Social Security is one of the most important income sources for many retired Americans, which makes the decision about when to claim benefits especially important. Workers can begin claiming retirement benefits at age 62, but doing so usually means accepting a permanently reduced monthly payment. Waiting longer can increase the benefit, especially for those who … Read more
Working during retirement can provide extra income, professional fulfilment and greater financial security. However, people who claim Social Security before reaching full retirement age must understand how employment income could temporarily reduce their monthly checks. The Social Security retirement earnings test applies when certain beneficiaries continue working and earn more than an annual limit. Planning … Read more
Seniors waiting for the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may have reason to expect a larger increase than earlier forecasts suggested. The latest estimate from The Senior Citizens League places the 2027 COLA at 3.8%. That projection is slightly lower than the group’s previous 3.9% estimate, but it remains well above the 2.8% forecast given … Read more
Many financial experts advise Americans to delay claiming Social Security benefits until full retirement age or even age 70. The reason is simple: the longer you wait, the higher your monthly benefit can be. For people born in 1960 or later, full retirement age is 67. Claiming at 62, the earliest age allowed, can permanently … Read more
Social Security beneficiaries may receive a larger cost-of-living adjustment in 2027 as inflation continues to place pressure on household budgets. New estimates suggest the Social Security COLA for 2027 could range from 3.8% to 4.7%, depending on how consumer prices move in the coming months. One estimate from independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst … Read more
Social Security retirees could face a 22% benefit cut if Congress does not act before the program’s retirement trust fund runs short of reserves, according to new government projections. The latest Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report estimates that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund could exhaust its reserves in late 2032. That is … Read more
Millions of Americans are paying close attention after the latest Social Security trustees report warned that the trust fund supporting retiree and survivor benefits may run short earlier than expected. According to the report, the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance trust fund, known as OASI, could begin depleting by the fourth quarter of 2032 if Congress … Read more
Retirees may have an extra reason to look forward to October this year. While many people associate fall with cooler weather and seasonal changes, seniors across the United States will be watching for something more important: the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. The annual COLA announcement will determine how much Social Security payments increase … Read more
Social Security spousal benefits can be confusing for many couples planning retirement. While most people understand that workers can receive benefits based on their own earnings record, fewer people know that spouses may also qualify for monthly payments based on their partner’s work history. This lack of understanding can lead to costly retirement planning mistakes. … Read more
Deciding when to claim Social Security is one of the biggest retirement choices many Americans make. For years, age 65 was seen as the traditional retirement age. But after changes passed by Congress in 1983, the full retirement age gradually increased. Today, full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later. That … Read more