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FROM THE ARTICLE: Americans Rely on These Sacred Promises.Social Security and Medicare must be protected. By Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan, CEO, AARP. Published April 30, 2025. Social Security and Medicare are the most effective and essential anti-poverty programs in American history. Social Security serves as the largest source of retirement income for most of its nearly 69 million beneficiaries, while for more than 68 million people, Medicare is the primary and, for many, only source of health care.In these uncertain times, AARP is redoubling its efforts to preserve and strengthen both program. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/americans-rely-social-security-medicare.html

So according to the number thus far in 2025, inflation from regular sources seems under control - but any tariffs applied to foreign good could change that, with the inflationary nature of tariffs. So on one hand, those who are looking forward to a nice COLA increase in 2025 may or may not be disappointed - we have (6) more months of figure collecting by the Board of Labor Statistics to determine what the COLA  will be in 2025. CNBC.com 04/10/2025 - Social Security cost-of-living adjustment projected to be lower in 2026, estimates find. But tariffs may change that  Key Points:[ from link ]Social Security beneficiaries saw a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment in 2025.The COLA adjustment for 2026 may not be as large, according to estimates based on the latest government inflation data.Those early estimates could change due to potential inflationary pressures from tariffs, experts say. The Social Security cost-of-living adjustment for 2026 is projected to be the

  A Contractor friend of mine took me to see a WHOLE community built on this concept.  WOW - I had no idea that this was catching on to this extent especially in major US cities and town. CBS News 09/19/2024 - Built-to-rent communities a growing U.S. trend amid sky-high housing costs  from the link:As housing costs skyrocket and the demand for affordable homes surges, builders across the U.S. are constructing entire blocks of single-family homes specifically designed for renters. These so-called built-to-rent communities can offer another option for those who want a home but cannot afford to buy one. A more local news cast shows that this type of community living is really growing in Metro Atlanta.Atlanta 11ALIVE 04/09/2025 - Tired of apartment-style living? There are new rental opportunities taking over metro Atlanta  I did not see that these housing units are on the smaller size - many of the ones I looked at had 3-4 Bedrooms and multiple baths

Hello,I applied for SS in April and told them that I would continue in my public non-SS job until next summer 2026.I know that means that while granted SS benefits I won't receive benefits if my salary is too high. But that is okay SS contacted me and told me that they can't suspend benefits for that long and want to force me to sign a (application) withdrawal form. However, all SS documentation, their websites and their brochures state that they can and will suspend benefits even if  you continue to work for year. They also stated that I would have to pay penalties for benefits I would receive. I explained to them that I can't pay penalties on benefit money I won't get because  SS will use their $23,400 annual earning limit and then calculate benefits (based on $1 will be withheld from benefits for each $2 earned over the limit).  Because my income will just above the limit, they will calculate a benefit of $0. What do I do? How can I make them

My wife is the legal representative for her mother who recently passed away. SSA took back her monthly benefit by reversing her direct deposit.  Although she is due the benefit, SSA says we have to fill out Form 1724 to recover the money. My question: Do we need to complete Question 2, which asks for the children of the deceased?  As the legal rep, my wife will settle the estate and distribute the money per her will. Thanks. 

FROM THE ARTICLE: On Social Security’s Front Lines, Customers Seek Service — and Reassurance.At field offices in 3 states, beneficiaries worry that changing rules and staff cuts will make it harder to get answers and solve problems. By Tamara E. Holmes, Sharon Jayson and Martha C. White, AARP. Published April 24, 2025. These are uncertain times at Social Security field offices.In the last two months, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun shrinking its staff with a goal of shedding 7,000 jobs, more than 12 percent of its workforce. Nearly 2,000 frontline workers at local offices have left as part of a buyout program. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/social-security/social-security-field-office-customers/

 Perhaps you can help a retired lady. I'm 77 and started collecting SS when 62. I still work part time and am self employed. Recently I won a work related lawsuit of $220,000.00. I've been relatively low income the past 15 years. After paying the SS for that year, does my SS go up? Won't it be used as part of my "average" income? Will I receive larger checks from now on?

I  am not able to get any help from the Experian Credit Monitoring company. I want to temporarily unfreeze my credit report so I can obtain a credit card. I am not able to login to their website - it says my user id or password is invalid. Their web site states I can have a text or phone call with a code sent to me. I tried by phone and did not get a call.  I got a text with a link to another website.  When I go to that website, it asks for my personal information.  When I enter what they requested, it says my information is invalid. I called the Experian help number 1-888-397-3742. I get a recording which is absolutely no help - your are directed to another website that also says my information is invalid.   I sent a certified letter 3 weeks ago to: Experian Customer Care, PO Box 9554, Allen TX 75013, explaining the problems.   Experian has not responded.Has anyone else ran into these problems ?  Has anyone found a way to get around these p

This bank is highly unethical. Specifically, once your account drops below $5,000, they start charging you $2.50/mo. You'll never know that they're doing that, unless you check your account, online. Think about that, before you compare their action to a "normal" bank account: You started this account long ago, when you had a high deductible, medical insurance policy. You were, rightfully so, taking a step to safeguard an amount of money that you felt would cover your medical expenses as you aged. Now, in your later years, your account is dwindling down, if you're paying off medical expenses with it. At some point, your account MUST drop below $5,000, if you're using it, and you cannot, legally, put more money into it, and take what you put in off your tax return, if you've got Medicare.  HSA Bank knows that, and just sits by waiting to start helping itself to your $30/yr. for its bogus service charge! I found out about the above, yesterday, and I found a totally free HSA

Should this rule be changed?  One of the new proposals for fixing the Social Security Trust Funds financial problems involves doing away with this provision. What it does in essence if that it STOP people who are filing for early retirement benefit to also file to get benefits for their children and wife, if she is applicable.  These are called auxilliary benefits and are applicable to Social Security Retirement and Social Security Disability benefits. I would continue to support the use of these auxilliary benefits for those who file for Retirement at their FRA and after and also for SSDI but they should be stopped for those filing for EARLY retirement benefits. The proposal is in Section 9 of this analysis from the SS Chief Actuary.SSA.gov- Steny Hoyer, Wendell Primus, 01/03/2025 - Estimates of the Financial Effects on Social Security of potential legislation to improve the solvency of the Social Security Trust Funds 

FROM THE ARTICLE: 5 Ways AARP Is Fighting to Protect Social Security Right Now.We’re mobilizing our members, calling for answers and opposing harmful customer-service cuts. By Emily Paulin, AARP. Published March 26, 2025. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently unveiled big changes to how it will operate, announcing a plan to scrap many over-the-phone application services, make cuts to its workforce and close many of its regional offices.AARP is sending a clear message that Social Security must be protected. We’re taking action to ensure that all older Americans can safely access the benefits they have earned and get questions answered in the ways that are best for them. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: https://www.aarp.org/politics-society/advocacy/info-2025/fighting-for-social-security-right-now.html

 I am almost 64 and so is my husband. He started drawing early retirement this past year. I am still working and am planning on waiting as long as possible to draw mine and mine is going to be significantly more than my husband's. I am so confused about a few things. Will him drawing early negatively impact what I will draw once I apply? Second, could he be drawing off mine since it's going to be a lot more than his? Third, someone told me I might be able to be drawing 50% of his now while I'm still working and then switch to mine when I get older. I would call to speak to someone at the SS office but it's about impossible to get through to someone. If anyone could offer any help, that would be great!

 Hi Everyone:  I hope somebody can clarify something I am confused about if you collect Social Security and   choose to work as well (before full retirement age).  I understand in 2025 if under the full retirement age you can earn 23,400 per year.  Does Social Security wait until the end of the year to see if you went over the amount before   reducing  benefits 1.00 for every 2.00 you earn?  I thought I saw something as a test that Social Security uses 1,950.00 as an earning limit per month.   Does that mean if you work 1 month say January 2025 and earn 2000.00 they are assuming you are making over the 23,400 for the year and start withholding money?  What if you earned nothing in January/February but made 2000.00 in March are they still assuming   you are going over (because it is more than 1,950.00)?   If the money is withheld do you get the funds once the year is over a

Do you compute and mail (electronic or regular) your Federal Tax Forms Every Year? Or do you only send them in IF you owe money or MORE money whichever the case? Yes, I do - I have no other choice - I normally do have to pay more.  

It took years and years and years for people to accumulate monies in their 401-k to get it all taken away in one day. Do we hear AARP speaking to this abomination? No, we don't.

FROM THE ARTICLE: The truth about its current status and options for boosting its future stability. By John Waggoner and Andy Markowitz, AARP. *** There are 249 Comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published March 01, 2022.➡️ Updated March 26, 2025. ⬅️ For decades, financial advisers have used the metaphor of a three-legged stool to describe America’s retirement system: Late-life security, the thinking goes, rests on having a healthy pension from work, ample personal savings and a monthly Social Security payment.So much for that. Pensions that guarantee income for life have largely disappeared from private-sector workplaces, and too few Americans have accumulated a nest egg that can provide substantial monthly income throughout their retirement years. According to the Federal Reserve's most recent Survey of Consumer Finances, the median retirement savings for U.S. households ages 55 to 64 is $185,000. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE: h

I am 64 years and have earned only 29 credits towards Social Security because I have spent much of my working life in Canada after marrying a Canadian. In 2024, I began earning US 1099 income (plus Canadian income in 2024) which will likely continue for several years. Would it be a good idea financially for me to make the social security deductions starting in 2024 for both employee and employer in order to reach 40 credits? How should I evaluate this decision? The repeal of the WEP clawback is a benefit to me because I have qualified for the Canadian equivalent of Social Security. Thanks!

I started receiving SS benefits at age 62 because of a job change.  My FRA is 66 1/2.  Over the 4.5 years of benefits, almost half of them (27 months to be exact) were withheld due to the earnings limit.  I am aware that, according to the SSA, I will receive the withheld benefits in the form of increased monthly payments starting at FRA. I am now 67 1/2 and have not received an increase in benefits. Multiple calls to the SSA have resulted in multiple answers as to when I will get the pay bump. The most legit one is that my status is "in process" and I should receive a "lump sum" (for the months since my FRA) plus a monthly increase in benefits going forward starting sometime this fall since they recalculate for this once per year (in July). Has anyone experienced a delay such as this?  I am trying to be patient but all the articles I read say the adjustment will be made "at FRA".  It's now almost a year later. 

We hear you loud and clear. AARP members are deeply concerned about Social Security, and we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting this vital program. Right now, we’re asking for three assurances: ✅ Social Security will make payments on time—just as it has for almost 90 years.✅ Claims will be processed on time and not backlogged for months.✅ Customer service will be a top priority. Forcing millions of Americans to jump through new hoops or drive hours to a local office is unacceptable. We’re fighting to ensure that Social Security remains strong, reliable, and accessible for everyone who relies on it. Learn more about what we’re doing to safeguard Social Security here: How AARP Is Fighting for Social Security Right Now AARP Darryl

My husband was forced to retire to due to Covid. We had always wanted to retire in the mountain region of Virginia. We are looking for a house on a few acres. Can anyone offer any advice or suggestions?

I have a feeling I'm going to still be waiting for months for my retirement approval letter, but I'm wondering in the meantime how close people's actual benefits were to the benefit estimate?  Trying to plan ahead...thanks for your time.

Just for information: The Social System is made up of (3) different programs.  Each of these has their own eligibility requirements and other rules to which the beneficiary has to comply to get these specific benefits. 1.  Social Security Old Age or Retirement Benefits - also includes SPOUSAL benefits - sometimes shortened to SSOA or SSR by certain government entities.2.  Survivors Benefits 3.  Social Security Disability Benefits - SSDI There is also another disability program that the Social Security Administration also oversees - The INDIVIDUAL Welfare based Supplemental Security Income program (SSI).  This is a disability program for those who are old (65), blind or disabled who are not eligible for Social Security benefits or who have not worked long enough to get a minimum benefit.  This also includes disabled children.  

The first time I called was at 3:00 PM I was put on hold until I was disconnected at 4:00 PM the closing time.The second time I called the recording says wait time is greater than 120 minutes,then they say hold times are greater than normal,then they tell me to call back at a later time,and then they disconnect the call. This is at 9:00 AM exactly. A year ago I went down to the local office. You take a number and wait about 1.5 hrs in a hard chair.I have a bad back and can’t sit for long periods in a chair. Right now I need my file, how do I obtain this information? Any advice is appreciated.

Just a question to ponder and to get some feedback on specific benefits:This is only for Social Security RETIREMENT benefits - not other type like Disability or Survivors.   Should a person be able to retire early at the age of 62 or before FRA get a bonus auxiliary retirement benefit if and because they have dependent children?  

FROM THE ARTICLE:What is the Windfall Elimination Provision? By Andy Markowitz and Phil Pruitt, AARP. *** There are 119 Comments on the AARP website. Stop by to add yours. *** Published October 10, 2018.➡️ Updated February 27, 2025. ⬅️ The Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) was a formula that could reduce the size of your Social Security retirement or disability benefit if you also received a pension from a job in which you did not pay Social Security taxes. Congress voted in December 2024 to repeal the WEP, ending benefit cuts for those receiving such “non-covered” pensions.The repeal law, the Social Security Fairness Act, is retroactive to benefits paid for 2024, which means people previously subject to the WEP will receive a lump-sum repayment of the benefits withheld during that year. The Social Security Administration (SSA) says it expects to deliver the retroactive payments to most affected beneficiaries by the end of March 2025, with higher monthly benefits