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Social Security

Stay informed on Social Security updates that affect federal employees and retirees, especially those covered under FERS. Explore news and analysis on Social Security COLAs, benefit calculations, earnings limits, claiming strategies, and policy changes that influence retirement income. Find clear explanations of how Social Security integrates with FERS benefits, the FERS supplement, and long‑term financial planning. Keep up with legislative developments, inflation trends, and key rules that shape Social Security benefits for federal retirees.

Fixing Social Security by Ending it

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithAug 29, 2019 1:32 PM | Updated: Sep 11, 2019 12:57 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Stacks of silver coins surrounding a Social Security card, the top of which is just visible over the stacks of coins

The author says that making Social Security into a welfare program is like fixing a hole in the wall by calling it a window.

The FERS Earnings Test

FedSmith.com author John GrobeBy John GrobeAug 20, 2019 12:23 PM | Updated: Sep 4, 2019 2:01 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Close up of a woman's hands holding a smartphone and working on a calculator as she performs financial calculations while writing notes in a notebook

Are you planning to retire before full Social Security retirement age? Be aware of these earnings tests under FERS.

Tracking the 2020 COLA

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithAug 13, 2019 12:06 PM | Updated: Dec 12, 2020 6:04 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

How is the COLA looking for Social Security recipients in 2020? The latest inflation data provide some insight.

Delayed Benefits Could Expedite Social Security’s Financial Instability

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithJul 24, 2019 9:24 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Two Social Security cards pictured on top of a spreadsheet of numbers

A law passed in the last century threatens the long-term stability of Social Security.

2019 Social Security Trustees Report: Finally Some Good News?

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithMay 4, 2019 8:15 AM | Updated: May 14, 2019 11:18 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Stacks of silver coins surrounding a Social Security card, the top of which is just visible over the stacks of coins

The author discusses the 2019 Social Security trustees report and why it appears to contain good news on the surface.

Social Security, Medicare Projected to Continue Gradual Financial Declines

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithApr 23, 2019 8:47 AM | Updated: May 4, 2019 1:21 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Top portion of a Social Security card against a solid white background

The 2019 Trustees reports show that Medicare and Social Security are viable for now but remain on an unsustainable financial path.

Upcoming Social Security Trustees Report: What’s The Difference Between Bad News and Worse News?

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithApr 21, 2019 3:27 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Two Social Security cards pictured on top of a spreadsheet of numbers

The 2019 Social Security Trustees report is slated for release soon. The author says if there is bad news about the program’s future, now is the time to report it.

CSRS Offset: An Explanation of the Basics

By Ehren ClovisApr 2, 2019 2:00 PM | Updated: Apr 13, 2019 9:18 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Close up of a woman's hand holding a pen as she sits at a desk with an open workbook, calculator, stacks of coins growing in size from left to right, and a jar of coins labeled retirement as she is working on retirement planning

What is CSRS Offset, and what impact does it have on your pension in retirement?

Will Social Security be Gone by the Time I Retire?

FedSmith.com author Brenton SmithBy Brenton SmithMar 20, 2019 2:41 PM Categories Retirement Leave a comment
Social Security card on a table with dice and poker chips

A question younger Americans often ask is, “Will Social Security be there when I retire?” The author explores this scenario and what threats the program faces.

Trying Again to Change Social Security’s COLA Formula

FedSmith.com author Ian SmithBy Ian SmithMar 8, 2019 5:25 AM Categories Retirement Leave a comment

Another attempt is being made in Congress to change the COLA formula for Social Security to pay higher benefits.

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April 17, 2026

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