Social Security

Social Security and You

You have literally thousands of options

FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY

1. There are four types of social security benefits: Retirement, Survivor, Dependent, Disability. It’s important to know which best applies to you.

2. Almost half of all American workers have less than $2,000 saved for retirement. This is pitiful. The best time to start planning for retirement is when you’re in your 20s – but it’s almost never too late to begin.

3. Social Security became law on August 14, 1935, and has steadily increased in size and scope ever since.

4. For today’s retirees, Social Security accounts for approximately 40% of income.

5. The average payment to a single retiree is $1,229 per month.

You Earned It- Learn How to Maximize It
Social Security Is A Valuable Benefit

  • Social Security provides guaranteed lifetime income.
  • Benefits increase with inflation.
  • Many couples will receive more than $1million in benefits, making Social Security the largest asset for many people.

Don’t Leave Money On The Table

The right time to file for Social Security depends on many factors, including

your life expectancy and your other sources of income and your assets.  There are strategies available to Maximize your Benefit. 

We can help!

Request your Customized Social Security Claiming Report.

Get the Information You Need to Make an Educated Decision.

See the Impact of Filing Early vs Filing Late.

“Jennifer J. Edwards-Clarke helped me to understand the advantages and disadvantages of taking Social Security at age 63 vs. later. She is a very knowledgeable professional and is highly recommended”

Dr. Richard O, Georgia

“I attended Jennifer J. Edwards-Clarke’s Social Security Workshop, which was for women only.  Her workshop was choc full of valuable information that made sense!  Jennifer answered many, many questions and shared great visual that we all learned from.  A few days later I met with Jennifer.  Upon departing I knew exactly my best options for collecting SS.  What a major relief!  I highly recommend spending time with Jennifer.  A person who cares about our challenges for an important decision!

Shari F, GeorgIA

Frequently Asked Social Security Questions

1) When Can I Take My Social Security Benefit?

You qualify to receive your full benefit when you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), which is based on your age:

Age FRA
1943-1954 66
1955 66 & 2 months
1956 66 & 4 months
1957 66 & 6 months
1958 66 & 8 months
1959 66 & 10 months
1960 and later 67

2) How Much Will I Receive?

Your Personal Income Amount (PIA) is based on your 35 highest-earning working years.  The earnings are indexed for inflation, and a formula is applied.  The PIA is what you receive if you wait until you’re your Full Retirement Age to claim benefits.

You can choose to receive Social Security as early as age 62, but if you do, your monthly benefits will be permanently reduced.  On the other hand, if you postpone taking benefits past your full retirement age, you will be rewarded with a higher benefit—8% for each year up to age 70.

3) How Does Working Affect My Social Security?

If you’ve reached full retirement age, you can work and earn as much as you’d like and receive full benefits. However, if you are under full retirement age, your benefits will be reduced.  The reduction is $1 for every $2 of earning income you receive over $18,960 (in 2021).  In the year you retire, $1 is withheld for every $3 in income over $50,520 in 2021.

4) What is A Spousal Benefit?

Spouses can claim benefits regardless of whether they ever held paid jobs, based on their spouse’s work record. The spouse with a work record must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits, and the nonworking spouse must be at least age 62.  If the non-working spouse waits until the full retirement age, they will receive a spousal benefit of up to 50% of their partner’s full retirement benefit.  

5) What Will My Spouse Receive If I Die?

Spouses who are widowed become eligible for 100% of their partner’s full benefit.  Reduced Widow/Widower benefits can be claimed as early as age 60.

6) Are There Spousal and Survivor Benefits for Divorced Spouses?

Divorced spouses may be eligible for benefits based on their ex-spouse’s work record if the marriage lasted at least ten years.  The divorced spouse must be unmarried to qualify for benefits. 

7) Will I Owe Taxes on Social Security?

Maybe.  While your Social Security is not considered to be part of your gross income, a portion of your Social Security may be taxable.  The Internal Revenue Service uses your “Provisional Income” to determine the amount of your Social Security that will be taxed. 

8) How Do I Apply for Benefits?

Ordinarily, you could apply at a local Social Security office. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, local Social Security offices are generally closed.  Most people will have to apply for benefits online (SSA.gov) or by phone. (800-772-1213).

HAVE AN NSSA AND RSSA CERTIFIED EXPERT ON YOUR SIDE

Jennifer’s specialized training equips her to help clients resolve their Social Security questions and make timing decisions.

Remember, ninety percent of people who take Social Security retirement benefits leave money on the table.

Jennifer helps  ensures that you won’t be one of them.

For a discussion about Social Security and answers to your questions,

Call Jennifer J. Edwards-Clarke

(770) 262-3242

jjedwardsgroup@gmail.com