America’s retirees overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Maybe your first job was at minimum wage. Maybe it was less, but you persisted. You grew and contributed. Yet after a lifetime of service, seniors often find themselves struggling. Retirees feel the financial squeeze. It is important that you get the most from Social Security.
It’s no surprise that many retirees don’t receive the benefits they deserve. The Social Security system is complex. No two households or individuals are exactly alike. Through no fault of your own, you may receive lower benefits than you have earned.
Social Security Tips
Report Door offers six ways to maximize Social Security benefits. Much of the advice seems quite simple on its face. Yet it is easy to miss basics while lost in numbers and forms.
The most important advice offered is to consult with a financial advisor. This is one that many retirees miss. True, the Social Security Administration has forms to walk you through the process. Maybe you even spoke with an SSA representative.
But these tools are not designed specifically for you. Representatives can be under-trained or simply too busy to look into every detail. Sometimes, they make mistakes. Those mistakes can cost you thousands. It’s never too late to speak with a retirement advisor who will work with you. It is important to get a second opinion and a fresh set of eyes on your finances.
From there, retirees often discover new options. For instance, you may consider suspending benefits under certain circumstances. Survivor benefits can likewise affect how you approach your current benefit claim.
It is important to ensure that you receive every benefit you have earned. And yet – with even with benefits maximized – many of America’s seniors find themselves cash-strapped.
Next Steps for Retired Americans
The Guaranteed 3% COLA for Seniors Act is one critical way for Congress to help America’s retirees. Current cost-of-living adjustments are decided annually. Yet, they fall short of actual cost of living increases.
A permanent, 3% increase would treat seniors with the fairness they have earned. With recent low or missing COLAs over recent years, this legislation should be retroactive to 2010. This will compensate seniors for the low or missing COLAs they have endured.
If you agree to a permanent, 3% COLA, it’s easy to make your voice heard. Sign our Benefit Reimbursement Petition to Congress. Help NORA lead the way to fair financial treatment for America’s seniors!
NORA leads the fight for a permanent 3% COLA for seniors. Help us spread the word while by following us at Twitter and Facebook!
