Podcasts about social security administration ssa

Chatting with Federal Government Judge- Tony Saragas From Harlan, Kentucky, United States- Tony Saragas is a respected attorney with the Social Security Administration (SSA), located in Harlan, Kentucky, United States. With extensive experience in federal law and public service, Tony is entrusted with the responsibility of representing the SSA in legal matters, ensuring lawful interpretation of policies, and advocating for the fair administration of Social Security programs.His role is crucial in protecting the rights of individuals and maintaining the integrity of the federal benefits system. Tony's work impacts the lives of many Americans, particularly those seeking support through disability and retirement benefits.Recognized for his legal expertise, dedication to justice, and unwavering commitment to public service, Tony Saragas exemplifies professionalism within the U.S. federal legal system. His contributions help uphold the mission of the SSA to deliver services that promote economic security for the nation's people.https://smartcherrysthoughts.com

Welcome to a special milestone episode of Retire with Ryan! In this 250th episode, we're digging into one of the most frequently asked topics by listeners: Social Security. I answer four real-life listener questions about Social Security benefits - covering issues such as survivor benefits after divorce, spousal and ex-spousal benefit eligibility, changes to the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset, and rules for collecting benefits based on a former spouse's record.  I'm breaking down complex Social Security rules in an easy-to-understand way and sharing practical advice for retirees and those planning their dream retirement.  You'll want to hear this episode if you're interested in... [0:00] Access your free copy of my e-book Fiduciary at www.retirewithryan.com  [5:34] Divorced spouses have options for Social Security benefits based on age, remarriage status, and whether claiming their own or an ex-spouse's benefits [6:58] Earnings above $23,400 (ages 62 to full retirement) reduce Social Security benefits by $1 for every $2 over the limit. After reaching full retirement age, the reduction is $1 for every $3 over $62,160.  [10:07] If your ex-spouse dies before you file, you can use a restricted application, but ex-spousal benefits don't earn delayed credits. Wait until age 70 for a higher personal benefit. [14:38] The ten-year requirement for an ex-surviving spouse currently still stands unless  [15:54] If you have recently divorced and your spouse hasn't claimed benefits, then you have to wait two years until you can begin collecting benefits from your ex-spouse Navigating Social Security: Answers to the Most Common Questions for Retirees and Divorced Spouses Survivor Benefits for Divorced Spouses A question from Andrea regarding her mother's eligibility for survivor benefits after her father and his second wife passed away highlights the intricacies many face. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does provide certain protections for divorced spouses, but eligibility hinges on specific criteria: Marriage Duration: To claim an ex-spousal survivor benefit, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years. Remarriage Restrictions: If remarriage occurs after the age of 60 (or 50 if the survivor is disabled), the survivor can still claim benefits from the former spouse. Earlier remarriage generally directs benefits to the new spouse. Age Requirements: Survivors can claim benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled), but waiting until reaching “full retirement age” (typically 67) means collecting the full survivor benefit (100% of the deceased's benefit). Early claims result in reduced monthly amounts. Earnings Limits: If a recipient claims before full retirement age and continues working, their benefits may be reduced if their income exceeds the annual limit ($23,400 in 2025). Survivor benefits application can't be completed online, applicants must call or visit their local SSA office. Myths, Realities, and the Restricted Application of Ex-Spousal Benefits Stephanie, a divorced listener, asked if she could claim a spousal benefit and later switch to her own higher benefit. This is a common idea, but it is rarely permitted in practice today. No “Restricted Application” Unless Widowed: Generally, ex-spouses can only claim the higher of their benefit or up to 50% of their ex-spouse's benefit if the ex is alive. The “restricted application” (where you claim one benefit first and then switch later) is only available to widows or widowers, not to those whose ex-spouses are still living. Delaying for More: Your benefits do grow (8% per year between full retirement age and 70). However, survivor and spousal benefits don't accrue these “delayed retirement credits”; there's no advantage to waiting past full retirement age to claim them. Earnings Matter: Like survivor benefits, earnings above the income limits before full retirement age can result in reductions. The Social Security Fairness Act and New Opportunities Recent legislative updates, like the Social Security Fairness Act, have had a profound impact, especially for those affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) or Government Pension Offset (GPO). Retirees such as teachers, firefighters, and some government workers previously saw reductions in their Social Security due to pensions received from non-Social Security-taxed jobs.  The Key Change is that WEP/GPO was repealed, and anyone affected can now claim full Social Security benefits. Most should already see retroactive and increased monthly payments. If you've not yet applied, check if you now qualify, the hurdles may have vanished! When Can You Claim on an Ex-Spouse's Record? Donna's inquiry emphasizes a lesser-known rule: If the divorce is recent and the ex-spouse hasn't claimed benefits, one must wait two years to claim on the ex's record unless the ex starts claiming earlier. For divorces older than two years, you can generally proceed without waiting. Those under full retirement age must ensure their income doesn't result in reduced payments. Social Security remains complex, especially during life events such as divorce, remarriage, death, or career changes. The rules can and do change, and representatives aren't infallible. If you suspect your situation is unique or you've been misinformed, it pays to contact the SSA or consult a trusted financial advisor. Resources Mentioned Retirement Readiness Review Subscribe to the Retire with Ryan YouTube Channel Download my entire book for FREE  How the Social Security Fairness Act Could Positively Impact Your Retirement, #236  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact   Subscribe to Retire With Ryan

Jessica LaPointe, President of AFGE Council 220, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the critical challenges facing the Social Security Administration (SSA), like staffing, policy changes impacting beneficiaries and ongoing threats to union contracts. John Jarger, Director of Operations for the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council (MACRC), joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the financial impact of worker misclassification, the proactive measures being taken by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America and the importance of legislative action to combat these challenges.

The Trump Administration is backtracking on some of the looming changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA) after widespread complaints from the public, advocates, and elected leaders. But staffing and budget cuts are already creating backlogs and delays for recipients. SSA is delaying for two weeks a new requirement for in-person identity checks, but significant changes are still on the way. We'll talk about what those changes are for Native American elders and how they can prepare for them.

The Trump Administration is backtracking on some of the looming changes at the Social Security Administration (SSA) after widespread complaints from the public, advocates, and elected leaders. But staffing and budget cuts are already creating backlogs and delays for recipients. SSA is delaying for two weeks a new requirement for in-person identity checks, but significant changes are still on the way. We'll talk about what those changes are for Native American elders and how they can prepare for them.

The Social Security Administration (SSA), which has been understaffed for a long time, is now facing collapse within months if changes made by the Trump administration are not reversed. 73 million people in the United States rely on Social Security for part or all of their income. Clearing the FOG speaks with Alex Lawson of Social Security Works about the cuts to the SSA workforce, the closure of regional and local offices and other changes that are going to lead to beneficiaries not receiving their checks and possibly the end of this 89 year old institution. Lawson describes how people can join the struggle to save Social Security. Visit SocialSecurityWorks.org. For more information, visit PopularResistance.org.

This Day in Legal History: Selma to Montgomery MarchOn March 21, 1965, Martin Luther King Jr. led the beginning of the third and final Selma to Montgomery march, a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement. The march was a direct response to the violent suppression of earlier demonstrations and the systemic disenfranchisement of Black voters in the Jim Crow South. Just weeks earlier, peaceful marchers had been brutally attacked by law enforcement on “Bloody Sunday,” as they attempted to cross Selma's Edmund Pettus Bridge. That violence was broadcast nationwide, shocking the conscience of the country and mobilizing public support for voting rights legislation.The march that began on March 21 was federally sanctioned, with U.S. District Judge Frank M. Johnson Jr. ruling that the demonstrators had a constitutional right to march. Protected by federal troops and the National Guard, the marchers traveled 54 miles over five days, arriving at the Alabama State Capitol in Montgomery on March 25. Their numbers swelled to more than 25,000 by the time they reached the steps of the Capitol, where Dr. King delivered his famous "How Long, Not Long" speech, declaring that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”This sustained campaign of nonviolent resistance laid the moral and legal foundation for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed into law just five months later. The Act outlawed discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes and empowered federal oversight of voter registration in areas with histories of discrimination. The Selma marches highlighted the power of constitutional protest and judicial protection of civil rights, reinforcing the essential role of federal courts in safeguarding democratic participation.There was once a towering oak tree that stood firm in the wind and, under it, a reed that bent whenever the wind blew. A tyrant came to the land of the reed and oak, stomping his boot wherever he pleased. The oak resisted and was chopped down. The reed, seeing this, bent deeper–letting the boot press it into the mud day after day. Years passed and the reed, still alive, whispered to the boot: “See? I'm wise – I survived.”The boot replied, “You're not wise. You're soft. The oak was crushed because it defied us. But you? I step on you because I can.” Then the boot ground the reed into the dirt—without another thought. In a move that underscores the growing influence of executive power over traditionally independent legal institutions, President Trump rescinded an executive order targeting Paul Weiss after the firm pledged $40 million in pro bono services aligned with his administration's political goals. The announcement followed a private meeting with firm chairman Brad Karp and was accompanied by a sweeping commitment: no DEI policies, merit-based hiring, and representation of clients across the political spectrum—including those favored by the administration.Trump had previously sanctioned Paul Weiss by revoking its security clearance and threatening client contracts, citing the involvement of former partner Mark Pomerantz in the Manhattan DA's prosecution of Trump. That campaign against Paul Weiss, part of a broader effort targeting over 20 legal entities, seemed aimed at punishing firms perceived as adversarial while promoting loyalty through coercion.Karp's public gratitude for the order's withdrawal—and his reported acknowledgment of “wrongdoing” by Pomerantz—reads less like a principled resolution and more like a compelled confession by a simpering coward. Paul Weiss, a firm with deep Democratic ties, has now aligned itself with a president actively dismantling traditional norms around legal independence, seemingly in exchange for restored access and favor.This capitulation signals more than just a thaw in Trump's icy relationship with Big Law—it may represent a strategic blueprint: punish, pressure, and reward compliance – like with dogs. Legal experts and those with eyes to see warn that this redefinition of executive influence risks turning law firms into instruments of political will rather than defenders from it.Trump Rescinds Paul Weiss Order as Firm Pledges $40 Million (2)Frustrated by constant helicopter and seaplane noise, New York lawmakers are pushing for a first-of-its-kind "noise tax" targeting non-essential flights over the city. The proposal, led by state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, would charge $50 per seat or $200 per flight for tourist and luxury air travel, while exempting essential services like medical transport, law enforcement, and construction. The revenue—expected to reach $10–15 million annually—would fund the state's Environmental Protection Fund, a move Gonzalez says is critical amid federal environmental funding cuts under President Trump.The bill reflects growing anger among residents across socio-economic lines who say aerial traffic disrupts daily life, especially in parks and along waterfronts. App-based services like Blade have exacerbated the issue by making chartered air travel more accessible to the wealthy, turning the skies into noisy corridors over neighborhoods and landmarks.Supporters, including advocacy group Stop the Chop NY/NJ, hope the tax discourages unnecessary flights by raising costs. However, the helicopter industry, represented by Vertical Aviation International, strongly opposes the bill. They argue that aviation regulation is solely under federal jurisdiction and warn the tax could trigger lawsuits and threaten jobs. The group says it has already taken steps to reduce noise but acknowledges that changing flight paths often just shifts the problem from one area to another.The legislation has passed the state Senate but faces challenges in the Assembly, where it stalled last year. With a budget deadline approaching on April 1, negotiations continue.New Yorkers Sick of Hovering Helicopters Prompt Bid to Tax NoiseA federal judge has ruled that the Social Security Administration (SSA) likely broke privacy laws by giving Elon Musk's anti-fraud team, known as the Department of Government Efficiency (DGE), unrestricted access to sensitive personal data on millions of Americans. Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander of Maryland blocked any further data sharing and criticized the agency for turning over vast amounts of information without proper oversight. The judge described DGE's actions as a "fishing expedition" based more on suspicion than evidence, warning against overreach in the name of rooting out fraud.The data in question comes from the SSA's “Numident” database—its so-called “crown jewels”—which holds Social Security numbers, medical records, banking data, and more, some dating back to the 1930s. SSA officials admitted DGE staff had access to a “massive amount” of records, and privacy advocates said the team was embedded in the agency without vetting or training. The ruling requires DGE to delete any data it accessed.The decision is a significant setback for DGE and comes on the heels of another ruling limiting Musk's authority to shut down USAID, since he lacks Senate confirmation. President Trump's administration has defended DGE's mission, calling it a necessary tool to cut waste, but the court noted a disturbing lack of concern for citizen privacy. SSA's acting head, Leland Dudek, expressed confusion over the order's breadth and said it might require cutting off access for all SSA staff.Meanwhile, labor unions and advocacy groups involved in the lawsuit welcomed the decision, saying it defends Americans' data from unlawful government intrusion. DGE's aggressive tactics have drawn scrutiny across other agencies as well, with courts allowing access in some departments but blocking it in more sensitive areas like the Treasury.Judge stops Musk's team from 'unbridled access' to Social Security private data | ReutersChief Judge Diane Sykes of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals will take senior status on October 1, creating the first appellate court vacancy during President Donald Trump's second term. Sykes, appointed by President George W. Bush and once considered a potential Supreme Court nominee under Trump, has served over three decades in both the Wisconsin and federal judiciary. Her transition to semi-retirement allows Trump to nominate a new full-time judge to the influential Chicago-based court, which currently holds a narrow 6–5 Republican-appointed majority.Sykes cited a desire to spend more time with family as her reason for stepping back from active service. She becomes the second federal appellate judge to announce senior status since Trump's return to office, following Judge Sandra Ikuta of the 9th Circuit. While four appellate vacancies remain from President Biden's term, Sykes's departure offers Trump his first direct opportunity to shape the 7th Circuit bench.Sykes has authored notable decisions, including one upholding Wisconsin's voter ID law and a dissent in a landmark 2017 case where the 7th Circuit ruled that LGBTQ employees are protected under Title VII. She criticized the majority in that case for overstepping legislative boundaries—a position later rejected by the Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County (2020).7th Circuit's Sykes to take senior status, creating vacancy for Trump | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Johann Sebastian Bach.This week, we close with a piece as enduring and elemental as the legal principles we often discuss: Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, specifically its iconic Prelude. Born on this day, March 21, 1685, Bach remains one of the foundational figures in Western music—a composer whose work balances mathematical precision with deep emotional resonance. Though he wrote for kings and churches, his music speaks to the full range of human experience, from joy to lament, duty to wonder.The Prelude to this suite is among the most recognizable solo cello pieces ever written, opening with a simple G major arpeggio that expands into a flowing, almost improvisational meditation. It's unaccompanied, yet complete—no orchestra, no embellishment, just one instrument revealing infinite depth. Written around 1717–1723 during Bach's time in Köthen, the suites were not published in his lifetime and lay in relative obscurity until cellist Pablo Casals rediscovered them in the 20th century.The piece carries a quiet authority that feels apt for reflection—whether on a ruling, a civil rights march, or a government in turmoil. It's structured, yes, but never rigid; expressive, but never indulgent. The Prelude doesn't declare or argue. It invites, it unfolds. It reminds us, like authority best wielded, that elegance lies in clarity and that restraint can be a form of power.This week, we let the steady resonance of Bach's Prelude accompany us out.Without further ado, Johann Sebastian Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, the Prelude. Enjoy! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

(AURN News) — A federal judge in Maryland has temporarily barred Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing Social Security Administration (SSA) records containing personal information, creating a setback for the cost-cutting initiative. Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander issued the temporary restraining order Thursday after unions representing SSA employees raised concerns. "This Order does not preclude SSA from providing members of the DOGE Team with access to redacted or anonymized data and records of SSA," the order stated. President Donald Trump has granted Musk and his DOGE team significant latitude to identify and eliminate what they consider wasteful government spending. DOGE, as the department is commonly known, claims to have saved $115 billion through various measures including "asset sales, contract/lease cancellations and renegotiations, fraud and improper payment deletion, grant cancellations, interest savings, programmatic changes, regulatory savings, and workforce reductions." The court order represents a major challenge to President Trump's efforts to give Musk's team unrestricted access to federal agency operations and information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MAGA may not care that their heroes, Donald Trump and Elon Musk, keep getting caught in lies, but for the sake of history, the rest of us will just have to keep chronicling it, anyway.The latest: claims that 150+ year old people are getting Social Security checks; well, that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending check to people born that long ago (and longer) who are obviously not alive. I mean, someone produced a table and put it on a meme so to MAGA, it must be true, yeah?Well, no. I mean, it's not that there aren't some instances of poor management in the SSA, but not at the level DOGE & Trump+Musk insist. --------While Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) insist DOGE is doing a "careful scrub" of federal agencies, what's actually happening is key nuclear personnel were fired (erroneously?) and now the Trump administration is scrambling to figure out how to reach those fired people to re-hire them but they closed their federal emails and didn't have updated contact information to reach them. They also did this with USDA experts working to combat bird flu, hoping to re-hire them as well. --------Then there's DOGE claiming they saved $8 billion from an Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract, which makes no sense when ICE only has a $9 billion budget altogether. In their own spreadsheet it was actually $8 million, but in a fraudulent move, an "m" becomes a "b" and, well ... there goes at least half of what DOGE claims its saving taxpayers. That said, Elon is now floating someone else's idea that maybe (not really) DOGE will send out $5000 rebate checks to each household (Trump loves signing checks to us, remember). "Sure, Jan."-------Georgia Republicans are floating legislation that would let property owners seek a property tax rebate if the city they're in doesn't "handle" homelessness and panhandling. Their solution is to punish cities (clearly, Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon & Savannah - blue dots on the red map) already lacking in the funds to aid the unhoused and poor by taking away more funds. No solution(s) or state assistance offered in the bill; just ... an exacerbating of the problem. If ever there were a Republican that encapsulates modern day conservatism, this is the one.

Palo Alto Networks confirms a recently patched firewall vulnerability is being actively exploited. CISA warns of an actively exploited iOS vulnerability. Juniper Networks has issued a critical security advisory for an API authentication bypass vulnerability. The acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) resigns after Elon Musk's team sought access to sensitive personal data of millions of Americans. The EagerBee malware framework is actively targeting government agencies and ISPs across the Middle East. Proofpoint researchers document a new macOS infostealer. A new phishing kit uses timesheet notification emails to steal credentials and two-factor authentication codes. JPMorgan Chase will begin blocking Zelle payments to social media contacts to combat online scams. Our guest is Tim Starks from CyberScoop discussing his interview with former National Cyber Director Harry Coker. Transferring your digital legacy. Remember to leave us a 5-star rating and review in your favorite podcast app. Miss an episode? Sign-up for our daily intelligence roundup, Daily Briefing, and you'll never miss a beat. And be sure to follow CyberWire Daily on LinkedIn. CyberWire Guest Our guest is Tim Starks from CyberScoop discussing his interview with former National Cyber Director Harry Coker. You can read more about Tim's interview “National Cyber Director Harry Coker looks back (and ahead) on the Cyber Director office” and companion piece “Trump picks Sean Cairncross for national cyber director” on CyberScoop.  Selected Reading Palo Alto Networks Confirms Exploitation of Firewall Vulnerability (SecurityWeek) CISA Warns of Apple iOS Vulnerability Exploited in Wild (Cyber Security News) Juniper Warns of Critical Authentication Bypass Vulnerability Affecting Multiple Products (Cyber Security News) Top Social Security Official Leaves After Musk Team Seeks Data Access (New York Times) EagerBee Malware Attacking Government Entities & ISPs To Deploy Backdoor (Cyber Security News) Proofpoint Uncovers FrigidStealer, A New MacOS Infostealer (Infosecurity Magazine) Microsoft Warns of Improved XCSSET macOS Malware (SecurityWeek) Fake Timesheet Report Emails Linked to Tycoon 2FA Phishing Kit (GB Hackers) Chase will soon block Zelle payments to sellers on social media (Bleeping Computer) Digital Estate Planning: How to Prepare Your Social Media Accounts (New York Times) Share your feedback. We want to ensure that you are getting the most out of the podcast. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us by completing our brief listener survey as we continually work to improve the show.  Want to hear your company in the show? You too can reach the most influential leaders and operators in the industry. Here's our media kit. Contact us at cyberwire@n2k.com to request more info. The CyberWire is a production of N2K Networks, your source for strategic workforce intelligence. © N2K Networks, Inc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Segment 1: Trump Administration Removes Sex-Change Info from Social Security Website The Trump administration has taken a bold step by removing guidance on sex changes from the Social Security Administration (SSA) website. The removed content previously outlined how individuals could change their gender on official records. This move aligns with Trump's commitment to rolling back federal support for gender ideology and ensuring that government institutions reflect biological realities rather than activist agendas. Segment 2: PCUSA & ECUSA Praise Pro-LGBT Bishop In a joint statement, the Presbyterian Church (USA) (PCUSA) and the Episcopal Church (ECUSA) have openly praised a progressive bishop known for advocating LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church. This marks another step in mainline denominations shifting toward liberal theology, drawing both applause and concern from Christian communities. Some argue that this move embraces cultural trends over biblical truth, while others claim it's a necessary step for inclusivity. Segment 3: Teens More Likely Than Adults to Oppose Transgenderism A surprising new study reveals that teenagers are actually more resistant to transgender ideology than adults. Despite the push for gender fluidity in schools and media, younger generations appear to be more skeptical of radical gender theories. The study suggests that social pressures and firsthand experiences with the consequences of gender transitions may be fueling this pushback. Could this indicate a growing shift toward traditional values among the next generation? Get free alerts at http://PrayInJesusName.org © 2025, Chaplain Gordon James Klingenschmitt, PhD. Airs on NRB TV, Direct TV Ch.378, Roku, AppleTV, Amazon FireTV, AndroidTV, GoogleTV, Smart TV, iTunes and www.PrayInJesusName.org

Episode 92: Calloway County social security disability attorney Jeff Roberts has handled disability claims for over 30 years throughout Western Kentucky.  In this episode, he provides an overview of the social security disability programs (SSDI and SSI), as well as related topics. The Difference Between the Two Social Security Disability Programs While there are two different disability programs available from the Social Security Administration (SSA), the determinations are the same.  If you're disabled for one program, you're considered disabled for the other.  However, the non-disability requirements are different. What Do Other Clients Think About Jeff? We always encourage listeners to read the Google Reviews Jeff Roberts has received from many of his clients.  A 5-Star rating and the comments are earned recognition and demonstrate Jeff's commitment to his clients.  As a solo attorney, he has more Google Reviews than some firms with multiple attorneys.  Jeff shares the credit with his staff at the Roberts Law Office.  Successfully representing injured clients is a team effort.  It's why Jeff likes to say his firm offers small town service with big city results. Jeff Roberts Represents Injured Clients Throughout Kentucky With offices located in Calloway County (Murray) and in Christian County (Hopkinsville), Jeff has a history of representing personal injury clients, workers' compensation clients and social security disability clients across the state.  He's represented clients from Paducah, Bowling Green, Louisville, Covington, Whitesville and many other Kentucky locations.  He's not just a Western Kentucky injury attorney.  We hope you found this episode insightful and helpful.  Thank you for listening!                                                                                                  Is It Time to Speak with an Attorney about Your Social Security Disability Claim? The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108.  For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice.  Jeff's principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky.  Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.  This is an advertisement.

Robert Powell, CFP®, is an award-winning financial journalist whose work appears regularly in USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal, and MarketWatch. He is the editor and publisher of TheStreet.com's Retirement Daily and serves as editor-in-chief of the Investments and Wealth Institute's (IWI) Retirement Management Journal.Robert talks about the crisis facing tomorrow's retirees, who aren't preparing well enough to maintain their pre-retirement lifestyle; the ways that financial professionals can help; how an “elder plan” differs from a retirement plan; and why he has “the most depressing job in America.”See Robert on MarketwatchGo to Decoding Retirement podcastSee more retirement risk management insights from Allianz...Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website are being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Annuities can help you meet your long-term retirement goals by offering tax-deferred growth potential, a death benefit during the accumulation phase, and a guaranteed stream of income at retirement.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Christine Benz is the director of personal finance and retirement planning for Morningstar. Her new book, "How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement," explores the financial and softer emotional side of retirement.Christine talks about retirement portfolio planning and different income styles for the decumulation phase, the need to think of retirement as a series of stages and not as a hard stop, and how financial professionals can incorporate purpose and values into their conversations with clients.Go to the Morningstar website to learn more about Christine's book See more retirement risk management insights from Allianz ... Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website are being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Annuities can help you meet your long-term retirement goals by offering tax-deferred growth potential, a death benefit during the accumulation phase, and a guaranteed stream of income at retirement.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Ludovic Subran is the Chief Economist of Allianz SE and Allianz Trade (formerly Euler Hermes). He's also worked for the World Bank, the United Nations World Food Program, and the French Ministry of Finance. And he's co-authored three books on markets and economics.Ludovic talks about why our perception of market volatility has changed from that of previous generations, the complexity of global market information, and the need for greater financial literacy.Subscribe to Ludonomics on LinkedInSee more retirement risk management insights from Allianz... Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website are being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity

Dr. Joelle Saad-Lessler is an Industry Professor and Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies in the School of Business at Stevens Institute of Technology, New Jersey. With a specialty in the economics of retirement, she's researched the American retirement savings system and the shortfall in American workers' savings.Dr. Saad-Lessler talks about why Gen Xers are falling behind on retirement readiness, how their situation differs from boomers and millennials, and what financial professionals can do to help them make up the difference.Go to Saad-Lessler's academic profile page See more retirement risk management insights from Allianz...Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website are being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Annuities can help you meet your long-term retirement goals by offering tax-deferred growth potential, a death benefit during the accumulation phase, and a guaranteed stream of income at retirement.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

This week on Facing the Future we begin with Social Security's annual cost of living increase, announced by the Social Security Administration (SSA) on October 10. Then we looked at seven key findings from the 1994 bipartisan Kerrey-Danforth commission that are sadly still valid and still in need of solutions. Concord Coalition chief economist Steve Robinson, a former senior advisor at the SSA, joined me for the discussion.

What is the technology strategy for the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)? How is emerging tech helping to drive transformation at SSA? What is SSA doing to transform the way it does business and meet its mission? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with guests Marcela Escobar-Alava, chief information officer […]

A Conversation with Marcela Escobar-Alava and Betsy Beaumon. What is the technology strategy for the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)? How is emerging tech helping to drive transformation at SSA? What is SSA doing to transform the way it does business and meet its mission? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with guests Marcela Escobar-Alava, chief information officer at SSA and Betsy Beaumon, chief transformation officer at SSA on The Business of Government Hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Conversation with Marcela Escobar-Alava and Betsy Beaumon. What is the technology strategy for the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)? How is emerging tech helping to drive transformation at SSA? What is SSA doing to transform the way it does business and meet its mission? Join host Michael Keegan as he explores these questions and more with guests Marcela Escobar-Alava, chief information officer at SSA and Betsy Beaumon, chief transformation officer at SSA on The Business of Government Hour. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to episode 070 of the Beyond the Diagnosis podcast.  In this episode, Deanna Fournier guest hosts interviews with Sandra Lamb and Jane Johnson, two experienced disability representatives, about navigating the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals with histiocytic disorders. Part 2 of a 2-part series, this episode focuses specifically on children. They explain the eligibility criteria for applying for Social Security benefits, the role of disability representatives, and the importance of maintaining records. They also address the process of appealing denials and provide contact information for those seeking assistance.   Let us know what you think! Leave us a review, drop us a comment or share an idea for a future podcast with us at podcast@histio.org.  Take a screenshot and tag us @histiocytosis_association on Instagram. We'd love to hear your feedback!   Be sure to subscribe so you can be notified the moment a new episode of Beyond the Diagnosis is released.   We would love it if you would consider supporting this podcast financially so we can continue to bring you relevant and timely information while on your histio journey.  To learn more visit https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/histio/support    Resources mentioned in the podcast: ·       National Association of Disability Representatives ·       SSA Office Locator ·      Should I Quit My Job Before Applying for Disability? ·      Social Security Eligibility ·       Contact Jane at Foothills Disability – 1-828-394-9657 or jane@foothillsdisability.com  Follow the Histiocytosis Association on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/histio Twitter: @histiocytosis Instagram: histiocytosis_association YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Histiocytosis   Music: “Heroes” by Noah Smith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/histio/support

Welcome to episode 069 of the Beyond the Diagnosis podcast.  In this episode, Deanna Fournier guest hosts interviews with Sandra Lamb and Jane Johnson, two experienced disability representatives, about navigating the Social Security Administration (SSA) for individuals with histiocytic disorders, specifically adults. They discuss the recent expansion of the compassionate allowances list, which allows for expedited disability requests and provides access to benefits such as Medicaid and Medicare, eligibility criteria for applying for Social Security benefits, and the role of disability representatives. They also address the process of appealing denials and provide contact information for those seeking assistance.  With a series of questions posed by the histio community, we know this is an episode you will find extremely valuable!   Resources mentioned in the podcast:  ·       Applying for Social Security Disability ·       Should I Quit My Job Before Applying for Disability? ·       Social Security Eligibility Follow the Histiocytosis Association on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/histio Twitter: @histiocytosis Instagram: histiocytosis_association YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Histiocytosis   Let us know what you think! Leave us a review, drop us a comment or share an idea for a future podcast with us at podcast@histio.org.  Take a screenshot and tag us @histiocytosis_association on Instagram. We'd love to hear your feedback!   Be sure to subscribe so you can be notified the moment a new episode of Beyond the Diagnosis is released.   We would love it if you would consider supporting this podcast financially so we can continue to bring you relevant and timely information while on your histio journey.  To learn more visit https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/histio/support   Music: “Heroes” by Noah Smith --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/histio/support

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4: 6:05pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Research Fellow in The Heritage Foundation's Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss President Joe Biden stating that Kamala Harris has been actively involved in the development of the administration's economic policies, the $1.9 trillion annual federal deficit (which no one seems to be concerned about), Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk, and the horrors of Chicago deep dish pizza. 6:30pm- Social Security Waste/Fraud Exceed $1 Billion: Jeremy Tanner of The Hill writes: “The Social Security Administration (SSA) is wrestling with a “record-breaking backlog” of cases that has led to roughly $1.1 billion in improper payments, according to a new report by the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).” You can read the full article here: https://thehill.com/homenews/4824820-improper-social-security-payments-surpass-1b-amid-record-breaking-backlog-report/ 6:40pm- While appearing on CNN, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy insisted that Kamala Harris believes in capitalism—despite Harris routinely endorsing government initiated “equity” and equality of outcome while rejecting equality of opportunity and meritocracy.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (08/13/2024): 3:05pm- In his latest article and video editorial, CNN chief national correspondent John King speaks with several undecided voters from Pennsylvania about the 2024 presidential election. Although, they said they were unwilling to cast their ballots for Donald Trump, most expressed skepticism of Kamala Harris's far-left policies—suggesting they'll likely vote third party. 3:10pm- On NBC News, a Pennsylvania voter condemned the economic policies pursued by the Biden-Harris Administration—blaming those policies for raising the cost of food, making it difficult to feed her children. 3:30pm- Rich and Matt will be broadcasting live from the Democratic National Committee Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Matt says he's excited to try deep dish pizza—Rich is less enthused. Is it even real pizza? Plus, according to reports from The New York Times and The Washington Post, Chicago is expecting tens-of-thousands of anti-Israel protesters to show up to the convention. 3:50pm- While speaking with the press briefly outside of the White House, President Joe Biden said that Vice President Kamala Harris was an integral part of crafting his administration's economic policies. Similarly, former Biden Administration official Susan Rice told MSNBC that Harris has been a key architect in the administration's policy development. As Rich notes, given the country's dissatisfaction with the current economy, those statements are not doing Harris any favors. 4:05pm- While the mainstream media gushes over vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, numerous small business owners are taking to social media to speak out against Walz's leadership as the Minnesota governor during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations (which caused billions of dollars in property damage) and COVID-19 shutdowns (which led to businesses being permanently shuttered following long-term government lockdowns). In one instance, Lisa Hanson—a small business owner—was thrown in prison for 90-days for violating Walz's draconian COVID-19 lockdown orders. 4:20pm- Hackers Find Voting Machine Vulnerabilities, But There is No Time to Fix Them: Politico Cybersecurity reporter Maggie Miller writes: “Some of the best hackers in the world gathered in Las Vegas over the weekend to try to break into voting machines that will be used in this year's election—all with an eye to helping officials identify and fix vulnerabilities. The problem? Their findings will likely come too late to make any fixes before Nov. 5.” You can read the full article here: https://www.politico.com/news/2024/08/12/hackers-vulnerabilities-voting-machines-elections-00173668 4:30pm- Dr. Ben Carson—Former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development & a Retired Neurosurgeon and Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University—joins The Rich Zeoli Show with reaction to last night's conversation between Elon Musk and Donald Trump on the social media platform X. During the conversation, Trump explained that the near assassination attempt in Butler, PA strengthened his belief in God. Dr. Carson agrees with the assessment: “the great spirit above” protected the former president. Plus, should we be concerned about President Joe Biden's cognitive and physical decline? Dr. Carson hilariously notes that if you saw someone like Biden get into the cockpit of a plane, you wouldn't want to be a passenger on that flight! Dr. Carson is author of the new book: “The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family”—which he co-authored with his wife, Candy Carson. It's available now: https://a.co/d/5RggqEs 4:50pm- While speaking with guest Kaitan Collins, Stephen Colbert referred to CNN as “objective” in their new coverage—which unintentionally elicited laughs from the audience. Evidently, everyone knows CNN's political coverage isn't objective! 5:05pm- On Monday night, Elon Musk conducted an interview with former President Donald Trump on the social media platform X. According to initial estimates, the interview coupled with subsequent discussions pertaining to the interview generated 1 billion views. During the conversation, Trump said he would like to move education back to the states—as education nationally has struggled despite America spending more per student than any other country in the world. Prior to the conversation, officials from the European Union outrageously warned Musk about conducting the interview—suggesting it could violate EU laws that police “harmful content.” 5:25pm- During his interview with Donald Trump on X, Elon Musk briefly mentioned visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki—emphasizing that the cities, which were hit by nuclear weapons in World War II, are now capable of creating food that is safe to eat. Dana Bash and CNN pulled the clip out of context, inaccurately making it seem as though Musk was downplaying the impact of nuclear war. 5:45pm- While the mainstream media gushes over vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, numerous small business owners are taking to social media to speak out against Walz's leadership as the Minnesota governor during the Black Lives Matter demonstrations (which caused billions of dollars in property damage) and COVID-19 shutdowns (which led to businesses being permanently shuttered following long-term government lockdowns). In one instance, Lisa Hanson—a small business owner—was thrown in prison for 90-days for violating Walz's draconian COVID-19 lockdown orders. 6:05pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Research Fellow in The Heritage Foundation's Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to discuss President Joe Biden stating that Kamala Harris has been actively involved in the development of the administration's economic policies, the $1.9 trillion annual federal deficit (which no one seems to be concerned about), Donald Trump's interview with Elon Musk, and the horrors of Chicago deep dish pizza. 6:30pm- Social Security Waste/Fraud Exceed $1 Billion: Jeremy Tanner of The Hill writes: “The Social Security Administration (SSA) is wrestling with a “record-breaking backlog” of cases that has led to roughly $1.1 billion in improper payments, according to a new report by the SSA Office of the Inspector General (OIG).” You can read the full article here: https://thehill.com/homenews/4824820-improper-social-security-payments-surpass-1b-amid-record-breaking-backlog-report/ 6:40pm- While appearing on CNN, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy insisted that Kamala Harris believes in capitalism—despite Harris routinely endorsing government initiated “equity” and equality of outcome while rejecting equality of opportunity and meritocracy.

A Microsoft outage linked to CrowdStrike has disrupted several federal agencies. CISA and DHS are collaborating with CrowdStrike, Microsoft, and others to address the outages. President Biden has been briefed and is in contact with affected entities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has closed all offices, warning of longer wait times and unavailable online services. The Justice Department and Department of Veterans Affairs are also affected, with some DHS staff facing login issues. The FAA is monitoring airline IT issues but reports no impact on operations. The Energy Department's website is offline, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission reports normal operations. In other news, the White House has announced nearly $100 million in commitments to enhance access to emerging tech talent. OSTP revealed pledges from the National Science Foundation (NSF), U.S. Digital Response, and several universities. The NSF will provide at least $48 million, with $32 million for its Emerging and Novel Technologies program and $16 million for the Responsible Design, Development, and Deployment of Technologies program. U.S. Digital Response aims to double its support for under-resourced state and local governments. Academic institutions like San José State University, Spelman College, Georgetown University, the University of Michigan, and New York University have committed to various tech initiatives. Stay tuned to the Daily Scoop Podcast for more insights and updates on these stories and other developments in the federal tech space.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is pushing forward with its artificial intelligence initiatives by awarding sole-source contracts to Abridge AI, Inc. and Nuance Communications, Inc. These contracts aim to develop AI-driven healthcare dictation tools. The pilot program will employ ambient AI technology to transcribe clinical encounters and seamlessly generate medical notes. This initiative is part of the VA's broader strategy to enhance healthcare delivery by integrating these tools with its electronic health record system, thereby improving efficiency and reducing manual data entry. Additionally, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is transitioning its long-time online account users to Login.gov, a centralized identity verification service managed by the General Services Administration (GSA). This transition affects users who created accounts before September 2021. SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley emphasized that this move aims to enhance security and streamline access to SSA services. Over five million users have already made the switch, reflecting a broader federal effort to standardize authentication processes across agencies. Hear more on today's episode of The Daily Scoop Podcast.

Episode 277 - After many years, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has finally taken steps to fix the problem it has referred to as “clawback cruelty.”

Suzanne Siracuse is the former CEO and Publisher of InvestmentNews, where she oversaw a transformation in the news business and supported the evolution of the financial guidance profession. Suzanne now advises on game-changing trends that affect the financial services industry.Suzanne discusses how financial guidance has changed, what financial professionals can do to grow their business right now, and her predictions for what the industry will look like in the future.Go to Suzanne Siracuse's website See more retirement risk management insights from Allianz...Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Bob Toth is an employee benefits attorney specializing in retirement income. He's practiced employee benefits law for 40 years, focusing on the design, administration, and distribution of financial products and services for retirement plans.Bob talks about the changing expectations for employer-sponsored retirement plans, what you should know to offer your clients guidance about annuities in 401(k) plans, and what he sees as the next innovation coming to employer retirement benefits.Go to Bob Toth's websiteSee more retirement risk management insights from Allianz...Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.Any transaction that involves a recommendation to liquidate a securities product, including those within an IRA, 401(k), or other retirement plan for the purchase of an annuity or for other similar purposes, can be conducted only by individuals currently affiliated with a properly registered broker/dealer or registered investment advisor.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Lacy Garcia is the founder and CEO of Willow, the award-winning WealthTech platform that helps financial professionals and firms better serve tomorrow's investors. With a career at the intersection of financial services, women's empowerment, and education, Lacy understands the challenges of meeting the needs of a more diverse generation of clients.Lacy discusses her journey to financial services; the changing demographics of investors; and how financial professionals can prepare for the next generation of clients.Follow Lacy Garcia on Linkedin See more retirement risk management insights from Allianz... Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Joel Bruckenstein, CFP®, is globally recognized in the field of applied technology for financial professionals. He is the publisher of the T3 Tech Hub and the producer of the Technology Tools for Today Advisor Conference. Joel talks about the ways technology has changed financial service, what tools you should stop using, and how you can use fintech to complement your guidance.Go to Joel Bruckenstein's websiteReceive $200 off your registration for the 2024 T3 Conference using discount code ALLIANZ200. (1)Go to T3 Conference registration...(1) Registered representative participation in this event is subject to your broker/dealer's approval.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guests or their companies. Any links to the podcast guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and co-founder of Ellevest, a digital financial platform for women that has over 3 million clients and $1.5+ billion in assets under management. She has valuable insights into how we can expand our reach to a more diverse generation of clients.Sallie discusses her journey to founding Ellevest, why we need greater diversity in the financial industry, the impacts of technology on the business of giving financial guidance, and why she hates the word “empowered.”Follow Sallie Krawcheck on LinkedIn...Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC are not affiliated with Ellevest or our guest. The link to the podcast guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Moshe Milevsky is a professor of finance at York University in Canada. He's an author and leading authority on the intersection of wealth management, financial mathematics, and insurance.Professor Milevsky talks about the fundamental shifts in retirement planning and why it's no longer simply a math problem to be solved, how he feels about the 4% withdrawal strategy for retirement income, and why he doesn't like the idea of choosing a retirement date. Go to Moshe Milevsky's website.....The Allianz consumer study referenced in this episode is the Allianz 2023 Annual Retirement Study, an online survey conducted in February and March 2023 with a nationally representative sample of 1,000 individuals age 25+ in the contiguous U.S. with an annual household income of $50k+ (single) / $75k+ (married/partnered) OR investable assets of $150k+.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) and Allianz Life Financial Services LLC are not affiliated with our podcast guest. The guest's website is being provided as a service to you. Opinions expressed by the podcast guests are not necessarily those of Allianz or its affiliates. Please note that the information and opinions are provided by third parties and sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. The information is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions, nor should it be construed as advice designed to meet the particular needs of an individual's situation.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America has been keeping its promises since 1896 by helping Americans achieve their retirement income and protection goals with a variety of annuity and life insurance products.Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America (Allianz) does not provide financial planning services.This content is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide fiduciary, tax, or legal advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties; nor is it intended to market, promote, or recommend any tax plan or arrangement. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, its affiliates, and their employees and representatives do not give legal or tax advice or advice related to Social Security or Medicare. Customers are encouraged to consult with their own legal, tax, and financial professionals for specific advice or product recommendations, or the Social Security Administration (SSA) office for their particular situation.Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuity (RILA) guarantees do not apply to the performance of the variable subaccounts, which will fluctuate with market conditions.Products are issued by Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. Registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) are distributed by its affiliate, Allianz Life Financial Services, LLC, member FINRA, 5701 Golden Hills Drive, Minneapolis, MN 55416-1297. 800.542.5427 www.allianzlife.comThis content does not apply in the state of New York.For financial professional use only – not for use with the public.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities' Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual's inability to work. Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialists with SSA,  join the podcast to discuss changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2024.(Check out episode 27, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, for additional information.)Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started.Connect with OOD on social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhioOODTwitter: https://twitter.com/OhioOOD/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohioood/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ood/YouTube: https://youtube.com/@OhioOODSign up for our newsletter and other email updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/OHOOD/subscribers/qualify.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is on the Government Accountability Office's High-Risk List. It is there primarily because of its long-term fiscal uncertainty and questions about whether, in the long run, it can pay the benefits it owes retired Americans. But SSA also has an other internal management problem, stemming from its Office of Inspector General. That's according to Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest: Faith Williams, Director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is on the Government Accountability Office's High-Risk List. It is there primarily because of its long-term fiscal uncertainty and questions about whether, in the long run, it can pay the benefits it owes retired Americans. But SSA also has an other internal management problem, stemming from its Office of Inspector General. That's according to Federal Drive Host Tom Temin's guest: Faith Williams, Director of the Effective and Accountable Government Program at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week FemCity CEO, Violette de Ayala is joined by Michele Leahy, Founder at Leahy Life Plan. Join in the conversation as they dive into Services and Support You May Not Know You Need.  About Michelle Leahy  // Ms. Leahy is the founder and CEO of Leahy Life Plan, a firm dedicated to life planning for those with disabilities as well as their families. She understands disability challenges from both a professional and personal perspective. Her goal is to assist in developing strategies of funding special needs trusts and creating a roadmap to meaningful adult supports. She has her Certification in Work Incentive Planning through an approved Social Security Administration (SSA) program established through the SSA Ticket To Work Program. Ms. Leahy received her M.S. in Non-Profit Management from Eastern University and an B.A. in Communications, Division of Humanities, from Penn State. She has 15+ years of varied professional work experiences before she established her own company.  She was the first non-veteran Executive Board Member of the United Spinal Association, a national disability rights organization, where she served for over 8 years. In 2018, she spoke on disability issues at the Philadelphia Women's March on the steps of the Art Museum. She has been a key player in organizations such as AHEDD (a specialized human resource organization), the Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA, assisted in the establishment of the Bucks County Center for Independent Living and has served on many community advisory boards that advocate for individuals with disabilities. Ms. Leahy has spoken both nationally and locally on disability at PBI's Exceptional Children Conference, PaTTAN, Spina Bifida National Conference, VoiceAmerica and on the floor of the Pennsylvania Senate. Learn more at https://www.leahylifeplan.com/ About FemCity //  FemCity offers a Free 30-Day Trial Membership and Memberships start at only $15.99. You can also learn more about launching a FemCity Chapter in your community. FemCity has been seen in Gilt, Vogue, AP News, Entrepreneur, Forbes, and MarieClaire. Learn why FemCity is more than just a women's networking group at www.femcity.com and on all social platforms @FemCity. About Violette de Ayala // Violette is a Cuban-American serial and social Entrepreneur, Founder of FemCity®, and virtual mentor to over 20,000 women. Violette has been quoted in Success, Entrepreneur, CNBC, Yahoo Small Business, Business Insider News as a small business expert. You can connect with Violette on IG, FB, LinkedIn at Violette de Ayala. About Lynn Pelzer // Lynn is the COO of FemCity and has held a chair position on boards, currently part of a DEI board with FemCity, she has been awarded the Rising Star Award and Crystal Executive Award in her previous company. She has been a contributor on podcasts as well as blogs, and has been a speaker in women's groups on the topics of business. You can connect with Lynn on Facebook or Linkedin @lynnpelzer.

As we continue to have higher than usual inflation, those receiving Social Security benefits may wonder about the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2024. On this episode, we'll take a look at the history of these Social Security adjustments, how things are shaping up for 2024, and what you need to do to stay ready for retirement. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Examining the history of COLAs [2:38] The COLA forecast for 2024 [5:19] Action steps for this year's COLA [6:59] Understanding COLAs In 1975, the Social Security Administration (SSA) started issuing cost-of-living increases for Social Security benefits. These COLAs were designed to compete with inflation and ensure retired Americans had enough resources to live on. In the 48 years since, SSA has only had a zero percent increase 4 times, with the average being 3.78%, and the largest COLA in 1980 with an increase of 14.3%. Social Security COLAs are determined by changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, also known as the CPI-W. By taking the third quarter CPI-W of the current year and dividing it by the third quarter CPI-W from the prior year, the SSA uses that percentage increase to quantify the cost of living adjustment for the following year. So what will this year's COLA bring? While we still have a little bit to go in quarter three, the picture is gaining clarity. Listen to this episode for my analysis and tips to stay ready for retirement! Resources Mentioned Cost-Of-Living Adjustments Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

Jimmy speaks with author, attorney, Spencer Bishins about his book. 'Social Security Disability Revealed' In this episode, Spencer takes on listener's questions about Social Security Disability from applying to benefits. He also gives two listeners free copies of the audio version of his book. We also discuss whether gender identity is considered a disability and much more. You don't want to miss this episode!  Who is Spencer Bishins? Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system.  His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.   www.bishinspublishing.com Facebook        @bishinspublishing Instagram        @bishinspublishing Twitter            @bishinspub -------------------------------------------------------------- Living With A Disability: www.famousapple.com/group An Apple A Day Chat: www.famousapple.com/applechat      

Clint Adams and LAWV attorney Kira Maunz talk about Social Security benefits, specifically what happens when someone receiving benefits gets an overpayment notice, meaning Social Security has overpaid their benefits and oftentimes are asking the person receiving benefits pay them back. Kira and Clint talk about how to work with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to stop overpayments or handle the overpayment once you get a notice. Kira also discusses what kinds of benefits and decisions are made at SSA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Nick Hopwood, CFP® and Jim Pilat, CFP® of Peak Wealth Management talk about Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amounts (IRMAA). IRMAA is a surcharge that people with income above a certain amount must pay in addition to their Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines who pays an IRMAA based on the income reported 2 years prior. Listen to learn more about the IRMAA bracket plans for 2023. — Peak Wealth Management is a financial planning and wealth management firm in Plymouth, MI. We believe by providing education and guidance, we inspire our clients to make great decisions so they can Retire With Peace of Mind.

Even though you pay into the Social Security system, it's not designed to benefit you. Especially if you want disability benefits. Attorney and Social Security Disability Expert Spencer Bishins shares his experience with the Social Security Disability Insurance benefits application process. Spencer is one of the many attorneys hired by the Social Security Office to help them determine who qualifies for benefits under (SSDI) from a legal standpoint.Has your application for SSDI been rejected? If you believe you do qualify but you're confused about the process this episode is for you.What is SSDI? (2:40)Who pays for SSDI? (2:52)What qualifies as a disability (7:00)How is disability determined (by age) by the Social Security Administration? (9:40)What does the application for SSDI look like?Bio: Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. (cont'd).Grab a copy of Spencer's book, Social Security Disability Revealed.Connect with Spencer: Instagram - @snihsibs | website: www.bishinspublishing.com This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy

I kick off 2023 with my first episode of the year talking with Medicare/IRMAA specialist Dan McGrath.  Dan is the co-founder of IRMAA solutions, a technology and training company focused on helping financial professionals provide better Medicare advice and data to their clients.  In this eye-opening episode, Dan teaches us the basics of IRMAA… The Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) is a surcharge or premium you may pay in addition to your Part B or Part D premium if your income is above a certain level. The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets four income brackets that determine your (or you and your spouse's) IRMAA. IRMAA costs can surprise many retirees, uninformed of its impact on a retirement budget. And because it's based on retirement income, tax-deferred income sources can greatly (and unexpectedly) impact a retiree's budget for healthcare costs. Dan also shares his insights on why everyone should STOP contributing to tax-deferred accounts such as 401(k)s and opt for tax-free retirement income sources instead.  We talk annuities, life insurance, and reverse mortgage too. A lot of ground in just an hour or so episode. We close the episode with Dan telling us why he believes “the financial services industry hates women.” It's an interesting case study he uses to illustrate his perspective. Grab a pen and paper, as you'll want to take notes on this episode, or plan to listen to it multiple times. Controversial topics that definitely get you thinking (outside the box).    

In this week's episode, Spencer Bishins joins Tiffany to share his expertise on social security disability, who qualifies and how people can take advantage of this.  About Our Guest Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges.   After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. Connect with Spencer Bishins Facebook: https://facebook.com/bishinspublishing Twitter: @bishinspubInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishinspublishing/ Connect with Tiffany on Social Media Facebook: Money Talk With Tiff Twitter: @moneytalkwitht Instagram: @moneytalkwitht LinkedIn: Tiffany Grant 

The Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual's inability to work. Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialists with SSA,  join the podcast to discuss changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2023.(Check out episode 27, Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits, for additional information.)Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast.Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started. Find OOD on social media: @OhioOOD. 

In this episode, I have a great conversation with lawyer and author Spencer Bishins. Spencer details some of his experiences working with the Social Security administration, and shares his knowledge on how the SSA rules on benefits for those with endometriosis and other invisible illnesses. ****************************** Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. Check out Spencer's website (and his book!) HERE! Click to Follow Spencer on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter ****************************** Click HERE for your 14 day FREE trial of Emjoy! Follow the Endo Babe Podcast on IG here! Join the Moon Magic Community here- for my wild&witchy spoonies! Click here to join the Endo Babe email list Check out other freebies + the Endo Babe blog here! Join my FREE Endo Babe Support Group on FB --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/endobabepodcast/support

All Home Care Matters was honored to welcome a special guest to the show, Spencer Bishins. Spencer is an author and former attorney for the Social Security Administration. Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.

There's a new cost of living adjustment for both Social Security benefits and Medicare! But what does it mean? And how will these changes impact your retirement? On this week's episode, I'm going to address the recent announcement from Social Security regarding the 2023 cost of living adjustment and answer a listener's question on signing up for Medicare while using COBRA insurance. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... How Social Security cost of living adjustments are determined [1:22] Cost of living adjustments for Medicare [3:42] What is the Social Security Wage Base Cap? [6:34] COBRA or Medicare: What should you choose? [8:48] Understanding cost of living adjustments for Social Security benefits Every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) performs a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits. The SSA uses the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPIW) to determine the adjustment. They take the average of the indexes for July, August, and September, and then subtract the average for the same period from the previous year. That is how the recently announced 8.7% increase in Social Security benefits was formulated. Thankfully, you don't have to wait to get your statements to find out how this impacts your benefits. Simply go to SSA.gov and log in or create an account to view the changes. Additionally, if you are not yet collecting Social Security benefits, the COLA will not show up directly on your statements. Rather, when your Social Security benefit is calculated annually, it will be increased by the cost of living adjustment so that when you actually claim your benefit, they will be adjusted for this increase. If you're still planning to delay your benefit, then any future cost of living adjustments will increase the amount you could receive. How cost of living adjustments impact Medicare Aside from Social Security benefits, Medicare beneficiaries also received a cost of living adjustment. The base premium for Medicare Part B actually decreased to $164.90 from last year's $170.10. Usually, when we have inflation, there's an increase in Social Security benefits, but the cost of Medicare goes up as well. This Medicare decrease is a welcome relief for retirees struggling to keep up with the current rate of inflation.  Another facet of this Medicare announcement is a change to the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMA). This is the additional amount you may have to pay on top of the standard Medicare Part B premium if your income exceeds a certain level. For this year, single filers will have to pay the surcharge if their income is over $97,000 (up from $91,00), and joint filers will have extra fees with an income over $194,000 (up from$182,00). They also announced that the maximum amount for this surcharge is $395.60 per month per person for Medicare Part B. Listen to this episode for more on the Social Security and Medicare cost of living adjustments! Resources Mentioned Retire With Ryan Podcast 2022 Listener Survey SSA Press Release on Cost of Living Adjustment Avoid Overpaying For Medicare In 2021 And Beyond, #31  Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. ✨A few highlights from the show: 1. Many people are denied at the beginning of the social security disability benefits process because they have incomplete medical records and there is an incentive to deny claims. 2. Don't DIY when applying for social security benefits. 3. Disability Evaluation Under Social Security - Cancer Listings, https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/13.00-NeoplasticDiseases-Malignant-Adult.htm

Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. https://www.bishinspublishing.com/ Find his book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3N8soNs Episode brought to you by Integrated Brain Centers Enjoying this podcast? Consider supporting for $5/month with a Patreon membership.

Calming the Chaos of the Disability System – Interview with Spencer Bishins Do you have a disability and want to know more about how the disability system in the United States works? If so, you'll want to listen to this interview with Spencer Bishins, who has worked with Social Security Administration (SSA) for more than 10 years. Spencer has worked at the SSA Appeals Council and has reviewed thousands of disability decisions for compliance with the SSA's complex rules and procedures. He has also worked at the hearing level where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. Spencer has a Masters Degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. He wrote his first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it. His wish is to help people demystify the complicated disability system in the United States. Spencer joins Calming the Chaos podcast to share important information with our listeners about himself, accessing SSA disability benefits, and to talk about his book. • Intro – Tell us about yourself and how you got started doing the work you do • Let's talk about the chaos people experience when they are applying for Disability benefits from the SSA • Talking Points • How do you know what evidence of disability you need? What do you need to prove? • How do you find a representative to help you? • What if your claim can't result in a fee for the representative, will they refuse to take your case? • Why are so many people denied when they first apply? • What happens at a hearing? Why are there people talking about you who have never met you? How do they know if you can work? • If you are denied, how do you appeal? • Wait a second, if you are approved, can that be taken away even if you never appealed? • Tour of Spencer's website • Spencer's Book: “Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it.” Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/Social-Security.../dp/B0B5PQ6ZYD Social Media Links: Website: www.bishinspublishing.com Facebook @bishinspublishing Instagram @bishinspublishing Twitter @bishinspub

Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. www.bishinspublishing.com Facebook @bishinspublishing --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/searchingforpoliticaliden/support

(Bonus) The New Deal was a series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939. Major federal programs and agencies included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Farm Security Administration (FSA), the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). They provided support for farmers, the unemployed, youth, and the elderly. The New Deal included new constraints and safeguards on the banking industry and efforts to re-inflate the economy after prices had fallen sharply. New Deal programs included laws passed by Congress and presidential executive orders during the first term of the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Spencer Bishins, a former Social Security Administration attorney, says administrative law judges often are "incentivized" to decline disability claims in order to keep the agency's "pay rate" low resulting in only about 50 percent of disability requests being approved.On the Lean to the Left podcast, Bishins reveals the common practices used by the agency to discourage approval of disability claims, and says that intervention by members of Congress on behalf of constituents requesting help is generally meaningless."The administrative law judges are federal employees, so they have supervisors," Bishins points out. Those supervisors are under pressure to keep costs down, so they encourage the judges to deny claims, often by requiring them to take additional training or denying their ability to telework. Or, they may be "encouraged" to retire or accept a transfer."They are training them or incentivizing them to get their pay rates down. It is happening and the statistics show that it's happening," Bishins says.What Bishins describes seems like a near scandal. Think about who is filing claims for Social Security disability: it is people who, for one reason or another, cannot work. Perhaps they have a serious illness, were injured. Whatever, if they can't work they cannot earn a living. And if they can't do that, how are they supposed to care for their families? That's why we have the Social Security disability program in the first place, and why it is paid for by the SSA taxes that we all fork over with every paycheck.Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.Written in 2022, Bishins reveals the inner workings of the disability system, explains how the system works – and doesn't. He breaks down the complicated disability rules, timelines, jargon, and processes, so his book is for claimants, representatives, family, friends, counselors, caregivers, social workers, case workers, advocates, and anyone who interacts with disability applicants. More info at www.bishinspublishing.com.Listen to the episode.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

Spencer Bishins, a former Social Security Administration attorney, says administrative law judges often are "incentivized" to decline disability claims in order to keep the agency's "pay rate" low resulting in only about 50 percent of disability requests being approved.On the Lean to the Left podcast, Bishins reveals the common practices used by the agency to discourage approval of disability claims, and says that intervention by members of Congress on behalf of constituents requesting help is generally meaningless."The administrative law judges are federal employees, so they have supervisors," Bishins points out. Those supervisors are under pressure to keep costs down, so they encourage the judges to deny claims, often by requiring them to take additional training or denying their ability to telework. Or, they may be "encouraged" to retire or accept a transfer."They are training them or incentivizing them to get their pay rates down. It is happening and the statistics show that it's happening," Bishins says.What Bishins describes seems like a near scandal. Think about who is filing claims for Social Security disability: it is people who, for one reason or another, cannot work. Perhaps they have a serious illness, were injured. Whatever, if they can't work they cannot earn a living. And if they can't do that, how are they supposed to care for their families? That's why we have the Social Security disability program in the first place, and why it is paid for by the SSA taxes that we all fork over with every paycheck.Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits.Written in 2022, Bishins reveals the inner workings of the disability system, explains how the system works – and doesn't. He breaks down the complicated disability rules, timelines, jargon, and processes, so his book is for claimants, representatives, family, friends, counselors, caregivers, social workers, case workers, advocates, and anyone who interacts with disability applicants. More info at www.bishinspublishing.com.Listen to the episode.

When looking for a job after law school, Spencer Bishins landed up working for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in disability benefits, a part of SSA he didn't know existed at the time. With ten years of experience, he wrote the book “Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it” to help demystify disability benefits for those who need it.    Spencer's Website: https://www.bishinspublishing.com    Donate to the podcast: https://ko-fi.com/introducingmepodcast  Want to share your story and be a guest? Email: introducingmepodcast@gmail.com    Find all the podcast social media and more on the website: https://www.introducingmepodcast.com    Artwork: instagram.com/vashaundesigns  Music/Editing: youtube.com/colemanrowlett

Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges.   After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system.  His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. His website is www.bishinspublishing.com. Where full details on Spencers book and a complete list fo the chapters

This is a must listen to podcast for brain injury survivors that struggles with getting benefits from the Social Security Administration! Spencer Bishins has a master's degree from the London School of Economics, and a law degree from Florida State University. After law school, he worked in the private sector for two years prior to joining the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2010. He worked at the Appeals Council for almost four years, reviewing thousands of disability decisions for compliance with SSA's complex rules and procedures. He then worked at the hearing level for seven years, where he drafted almost 2,000 decisions for SSA Administrative Law Judges. After working for SSA for more than 10 years, he wanted to help demystify the complicated disability system. His first book, Social Security Disability Revealed: Why it's so hard to access benefits and what you can do about it, explores the obstacles that disability claimants face as they try to access benefits. After interviewing Spencer I bought 3 copies of his book for social workers at the Philadlephia VA Hospital, Good Shephard and Success Rehabilitation Centers. This book is a must read for anyone who applies for benefits. https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-bishins-806551201/

There's a lot of talk about budgets in Washington—but budget debates are rarely humanized in ways that people can understand in real life terms. And that's a problem. Because a wide array of critical agencies across the federal government have been getting systematically underfunded over the years, resulting in very real problems for American families. A prime example is the Social Security Administration (SSA)—which oversees retirement, disability, and survivors insurance as well as Supplemental Security Income. Since 2010, SSA's operating budget has been cut by at least 16 percent, adjusting for inflation. Its staffing is down 13 percent, and all while the number of beneficiaries has gone up 21 percent. Why? Because Democrats have failed to get Republicans to join them in increasing SSA's administrative budget, which is so lean already it's just 1 percent of the benefits the agency pays out. What this kind of systematic disinvestment in a key federal agency means in human terms was the subject of a recent congressional hearing held in response to an outcry from constituents across the United States about customer service challenges in accessing Social Security. Hour-plus long waits, dropped calls, and an often simply nonfunctional 1-800 phone line; unconscionable delays for disability determinations that leave thousands dying every year waiting for desperately needed benefits; and a huge problem with overpayments or underpayments that occur through no fault of the beneficiaries because the agency just doesn't have the resources and staffing to process earnings reports on time are just a few examples of how this impacts individuals and families. So for this week's Off-Kilter, Rebecca sat down with two of the other witnesses from that hearing—Bethany Lilly of The Arc and Tracey Gronniger of Justice in Aging—as well as two of the other top experts on the issue: Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Kristen Dama of Community Legal Services, for a look at the human toll of defunding SSA.

There's a lot of talk about budgets in Washington—but budget debates are rarely humanized in ways that people can understand in real life terms. And that's a problem. Because a wide array of critical agencies across the federal government have been getting systematically underfunded over the years, resulting in very real problems for American families.  A prime example is the Social Security Administration (SSA)—which oversees retirement, disability, and survivors insurance as well as Supplemental Security Income. Since 2010, SSA's operating budget has been cut by at least 16 percent, adjusting for inflation. Its staffing is down 13 percent, and all while the number of beneficiaries has gone up 21 percent. Why? Because Democrats have failed to get Republicans to join them in increasing SSA's administrative budget, which is so lean already it's just 1 percent of the benefits the agency pays out.  What this kind of systematic disinvestment in a key federal agency means in human terms was the subject of a recent congressional hearing held in response to an outcry from constituents across the United States about customer service challenges in accessing Social Security.  Hour-plus long waits, dropped calls, and an often simply nonfunctional 1-800 phone line; unconscionable delays for disability determinations that leave thousands dying every year waiting for desperately needed benefits; and a huge problem with overpayments or underpayments that occur through no fault of the beneficiaries because the agency just doesn't have the resources and staffing to process earnings reports on time are just a few examples of how this impacts individuals and families.  So for this week's Off-Kilter, Rebecca sat down with two of the other witnesses from that hearing—Bethany Lilly of The Arc and Tracey Gronniger of Justice in Aging—as well as two of the other top experts on the issue: Kathleen Romig of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities and Kristen Dama of Community Legal Services, for a look at the human toll of defunding SSA. For more: Read Kathleen's new piece on SSA's funding crisis Read Rebecca's, Bethany's, and Tracey's testimony from last week's House Ways and Means Committee hearing Follow @kathleenromig; @bethanylilly; @traceythomgron; @kristendama on Twitter 

ATLANTA -Ivie Shevon Sajere has been sentenced for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) out of nearly $1,000,000. The conspiracy involved the false filing of thousands of online applications for SSA retirement benefits and FEMA disaster benefits using stolen personal information. “This was a massive fraud that impacted two government agencies and harmed thousands of victims across the country whose identities were stolen,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt R. Erskine. “Sajere's prison sentence is the culmination of a complicated investigation and prosecution and serves as a cautionary tale to other fraudsters similarly minded.”“This sentence holds Sajere accountable for her role in this complex conspiracy to defraud the Social Security Administration, alone, of nearly seven hundred thousand dollars. She stole personal information of innocent people and used it to defraud the SSA by abusing its online services,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General, for the Social Security Administration. “My office will continue to uphold the integrity of the SSA's online services and programs that so many Americans rely on. I thank the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, and Homeland Security Investigations, and other law enforcement agencies for joining us in this comprehensive investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney's Office for prosecuting this case.”“Anyone with malicious intent can cause widespread damage to victims, and in this case, the defendant orchestrated an identity theft spree that resulted in the defrauding of two agencies that provide substantial assistance to individuals in need,” said Tommy D. Coke, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This scheme highlights the importance of national collaboration when it comes to combatting identity theft, and I thank our law enforcement partners for their essential assistance with this investigation.”According to U.S. Attorney Erskine, the charges and other information presented in court: Beginning in approximately June 2017 until September 2018, the defendant and her husband, Neville Sajere, both Nigerian nationals who engaged in marriage fraud in an unsuccessful attempt to become U.S. citizens, participated in a money laundering scheme that defrauded nearly a million dollars from SSA and FEMA.The scheme involved unknown fraudsters filing applications for Social Security retirement benefits and FEMA disaster relief benefits using stolen personal information. The individual victims whose personal information was stolen were often individuals highly acclaimed in their fields. It appears that these individuals were targeted because, even though they were of retirement age, they had not filed for SSA retirement benefits and did not need disaster benefit relief. Thus, the fraudsters had a better chance of getting the applications approved. The victims included a movie director, an award-winning journalist, the daughter of a legendary movie director, and a highly esteemed academic.Once an application was approved, the fraudsters directed that the funds be deposited onto a Green Dot debit card opened using other stolen personal information. As soon as the money hit the Green Dot debit card, the defendant generated payments through Square, Stripe, and PayPal to Nevada Bridge TV, a Nigerian streaming service/television production company owned by the defendant's husband; BAGMA, an African gospel award show business owned by the defendant's husband; and Shevonz, a clothing store owned by the defendant.Ivie Shevon Sajere (a/k/a Ivie Shevon Owubo), 38, Suwanee, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr., to two years, six months in prison. She was also ordered to pay $949,616.40 in restitution to SSA and FEMA. Sajere was remanded into custody at the close of the sentencing hearing to begin her sentence. Because Sajere is not a United States citizen, she is likely to be deported after she completes her sentence. Sajere pleaded guilty on November 30, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.Diane C. Schulman, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal prosecuted the case.Source -Department of Justice

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities' Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual's inability to work. Robert Fenn and Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialists with SSA,  join the podcast to discuss changes to Social Security disability benefits in 2022.Learn more at SSA.Gov or call 800-772-1213.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at ood.ohio.gov/podcast. Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started. Find OOD on social media: @OhioOOD. 

Working while collecting Social Security has become a popular choice for those approaching retirement, but is it the right choice? If you've been thinking about receiving Social Security benefits early, this is your episode! There are seven things you need to know before making this decision. I'm going to walk you through each of them so you can get all the facts and set yourself up for retirement success!   You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Social Security recap [1:24]  Is there a limit to how much Social Security you can receive by working and collecting early? [2:24] Practical examples of Social Security withholding [4:07] How does all this work?  What income counts towards social security withholding? [7:48]  The special rule you HAVE to know [9:15]  Should you report income changes to Social Security? [10:26] Are withheld benefits gone forever? [11:13]   Know your limits Ideally, everyone should wait until their full retirement age before collecting social security benefits. If possible, I recommend waiting until age 70 to collect the highest amount owed to you. But life happens! Sometimes it makes more sense to collect early than to wait, depending on your circumstance. If that's the case, you need to know how your benefits are limited/withheld when you decide to start collecting early while still working and earning additional income. Let's take a look: Limit 1: Between 62 and the year you reach full retirement 2021 Earning Limit: $18,960 2022 Earning Limit: $19.560 Amount Withheld: $1 of every $2 over the earning limit (50% penalty) Limit 2: Within the year you reach full retirement 2021 Earning Limit: $50,520 2022 Earning Limit: $51,960 Amount Withheld: $1 of every $3 over the earning limit (33.33% penalty)   Make it count A question I often get regarding collecting Social Security benefits early is “What income counts towards withholding?” The short answer is: only earned income. Things like investment income, pension income, and other forms of passive income will not be penalized. If you are self-employed, only your net income counts as earned income. If you contribute to a 401k or a retirement plan, you don't have to worry about paying taxes on that money, but anything that reduces your net pay will count towards Social Security withholding. What about changes in income? Should I report that to the Social Security Administration (SSA)? Surprisingly, this question is often a follow-up to the first one. The answer is a resounding YES. Failing to report income or changes in income to the SSA can result in a stoppage of Social Security benefits until the issue is resolved, or worse, a requirement to pay back benefits received under false pretenses. Bottom line: be honest and plan well so that you don't find yourself in a difficult situation. Resources Mentioned Collect Social Security Now or Wait? Ep #4 (Podcast Episode) Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Information Retirement Earnings Test Calculator How Work Affects Your Benefits (PDF)    Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

Episode 22:  Jeff Roberts, a personal injury attorney in Murray Kentucky, also handles social security disability claims for his clients.  He's handled social security cases since 1992, when he first began practicing.  These cases have to do with disability or SSI, not social security retirement issues.   Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit for those who have met the requirements for work history and what has been paid into the system.  These benefits help people when they become disabled.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is paid out based on financial need.  People who receive the SSI benefits typically have little to no income.  The disability requirements are the same for SSDI and SSI.  The non-disability requirements, however, are different. SSDI claims can be filed at the same time as a KY workers' compensation claim, a state disability retirement claim and sometimes a personal injury claim.  Jeff explains that it may be beneficial to have an attorney who can handle these multiple claims from a case expense and an efficiency basis.  The attorney would be familiar with the status of each claim and can manage the overlap so as to maximize the potential financial benefits for the clients.  At times, if the claims are properly managed, the settlement agreement of one of the claims could negatively impact the amount of the benefit of the other, related claims.  Social Security Disability Insurance In a nutshell, to qualify for SSDI, assuming you've met the work history requirement, is that you are unable to currently work a 40-hour work week.  There are Listings of Impairment that can be considered in determining a person's eligibility for disability.  Depending upon the types or number of listings, a person may qualify fairly easily (e.g. inoperable cancer).  You may not need to hire an attorney if you meet the proper criteria. Bi-Polar, Schizophrenia and other Mental Health Impairments People are sometimes surprised to find out that just because they have been diagnosed with a condition doesn't necessarily mean they qualify for SSDI benefits.  It comes back to how the condition impacts the person's ability to perform work.  Medical testing and medical records are important because they provide documented proof of a person's condition.  But again, it's how the condition affects you and other issues.  A person's education level, his/her past work history and other factors are also considered. Age is another determining factor for Social Security Disability Insurance benefit.  The older a person is when they file a claim for SSDI benefits, can have a positive impact on the claim.  There's a break in the decision-making process if the person is age 50 and there's another break at age 55.  This means, one set of work restrictions could be disabling for a 58-year old that would necessarily be seen as disabling for a 48-year old. When reviewing the person's work history, if they've spent their time doing heavy, manual labor, and now they're limited to a low weight restriction, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may say the person qualifies for SSDI benefits because the possibility of retraining the individual for something they've never done is relatively low at 59-60 years of age.  If the person is only 30 year of age, the situation may be viewed differently by the SSA. Cognitive Impairment Some individuals may have very low cognitive abilities, for a variety of reasons.  The Supplemental Security Income benefit provides a social safety net to provide some level of income to help those individuals. If someone has a work history, but later develops a mental health issue, he/she may also qualify for SSI benefits.  For instance, if someone is diagnosed as being bi-polar, but their ability to manage the condition with medication or other treatments becomes less effective, he/she may now qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. PTSD and Social Security Benefits Some people who have experienced trauma are now no longer able to work in a normal setting due to the noise or the anxiety they experience around other people.  We often think of people who have served in the military who are sometimes likely to suffer from PTSD symptoms.  But, they aren't the only ones. The majority of the PTSD cases Jeff has handled from a Social Security perspective have involved women who have experienced trauma from sexual abuse or physical abuse.  The PTSD of these traumatic experiences can often prevent someone from working in an office or factory setting until they've received significant therapy, counseling and possibly medication, if at all. Social Security Benefits vs. Not Working For the majority of individuals, holding down a job is far better than going on social security disability from a physical, mental and financial perspective.  Most of the people Jeff sees would prefer to work, if it's possible.  There may be an option of the individual returning to work or taking a job.  If this happens, and it seems to be feasible, there are a lot of positive aspects to pursuing the opportunity.  You should let your attorney know this is happening, but again, the opportunity to return to work may far outweigh the money received through disability benefits. Head Trauma and Brain Injuries Consider the possibility that someone fell, was hit in the head or involved in a car accident that resulted on significant head injuries and/or brain trauma.  This person may be able to file a successful claim for Kentucky workers' compensation benefits, file a motor vehicle accident claim and also be eligible to file for social security benefits.  Jeff finds that when head trauma and/or brain injuries are present, it's often beneficial for him to speak with the person's family members or spouse.  Doctors explain that brain injuries may result in a loss of memory, trouble communicating or personality changes.  The injured person may not realize they are exhibiting any of these symptoms.  These conditions and symptoms are often referred to as “hidden injuries.”  It's also another reason the proper medical testing and/or medical records are so important to the success of the social security disability claim.  Jeff understands how to work with physicians to ensure the proper documentation is included in the injured person's file. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. This podcast is meant to provide information and is not legal advice.  Jeff's principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky.  Co-host Jim Ray is a non-attorney spokesperson.  This is an advertisement.  

Do you know when you should sign up for Medicare? Will your prescription drugs be covered by Medicare or do you need to start looking into alternative options? If you are confused and overwhelmed by Medicare and all the complexity that surrounds the government program, you aren’t alone! After talking with many of her clients over the years, Danielle Kunkle Roberts discovered there was no easy solution to navigating Medicare so she decided to create one!  Danielle co-founded Boomer Benefits in 2005 in Fort Worth, TX. Boomer Benefits is an award-winning insurance agency for national insurance carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, and many other A-rated carriers. Danielle and her team are licensed in 48 states. To help us better understand Medicare, Danielle has agreed to join me for a three-part interview as we dive into Medicare and explain how to get this massive government program to work for you.  Have pen and paper ready, you don’t want to miss a minute of this fascinating episode featuring Danielle’s unique perspective!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... Reviewing the basics of Medicare [1:30]  Why working with a broker can be helpful [4:00]  Understanding how Medicare works [7:00]  When to sign up for Medicare [10:00] Understanding the cost of Medicare part B [12:30]  What is Medicare Easy Pay? [15:00]  Using a program like COBRA [16:30]  How Medicare covers prescription drugs [19:30] Closing thoughts and how to get a FREE copy of Danielle’s book [23:00] Medicare basics  What is Medicare and who is qualified to use it? At the end of the day, simply put, Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States that started in 1965 under the Social Security Administration (SSA) and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare primarily provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older, but also for some younger people with disability status as determined by the SSA, and people with end-stage renal disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Do you feel like you have the information you need to navigate Medicare? If you’d like some additional information that will help you get headed in the right direction, make sure to listen to this episode with Danielle Roberts.  Why working with a broker can help  You try to do your best to keep up with your investments and adopt the most successful personal finance habits possible but let’s face it, we all get overwhelmed from time to time. Where do you turn to when you get overwhelmed with your finances? What if there was a way to get at least one aspect of your financial portfolio under control and in the hands of trusted professionals?  Danielle and her team at Boomer Benefits are in the business of helping people understand Medicare, in simple, plain terms that everyone can understand. It’s their belief that you first need to understand Medicare itself. You can’t understand your supplement options until you first get a handle on basic Medicare benefits. Fortunately, they’ve mastered how to make it simple. Learn more from Danielle and her easy-to-understand approach to Medicare and so much more by listening to this informative episode! Resources Mentioned on This Episode https://boomerbenefits.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/BoomerBenefits/ https://boomerbenefits.com/medicare-for-fehb-va-tricare-webinar/ www.medicare.gov https://www.amazon.com/Costly-Medicare-Mistakes-Cant-Afford-ebook/dp/B08GL4FSWC Medicare Easy Pay Connect With Morrissey Wealth Management  www.MorrisseyWealthManagement.com/contact

Carr v. Saul In this episode, Mark discusses NCLA's amicus win at SCOTUS in Carr v. Saul. The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously held that the lower courts erred in imposing an issue-exhaustion requirement on Social Security disability claimants. In Carr v. Saul, claimants challenged a judge-made version of the administrative exhaustion rule, a requirement that litigants at an administrative hearing must raise any legal arguments in support of their claim at each step of the administrative process or forfeit those arguments on appeal. NCLA and the Cato Institute filed a joint amicus brief arguing that imposing issue exhaustion requirements is inappropriate when the issue does not depend on an agency's discretion, expertise, or fact-finding. In Justice Sotomayor's opinion for the Court, the judgments of the Eighth and Tenth Circuit Courts of Appeal were reversed under the reasoning that petitioners could not have developed their Appointments Clause challenges in the Social Security Administration (SSA) administrative law judge (ALJ) proceedings given that: (1) the proceedings were non-adversarial; and (2)(a) the structural constitutional claims at issue were ill suited for agency adjudication because they fell outside the agency's expertise; and (b) raising them would have been futile since the SSA ALJ could not have granted the claimants their requested relief. NCLA's amicus briefs in Lucia v. SEC and now Carr aim to ensure that agency adjudicators must afford people their constitutionally guaranteed rights. The Court's decision in Carr makes certain that Article III courts will serve as a constitutional backstop and step in to enforce the Constitution when agencies can't or won't. Read more about the decision here: https://nclalegal.org/2021/04/in-victory-for-ncla-supreme-court-unanimously-rejects-issue-exhaustion-requirement-before-alj/   AMG v. FTC Later in the episode, Vec talks about NCLA's second SCOTUS victory of the week in AMG Capital Management, LLC, et al. v. Federal Trade Commission. Justice Stephen Breyer handed down a unanimous decision declaring that section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act does not authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “to seek, or a court to award, equitable monetary relief such as restitution or disgorgement.” Section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act strictly authorizes the Commission to obtain, “in proper cases,” a “permanent injunction” in federal court against “any person, partnership, or corporation” that it believes “is violating, or is about to violate, any provision of law” that the Commission enforces. But the FTC had transformed its limited statutory right to enjoin present or future unlawful conduct into a near-absolute right to secure any “equitable remedy” for past damages under Section 13(b). NCLA's successful amicus brief admonished FTC for its unlawful practice of applying the agency's statutory provisions in an unauthorized way to avoid the due process protections for monetary remedies Congress provided in the FTC Act. NCLA commends the Court for rejecting the FTC's arguments and for restoring the limits Congress imposed on the agency. Read more about the decision here: https://nclalegal.org/2021/04/ncla-celebrates-scotus-win-rejecting-ftc-power-grab-and-restoring-limits-on-rogue-agency/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities’ Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA.  Under SSA, disability is based on an individual’s inability to work. DDD and SSA staff join the podcast to answer questions about applying for disability benefits.·        Brandon Smith, Public Affairs Specialist with SSA ·        Robert Fenn, Public Affairs Specialist with SSA·        Kristen Alexander, Disability Claims Manager with DDD·        Beth Baker, Professional Relations Officer and Field Office Liaison with DDLearn more at SocialSecurity.Gov or call 800-772-1213.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.Do you have a disability? Do you want a job? OOD can help! Visit OODWorks.com or call 800-282-4536 to get started. Find OOD on social media: @OhioOOD.

Do you know about the benefits that are available to you through Medicare when you retire? If you find yourself completely clueless when it comes to Medicare - you aren’t alone! Some many men and women are preparing for retirement and have no idea how to factor in their use of Medicare. I don’t want to see savvy people like you stuck without the right information or the right tools to succeed. On this episode, you’ll hear as I walk through some key tips that you can use to avoid overpaying for Medicare in 2021. Make sure to have pen and paper ready, you don’t want to miss a minute of this informative episode!  You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in... What Medicare premiums will cost you in retirement [1:20] How to lower your Medicare premium by lowering your reported income [5:00]  When and why you can appeal your Medicare increase [9:00] Closing thoughts [14:00]  What is Medicare and how does it work?  For those who are still unsure what we are talking about - Medicare is a national health insurance program in the United States, created in 1966 under the Social Security Administration (SSA) and now administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Medicare primarily provides health insurance for Americans aged 65 and older, but also for some younger people with disability status as determined by the SSA.  The program helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. You have choices for how you get Medicare coverage. If you choose to have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) coverage, you can buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy from a private insurance company. Make sure you aren’t paying too much! I don’t know about you but it drives me crazy when I find out that I paid too much for something when I didn’t have to. I hate that feeling so much that I’ve worked hard to avoid it at all costs and I want you to avoid that feeling too! One of the best ways to make sure you aren’t paying too much for Medicare is by keeping an eye on your Medicare part B premiums.  With Medicare Part B, you pay a premium each month. Most people will pay the standard premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income is above a certain amount, you may pay an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). Medicare uses the modified adjusted gross income reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago. This is the most recent tax return information provided to Social Security by the IRS.  The standard Part B premium amount in 2021 is $148.50. Most people pay the standard Part B premium amount. If your modified adjusted gross income as reported on your IRS tax return from 2 years ago is above a certain amount, you'll pay the standard premium amount and an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA). IRMAA is an extra charge added to your premium. You can avoid paying IRMAA by working with tax professionals to keep your adjusted gross income below the threshold set that year. You can also file an appeal due to a life-changing event. A major event can significantly decrease a person’s income and that can affect the premium he or she will pay for Medicare Part B, medical insurance.  Social Security recognizes the following life-changing events: marriage divorce or annulment death of a spouse work stoppage work reduction loss of income-producing property (beyond the beneficiary’s control), and loss or reduction of pension income (plan failure or termination, or scheduled cessation) employer settlement payment (as a result of an employer or former employer’s closure, bankruptcy, or reorganization)

In this episode, Mark runs down some likely “coming attractions” from regulatory actions by the incoming Biden Administration that will bypass Congress. Mark was quoted in this article by Law360 article about the future of administrative action under President-Elect Joe Biden:  https://www.law360.com/appellate/articles/1340289/how-the-supreme-court-could-frustrate-biden-s-plans Later in the show, Vec leads a discussion about the problems with requiring “exhaustion” of constitutional issues in front of administrative tribunals.  Background:  NCLA filed a joint amicus curiae brief with the Cato Institute in the U.S. Supreme Court in the consolidated cases of Willie Earl Carr, et al. v. Andrew M. Saul, Commissioner of Social Security and John J. Davis, et al. v. Andrew M. Saul, Commissioner of Social Security. The case concerns whether claimants seeking disability benefits under the Social Security Act must “exhaust” constitutional challenges to their benefits determinations before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) in order to obtain judicial review on that issue on later appeal in federal court. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From ssa.gov, “the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last week.” Michael and Adam discuss how that is assessed, what it means for retirees, and how to maximize social security for the future. Here’s the announcement. A Step-by-Step of How Social Security's COLA Is Calculatedhttps://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/03/09/a-step-by-step-of-how-social-securitys-cola-is-cal.aspx Here's the Average Social Security Benefit in 2021https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/10/25/heres-the-average-social-security-benefit-in-2021/ Other References: 2018 Loss of Buying Power Study Social Security Benefits Lose 34% Of Buying Power Since 2000https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf Consumer Price Indexhttps://www.bls.gov/cpi/questions-and-answers.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for%20Urban%20Wage%20Earners%20and%20Clerical,at%20least%20one%20of%20the Why Social Security’s annual increase doesn’t actually keep up with cost of livinghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/why-social-securitys-annual-increase-doesnt-actually-keep-up-with-cost-of-living Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com 

From ssa.gov, “the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last week.” Michael and Adam discuss how that is assessed, what it means for retirees, and how to maximize social security for the future. Here’s the announcement. A Step-by-Step of How Social Security's COLA Is Calculatedhttps://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/03/09/a-step-by-step-of-how-social-securitys-cola-is-cal.aspx Here's the Average Social Security Benefit in 2021https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/10/25/heres-the-average-social-security-benefit-in-2021/ Other References: 2018 Loss of Buying Power Study Social Security Benefits Lose 34% Of Buying Power Since 2000https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf Consumer Price Indexhttps://www.bls.gov/cpi/questions-and-answers.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for%20Urban%20Wage%20Earners%20and%20Clerical,at%20least%20one%20of%20the Why Social Security’s annual increase doesn’t actually keep up with cost of livinghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/why-social-securitys-annual-increase-doesnt-actually-keep-up-with-cost-of-living Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com 

From ssa.gov, “the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3% in 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) announced last week.” Michael and Adam discuss how that is assessed, what it means for retirees, and how to maximize social security for the future. Here’s the announcement. A Step-by-Step of How Social Security's COLA Is Calculatedhttps://www.fool.com/retirement/2019/03/09/a-step-by-step-of-how-social-securitys-cola-is-cal.aspx Here's the Average Social Security Benefit in 2021https://www.fool.com/retirement/2020/10/25/heres-the-average-social-security-benefit-in-2021/ Other References: 2018 Loss of Buying Power Study Social Security Benefits Lose 34% Of Buying Power Since 2000https://seniorsleague.org/assets/2018-Loss-of-Buying-Power-Report.pdf Consumer Price Indexhttps://www.bls.gov/cpi/questions-and-answers.htm#:~:text=The%20Consumer%20Price%20Index%20for%20Urban%20Wage%20Earners%20and%20Clerical,at%20least%20one%20of%20the Why Social Security’s annual increase doesn’t actually keep up with cost of livinghttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/making-sense/why-social-securitys-annual-increase-doesnt-actually-keep-up-with-cost-of-living Show noteshttps://assetbuilder.com/podcast Email us with any suggestions or questions at: podcast@assetbuilder.com 

In a growing crowd of national health information networks, eHealth Exchange is one of the oldest and most connected in the U.S.. Notably, they are the primary way healthcare organizations connect with federal agencies such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In addition, they're connected with 75% of all U.S. hospitals, more than 60 regional and state HIEs, more than 5,000 dialysis centers, and more. Today we take a thorough look at eHealth Exchange with Executive Director, Jay Nakashima to find out what they do and to give you a sense of how they may fit into your clinical data strategy. Topics include: What does the eHealth Exchange do Who participates How eHealth Exchange connects federal agencies like the SSA, DOD, and VA Why is the social security administration is such a large consumer of clinical data The difference in outcomes when you're opt-in vs opt-out How does eHealth Exchange compare with the other national networks How does eHealth Exchange fit in with TEFCA How the Surescripts Record Locator Service is used within the network How is eHealth Exchange different than regional and state HIEs Why they don't store any clinical information and the pluses/minuses for federated vs. non-federated exchanges New support for electronic case reporting Recent simplifications to their integrations and onboarding The PULSE Connectivity model   Jay Nakashima Over the past 25 years Jay Nakashima has designed and implemented EHRs, optimized clinical workflow, and spearheaded data exchange. Jay has worked for health IT vendors, providers, payers, and now leads the eHealth Exchange, the nation's oldest and largest public-private health information network.   eHealth Exchange Active in all 50 states, the eHealth Exchange is the largest query-based, health information network in the country. It is the principal network that connects federal agencies and non-federal organizations, allowing them to work together to improve patient care and public health. Web: https://ehealthexchange.org/ Twitter: @ehealthExchange   Links and Related Episodes What you need to Know About TEFCA Right Now w/ Mariann Yeager Transforming the Prescription Decision Process Between Physicians and Patients w/ Surescripts CEO Tom Skelton Interoperability 2.0 with Niko Skievaski Why HIEs Will Lead the Way on Healthcare Quality Measurement w/ John D'Amore The Path to Healthcare Interoperability TEFCA, Interoperability, and an Industry's Unreasonable Expectations The Regional HIE Should be Your First Stop for Interop ADVault: https://mydirectives.com/ make your end of life medical wishes known   The #HCBiz Show! is produced by Glide Health IT, LLC in partnership with Netspective Media.

Always informative, Kurt Czarnowski, formerly Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in New England, now principal of Czarnowski Consulting, shares insights useful to all on decisions about Social Security. Hear his suggestions for those recently laid off but eligible for benefits.

Interview with Kurt Czarnowski" Czarnowski is the former Regional Communications Director for the Social Security Administration (SSA) in New England, a position he held from December of 1991 until his retirement at the end of 2010. He began his career with SSA in 1976, and during his 34 years with the agency, he worked in several different management and staff positions in the Boston area. As Regional Communications Director, Czarnowski was responsible for coordinating the Social Security Administration's public affairs/public information activities in the six New England states. In this role, he was a frequent speaker at local and regional events for members of the public. " http://www.czarnowskiconsulting.com/about.html Bonus audio:Sell the Vatican by Sarah SilvermanEnd Music:Not Dead Yet by Ralph Covert & The Bad Examples

The OOD Division of Disability Determination (DDD), in agreement with the Social Security Administration (SSA), determines medical eligibility for Ohioans who apply for Social Security disability benefits. DDD is federally regulated and receives 100% of its funding from SSA. Under SSA, disability is based on an individual’s inability to work.“Our staff do a good job understanding the sense of urgency that people need to get a decision quickly on their cases,” explained Rhonda Tanner, DDD Deputy Director.Listen to hear from Rhonda and DDD Assistant Deputy Directors Tom Melfo, Teresa Gray, and Darin McCoy.Transcripts and MP3 files are available at https://ood.ohio.gov/Podcast.

Welcome back to another year and another decade of the 401(k) Fridays Podcast! Sorry for the delay in getting new episodes out, had some last minute scheduling challenges along with sickness that got us off track. Don’t fear though, we are back and ready for an exciting 2020! To kick things off, I am excited to welcome back Andrew Biggs, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute to the podcast. As a retirement policy expert and researcher he brings a sober perspective of how our private workplace retirement plan system is really doing. During our conversation we hit on why there is so much focus on how 401(k) plans are broken, data on how current retirees are doing, somethings to future retirees can expect and much more.  Coming up on the podcast we welcome back a fan favorite Jerry Schlichter, the plaintiffs attorney who has shaped retirement plan litigation, Bob Holcomb of Empower to talk in more detail about the new SECURE Act and Rob Arnott of Research Affiliates to discuss what he sees coming for the markets in the near and not so near term. Exciting stuff, please be sure to share with anyone you think could benefit from listening.  Guest Bio Andrew G. Biggs is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he studies Social Security reform, state and local government pensions, and public sector pay and benefits. Before joining AEI, Biggs was the principal deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), where he oversaw SSA’s policy research efforts. In 2005, as an associate director of the White House National Economic Council, he worked on Social Security reform. In 2001, he joined the staff of the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security. Biggs has been interviewed on radio and television as an expert on retirement issues and on public vs. private sector compensation. He has published widely in academic publications as well as in daily newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He has also testified before Congress on numerous occasions. In 2013, the Society of Actuaries appointed Biggs co-vice chair of a blue ribbon panel tasked with analyzing the causes of underfunding in public pension plans and how governments can securely fund plans in the future. In 2014, Institutional Investor Magazine named him one of the 40 most influential people in the retirement world. In 2016, he was appointed by President Obama to be a member of the financial control board overseeing reforms to Puerto Rico’s budget and the restructuring of the island’s debts. Biggs holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, master’s degrees from Cambridge University and the University of London, and a PhD from the London School of Economics. 401(k) Fridays Podcast Overview Struggling with a fiduciary issue, looking for strategies to improve employee retirement outcomes or curious about the impact of current events on your retirement plan? We've had conversations with retirement industry leaders to address these and other relevant topics! You can easily explore over 175 prior on-demand audio interviews here. Don't forget to subscribe as we release a new episode each Friday!

Read Dr. Biggs' article in The Hill:https://thehill.com/opinion/finance/448431-401ks-can-fill-the-pension-gap Andrew G. Biggs is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he studies Social Security reform, state and local government pensions, and public sector pay and benefits. Before joining AEI, Biggs was the principal deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), where he oversaw SSA’s policy research efforts. In 2005, as an associate director of the White House National Economic Council, he worked on Social Security reform. In 2001, he joined the staff of the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security. Biggs has been interviewed on radio and television as an expert on retirement issues and on public vs. private sector compensation. He has published widely in academic publications as well as in daily newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He has also testified before Congress on numerous occasions. In 2013, the Society of Actuaries appointed Biggs co-vice chair of a blue ribbon panel tasked with analyzing the causes of underfunding in public pension plans and how governments can securely fund plans in the future. In 2014, Institutional Investor Magazine named him one of the 40 most influential people in the retirement world. In 2016, he was appointed by President Obama to be a member of the financial control board overseeing reforms to Puerto Rico’s budget and the restructuring of the island’s debts. Learn more about the Show-Me Institute: https://showmeinstitute.org/ The Show-Me Institute Podcast is produced by Show-Me Opportunity

Episode 24 - For years the people at the Social Security Administration (SSA) have been telling us that your Social Security benefit is protected against inflation. The reasoning is that Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) added to the benefit will help offset future price increases. Listen to our podcast to learn why it just doesn't work that way anymore.

Medicare Part B: Social Security’s Evil Twin Episode 24 - For years the people at the Social Security Administration (SSA) have been telling us that your Social Security benefit is protected against inflation. The reasoning is that Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) added to the benefit will help offset future price increases. Listen to our podcast to learn why it just doesn’t work that way anymore. More SML Planning Minute Podcast Episodes Download The Flyer for More Information SubscribeApple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotifyTuneInAndroidStitcherDeezerby EmailRSSMore Subscribe Options

Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Social Security Disability Attorney Utah program is intended to accommodate those that can't bolster themselves monetarily.

From "Blood on Black" by Gary Meece     "I know I'm Going to Influence the world -- People will remember me"       After three trips to mental hospitals, Damien Echols again was wandering Crittenden County.  He turned 18 in December 1992, still relying on his much-loathed adopted father for food and lodging.  Echols was referred back to counseling on Jan. 5, 1993.    His medication remained imipramine, the Tofranil brand. While imipramine effectively treats depression and is sometimes prescribed for panic attacks or anxiety, the medication can cause or worsen emotional problems, such as mood, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, impulse control, irritability, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, depression and self-abuse or suicidal ideation.  The intake sheet for Jan. 5 prepared by social worker Sherry Dockins contained extensive notes, noting hospitalizations and that he was on probation. Dockins wrote: “‘Damien reports his problems began at age 8 when his parents divorced and Pam remarried. ‘They were constantly fighting — tried to ignore it but finally started fighting back.' …. 3 months ago mother divorced him and remarried father. Sister, mother and father currently live in Portland, Oregon. He has little contact with family. Currently lives with stepfather Jack Echols. ‘It's the only way I could live here in Ark.' They do not get along but rarely see each other. Damien is planning to move in with girlfriend and her mother when they get an apartment. Reports he and Domini (gf) have been together for long time?”  Six months before, Damien was threatening to kill himself if he could not be with Deanna; now he and Domini were a longtime item.   The report continued: “Damien wants to live in West Memphis because of his friends and ‘it's where I belong.'”   Despite his subsequent disparagement of West Memphis, Damien regarded the town as home; he was willing to risk constant scrutiny to live there.   A further irony was his association with Jack Echols, listed as his parent/guardian on the intake papers, who was allowing Damien to live in his home.  Concerning Damien's state of mind: “Describes self as feeling ‘neutral/nothing' most of the time. Denies current suicidal/homicidal ideation.”   Dockins wrote: “Reports history of self mutilation — cutting self with knives/razors. Last time was 3 months ago.  Denies symptoms of depression. ‘I usually don't smile.' He quit school in ninth grade (this year) because he was not allowed to return to his previous school (Marion High School). Reports sleeping most of the day and then goes to Domini's house.” Damien was holding down a part-time job with a roofing company. “Relates that he tends to ‘trance out'  when by himself. He has done this since the 5th grade.” Dockins wrote: “Reports history of alcohol/drug usage — coke, acid, pot, alcohol. Denies current usage …. Reports being harassed by local authorities as ‘they think I'm a Satanic leader.' He admits being caught with Satanic items and with handwritten books about witchcraft. Denies cult involvement. Is interested in witchcraft for past 8 years. He has tried to steal energy from someone else and influence other minds with witchcraft. States he was able to do these things.”  Echols believed he could “steal energy” from other people; he later testified that children contained more energy for magickal purposes than adults.  Dockins also reported: “Describes self as ‘pretty much hate the human race.' Related that he feels people are in two classes — Sheep & Wolves (wolves eat the sheep).  “Dressed in black, wearing silver cross and earring studs. Intense eye contact.” The “wolf in sheep's clothing” is an ancient concept, cited in the Bible: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in the clothing of sheep, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”   Psychopaths often describe themselves in wolfish terms. For instance, the sadistic psychopath Eric Harris, one of the two Columbine High killers, described fantasies of ripping apart “weak little freshmen” like a wolf.  Charles Manson referred to his followers as “slaves” or “sheep” and recorded a record album “Way of the Wolf.”   The theme is also popular in occult circles. The Church of Satan Web site, for example, maintains extensive Web pages devoted to “Lycanthropy: A Handbook of Werewolfism,” describing occult exercises for transforming the practitioner into a man-wolf,  “a person who has regressed, by force of will and desire, to a feral or wolflike state.”   At turns grandiose and pitiable, Damien's wildly fluctuating self-regard was on display throughout the records.  Dr. Woods described Echols' return to East Arkansas Mental Health Center: “There is an abundance of evidence to show that Mr. Echols' serious mental illness required long term hospitalization and more aggressive treatment than he received in prior hospitalizations. In January of 1993 Mr. Echols again sought help at East Arkansas Mental Health Center where mental health professionals described Mr. Echols' elaborate history of delusions, psychosis, and severe problems with mood and memory. His delusions often were grandiose. … His mood oscillated between euphoria and severe depression. … During his worst periods Mr. Echols became psychotic. He felt a ‘spirit [was] living within him' that was ‘put inside him last year.' The spirit ‘decided to become part of him' and was the spirit of a woman who was killed by her husband. ...  Though profoundly mentally ill, Mr. Echols has always responded well to the structure of a therapeutic setting. He has never been a management problem and staff members uniformly describe him as passive, compliant and likable.” The quiet and likable version of Echols would consistently show up for TV interviews from Death Row.  In January 1993, Damien told EAMHC staff that his problems began at age 9 with Jack Echols. Damien reported self-mutilation and said he had a history of abusing drugs, though he, as usual, denied current usage.  On Jan. 13, Dockins reported: “Damien reports one of his biggest problems that he would like to work on is being able to forgive others. When questioned about this he reports that he is very angry with family members and with other people that have ‘let him down.' He wants to be normal but feels that he has never been normal. … He discussed issues of power and control. He states that he could make things happen. He believes very much in magic. … Damien's affect and mood was flat. He did not smile during the session.” For the  Jan. 19 session: “Damien relates that he is trying to find a way to live on his own. He does not get along with step-father. Reveals a history of abuse as he talked of how he was treated as a child. Denies that this has influenced him stating ‘I just put it all inside.' Relates that when this happens the only solution is to ‘hurt someone.' Damien reports being told at the hospital that he could be another ‘Charles Manson or Ted Bundy.' When questioned on his feelings he states ‘I know I'm going to influence the world — people will remember me.'”  Gloria Shettles' “attorney work product” for Echols' trial correctly reported that the session produced “very damaging notes.” After Echols' Jan. 20 session, Dr. David Erby wrote: “ … three psychiatric hospitalizations. Each has been associated with anger, thoughts of killing other and thoughts of killing himself. He's not currently suicidal or homicidal. He's been on Tofranil 15 mg. at bedtime for about a year. He's found that that's been somewhat helpful. He's not experiencing any side effects with it, he's tried to stop it and had some discontinuation symptoms.” Again, a mental health professional noted that Echols had suicidal or homicidal impulses.  Though his medication was “somewhat helpful,” Echols was trying to discontinue Tofranil.  Shettles noted that yet another session, on Jan. 25, was “very damaging.”  The “Individual Progress Notes” by Dockins stated: “Focus of today's session is spent talking with Damien about his feelings of death. He brought with him to session a poem that he had written during the past week. The theme of this poem centered around death and power. Damien explained that he obtains his power by drinking the blood of others. He typically drinks the blood of a sexual partner or of a ruling partner.  This is achieved by biting or cutting. He states ‘it makes me feel like a God.' Damien describes drinking blood as giving him more power and strength.  He remembers doing this as far back as age 10. He does not remember where he learned to do this.  “Damien believes that there is no God. He feels that society believes there is a God because society is weak. He wants very much to be all powerful.  He wants very much to be in total control.  We discussed how some of this is related to his experiences as a child. He acknowledges that some of this is related to his childhood abuse trauma but he feels that it is who he is now. “Damien related that a spirit is now living with him. The spirit was put inside him last year.  He indicates that a month ago the spirit decided to become part of him and he to become part of the spirit. This is reportedly a spirit of a woman who was killed by her husband. When questioned how he feels with this spirit or what the difference is, Damien is able to relate that he feels stronger and more powerful with this spirit. He has not seen this spirit but does hear the spirit. In addition, he also reports conversations with demons and other spirits. This is achieved through rituals. He denies that he is satanic, seeing himself more as being involved in demonology. “It becomes more noticeable today in talking with Damien that he has many things from childhood that he simply does not remember. This is believed to be a dissociative response to trauma issues. Damien is agreeable to beginning to talk about what he experienced as a child that he remembers. He is also agreed to continue to discuss his issues with power and control as related to his practice of rituals. … “… Damien's affect and mood today continued to be bland though there was more emotion when talking about drinking blood.” Echols livened up therapy with discussions about gaining power through drinking blood via cuts and biting.   They also could have livened up sessions by having  Echols explain the difference between Satanism and invoking demons through ritual. In theory, a powerful magician would be able to control demons or other disembodied entities through proper ritual and use of the will and use them for his own purposes.  Those purposes wouldn't inherently be evil in intent, and many dabblers in bygone eras regarded themselves as Christian and by no means Satanists.  Orthodox Christianity, however, has regarded trafficking with demons as evil.    Echols was almost certainly manipulating the mental health staff to qualify for Social Security Disability but his  delusions, such as being inhabited by the spirit of a murdered woman, were consistent with statements made when disability wasn't at issue.  Among other noted killers who claimed to have been possessed by some sort of spirit was Ted Bundy, who claimed a “malignant entity” had taken over his consciousness. Other serial killers, such as John Wayne Gacy and “Hillside Strangler” Kenneth Bianci, blamed murderous alter egos for their crimes.  On Feb. 5, Dockins reported that Echols “dressed completely in black and is noted to have cut on his R arm and hand. “… Damien relates that he cut his arm & hand as a way of permanently marking his skin. The name Domini is cut into his arm. Session continues focused on Damien's self concept and image. Relates feeling very angry yesterday when running into previous girlfriend. ‘I controlled it — I can do anything.' “… Affect and mood —- flat.”    Despite his supposed devotion to Domini, Echols still felt the effect of his breakup with Deanna deeply.  On Feb. 11, Echols reported that he was being harassed by local authorities — “They think I'm a satanic leader.”  He admitted to having Satanic items but denied  involvement in Satanism.  He said he had been interested in witchcraft for eight years. His diagnosis was changed to depressive disorder.  He was prescribed Tofranil in a 150 mg dose.  Dr. Woods described Echols'  continued mental health problems and dealings with the Social Security Administration: “Though he was only 18 years old, mental health professionals at East Arkansas Regional Mental Health Center concurred that Mr. Echols' severe and enduring mental illness made him unable to function without substantial assistance from mental health and other agencies. Staff members assisted Mr. Echols in applying for Social Security Disability Benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA). After conducting an independent evaluation, the SSA determined that Mr. Echols was 100% disabled and was awarded full disability benefits on the basis of his mental illness. The finding by the Social Security Administration of a mental disability is a significant factor that any competent mental health professional would consider in an objective determination of Mr. Echols' mental state. At the time of arrest and trial, Mr. Echols was still considered severely mentally impaired by the SSA and was receiving full SSA disability benefits.” Echols applied for disability in early February 1993.  In his application, he claimed he was too mentally ill to work, describing his symptoms as “Mentally Disturbed.” On another form, he wrote: “I am a sociopath.” Asked “What is your disabling condition?” Echols answered: “I am going through treatment at the Mental Health Center and have been in several mental hospitals.”  He explained how his condition kept him from working: “Because when I try to take a time out my employers don't like it. Violent, medicine makes me sleepy, vomit & headaches.” Asked for the reasons for his hospitalizations, on the two stays at Charter, he wrote: “Homicidal, suicidal, manic depression, schizophrenia, sociopathic”; for the hospital in Portland: “Homicidal, suicidal, manic depression, schizophrenia, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, sociopathic.” Echols was deemed totally disabled and began receiving full Social Security Disability payments.  The rest of the Hutchisons moved back to West Memphis around March. Joe and Pam had remarried in February. Joe, 37, had been married at least four times. Pamela, 35, had been married three times. Echols began sleeping most nights at the Teer trailer, while occasionally staying at his parents' trailer at Broadway Trailer Park.  The Hutchisons didn't have a bedroom for him, so he had to “share” a room with his sister. Someone often slept on the sofa. For his last appointment, on May 5, 1993, he did not talk to Dockins but to Dr. Erby. His imipramine prescription was refilled.  The handwritten Physician's Progress Report was difficult to read, having been the only photocopy in 509 pages misaligned on the copier.  Fragments are visible: “… at time he is impulsive … things that may be harmful to … He has impulses to do strange … armful things to himself. He … es suicidal thoughts. He says … kes to read, swim, playing pool, … likes to work with animals, snakes, .. zards & spiders. He is bothered if .. nakes are killed even if they are poison. .. e has not seriously considered a vocation. … he mother seems dedicated, but insecure. He seems to enjoy people being concerned about him.” Later that day, he oversaw the gruesome murders of Michael Moore, Christopher Byers and Stevie Branch.   https://www.facebook.com/WestMemphis3Killers/         http://www.eastofwestmemphis.com   https://www.amazon.com/Case-Against-West-Memphis-Killers-ebook/dp/B07C7C4DCH/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=gary+meece&qid=1553389038&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull   https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Black-Against-Memphis-Killers/dp/0692802843/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?keywords=gary+meece&qid=1553389069&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Black-Against-Memphis-Killers-ebook/dp/B06XVT2976/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_3?keywords=gary+meece&qid=1553389069&s=gateway&sr=8-3-fkmrnull https://www.amazon.com/Where-Monsters-Go-Against-Memphis-ebook/dp/B06XVNXCJV/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_4?keywords=gary+meece&qid=1553389069&s=gateway&sr=8-4-fkmrnull https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753HJZ1P/?ie=UTF8&keywords=gary%20meece&qid=1553389069&ref_=sr_1_fkmrnull_5&s=gateway&sr=8-5-fkmrnull

Today we take a little detour from talking about the usual 401(k) or workplace retirement plan topics and focus on the challenge for many people around the country who are gainfully employed but don’t have access to a retirement plan at work.  Personally, when I first heard some of the stats we discuss today they were surprising to me.  I have two guests which both shared great perspective today, Lisa Massena, the Executive Director of OregonSaves the first state retirement plan to go live and Andrew Biggs, a resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute who has a wealth of data and research about retirement savings at his finger tips.  As hopefully you have heard in prior episodes when I have two guests on that usually means they are not always going to agree on everything.  Our conversation starts with a conversation around the data, what options individuals who don’t have access to a retirement plan at work have today and how the conversation will evolve in the future.  With Lisa here, we also spend some time talking about how state retirement plans factor into the coverage conversation.  She shares Oregon’s experience, early results and reactions after their launch in late 2017.  Good stuff and I hope you take as much away from our conversation as I did.    Last thing, we had a little challenge with Andrew’s connection, you can hear everything he says but it is a little scratch, just a heads up.  Technology is a great thing until it isn’t! Guest Bios Lisa Massena, Executive Director, OregonSaves - Ms. Massena joined OregonSaves as its first Executive Director in September of 2015. With its Board and a strong team of internal and external collaborators, Massena helped design and launch the innovative retirement savings program that, when fully implemented, is expected to be available to over 1 million Oregonians who currently do not have access to retirement savings at work.  A native of the Northwest, Ms. Massena began her career in Oregon focused on investment and retirement solutions for employers and individuals, co-founding an investment consultancy in 1991 that specialized in defined contribution plans. When the internet beckoned, she joined a startup firm in San Francisco providing online portfolio advice for 401(k) savers. In 2001 Massena was recruited to State Street Corp. where from San Francisco and Boston she led regional, Americas and global teams providing investment analytics services to institutional clients. She earned a B.A. from Portland State University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst.  Andrew G. Biggs is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI), where he studies Social Security reform, state and local government pensions, and public sector pay and benefits. Before joining AEI, Biggs was the principal deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), where he oversaw SSA’s policy research efforts. In 2005, as an associate director of the White House National Economic Council, he worked on Social Security reform. In 2001, he joined the staff of the President’s Commission to Strengthen Social Security. Biggs has been interviewed on radio and television as an expert on retirement issues and on public vs. private sector compensation. He has published widely in academic publications as well as in daily newspapers such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He has also testified before Congress on numerous occasions. In 2013, the Society of Actuaries appointed Biggs co-vice chair of a blue ribbon panel tasked with analyzing the causes of underfunding in public pension plans and how governments can securely fund plans in the future. In 2014, Institutional Investor Magazine named him one of the 40 most influential people in the retirement world. In 2016, he was appointed by President Obama to be a member of the financial control board overseeing reforms to Puerto Rico’s budget and the restructuring of the island’s debts. Biggs holds a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast in Northern Ireland, master’s degrees from Cambridge University and the University of London, and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics. 401(k) Fridays Podcast Overview Struggling with a fiduciary issue, looking for strategies to improve employee retirement outcomes or curious about the impact of current events on your retirement plan? We've had conversations with retirement industry leaders to address these and other relevant topics! You can easily explore over one hundred prior on-demand audio interviews here. Don't forget to subscribe as we release a new episode each Friday!

Ah the good old days, when life was simpler, people retired with pension plans, social security was fully funded and you spent your retirement golden years in relative financial security.  Fast forward to today, there is a perception that our retirement system is broken, and we are either already in or headed for a dramatic retirement crisis.  Much of the blame for our current state of  retirement preparation has been placed on the rise of 401(k) plans.  However, does the data support both the romanticized vision of the past and the bleak picture of our present and future?  To help sort through things I have Andrew Biggs, a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute with me today.  His research on retirement preparation, social security and his relentless focus on data lends for an interesting conversation and perspective on some popular narratives in the media about workplace retirement plans.   Guest Bio Andrew G. Biggs, Ph.D., is a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute in Washington, DC. Prior to joining AEI he was the principal deputy commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA), where he oversaw SSA's policy research efforts and led the agency's participation in the Social Security Trustees working group. In 2005 he worked on Social Security reform at the National Economic Council and in 2001 was on the staff of the President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security. Andrew’s work at AEI focuses on Social Security reform, state and local government pensions, and comparisons of public and private sector compensation. His work has appeared in academic publications as well as outlets such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post, and he has testified before Congress on numerous occasions. He holds a Bachelors degree from the Queen's University of Belfast, Masters degrees from Cambridge University and the University of London and a Ph.D. from the London School of Economics.   401(k) Fridays Podcast Overview Struggling with a fiduciary issue, looking for strategies to improve employee retirement outcomes or curious about the impact of current events on your retirement plan? We've had conversations with retirement industry leaders to address these and other relevant topics! You can easily explore over fifty prior on-demand audio interviews here. Don't forget to subscribe as we release a new episode each Friday!

Hey Medicare Nation! I hope everyone is having an awesome week! Say goodbye to February! I know all of you Northerners are thrilled to see it go! Bring it on March! You know, I see many, many clients and one of the top questions I am asked is, "What does the letter on my Medicare ID card mean?" It happens so often, I figured I better dedicate an episode to just that! The Social Security Administration (SSA) assigns a letter and a number, (if you fit into a sub-group) when you apply for Social Security Benefits and/or Medicare. The letter (and number if it applies) is found on your Medicare ID Card, right after your social security number. As an example, if you have worked and contributed to FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act), and started receiving your Social Security benefits at age 64, and you enrolled in Medicare at age 65, the letter "A" will be designated to you. The "claim" number would look like this on your Medicare ID Card: 123-45-6789A Just as "Different Strokes for different Folks," the Social Security Administration assigns "claim" numbers for different situations. "Where Do I find the full list of Social Security claim letters?" You can go to the following locations to see a full list of claim letters: 1. www.ssa.gov 2. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act 3. For a Free List of the Codes Listed by the Social Security Administration on their website, go to my website - www.callsamm.com   Thanks for listening to Medicare Nation! Please SHOW someone how to "subscribe" to Medicare Nation, so they can learn about their Medicare benefits and what type of Medicare Plan they should be on!  

This week we received the following multi-part question from a blog reader/listener about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Earnings Test.  For those of you unfamiliar with the Earnings Test, please refer to our previous posts on this topic for clarification. You can find these posts by searching for “Earnings Test” in the […] The post Questions on the Earnings Test appeared first on Help with My Social Security.com.

Are You Getting The Social Security You Deserve? By Douglas Goldstein, CFP® The “Greenberg Settlement,” the resolution of a class-action lawsuit brought against the Social Security Administration (SSA), changes the way American olim receive their American Social Security payments. Under the SSA's Windfall Elimination Provision, if you receive a foreign earnings-based pension, your American benefits are reduced. Until now, claimants of Social Security living in Israel who also received Bituach Leumi old age pension had their payments from Social Security reduced under the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP).  This was because Bituach Leumi was considered as an extra pension and counted as a “windfall.” In 2013, Ephraim Greenberg, a U.S. citizen living in Israel, brought a class action to change this situation because Bituach Leumi pensions are not dependent on earnings and therefore don't fall within the criteria of the WEP. Now you can claim your money back In July 2015, U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer determined that the Social Security Administration was wrong in reducing payments to U.S. citizens who receive Bituach Leumi. This is because Bituach Leumi payments aren't considered earnings-based in the same way as a private work-related pension is. Bituach Leumi payments are considered more of a social benefit for the elderly than a “windfall,” and therefore do not affect Social Security payments. (However, if you receive a work-related pension in addition to Bituach Leumi, your work pension would trigger the WEP reduction in Social Security benefits.) If your Social Security payments were reduced under the previous erroneous application of WEP, you can claim back the funds that are owed to you from September 2004. Furthermore, if someone who was unfairly penalized under the WEP has passed away, his heirs can apply for the funds retroactively. This is good news for the many American olim eligible for Social Security payments. Here's how I discussed the Greenberg Decision with the lawyers involved in the case, Ira Kasdan and Beth Johnson. We discussed the specifics of how to claim money that may be owed to you. To learn the specific steps involved in claiming withheld WEP as well as learning more about the provisions concerning with private pensions, listen to our 15-minute discussion at www.GoldsteinOnGelt.com/Kasdan. (The opinions expressed on The Goldstein on Gelt Show are those of the guest, and not necessarily my opinion or the opinion of Portfolio Resources Groups, Inc.) Douglas Goldstein, CFP®, is the director of Profile Investment Services, Ltd. www.profile-financial.com.  He is a licensed financial professional both in the U.S. and Israel.  Call (02) 624-2788 for a consultation about handling your U.S. investments from Israel. Securities offered through Portfolio Resources Group, Inc., Member FINRA, SIPC, MSRB, FSI. The opinions expressed are those of the author and not those of Portfolio Resources Group, Inc. or its affiliates.