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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.

Understanding U.S. and Australian Social Security Benefits & WEP hey marc! windfall elimination provision (wep) Sep 05, 2018

I have a client who hasn’t reached the 40 credits yet with his US SSA. He is also eligible for an Australian SSA benefit as well. I read through the SSA Australian agreement answered some questions but was wondering if he collects the US SSA and an Australian government benefit is there some interna...

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When Does Social Security Adjust Benefits Based on New Earnings? cola hey marc! Jul 12, 2018

I have a 69-year-old who began taking SS at 66. He is still working and making more money than ever before – $200,000 per year.  He’s made that kind of money since beginning SS.  At what point does SS adjust his deck of 35 highest income years?  I would have thought this would be every year, but he ...

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Social Security Earnings Test for State/Government Employees annual earnings test (aet) hey marc! Mar 23, 2017

If someone has a State/Government job and is not having SS withheld from their paycheck, are they still subject to the earnings test if they collect SS they earned base off their work record?

Yes, individuals with State or Government jobs who do not have Social Security (SS) withheld from their pay...

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Determining Widow Benefits for a CSRS Offset Pension Recipient government pension offset (gpo) hey marc! Nov 16, 2016

I have a client that’s under the CSRS offset, is 63 years old and gets approx $5,731/mo.  Unfortunately, his wife just passed at 69 years old.  What’s the best way to determine if it makes sense for him to collect his wife’s ss?  His wife was collecting $2,357/mo?  Will the widow benefit be redacted...

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Social Security Claiming Strategies Post-Budget Bill Changes maximizing benefits spousal benefits Jan 06, 2016

The Bi-Partisan Budget Bill signed on November 2, 2015 is phasing out two powerful strategies – Restricted Application and File (Claim) and Suspend. However Social Security Claiming Strategies still remain. Here are a few!

There is confusion regarding Delayed Retirement Credits. The changes in th

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