The Benefits Blog

I have the fire chief asking me how to contest the reduction in his SS due to his Gov’t pension. Is that even possible? He is single and retiring in 2024 will be age 59. He has worked and you already provided how his WEP reduction affects his benefit. 

If your fire chief client is facing a reductio...

A client born Dec of 1958, turning 65 in Dec. He has been drawing SS benefits since November, 2022. This year he has earned $20k in working part time income. PLUS $2k in a military pension, $152/month in military disability, and $480/month in a pension from another company.  Will the client have to ...

How do I figure out Social Security credits – is it strictly based on time/quarters worked?

Social Security credits are not based strictly on time or quarters worked; instead, they are earned based on income. Here’s how it works:

1. Earning Credits:

   • Income-Based: In 2024, you earn one Social S
   ...

Do you know whether someone receiving SS benefit can suspend their benefit – basically stop the payments and resume them at a later time.  You used to be able to do this, but I’m wondering whether SSA put limits on this.  I have someone needing to reduce their income for the next 2 years and they st...

How is WEP reduced benefit computed if beginning SS prior to FRA?

When calculating a Social Security benefit that is subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and is being taken before Full Retirement Age (FRA), the reduction is a two-step process. First, the WEP reduction amount is appli...

I have a client that is being told to repay Dec 2022 Social Security payment. He did not work in Dec 2022 (the month he began SS). The SSA 561 doesn’t seem like the right form. But I can’t find anything else. How can he apply for this appeal?

If your client is being told to repay their December 202...

My client, Jan, retired March, 2022.  She was born 9/1956.  She earned $118k Jan-March, 2022.  She is a widow and planned to collect on her husband’s benefit until she turns 70 and will collect on her own benefit.  She met with Social Security last March and was told she was approved for her husband...

What do I need to know about the 2023 Trustees report?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently released the 2023 OASDI Trustees Report, providing important insights into the financial status of the Social Security Trust Funds. Here are the key highlights from the report:

1. Deficit Over...

We have a client who called SSA. My primary question is how could the client be getting the exact same amount of Benefit if he files in November compared to filing at FRA this past July. To me it doesn’t make sense but she swears she called three times. Three SSA representatives, and they all said t...

I have a potential client who has a 21-year-old with autism and will never be able to work. The question is if one or both parents were to die does any of their benefit go to pay the cost of his care? They both are 60 years old and have saved a good bit of money to be able to retire but they are con...