Work & Retirement

In March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for more than 80 years. Women have longer life expectancies than men, which means they live more years in retirement and have a greater chance of exhausting other sources of income. It’s important for women to plan early and wisely for retirement. ...

Medicare is not free; there are premiums and deductibles. If you don't qualify for Medicaid and can't afford a Medigap policy, you may be able to get help paying for the costs of Medicare. ...

The Inspector General for the Social Security Administration (SSA) has designated March 4, 2021 as National “Slam the Scam” Day—an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of government imposter telephone scams. This is part of National Consumer Protection Week, February 28 – March 6, 2021. Share information about “Slam the Scam” Day with your clients, friends and family. Beat the scammers before they dupe you! ...

All long-term care costs rose sharply in 2020, but assisted living facility costs increased the most, according to an annual Cost of Care Survey. The across-the-board rises were due, in part, to increased costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.  ...

Whether retirement is coming soon or still seems far in the distance, now is a great time to ask questions you may have about Social Security. Brandon P. Smith is a Social Security public affairs specialist with Cleveland's Social Security Administration office who will answer your questions in an upcoming video interview with Boomer editor Marie Elium. Post your questions below through February 20! ...

Let's make tax time a little easier. If you live in the United States and you need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S, simply go online and get an instant, printable replacement form using your personal my Social Security account at ssa.gov/myaccount. A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S is available for the previous tax year. ...

Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter, or other household worker at least $2,300 in 2021? If you pay at least this amount to one person -- including for your household employee’s transportation, meals and housing -- you have some additional financial responsibilities. ...

One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you can do... ...