What the New Social Security Trust Fund Report Means for You
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. Takeaways Every year, the Social Security trustees release a report on the program’s finances. The 2026 report, issued in June, delivered a familiar but urgent message: the reserves used to pay retirement and survivor benefits are being depleted faster than expected, and Congress has a shrinking window to act […]
April Fool’s Guide to Messing Up Social Security Benefits
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. Editor’s Note: In honor of the recent April Fool’s Day, this article uses satire to highlight common Social Security mistakes. The “Reality Check” sections explain what to do instead. If you’re making a claiming decision, speak with an elder law attorney or trusted financial advisor about your specific situation. […]
A Guide to the SSI and SSDI Appeals Process for Older Adults
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. Takeaways Receiving a denial for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can feel discouraging, especially for older adults who may already be dealing with health challenges, reduced income, or caregiving responsibilities. The good news is that a denial is not the end of the road. Many people who […]
Potential Changes to SSDI Benefits May Affect Older Adults
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. Takeaways Though many Americans have adequate retirement savings, many others plan to work longer – or feel they cannot stop working – to afford retirement. However, about 40 percent of workers will have to quit their jobs earlier than expected because of a disability. Leaving the workforce early can devastate a […]
Scam Email Targets Social Security Recipients
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 8/8/2025. Takeaways If you or a loved one is among the 71.6 million people receiving Social Security benefits, be careful about downloading email attachments. You could receive a dangerous email from hackers pretending to be the Social Security Administration (SSA) that looks convincing. This official-looking […]
Could the Trump Administration Privatize Social Security?
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 6/2/2025. Takeaways The bedrock of retirement income for tens of millions of Americans, Social Security has served as a safety net for nearly 100 years and is the nation’s largest — and among its most popular — public programs. As the Trump administration works to […]
New Identity Verification Policy for Social Security
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 7/15/2025. Editor’s Note: The Social Security Administration has now reversed course on its earlier announcement that Social Security beneficiaries would be required to verify their identity in person starting April 14. Access to phone-based identity verification will now remain available to most individuals. Takeaways In an effort […]
Relief for Supplemental Security Income Recipients in 2025
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 6/2/2025. Takeaways When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in early 2020, wearing masks and practicing social distancing became the new normal. Many businesses and offices across the country closed, including Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices. When the SSA closed its field offices in March 2020, […]
Social Security Overpayment Rules Are Changing Once Again
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 5/1/2025. Editor’s Note: As of April 25, 2025, the Social Security Administration has lowered the 100 percent withholding rate outlined below to a 50 percent withholding rate. Takeaways For the past year, Social Security beneficiaries have gotten a break from the sometimes-devastating policy of withholding 100 […]
Report: Americans Overwhelmingly Support Social Security
Image courtesy of Elder Law Answers. This article was updated 5/1/2025. Takeaways At a time when the nation is deeply divided across political lines, Americans can agree on at least one thing: Social Security benefits should not only be preserved but strengthened — even if that means they have to pay more to address the […]