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 55 Part 2: Taking the Plunge: Filing for Social Security 71 Chapter 5: Signing Up for Benefits 73 Chapter 6: Determining How Much You've Earned 87 Chapter 7: Navigating the System 97 Chapter 8: When You and Social Security Disagree: The Appeals Process 121 Part 3: Who Benefits and When 139 Chapter 9: Spousal Benefits: Watching Out for Each Other 141 Chapter 10: Family Benefits: Who Gets What 155 Chapter 11: When You Can't Work: Social Security Disability Benefits 171 Part 4: Social Security and Your Future 195 Chapter 12: Enrolling in Medicare 197 Chapter 13: Working in "Retirement" 219 Chapter 14: Shaping a Financial Future You Can Live With 239 Part 5: The Part of Tens 251 Chapter 15: Ten Myths about Social Security 253 Chapter 16: Ten Reasons Young People Should Care about Social Security 263 Chapter 17: (Almost) Ten Choices Facing the Country about the Future of Social Security 271 Part 6: Appendixes 279 Appendix A: Glossary 281 Appendix B: Resources 289 Appendix C: Strengthening Social Security 295 Index 299 Biographical Note: 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 in Washington that led to major reforms in 1983. He is a former Washington correspondent for the Los Angeles Times. Jacket Description/Back: Claim the benefits you've earned--and avoid costly mistakes Get a handle on the complicated Social Security system and make the most of your benefits with this revised edition of a trusted favorite. In this book, you'll get clear, jargon-free explanations of how Social Security works and how you can use it in your own unique situation to achieve your goals. Whether you're gearing up for retirement, helping a loved one navigate theirs, or still contributing and building your own future, you'll find what you need in this bestselling favorite! Inside... Discover the best age to claim benefits Find out if divorce affects your benefits Learn how benefits are taxed Apply for benefits like a pro Navigate the Social Security website Plan your retirement Fully understand your benefits Avoid unnecessary surprises Publisher Marketing: 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. Author: Peterson, JonathanPublisher: For DummiesBinding: PaperbackPub Date: 2024-09-24BISAC: Business & Economics / Personal Finance / Retirement Planning|Business & Economics / Government & Business|Political Science / Public Policy / Social SecuritySubjects: United States|Retirement|Planning|Old age pensions|Social security|Informational works|Handbooks and manualsWeight: 1.02 lbsISBN: 9781394267903ASIN: -SKU: SP-9781394267903
