The Benefits Blog

The Benefits Blog provides expert insights, updates, and strategies on Social Security and Medicare, tailored for financial professionals looking to enhance their knowledge and better serve their clients. Stay informed with the latest developments and tips to maximize benefits for your clients.

Social Security at 90: Popularity Soars, Confidence Wanes social security administration solvency Jul 29, 2025

According to a new AARP survey, as Social Security nears its 90th birthday, support for the program remains virtually universal—96 percent of U.S. adults now call it important, and 74 percent rank it among our nation’s most critical programs, up from 68 percent in 2020 . Yet only 36 percent feel “ve...

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Did Congress Just Eliminate Taxes on Social Security? Not So Fast. legistlation social security administration Jul 07, 2025

If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you might think Congress just passed a bill that eliminates federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Even the Social Security Administration joined in, stating that nearly 90% of beneficiaries will no longer pay federal tax on their benefits. But is that really...

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What the 2025 Social Security Trustees Report Means for Your Clients social security administration trust fund trustees report Jun 25, 2025

The 2025 Trustees Report on the financial status of Social Security was released last week, and its findings carry significant implications for retirement planners, financial advisors, and insurance professionals. As an NSSA® certificate holder, your role as a trusted resource is more important than...

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Over One Million Beneficiaries Face Social Security Garnishment — How You Can Help Your Clients Navigate It garnishments social security benefits Jun 18, 2025

For many Americans, Social Security is more than a benefit—it’s a financial cornerstone. Surveys consistently show that 80% to 90% of retirees depend on Social Security in some capacity to cover basic expenses. That means any disruption to these payments can have immediate and serious consequences.

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How to Plan and Optimize Your Social Security Benefits baby boomers benefits for minors child-in-care-benefit deemed filing ex-spousal benefit social security benefits spousal benefits Jun 02, 2025

Whether you're wondering how to plan for Social Security, how to avoid filing mistakes, or how to optimize your retirement income, this guide will walk you through the 10 most important things to know before you file.

 

1. Your Children May Be Eligible for Social Security Benefits

Social Security...

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New Direct Deposit Policy Adds Barriers for Seniors May 14, 2025

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently walked back part of a controversial new policy—but even the revised version imposes significant challenges for millions of Americans, especially seniors and people with disabilities. One of the most impactful changes relates to how beneficiaries ...

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How SSA Workforce Reductions Will Impact Social Security Services in 2025 Feb 28, 2025

On February 27, 2025 the Associated Press reported that the Social Security Administration is preparing to lay off at least 7,000 employees. Here is how we think that will impact the services the SSA provides as well as what that means for you as an advisor.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) r...

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Widow Benefits: Timing Your Claim for Maximum Benefits deemed filing full retirement age (fra) hey marc! surviving spouse widow benefit Sep 13, 2024

I have a client that we are working with who has questions about her widow benefit. The husband passed away, and the wife is age 58 and is eligible to receive a widow’s benefit at age 60. Her FRA is 67. I looked back on the NSSA training and found that deemed filing does NOT apply. Doesn’t this mean...

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Impact of Ohio SERS Lump Sum Distribution on Social Security Benefits government pension offset (gpo) hey marc! sers windfall elimination provision (wep) Sep 05, 2024

We have a client that is getting some advice from Ohio SERS regarding a lump sum distribution and its impact on her SSA benefits that I am not sure that I agree with. SERS is advising that she retire early to get the lump sum out prior to her benefit eligibility date.  They are claiming if this path...

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Top Social Security Myths Debunked for Retirees hey marc! Sep 02, 2024

I am delivering a SS presentation at our firm’s annual holiday client brunch (500 people – mostly retired and approaching retirement age). I would like to design a “MYTH BUSTERS” style presentation around SS. If you have a moment, what are the top SS MYTHS that I can “de-bunk/bust” for the audience?...

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