Articles, guides, and reviews about Social Security Benefits.
Know How Your Benefits Work Together to Maximize Your Income If you’re receiving Social Security benefits and need unemployment, it’s important to understand how one can affect the other. While some states allow you to collect both without penalty, others reduce your unemployment payments. Understanding these rules can help you avoid surprises and maximize your…
7 Ways Social Security Can Impact Your Unemployment Benefits Read More »
Pause Your Benefits the Smart Way to Maximize Your Lifetime Payout Scenario You’ve already started collecting Social Security retirement benefits but now realize it may be smarter to delay them. Maybe you went back to work, your income needs changed, or you just learned how delaying boosts your monthly check. Suspending your benefits can help…
7 Reasons to Suspend Your Social Security Retirement Benefits (and Exactly How to Do It) Read More »
1. Understand What the Social Security Fairness Act Changes The Social Security Fairness Act eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), allowing certain public employees to receive their full Social Security benefits. If you were affected by these provisions, you could see significant increases in your payments starting January 2024. Here’s…
5 Essential Steps to Maximize Your Benefits Under the Social Security Fairness Act Read More »
How to Prepare Your Retirement Income Before Benefits Drop The latest 2026 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Report issues a critical warning for pre-retirees: the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is now projected to face depletion by 2032. If Congress does not intervene before then, the system will only retain enough dedicated revenue…
6 Ways to Prepare for the Social Security Shortfall Before 2033 Read More »
1. Online How It Works: Log in or create a my Social Security account at SSA.gov. Navigate to the “My Profile” section and update your address details. Pros: Cons: Who Needs It: Ideal for those comfortable with online tools. Who Doesn’t Need It: Those without internet or who prefer personal interaction. 2. By Phone How…
How to Change Address with Social Security Read More »
A Simple Plan To Keep Your Spouse Secure—Income, Debts, and Taxes Covered Losing a spouse is emotionally devastating—finances shouldn’t make it worse. This guide shows step-by-step ways to replace income, eliminate debt shocks, simplify asset transfers, and lower taxes for the surviving spouse. At The Annuity Expert, we’re an independent life insurance agency and annuity…
Compare Ways To Protect Your Spouse Financially After Death Read More »
How to Determine Your Social Security Retirement Age Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) depends on your birth year. Claiming before or after this age affects your benefit amount. Year of Birth Full Retirement Age (FRA) 1937 or earlier 65 years 1938 65 years, 2 months 1939 65 years, 4 months 1940 65 years, 6 months…
Social Security Retirement Age Chart Read More »
How to Fix the Mistake of Taking Social Security Too Early If you claimed Social Security early and regret it, there are options to address the decision. Below are methods to mitigate the impact and potentially improve your retirement benefits. 1. Withdraw Your Application (Repayment Method) 2. Suspend Your Benefits 3. Boost Income Through Annuities…
How to Fix the Mistake of Taking Social Security Too Early Read More »
How to Contact Social Security Contact Social Security by PhoneCall the Social Security Administration (SSA) toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can dial 1-800-325-0778. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM local time. Contact Social Security OnlineVisit the SSA website to apply for benefits, check your account, request replacement cards, or…
How to Contact Social Security Read More »
Methods to Apply for Social Security 1. Online Application 2. Phone Application 3. In-Person Application 4. Third-Party Assistance Required Information for All Methods Final Thoughts Each method offers unique benefits depending on your preferences and needs. Whether you choose to apply online, over the phone, or in person, ensure you have the required documents prepared.…
How to Apply for Social Security Read More »
9 Ways to Reduce Your Taxes in Retirement 1. Roth IRA Conversions 2. Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) 3. Qualified Longevity Annuity Contracts (QLACs) 4. Utilize State Tax Exemptions for Property and School Taxes 5. Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums as Tax Deductions 6. Tax-Free 1035 Exchange for Long-Term Care Insurance 7. Tax-Efficient Withdrawals 8. Defer Social…
9 Ways to Reduce Your Taxes in Retirement Read More »
3 Ways To Get Your Child’s Social Security Number 1. Request Through the Social Security Administration (SSA) Website 2. Apply in Person at a Local SSA Office 3. Through the Hospital at Birth Additional Notes After handling the paperwork, parents can separately review how their family would meet living costs if a caregiver died. Our…
How to Get Your Child’s Social Security Number Online Read More »