Social Security and Medicare

Spousal Benefits – Summary Several Social Security claiming strategies were eliminated in 2015 including the ability to file a “restricted application for spousal benefits,” ...

The rules regarding Social Security can be confusing. But there are two rules which cover many common situations. Rule No. 1 First, if you file for Social Security before Full Retirement Age ...

Starting Early You can start Social Security before your Full Retirement Age (FRA) but you will incur a penalty on the amount received. How much is the penalty? The penalty increases for each ...

Social Security Basics Knowing social security basics will allow you to better manage and get more in your pocket! Age to Start Collecting • You can start collecting retirement benefits as early ...

There are different strategies you can employ to maximize your benefits, depending on your situation. If you are married, you have more strategic options to consider than a single person. When ...

Background The rules governing Social Security benefits for divorced spouses are complicated, especially after rule changes in 2016. Here are the basics. If you were married at least 10 years, ...

The Problem Singles have fewer strategies than married couples for optimizing their Social Security benefits. But there are options available to them to maximize their lifetime benefits. The ...

Widows and widowers over 60 and married at least 10 years are eligible for survivor benefits based on their spouses earned Social Security credits.  Also, widows (or widowers) under 60 and caring ...

Question I have been divorced from my husband for 25 years. He has remarried. Which wife gets the Social Security benefits? Answer You’re in luck. You both do. Because your marriage lasted more ...

When Do You Need Part B? If you are age 65 or older, you must be on Medicare Part B (with some exceptions, as noted in the next section). Part A is free. Part B is obtained from any of a number ...