
Q. My mother, Louise, was diagnosed with dementia when she was 60 years old. Her dementia has progressively gotten worse since then, and I am helping a lot these days with some caregiving tasks, and money matters. My mother is currently living off of Social Security only. Since I am in charge of her finances at this […]
When Will I Receive My Replacement Medicare Card Without my Social Security Number?
Dear Bebe, I heard Medicare will be replacing our current cards with cards that don’t have our Social Security number on them. Do you know the timeframe for getting a replacement card? Thanks, Ann Nucard — Dear Ann, You are correct. Medicare beneficiaries will be getting new ID cards soon that won’t carry their Social […]
Should You Collect Social Security Earlier for a “Happier Retirement?”
For years, Social Security experts were suggesting that seniors wait as long as they could to collect their Social Security benefits. But the tide is turning, and now, some experts are saying to go ahead and collect your benefits earlier, rather than waiting. The full retirement age is going through a slow change. However, the […]
Major Changes to Social Security Are Happening This Year
Q. I am turning 62 this year, and I am trying to figure out Social Security. Should I take it now, or wait until later? Besides figuring out this important detail, I heard that there are some major changes that are happening this year, that could help me make my decision. Can you tell me more about what is expected? A. Social Security is […]
Social Security Ends Annual Mailings
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I heard that Social Security will no longer be sending statements in the mail? Is that true, and if so, how can we find out about our benefits? Thanks! Nomar Statemenz —-Dear Nomar, As of this year, Social Security will end its annual mailings that detail how much […]
Do I Have to File for Medicare?
Dear Baxter, I will turn 65 soon, but am still working full time. I was planning on retiring, but my husband died suddenly two years ago at the age of 70, so I will still need to work for several more years. I have good health insurance with my work. Do I have to file […]
Is Social Security or Medicare Running Out of Money? What the 2016 Trustees Report Has to Say
Social Security is vital to Americans, providing workers and their families with retirement, disability, and survivors insurance benefits. Medicare is also an essential program for American seniors. Since its creation in 1965, Medicare has provided universal health care to millions. Both these programs play integral roles in our lives, and it would truly be a […]
I Am Nearing Retirement- What to Consider
Dear Angel, The day I have been dreaming about for most of my adult life is almost here. In fact, at work yesterday, I met with human resources and my boss and started planning for my last days at work. With all this excitement comes some stress. As I near retirement, what are some things […]
April 29 Marks the End of a Major Social Security Loophole
Q. I remember reading an article that you published last fall about The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, where you mentioned that the end of file-and-suspend would be happening in six months. I am concerned about the impending deadline. Can you explain exactly when it is and what it means for those who would still […]
Can My Sister Retire on Social Security Alone?
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 […]
Seniors Decide: What’s Important in the Presidential Election?
Q. Thank you for your recent articles about where candidates stand on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Veterans benefits. In reading them, and in watching the debates on TV, I am still trying to figure out other critical issues seniors and baby boomers are evaluating when voting for our next president, and why I haven’t heard much from any candidate about long-term care. Unfortunately, […]
A New Era of Human Longevity
Happy Birthday Irene Ciuffoletti! Irene Ciuffoletti, a nursing home resident in Pennsylvania, celebrated her 113th birthday last week with other residents, enjoying cake and music. A widow for more than half a century, she has outlived all but one of her five sons. She was already a centenarian when she arrived at the nursing home […]
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 […]