Social Security

My spouse recently died at age 72. I’m 75, but receive a lower SS benefit than her because I retired early to take care of her. Am I entitled to receive any of her SS benefits in addition to my own? If yes, what percentage, and how do I apply for these benefits? (The month of her death, January, 2026, SS placed her regular benefit amount in our checking account as it normally does, but then withdrew the full amount one day later). Thank you for your help!  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Court documents say an employee with the Department of Government Efficiency agreed to share sensitive data with an outside advocacy group. By Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP. Published January 21, 2026. AARP is urging the Social Security Administration (SSA) to take immediate steps to ensure Americans’ private data is protected, after revelations that a non-SSA employee signed a secret agreement to share sensitive SSA data with an outside advocacy group last year. In a Jan. 16 court filing, Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers disclosed that an employee with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) – a federal cost-cutting initiative – agreed to share SSA data with an unidentified political advocacy group. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-security/ssa-data-security/

I have seen new rules coming for Senior drivers or already in effect. Although I have not received anything from local DMV office. I saw something on Youtube  Wonder if this is true?

We recently received an email from AARP requesting us to email Congress for the continued funding of Social Security. While this is a worthwhile endeavor, it does not provide a solution and who knows how many folks will actually send the message. So, I am advocating for AARP to be more proactive in how they and their members reach out to Congress. AARP should have some political clout and therefore should use it to our advantage. The unions would be another avenue to pursue! There is a report authored by the Congressional Research Service titled, “Social Security: Raising or Eliminating the Taxable Earnings Base”. This report (https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/rl/rl32896) was updated on December 22, 2021. The conclusion of this report is as follows:“Raising or eliminating the cap on wages that are subject to taxes could reduce the long-range deficit in the Social Security trust funds. For example, the Social Security Administration's Office of the Chief Actuary

I am planning on going on vacation abroad for 32 days.  I get monthly SS checks electronically for retirement only.  I will not make any changes to my payment method.  Do I need to let SSA know when I am leaving and coming back?

The website for Social Security used to say that it would take up to 30 days to process new applications for retirement benefits.  In a week it will have been three months.  Now the website says 2-4 weeks, but that has got to still be wrong.I gather from other forums, that a delay of 2-3 months is now normal.What I would like to know is, why?Every time I try to search for information, all of the results are about disability, not retirement.  And not a single results explains why it is taking so long when they already have my entire work history of 47 years, etc.  They have all the information they need.What exactly is it that they do to process applications which turns 2-4 weeks into 2-3 months.Does anyone know why?I cannot work a job right now, my arthritis is too painful.  I can't wait more months to begin getting retirement checks, I will be homeless.

We as taxpayers, need to ask congress to change the law regarding the IRMAA calculations. In order to reduce our future RMDs, we convert traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs. Even though the money is not in our hand, we need to pay IRMAA penalty. For tax purposes, conversion is taxable income, but for IRMAA, it should not be a taxable income. Instead, the money withdrawn from Roth IRA should be considered for IRMAA. The current tax law is like transferring your money from CD account to a savings account considered as an income.

 Lets say FRA is in April next year and I draw Social Security at that time. Now lets say after 3 months I learn that if I had waited till January when I could have drawn $200 more a month from Social Security. If I stop my Social Security draw after 3 months and then start it back up in January when my pay would be $200 more per month, if I pay back all of the money I had received, would I get the January increase? RT 

Did you know that if you Retire up to 6-months past your FRA, that you can opt to get backpay for those few months that you are past your FRA.  OR you can opt to use these 6-months of delayed retirement credits (DRC) to add to your benefit but this bonus amount will not show up until the following January and then going forward. Of course, if you wait until 70 to claim your Retirement benefits, then you get all of the DRC - in your retirement amount. Any DRC you earn are not considered in anybody else’s retirement benefits but they are included in your Survivors benefits and thus leave your dependents better off dollar-wise. So what was your choice when you decided to retire after your FRA?   

FROM THE ARTICLE. AARP-backed bill aims to tweak SSA wording to help older adults decide when to start benefits. By Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP. Published November 06, 2025. Could a little wordsmithing by the Social Security Administration (SSA) help older Americans make better decisions about when to claim their retirement benefit — and potentially get a bigger lifetime payment? That’s the idea behind a bipartisan bill now before Congress. If enacted, the Claiming Age Clarity Act would tweak the terms the SSA uses on its website and in other communications to help prospective beneficiaries decide when to apply for Social Security. Supporters — including AARP, which has endorsed the bill — say these small changes could make a big difference for soon-to-be beneficiaries by clarifying the pros and cons of claiming Social Security at various ages. USE THE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-security/retirement-age-clarity-act/

I have had my minor son for 6 months now during that time his mother was his payee and he did not see a dime. A few years back I can remember she got some lump sum payments.  I just got control of his funds yesterday and now they are saying there was an overpayment and he has to pay it back Seems like the payee should be responsible during that time period?

 Interesting Social Security Scenario - What’s your take on this?  👍  or  👎  A (breadwinner) parent divorced a real deadbeat parent after 14 years of marriage -and (2) kids.  Neither ever remarried.   The deadbeat never worked a reportable income job after the divorce, so, of course, they earned no Social Security benefit on their own earnings record and never paid any child support either.  Called the kids every few years as proof of life.  That’s it -    With the Kids, now older but not yet out of the nest, but almost, the breadwinning parent decides to retire at their full retirement age.  Their financial success at their job thru the years produced a good Social Security Retirement Benefit and they had also been able to save for their retirement via retirement accounts and other investment/savings.  They had also paid off the house which took a lot of stress off the monthly budget.   They receive

FROM THE ARTICLE. Social Security Weighs Major Changes to Disability Rules. Advocates say regulations could affect hundreds of thousands of older adults sidelined from work by illness or injury. By Sharon Jayson, AARP. Published October 30, 2025. Potential changes in how the Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates disability claims could deny benefits to hundreds of thousands of people and disproportionately affect older adults, according to a new study. The September analysis by the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.–based think tank, reports that the SSA is drafting rule changes that could lessen the weight the agency gives to age in considering applications for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Those are the two Social Security–administered benefits for people whose ability to work is limited by a severe medical condition. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-secur

FROM THE ARTICLE. 6 Big Social Security Changes for 2026.COLA increase, higher Medicare costs and a new tax break will affect beneficiaries’ bottom lines in the year to come. By Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP. Published October 28, 2025. From the highly anticipated cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to a less-welcome hike in Medicare premiums, Social Security beneficiaries will see several big changes in 2026.The developments are driven by new federal policies and economic shifts, such as inflation and income trends, that affect the more than 70 million people receiving Social Security benefits, as well as the estimated 185 million workers (and future beneficiaries) paying into the system.Here’s what you need to know about Social Security in 2026: USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-security/biggest-2026-changes/

My wife and I have particular circumstances. I don’t understand exactly where we can get exploit certain social security advantages. My wife is 61, and I am 56. I am the main breadwinner at 115k per year. Wife makes 36k. While we love the idea of retiring and enjoying life, We only have about 350k in 401k so are inclined to keep working to acquire more $ before retiring. With her reaching retirement age significantly sooner than me, I don’t know if she should just plan to keep working until 70 or what advantages exist, allowing her to retire sooner. Someone was explaining something about how her SS benefits might receive credit for my greater income(?) I’m having a hard time formulating any kind of plan, and I think one with the knowledge of the SS laws could perhaps help.

Source:  SSA.gov 10/24/2025 - blog - Social Security Announces 2.8 Percent Benefit Increase for 2026    excerpts from the link Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for 75 million Americans will increase 2.8 percent in 2026. On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by about $56 per month starting in January. Nearly 71 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 2.8 percent COLA beginning in January 2026. Increased payments to nearly 7.5 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2025. (Note: Some recipients receive both Social Security benefits and SSI). Some other adjustments that take effect in January of each year are based on the increase in average wages. For example, the maximum amount of earnings subject to the Social Security tax (taxable maximum) is slated to increase to $184,500 from $176,100. more info at the link ~ This SSA site will also give more details on th

[Tuesday 10/21/25 8:34am ET] Yes, I had heard "various" versions of what would happen with my RETIREMENT Social Security Payments during the October 1st shutdown. But I ALWAYS call or visit Social Security when I want to KNOW something = reliable source. Lol, now I can RELAX and NOT worry about paying rent NEXT month. Hopefully things return to NORMAL so folks who are are RETIRING THIS YEAR 2025 can get their benefits TOO. Nicole!  

FROM THE ARTICLE. Lengthy stoppage would delay release of inflation data that’s key to calculating the Social Security benefit boost. By Andy Markowitz and Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP. Published October 01, 2025. The government shutdown that began Oct. 1 will not prevent Social Security recipients from getting their monthly payments, but it might keep them in suspense about how much those payments will increase next year.The Social Security Administration (SSA) was set to announce the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2026 on Oct. 15, when the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is slated to release its report on September inflation. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-security/will-shutdown-affect-cola-announcement/

At this moment my wife and I are are surviving on my SSDI benefits alone, and we do not have any other sources of income.  Also, my wife is currently receiving chemo to combat her cancer, and she is unable to work.  The doctor says she will continue chemo until late December, and then she will start radiation therapy sometime in January of 2026.  Her radiation therapy is expected to last until Febraury of next year.  Additonally, my wife's medical coverage is through Medicaid, and we are living in the state of North Carolina. Also, My wife has not worked since 2012, and it appears doubtful that she will ever be able to return to work.  We have been advised that my wife, who is now 61, should apply for SSDI.  However, since my wife is now receiving Medicaid, what will happen to medical coverage if she gets approved to receive SSDI?  Will she stay on Medicaid, or will her existing Medicaid be transformed into Medicare?  Additionally, I'm recei

FROM THE ARTICLE. Surveys show a generation closing in on retirement is increasingly anxious about the program’s fiscal health. By Deirdre Shesgreen, AARP. Published October 02, 2025. Corriveau, a 59-year-old from Florida, says he’s “extremely worried” about whether Social Security will be there for him when he retires. He plans to keep working for several more years, possibly past the traditional retirement age of 65.John Quinn, a 60-year-old from North Carolina, says he’s never even checked his Social Security account because he’s not convinced his benefit will be a reliable — or sufficient — source of retirement income. He estimates he’ll be working until he’s 75. USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/social-security/will-gen-x-have-social-security/

 If on October 15th, The COLA increase is 2.7%, there is good news and bad news. Now, remember I said If . That would be okay, if formula has not changed. The very bad news, is that Your MEDICARE rate would go from $ 185.00 to $ 206.00 . An increase of $ 21.50.  If You are getting below average SSA Benefits the amount will be adjusted. I just received My book from My Medicare Advantage Plan. No bargains here. Everything has increased as expected. Drug prices are insane.  So, hypothetically, if You get a projected $ 55 boost per month, it is now going to be $ 34.00 You end up with.  I  suppose not getting a COLA increase would be better, that way,  Your Check would hold steady, as MEDICARE cannot raise their rate if You don't get a raise in Your COLA.

We need to get our Congress Representatives to support the 'You earned it you keep it' bill. This allows for raising the cap on the taxable earnings and stopping the federal taxes on SSN.  This would keep the trust fund solvent until 2054 and decrease the long range deficit.  This is a win for all retirees..  We need AARP support.

FROM THE ARTICLE. CEO, members call on Congress to protect and strengthen Social Security for today’s beneficiaries and generations to come. By Deirdre van Dyk, AARP. Published September 26, 2025. To mark this year’s 90th anniversary of Social Security, AARP has held hundreds of events and activities around the country and engaged millions of older Americans.In Maine, AARP volunteers joined Gov. Janet Mills as she signed a proclamation honoring Social Security. In Iowa, they offered games and giveaways at the state fair to educate their neighbors about the importance of Social Security. In Wisconsin, they celebrated with baseball fans, handing out slices of birthday cake at a minor-league game. USE ARTICLE BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE. https://www.aarp.org/advocacy/ssa-90th-anniversary-town-hall/

Top story in AARP this month is a full spread on pain management, with scant mention of shortfalls to Social Security and Medicare - they garner only the barest mention on the bottom of page four?? A story on entering Sweepstakes gets more comprehensive coverage?Threats to seniors' well-being are numerous, food insecurity, housing, care, funding cuts to senior programs; the gutting of research for diseases and health issues directly affecting many of us?In a time when current Department of Health and Human Services spewing vaccine quackery? We deserve better, more thorough coverage of things that affect us and that matter.What happens in Washington matters. PLEASE AARP, pull your head out of the sand and report on the stories that affect us.

Discussion with National Council on Aging President and CEO,  Ramsey Alwin - Read transcript or watch/listen  CSPAN - Washington Journal 09/20/2025 - Poverty Rate Increasing Among Older Adults - a Social Security and other government helping program discussion. Interesting discussion but it brings to my mind just how many older Americans have wrong views on how the program works and a lot of misinformation about Social Security - all of it - from how it works to benefits and solutions to the insolvency problem the program is facing in the next several years. I just want to ask some of them - where did you come up with that notion?