Is Taxing Social Security Benefits Good Policy? Q: Can you explain why Social Security benefits are taxed?  We paid for our benefits through payroll tax withholdings during our entire working careers and since we have ...

How Do Distributions From a 401(k) Affect my Social Security Benefits? Q:  I’m 62 and doing some retirement planning.  Can you tell me how distributions from a 401(k) would affect my Social Security benefits?  Does th ...

Who Notifies Social Security When Someone Dies? Q:  My grandfather passed away two months ago at 89, and my step-grandmother (who is 85) is having problems with dementia.  Her son, (my step-uncle), who has power-of-a ...

Q:  I recently received a notice from Social Security that says I’ve been overpaid because I earned more than the allowable amount.  I started benefits at age 62 after losing my job.  I finally found a new one and I’ve b ...

What Can Be Done to Address Social Security Cuts Experienced by Teachers? Q:  A friend of mine who retired after 30 years of teaching recently learned that she will not be getting a Social Security widow’s benefit bas ...

How is the Tax on Social Security Benefits Calculated? Q: My spouse and I retired in 2018, and this will be our first tax season with Social Security benefits. Can you explain how Social Security benefits would affect ...

What Can You Tell Me About Retroactive Social Security Benefits? Q: I’m turning 65 soon, and I’m not employed since I was caring for my husband who recently passed away.  I inherited our home and two retirement accoun ...

Q:  Can you tell me how Social Security benefits are figured? I’m 63 and my wife is 61.  Both of us are still working. A:  Social Security benefits are based on your lifetime earnings, age at retirement, and number ...

Help!  I’ve Been Told I Have To Return My Deceased Husband’s Last Social Security Check.  Is This Really True? Q:  My husband passed away on March 31st.  I was told that I have to return his entire Social Security pa ...