Hi there. Summer is heating up, and so is the conversation around Social Security and retirement planning. Enjoy this month’s newsletter, filled with timely news and cool updates to keep you informed. Have feedback or questions? We’d love to hear from you at info@rssa.com!

We’re proud to announce Richard Capezzali as the new CEO of NARSSA.
A seasoned leader in education and fintech, Richard brings a distinguished track record of building mission-driven organizations. He joins NARSSA at a critical time, as we expand our national network of RSSAs and increase access to Social Security planning tools for both professionals and consumers. Under his leadership, NARSSA will continue to advance its mission of helping Americans make smarter, more confident decisions about their Social Security benefits. Read the full announcement.

What the Heck Is Happening at Social Security?
Source: Next Avenue

This new piece from Richard Eisenberg breaks down the real issues behind the headlines—like understaffing and long wait times—and includes expert insight from our co-founder Martha Shedden: “Benefits are still going to be paid.”. Read the story.

Will You Get Up to $1K More Each Month From the Social Security Fairness Act?
Source: U.S. News & World Report

The Social Security Fairness Act is delivering big benefit increases and retroactive payments to millions of retirees, but not everyone has received their money yet. Find out who qualifies and how to check the status of your payment. Read the story.

Clients May Be Taking Social Security Too Early Out Of Fear, Expert Says
Source: FA Magazine

Fear and confusion are driving Americans to claim Social Security too early. Martha Shedden discusses with Karen DeMasters how uncertainty is leading to rushed decisions, and how professionals like RSSAs can help clients avoid costly mistakes and maximize their benefits. Read the story.

Social Security Analysts Step Up as Program Faces Political Attacks
Source: ThinkAdvisor

Social Security is under pressure, and RSSAs are stepping up. ThinkAdvisor recently featured our co-founder Martha Shedden in a timely piece on how experts are guiding Americans through uncertainty about Social Security’s future. Now more than ever, people need trusted professionals to help them make informed decisions, and RSSAs are answering that call. Read the story.

Full question: I am divorced over 10 years now. I am 65 divorced, single and my full retirement will be November 2027 and I have not filed for Social Security as of yet. My ex-spouse will be 62 in September 2025. I meet all the required for ex-spouse benefits. Question 1: can I file for ex-spousal benefits and not file my own benefits (I’m currently planning to wait until 2027 when i meet full age)? Question 2: In any case how can I figure out what my benefit based on my ex-spouse will be as I already have a login account and can see what my personal benefit would be, but cannot see what it would be based on ex-spouse which may influence my decision when to file for Social Security?

Martha’s response: Question 1: No, you can’t file for ex-spousal benefits without filing for your own retirement benefits. When you file, you are deemed to be filing for all the benefits you are entitled to, your own retirement benefits and ex-spousal benefits, and will receive the higher of the two amounts. Question 2: To determine the benefit amount you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s record, you would need to contact the Social Security Administration directly. By providing them with critical details, such as their birthdate and place of birth, and the dates of your marriage and divorce, they can provide you with the potential ex-spousal benefit amount. Unfortunately, this information is not available in your online Social Security account because it is based on your ex-spouse’s earnings record…Read the full response.

What is the Social Security Trustees Report, and why does it matter? The annual Trustees Report provides an update on the financial health of Social Security and Medicare. It helps lawmakers, professionals, and the public understand the future of these programs—and why proactive planning is so important.

What did the 2025 report say about the Social Security trust funds? The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund is projected to pay full benefits through 2033, but its reserves may run out about three quarters earlier than previously projected. If the OASI and Disability Insurance (DI) Trust Funds were combined, full benefits could last until 2034.

What happens after those funds are depleted? Without changes, only 77% of scheduled benefits would be payable after depletion. That’s why discussions about program reform and individual planning are more important than ever.

Were there any major changes this year? Yes—The Social Security Fairness Act, passed in January 2025, repealed the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). This increased projected benefits for certain public sector workers and slightly shifted depletion projections.

What about Medicare? The Hospital Insurance (HI) Trust Fund is now expected to be depleted in 2033, three years earlier than previously estimated. However, the Supplementary Medical Insurance (SMI) Trust Fund remains fully funded, since it adjusts its financing each year.

Should this report change how people claim benefits? Not directly. No changes have been made to how benefits are currently funded or paid. However, confusion and fear have caused many people to claim earlier than planned, which can reduce lifetime benefits.

How can an RSSA help? A Registered Social Security Analyst® can provide personalized guidance to help you or your clients optimize benefits and prepare for future changes. Informed claiming decisions can make a significant difference in retirement security.

Important Change to SSA.gov Login:
As of June 7, you can no longer use your old Social Security username and password to access your ‘my Social Security’ account at SSA.gov. You must now log in using either Login.gov or ID.me.

Need help setting up your account? Watch our step-by-step tutorial.

NABIP Annual Convention: We are excited to be an exhibitor at the upcoming NABIP Annual Convention at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami from June 28–July 1. Stop by Booth 413 to connect with Mitch and CiCi and learn how Social Security expertise can elevate your practice. 

Annuity Producers Live: We are proud to be part of the distinguished speaker lineup at Annuity Producers Live at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock, Texas from August 21–22 . Don’t miss Tom Drapala, RSSA®, as he shares how Social Security expertise can unlock powerful annuity opportunities. Use promo code RSSA20 for a special discount.

Check out photos from the events on our Instagram and LinkedIn.

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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.