Social Security For Dummies

by Jonathan Peterson

Overview

Get the Social Security benefits you've earned

In the newly updated Social Security For Dummies, you'll find all the basics on Social Security, plus the latest updates and changes, so that you can make the most of your benefits. With clear jargon-free language and instructions, you'll figure out when to start taking your benefits, based on your unique situation and goals. This bestseller simplifies the complex Social Security system, a cornerstone of many people's retirement budgets. Social Security For Dummies will arm you with the knowledge you need to maximize your financial well-being.

• Get a comprehensive guide to the foundations of Social Security
• Understand your benefits and prepare your long-term financial plan
• Learn the latest benefits and find guidance on updated policies
• Determine the best time to apply for Social Security

Whether you're gearing up for retirement, already in the Social Security groove, or helping a loved one navigate the benefits maze, this book is your golden ticket to financial peace of mind.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781394267903
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	09/24/2024
Edition description:	5th ed.
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	383,658
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Jonathan Peterson is a former executive communications director at AARP and an award-winning journalist. His interest in Social Security began when he covered the political debate that led to major reforms in 1983. He is a former economics and politics correspondent for the Los Angeles Times.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Social Security 5

Chapter 1: What Social Security Is and Why You Need It 7

Chapter 2: A Breakdown of Benefits 19

Chapter 3: Deciding When to Start Collecting Retirement Benefits 39

Chapter 4: Protecting Your Number and Securing Your Card 57

Part 2: Taking the Plunge: Filing for Social Security 73

Chapter 5: Signing Up for Benefits 75

Chapter 6: Determining How Much You’ve Earned 89

Chapter 7: Navigating the System 99

Chapter 8: When You and Social Security Disagree: The Appeals Process 123

Part 3: Who Benefits and When 141

Chapter 9: Spousal Benefits: Watching Out for Each Other 143

Chapter 10: Family Benefits: Who Gets What 157

Chapter 11: When You Can’t Work: Social Security Disability Benefits 173

Part 4: Social Security and Your Future 197

Chapter 12: Enrolling in Medicare 199

Chapter 13: Working in “Retirement” 221

Chapter 14: Shaping a Financial Future You Can Live With 241

Part 5: The Part of Tens 253

Chapter 15: Ten Myths about Social Security 255

Chapter 16: Ten Reasons Young People Should Care about Social Security 265

Chapter 17: Ten Choices Facing the Country about the Future of Social Security 273

Part 6: Appendixes 281

Appendix A: Glossary 283

Appendix B: Resources 291

Appendix C: Strengthening Social Security 297

Index 301