Social Security and Retirement: Articles

Social Security

• Understanding Social Security Benefits From the Social Security Administration. Covers Social Security, Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. (Social Security Administration)
  
• Types of Social Security Benefits When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn "credits" toward Social Security benefits. (FindLaw)
• Social Security Retirement Benefits Explains how to qualify for Social Security benefits, how your earnings and age affect your benefits and how to choose your retirement date. (Social Security Administration)
• Claiming Social Security Benefits: When is the Best Time for You? Learn the pros and cons of claiming social security benefits at early retirement age, full retirement age, or later -- and decide which option is best for you. (FindLaw)
• Understanding Your Social Security Benefit Statement It's crucial that you carefully read, check and utilize your Social Security benefits statement. (FindLaw )
• Tips on Filing for Social Security Benefits Although filing for Social Security benefits can be done via phone or the internet, you will more than likely have to make at least one trip in to your local Social Security office. (FindLaw)
• Social Security Disability Benefits From the Social Security Administration. Covers the various kinds of disability benefits available from Social Security. (Social Security Administration)
• Supplemental Security Income (Social Security) Explains what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is, who can get it, and how to sign up for it. (Social Security Administration)
• If You've Been Denied Social Security Benefits The Social Security Administration (SSA) routinely denies over half of the applications it receives, so don't be surprised if your application is denied. (FindLaw)

Retirement Plans

• Early Retirement Withdrawal: Get Your Money Early without a Penalty In some circumstances, an owner may make an early retirement withdrawal from a retirement account or an IRA without a penalty. (FindLaw)
• Glossary - Types of Retirement Plans Defines several types of retirement plans, including 401(k) plans, IRAs, pension plans and more. (FindLaw)
• On-the-Job Benefits Covers ERISA benefits. (The Working Woman's Legal Survival Guide)
• Retirement Plan Rules: Separating Truth from Myth Some common misperceptions about retirement plan rules to help reduce any confusion you may have. (FindLaw)
• When I Retire, How Can I Tap Into My Retirement Fund? Covers defined benefit pensions, 401(k) plans, and IRAs. (FindLaw)

Pensions

• Your Guaranteed Pension PBGC is a federal agency created by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to protect pension benefits in private-sector traditional pension plans known as defined benefit plans. (Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation)
• Publication 939 - General Rule for Pensions and Annuities Gives information to determine tax treatment of pension and annuity income under the General Rule. (Internal Revenue Service)
• Pension And Health Care Coverage...Q&As For Dislocated Workers Focuses on those private sector pension plans where someone, such as a trustee or investment manager, is responsible for investing the plan's assets. (Employee Benefits Security Administration)

Beyond Finances: Other Retirement Issues

• Retirement Planning Tips Planning for retirement is the best way to ensure that you can live comfortably during your golden years. (FindLaw)
• Planning for a Healthy Retirement A healthy retiree is a happy retiree. Here's what you can do now to improve your health in retirement. (FindLaw)
• Top Seven Senior Tax Breaks A list of the top tax deductions for those over 50. (FindLaw)
• Planning Retirement Activities Thinking ahead will help you lead an interesting and rewarding life after retirement. (FindLaw)