Share your concerns about Social Security

[AARPMiller]

1)     In the article,  Social Security Fears, many Social Security myths are addressed. What concerns you the most about Social Security? 

[GailL1]

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@r431746r wrote:

I agree 100% .  Why should an ex be able to collect based on the ex spouse SS?  My ex took off for Mexico after the divorce and I collected not one penny of child support for my 2 girls.  Now that I am retired he is back in the country and collecting SS based on all MY years of working!!  Is this right???!!!

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According to the SSA, an EX-spouse had to have at least 10-years in the marriage with you in order to be able to qualify for this type of benefit so I guess they feel like you owe them.

Personally, I think the marriage should have last a lot longer - like a minimum of 20 or more years.

There was always court action to get the child support as soon as you knew they were back in the states.  Seems you should be able to get reimbursed for all that child support, at least up to the amount the ex is getting based on your SS record.   🤑

[susanmaureen]

What is the status of the repeal of the WEP and the GPO?  Both are unfair to public servants who have a pension and thus can not collect the full amount of SS they deserve...Is AARP working to address this issue.  If not, they should.  

[wl8409]

Why is SS benefits taxed if your other pension income exceeds $50,000? The contributions to SS while u worked was taxed already, right? I'm sure matching contributions by your employer were taxed also. But if not, I should not pay more than 50% on my benefits. Sounds like double taxation to me.

[cat0w]

Reply to: wl8409

A person should know if the amount of social security withheld from their pay had tax payed on it or not.

Around my third year with the Fire Department I know there was a change in the laws and our SS, Retirement and Insurance was deducted before taxes were figured on the rest of our income.

Posted by,
cat0w
Texas (USA)

[Skeevix]

I am wondering what AARP and us citizens can do to stop the taking of our hard earned monies and entitlement to SSDI and SSI. I can do none else but pray to my Father in heaven (the Lord Jesus Christ)...that he will continue to provide for us in some manner. If push comes to shove; I am going to try and get support from a Christian source in the near future.

I really believe that people who are not living on a low income scale have nothing to complain about if they are able to pay their bills and have some money left over to do as they want with. When I hear of those who worry about losing their Social Security benefits who are only worried about paying thousands of dollars for their children to go to college, and can afford to live without their SS benefits when they are not disabled, nor don't lack a means of support; that really gets to me. And if people would just open their hearts and give to those in need; we would not feel like orphans with no one to help us.

Because of all that is going on in politics; I have decided not to vote. I find it hard to believe that any president, any senate, and congress can correct the damage done already in our nation. A few years back I was on a Catholic website where I read there were 60 million homeless people in our nation. That blew me away! It is time for us American citizens to care more about other people. I, myself, have allowed homeless individuals to stay in my home. One of them ended up getting back on her feet and got a job. She had only lived with me for two weeks, already had a job and lined up a place for her to stay. What I won't allow as far as someone that is homeless is someone who just wants me to buy them a twelve pack of beer, chain smoke, and watch T.V. most of the day. Here I was homeless myself, staying in a motel room, and running out of money, and this guy had not even tried to make any plans to help himself. He had a cell phone, and finally called to see if a family member would help him. They would not. I wonder why?

There is too much apathy going around, and people need to know that someone cares about them. But don't expect me to help you if you just want a free ride and want to spend any money you get from me on alcohol and cigarettes. I am a smoker myself, but food is one of the first things on my list. If I can't afford to pay for my food; I have no business smoking.

We need to stop judging people for being homeless and simply help them. If you don't want to take them into your home; give them some information about where they can go to get help, and even offer to give them a ride. These people do alot of walking and would really appreciate it. The shelters are overcrowded and you would think that someone would use one of these hotels to give these poor people a place to stay and some privacy. One person can make a difference if they own property, etc.    Well, I've said enough. May the Lord help us all, and may we do what he wants and not what we want.

[retiredtraveler]

."... A few years back I was on a Catholic website where I read there were 60 million homeless people in our nation. That blew me away!....".

   Of course it blew you away. The number is around 600,000.  60 mil would be close to 20% of the entire country.

[rr49933996]

In the state of Hawaii there is a big problem in the making that is putting the lively hood of tens of people receiving social security. The 3 thousand or more that the IRS taxes social security benefits each year. With rental cost getting higher each year and insurance costs going up in 2016 seniors are having a hard time finding the money to pay the daily cost of living. The cost of getting old is not cheap. Seniors are taxed 25% or more on their benefit. The said part is while they were working they were paying tax on what went to social security by way of the pay role tax. No the government taxes the same money again when they need it the most. I don't understand why this issue is not the most important issue AARP could take up. Yet AARP has not lifted a finger on something that effects millions of American's. It's a shame and AARP should take a stand and after congress to get social security benefits tax fixed in so way. Seniors need help on this issue.

[cat0w]

Reply to rr49933996: Are you able to post a link to where you obtained your information about, Seniors are taxed 25% or more on their benefit.

I believe this is the amount I chose to have held out of my Social Security each month, however, so far I have gotten back most of this at the end of the year when I file my income taxes, on my total income.

My sister because of her total income has nothing withheld but, pays no income taxes, doesn't even have to file a return.

I live in Texas, she lives in Alabama.

Posted by,
cat0w
Texas (USA)

[drawpoker]

"In the state of Hawaii there is a big problem in the making that is putting the lively hood of tens of people receiving social security................ Seniors are taxed 25% or more on their benefit......."

_________________________________________________________________

Thank you from bottem of my haert for possting this warning!

This is truely shockeing infermotion.   Was thinking of mooving myself to Aloha state for retirement.   Glad I sawed this post,  whew

there is truely nothing more serious  than loosing one's lively hood.   Just pondering such event gives me the Willys,  doesn't you? 

Think it might be feelsable  -  just an idea -  rent a large fleet of busses to transport these tens of people to Wash DC so they could lobby Congress? 

[BRONCOBILLY714]

AFTER THE BILLS ARE PAID I HAVE $25.00 PER WEEK TO LIVE ON.THINKING ABOUT MOVING OUT OF THE COUNTRY

[sh28783068]

I applied for disability in 2006.  I was told at the time that I could apply for disabled widows benefits.They also told me that, since I was under the retirement age, I would get a partial payment from my husband's SS and when I reach 66 it would go up to the regular amount.  I've since had cause to question this.  What would be the truth?

Thanks

[cb30899561]

The scare tactics of big corp America and the congressman in their pockets are a way of trying to cut our SS. How about cutting our the subsidies and freebies that they receive? Social Security has some spare funds, remember the huge amounts of money that was BURROWED from SS, it has not been repaid yet! We are old not ignorant speak up.

[rk42682468]

I am divorced after a 40-yer marriage and have not remarried. I only receive $600 per month Social Security. My ex-spouse's social security payments are lower than mine because he quit working. Is there any way I can receive a portion of his Social Security to add to mine? 

[ag33003889]

In your text you point out that delaying receiving social security benefits will mean an increase of 8% per each year that you delay.  The SSA told me that that is only the case if you continue to work and contribute.  I never see this important detail mentioned in articles on this topic and have to conclude that without mentioning this condition, an article is going to be misleading. 

I was misled because I intended to delay taking the benefit but live on my own resources for a few years.  But the SSA told me that such waiting would result in a very small increase in benefits and that I may as well start taking my social security immediately on reaching 'Full Retirement Age' (66 in my case).

Any comments?

[EveRH]

@ag33003889 - If you asked someone at SSA, would they be able to generate a detailed comparison of how much you'd collect by age 80, 90, etc., based on different scenarios for when you began collecting? Telling someone that doing X would only result in "a very small increase" is vague; I'd want to know the numbers!

[ag33003889]

Will they provide that information for an individual based on their situation?

[cynthia14]

I read there is not going to be a cost of living raise this year ( hope I am wrong) rent went up. Grogery went up and most likely everything will follow. What I read was they feel that inflation did not go up much in the past year, which I feel is a bunch of crock. Seniors in this country are very lucky to be able to buy food We know how to handle our money., but really. Such a shame I will just go with the flow and hope for the best

[dc34291815]

While George W. Bush was in office, he borrowed !.37 Trillion from Socialy Security, to cover a tax break for the rich.  The money has not been paid back.

[RobertaNM]

Not having enough money to care for people who have paid into SS

[yd2253]

We Americans who have worked and investef in the social security system are scrutinized and treated almost like criminal fraud thrives before we can receive payouts of our on investments,or our dependents. But immigrants can come here and receive out of our funds which they never deposited into as soon as they get here with no questions asked.YThen the government finds money to give them grants for homes, when we have so many veterans and others homeless on the streets. How can my country America, my.state Florida,my city Miami say they concentrating on doing justice. Whats justified in that.

[rh2489475]

It is amazing to me that Congress can get a minimum pay raise without ever bringing the topic up for discussion.  However, they sit there in D.C. like "fat cats" haggling over a miniscule raise for Social Security recipients and want to cut even more from the budget.  The idea that raising the amount we pay each month for Medicare is awful.  I am in my 70's and will work til the day I drop dead because the stock market killed my retirement savings and I have to rely on my job and SS each month to help pay bills.  My husband and I helped raise a granddaughter and saw her through college.  My daughter is 55 and has been unable to find a regular 40 hour a week job with benefits.  We help her when she needs it.  Yet, through all this, I can honestly say that we are not hurting as much as those who barely subsist on SS.  Yes, not everyone can go to work like I do.  I'm very fortunate to have the strength and energy and good health to do so.

When the power company needs more money, they simply raise rates by charging for odd things.  I pay to be billed.  How else will I know what to pay??

The price for ground beef, chicken and pork are ridiculous.  How can some folks live with these prices and no raise in SS??

Our insurance for our house has been increased to $1200 a year and we have never had a claim against this house in the 10 years we've lived in it.  The insurance companies give benefits to victims of natural disasters and we get to pay for it.  The system leaves a lot to be desired.  We pay taxes to have FEMA give assistance and we also make donations to help victims.  I believe we are now victims of these storms because of this pass-through from the insurance companies.

How can people continue to live even reasonably on SS when Congress refuses to increase payments, plans cuts, and raises Medicare rates.  Oh yes!  I also continue to contribute to SS every payday and see no return on that money.  SS acts like they have it coming to them.  The amount I pay to them every year exceeds one month of my SS check.  In essence, I pay one of my SS checks to continue to work because I can't live on SS alone.  There is something wrong here and it is Congress.  Folks who get fat pensions from their employers as well as social security don't know what it is like to change their lifestyles.  These are the things I worry about when I hear about Congress using SS money to pay for other things in their budgets!

[bunny5580]

RH, you are correct in the fact that Congress can do absolutely nothing and receive a raise. They designed it that way. Unless they vote AGAINST their own raise, they automatically receive one.

You probably already know they won't be raising the medicare part B premium. There's a clause called, "Do No Harm" or something like that and it prevents them from raising the B premiums for MOST recipients if there is no cost of living raise.

As far as the COL raise, it's beyond me how they don't figure there is inflation. The formula they use to decide if there'll be a raise hasn't changed and neither are the things they use for their tally. Me thinks their formula needs tweaking!

You should be commended for your ability and drive to continue working! Social security was never designed to be our total means of support, but the stock market wreaked havoc on even people like you who had intentions of saving and being responsible.  You sound like an awesome lady for having raised your grandchild and helping your adult daughter. Just remember to not let anyone use you. Take care of yourself, too. We often forget to do that!

[CaddyGrn]

Hello,  I have a serious complaint about Social Security... my husband earned full quarters to qualify for social security, however....thanks to Ronald Regan while he was Governor of California all California teachers (not any of the other state or fed employees...) must take a reduced income because we have a separate retirement plan.  So my husband can only receive 25% of his earned social security.  It is totally unfair in my book... I know many folks who went into teaching as a second career and they have reduced income from teaching, and seriously reduced income from social security.  However, it seems not too many folks are concerned about those who are left out... I am just wondering how many folks out there actually know this is the way it is!

[w444315k]

I agree.  I taught in California and just went to the retirement seminar and was surprised to learn that my SS benefit will be reduced.  We are the only ones in this category.  

My main concern is that I plan to work in a different field, have not contributed to SS since I was in my mid 20's.   My benefit is going to be around $175/mo. without added contributions and I am curious what/how much it will increase/be affected by added contributions.

I believe I will earn about 25,000 annually for another 7 or 8 years.  * I retired early from teaching and will delay my payout from State Retirement in order to max it out- thus the need to keep working.

Anyone have an educated guess what my ss payout would be???     thanks

[CaddyGrn]

If you are fully vetted in STRS and your retirement will be a "decent" amount... (usually somewhere about 50% of what you were earning as a full time teacher if you have 25 to 30 years in)  then your Social Security earnings  will be reduced by 75%.  It is all confusing, because the amount you earn and the number of quarters in SS determines the amount.  I believe you can go to a Social Security Office and present your information ahead of time, and they should be able to give you a reasonable estimate.  California teachers are the only ones who cannot receive what everyone else does... if you worked for the Fed's or Per's you can receive your full amount of Social Security.  I thought about going back to work to earn more quarters (as I didn't have the minimum) to strengthen my teacher retirement, but after looking at it and doing a little arithmetic... I found it much more profitable to teach part time (a college class or two online...) than work all that time for maybe $107 a month in additional retirement.

[cat0w]

@w444315k  Have you visited the Social Security website and created an account?

You asked, "Anyone have an educated guess what my ss payout would be???". You may want to look at this and see if it helps.

https://www.ssa.gov/retire/estimator.html

[sblea]

I am equally flabergasted that SS is going to take 3/4 of what I have earned, just because I have another retirement.  I look at it as being penalized for planning for the future.  So much for planning!!  I have heard that they are taking a look at WEP again - keep praying!!

[retiredtraveler]

"...Hello,  I have a serious complaint about Social Security... my husband earned full quarters to qualify for social security, however....thanks to Ronald Regan while he was Governor of California all California teachers (not any of the other state or fed employees......".

   It's called the Windfall Elimination Provision. It's spelled out on the SSA website. It was considered 'fair', at the time it was passed. You may or may not agree, but you can read about it yourself.

[df37606287]

Can I collect 2 social security benifits my sock security disability and my exspouse social security
Or can I work while on so octal security disability , just can't make ends meet