Leaving the country? First use the Payments Abroad Screening Tool.
Several months ago, I wrote about receiving Social Security benefits when outside of the United States. Recently a new tool was added to the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov, to help...
View ArticleMedicare Initial Enrollment Period
Q: I reach age 65 several months before I plan to retire. Can I wait to sign up for Medicare and Social Security retirement at the same time? A: Enroll in Medicare before the month you reach age 65....
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Just want Medicare? Use the online Medicare application.
The Medicare Initial Enrollment Period was discussed last week. Today’s topic is the online Medicare application, applicable for people approaching age 65 and not yet wanting to receive Social Security...
View ArticleNeed to verify the amount of your benefits? Go online.
Q: Can I get a letter to verify the amount of my Social Security benefit? A: Yes. Go to the “Top Services” section of www.socialsecurity.gov. Click on the “Services for People Currently Receiving...
View ArticleMedicare Part D open season
The Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) open season is from October 15 to December 7, 2012. New plans begin January 1, 2013. Even if you are completely satisfied with your existing Part D...
View ArticleMedicare Part D Extra Help
The Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) open season is from October 15 to December 7, 2012. As noted last week, even if you are completely satisfied with your existing Part D policy, the...
View ArticleMedicare changes for 2013 not yet announced
Questions about potential change to the Medicare Part B (Medical) premium started coming in once the 2013 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) was announced. As of today, Medicare premium...
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Medicare age is still 65
Even though Social Security full retirement ages (FRA) vary based on year of birth, it is important to remember that the age to begin receiving Medicare has not changed. It is still 65. Medicare is...
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2013 Medicare Part B premium information
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard 2013 Medicare Part B (Medical) premium will be $104.90 per month. Some people pay a higher premium. The Centers for...
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What does Medicare cover?
What does Medicare cover? It surprises many people to learn that Social Security employees are not good sources of information about what Medicare covers. Other than providing general information, the...
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New my Social Security Account Online Services Available
Today the Social Security Administration announced a big expansion to services available with a my Social Security account. The full press release follows. Social Security Announces New Online Services...
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Newest Annual Statistical Supplement now online
The Annual Statistical Supplement, 2012 just became available online at http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/supplement/2012/index.html. There is a massive amount of interesting information here,...
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My friend said … is that really true?
Today’s post stems from a handful of phone calls received last week, all starting with a variation of “My friend told me that …” and ending with “… is that really true?” All the “friendly” information...
View ArticleWhat are the 2013 Social Security taxable earnings? How much total FICA tax...
Q: What are the maximum Social Security taxable earnings for 2013? How much total FICA tax have I paid? A: In 2013, the taxable maximum amount of wages or self-employment earnings subject to Social...
View ArticlePhishing – computer fraud warning
The Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov, has a warning about a “phishing” computer fraud. This particular warning is about a false email message pretending to promote use of my Social...
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Thank you Patty & George
From the history section of the Social Security website: April 6, 2011 Entertainment icons George Takei and Patty Duke teamed up to tell Americans to Boldly Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for...
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American Sign Language now on SSA website
The Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov, now has an informational video in American Sign Language. Through the Multilanguage Gateway, information in many different languages is available....
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New Social Security retirement planning webinar on website
Planning for your retirement is important. Adding to the Retirement Planner information, a brand new Social Security webinar has been added to the Social Security website, www.socialsecurity.gov. Just...
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Social Security & your smartphone
Social Security Announces New Mobile Site for Smartphone Users Agency Leverages Technology to Meet Customer Service Expectations Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, today...
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What is Medicare Part D Extra Help?
Q: What is Medicare Part D Extra Help? A: Part of the Medicare prescription drug (Part D) program, the Extra Help low income subsidy can help pay for parts of Part D monthly premiums, annual...
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