Hi there. Please enjoy reading our newsletter filled with news and information on Social Security and retirement. Please reach out at info@rssa.com with any feedback on our newsletters. We are always happy to hear from you!
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Join Our Facebook Group: Social Security Professionals. This group is designed for both aspiring and current Registered Social Security Analysts to connect, learn, and share. If you’re a retirement specialist, insurance agent, or financial/tax professional focused on Social Security planning, this is the community for you! Join a vibrant network dedicated to sharing Social Security knowledge, discussing industry best practices, and supporting each other in helping clients. It’s a space where you can ask questions, learn about the RSSA program, share your success stories, and connect with like-minded professionals.
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🎈 Happy Birthday Social Security!
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On August 14th, we celebrated the 89th anniversary of the Social Security Act, signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935. For nearly nine decades, Social Security has been a cornerstone of financial security for millions of Americans, providing crucial support for retirees, disabled individuals, and families who have lost loved ones.
A special thank you to all who have contributed to and supported this vital program over the years. As we look to the future, let’s continue working together to ensure Social Security remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.
Here’s to many more years of making a positive impact in the lives of Americans!
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When is the best age to take Social Security?
Source: NewsNation
“There is no perfect age, it is very specific to each individual, couple and family.” Martha Shedden shares her insights on this important question with reporter Andrew Dorn. Read the story.
Real Social Security Talk with NARSSA Co-Founder Martha Shedden
Source: ThinkAdvisor
RSSA President and Co-Founder Martha Shedden was featured on an episode of the Ask the Retirement Expert podcast. ThinkAdvisor Senior Reporter John Manganaro speaks with Martha and they discuss the past, present and future of Social Security, what it takes to become a true Social Security expert, why advisors should know more about Medicare’s rules and requirements, and how advisors can speak with clients about the future of funding for these two programs and more. Listen now.
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Question: I am 62, was married to my ex-spouse for 22 years, been divorced for 9 years, am not remarried, and have no dependents. My ex-spouse is a high earner and is 61 years old. My Social Security benefits are less than 50% of my ex-spouse benefits. I want to apply to receive my benefits now, at the age of 62 based on my earnings, but later switch to benefits based on my ex-spouse earnings. Is it possible? And if yes – can I switch at my FRA?
Martha’s response: You are definitely eligible for ex-spousal benefits. However, the benefit you receive – your own retirement or the ex-spousal – will depend on the age you apply and the amounts of each of those benefits at that time. Both benefits are reduced amounts if claimed at age 62. The highest ex-spousal benefit amount is received if you claim at FRA and your own retirement benefit amount will increase up to age 70…Read the full response.
Ask Martha your own question.
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📢 Social Security Administration Update
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An Expanded Compassionate Allowances List: The SSA has added nine new conditions and two revisions to the Compassionate Allowances List (CAL), a program that expedites the application and determination process for people with severe disabilities. Read the press release.
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The Unique Value and Experience of Being A Young RSSA (It’s not just for older professionals!)
In this archived episode of Social Security: Answers from the Experts, Martha Shedden sits down with Melissa Warren and Thomas Drapala and they discuss what it’s like to work at NARSSA, how they help financial professionals, and details about what their program offers.
Listen to the episode or watch the recording on YouTube.
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💡 Social Security Spotlight: Divorce
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What are the divorced eligibility requirements for collecting Social Security benefits? If you are divorced, you still may be eligible to receive benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record (and your ex-spouse may be eligible to receive benefits based on your record too). You may be eligible to collect ex-spousal benefits if you were married for more than 10 years, you are currently single, and you are at least age 62.
Does my ex-spouse need to be collecting their retirement benefits in order for me to collect benefits based on his/her record? It depends. If you have been divorced for more than 2 years, you are considered “independently entitled” and therefore your ex-spouse does not need to be collecting retirement benefits in order for you to receive ex-spousal benefits based on his/her record. If you have been divorced for less than 2 years, you must wait until your ex-spouse is collecting their retirement benefits in order for you to collect a spousal benefit based on his/her record.
Will my ex-spouse know that I am receiving benefits based on his/her record? It is common for individuals to be completely unaware that their ex-spouse is collecting benefits based on their record. Ex-spousal benefits will not have an impact on the benefits of the one whose record they are being paid from.
What documents will I need to apply for ex-spousal benefits? There are several documents you may need and these include your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, W-2, marriage certificate, and divorce decree.
Learn more about applying for ex-spousal benefits.
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We have been attending some awesome events recently! Currently, we are in California attending Senior Summit. Check out more photos here.
Below are our upcoming events.
NABIP Benefits & Medicare Symposium August 27-29 | Orlando, Florida
Garity Advantage Medicare Expo September 5 | Virginia Beach, Virginia
NAIFA Apex 2024 September 19-21 | Phoenix, Arizona
We hope to see you there!
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Disclaimer: The National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts, Ltd. has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration or any other government agency. The Social Security information provided in this email and on the website does not and is not intended to constitute financial advice. All information, content, and materials available in this email and on this site are for general informational purposes only.
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