Hi there. Happy New Year! 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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We are thrilled to announce that RSSA® has been accepted into the AgeTech Collaborative™ from AARP® accelerator program, an 8-week program designed to elevate promising early-stage AgeTech startups.
We’re excited to share this journey with you and will keep you updated on our progress as we collaborate with industry leaders to shape the future of AgeTech and Social Security planning. Learn more.
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Question: My husband died August 9, 2023. Can I claim survivor benefits at age 62? My husband was 67 when he died. He was collecting Social Security.
Martha’s response: Yes, you can claim your survivor benefits at 62 (50 if disabled). If you are eligible to receive both retirement benefits and survivor benefits, you can file for one early, even if it is the smaller amount, and then switch later to the higher one. Please note that survivor benefits can be collected as young as age 60 and reach their maximum amount at FRA, but retirement benefits increase up until age 70…Read the full response.
Ask Martha your own question.
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Using a Holistic Approach to Retirement Planning by Taking Risk off the Table
In this archived episode of Social Security: Answers from the Experts, Martha Shedden sits down with Paul Tyler, the Chief Marketing Officer for Nassau Financial Group leading the marketing strategy, direct-to-consumer channel and innovation activity.
Listen to the episode or watch the recording on YouTube.
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📢 Social Security Administration Updates
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While not yet confirmed, President Donald Trump has selected Frank Bisignano as the new Social Security Commissioner. Bisignano is currently the CEO of the financial tech company Fiserv. What will this pick mean? What do experts have to say about this? Check out this US News & World Report story and see what Martha Shedden thinks. Read now.
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💡 Social Security Spotlight: Updates for 2025
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What changes are being implemented to Social Security now in January 2025? Several key updates to the Social Security program will take effect this year, including increases in benefits and changes to payroll tax limits.
How much have Social Security benefits increased? Benefits have risen by 2.5% in 2025 to account for inflation. This means the average monthly benefit for retired workers has increased from $1,927 to $1,976. And the maximum monthly benefit for someone claiming at Full Retirement Age (FRA) has increased from $3,822 to $4,018.
What is the new limit for earnings subject to payroll taxes? The maximum earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes has increased from $168,600 to $176,100. This adjustment ensures the program keeps pace with wage growth.
Why are these changes important? These updates help Social Security maintain its value in a changing economy, ensuring benefits align with inflation and the program remains sustainable.
Learn more.
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ICMG 2025: We look forward to attending ICMG’s Annual Conference in Tampa, Florida next week, February 3-5. We are eager to connect with leaders in life and health insurance. Learn more.
Medicarians 2025: We are a Proud Partner of Medicarians. This year, over 4,000 professionals from across the senior health and wealth distribution ecosystem are expected to gather, March 31st – April 2nd in Las Vegas, to network, share insights, and learn from the best in the industry. Plus, RSSA’s Tom Drapala will be a notable speaker at the event. We will be at Booth #755. Be sure to stop by! Access our special discount code to attend.
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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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