Social Security

The federal budget agreement that President Obama signed into law November 2, 2015, contains changes to how spouses can claim Social Security benefits, ending two strategies previously used to maximize benefits.

For only the third time in 40 years, the nation's elderly and disabled Social Security recipients will not receive an increase in benefit payments next year. However, as a direct result of this, about 30 percent of Medicare are facing a...

If you are able to continue working while receiving Social Security benefits, you can increase your overall benefit. In addition, although your benefits may be reduced due to your work, you can recoup those lost benefits.

While collecting Social Security benefits may seem straightforward, there are actually several strategies for collecting benefits -- especially if you are married -- that can increase your retirement benefits.

Figuring out when to start taking Social Security benefits shouldn't require a degree in economics, but the complicated rules mean many Americans are not getting all the benefits they are entitled to.

The executor, administrator, or next-of-kin should notify the SSA by calling the 800 number for the state in which the deceased resided. In most cases, the estate must pay back the last payment received.

Elderlaw 101

Many people do not realize that they may need to pay income taxes on their Social Security benefits.

Do you have a friend or loved one who receives Social Security and is unable to manage her payments? If so, you can request that the Social Security Administration name you as the representative payee for that person. ...

If you claimed Social Security benefits early, but are having second thoughts, or if you need a short-term interest-free loan, you may be able to get a do-over from Social Security. ...