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When it comes to something as important as Social Security, it’s good to know you’re getting as much from it as possible.

When it comes to something as important as Social Security, it’s good to know you’re getting as much from it as possible. 

Here are five things to remember:

1. YOUR PAYMENTS WILL BE BIGGER IF YOU WAIT UNTIL YOUR FULL RETIREMENT AGE. 

You can start receiving Social Security payments as soon as you turn 62, but your benefits may be reduced 20 to 30 percent, according to the United States Social Security Administration (SSA). That’s a lot, especially if you expect to spend many years in retirement. You may want to think about working a bit longer or relying on your retirement savings to help cover your living expenses until you can receive full benefits.

2. WHAT’S YOUR ‘FULL RETIREMENT AGE?

This chart from the SSA lists the full retirement age at which you may be entitled to receive full Social Security retirement benefits: 

If you were born in… It’s…
1937 or earlier 65
1938 65 + 2 months
1939 65 + 4 months
1940 65 + 6 months
1941 65 + 8 months
1942 65 + 10 months
1943-1954 66
1955 66 + 2 months
1956 66 + 4 months
1957 66 + 6 months
1958 66 + 8 months
1959 66 + 10 months
1960 or later 67

3. YOU CAN WORK WHILE GETTING SOCIAL SECURITY.

As long as you’re 62, you have the option to take Social Security, says the SSA. The SSA sets yearly earnings limits — if you’re receiving Social Security benefits before your full retirement age and earn more than the limit, your benefit payments will be temporarily lowered based on how much you earn. Say you earn $10,000 over the limit. Your benefits would be reduced by $5,000. If you make $20,000 over the limit, they would be reduced by $10,000.

The good news is that you don’t permanently lose your benefits if they’re reduced. Instead, your payment amount is recalculated so that you receive the withheld money once you’ve reached full retirement age, notes the SSA. It’s another way working in retirement may help stretch out your income over time.

4. YOUR PAYMENTS WON’T START AUTOMATICALLY.

When you’re ready to start receiving monthly benefits, you must apply for them with the SSA. You can do that over the phone (1-800-772-1213), in person, or via the SSA’s online application.

5. YOUR BENEFITS COULD BE TAXED.

Some Social Security beneficiaries end up paying taxes on their benefits, according to the SSA. It all depends on the earnings listed on your income tax return. If you file with more than $25,000 as an individual (or $32,000 jointly), you’ll have to pay federal income taxes on your benefits, according the SSA. The rules for state income taxes vary from state to state.

Bottom line, YOUR PAYMENTS CAN HELP YOUR FAMILY! 

Let’s say your monthly benefits turn out to be more than your spouse’s. It’s a common scenario, especially in families where one spouse paused their career to stay home with the kids. In cases like this, the SSA says your spouse may be eligible for an additional benefit — up to one-half of your full retirement amount.

After you die, your spouse will get your monthly benefit check or hers — whichever is more. And if you have disabled children, kids under age 19, or elderly parents who depend on you for at least half their income, they could receive “survivor benefits,” according to the SSA.

You probably don’t expect an accident to occur. But, if your child throws a ball through a neighbor’s window or you’re held responsible for medical bills after a guest trips and falls in your rented home or apartment, for example, liability coverage may help cover the costs.

Similar to other coverages, limits apply to the amount your insurance policy pays out after a covered loss. Read your policy to understand how much coverage it provides and make sure it fits your needs. Your insurance agent can help you adjust the limits if you decide you may benefit from additional coverage. 

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Kari Eisenacher – Agency Owner

 

As the agency owner of SoCal Insurance & Financial Services, I take pride in assisting Huntington Beach residents in choosing the proper insurance protection to best fit their individual needs. If you are not a resident of Huntington Beach, that’s okay too. As a native Californian, and one who has spent 38 years in the insurance industry, I am very knowledgeable of the California insurance market, and look forward to assisting you as well. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing I have helped someone successfully protect their family, assets and financial future (although, USC football is a very close second #FightOn).

I am fortunate to have a team of three licensed professionals with over 25 years of combined knowledge. These individuals are dedicated to assisting clients in making informed and strategic insurance decisions while at the same time providing an
exceptional customer experience.

Being part of my community and building local relationships is very important to me. I am a proud member of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce serving as one of their ambassadors. Our agency also supports the Allstate Foundation in their quest to end domestic violence through educational resources that aim to assist individuals and/or their families.

When you want to explore options for protecting your home, personal property, or financial future, I’m available to answer your questions. If you’re already a customer, I’m ready to review your coverage so that you can make any necessary adjustments to fit your changing needs. Call me today, I look forward to assisting you.

 

 

 

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Kari Eisenacher – Agency Owner

 

As the agency owner of SoCal Insurance & Financial Services, I take pride in assisting Huntington Beach residents in choosing the proper insurance protection to best fit their individual needs. If you are not a resident of Huntington Beach, that’s okay too. As a native Californian, and one who has spent 38 years in the insurance industry, I am very knowledgeable of the California insurance market, and look forward to assisting you as well. Nothing brings me more joy than knowing I have helped someone successfully protect their family, assets and financial future (although, USC football is a very close second #FightOn).

I am fortunate to have a team of three licensed professionals with over 25 years of combined knowledge. These individuals are dedicated to assisting clients in making informed and strategic insurance decisions while at the same time providing an
exceptional customer experience.

Being part of my community and building local relationships is very important to me. I am a proud member of the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce serving as one of their ambassadors. Our agency also supports the Allstate Foundation in their quest to end domestic violence through educational resources that aim to assist individuals and/or their families.

When you want to explore options for protecting your home, personal property, or financial future, I’m available to answer your questions. If you’re already a customer, I’m ready to review your coverage so that you can make any necessary adjustments to fit your changing needs. Call me today, I look forward to assisting you.