Boomers who are in their sixties, tune in: The Social Security Administration has finally issued official guidance on the phaseout of two popular claiming strategies, and if you qualify, you need to act quickly.
The agency also issued guidance on the other claiming strategy that is phasing out. The agency confirms that those who were born on January 1, 1954, or earlier still qualify to use the “restricted application” strategy. This strategy allows an eligible beneficiary who is full retirement age to apply for a spousal benefit only, while allowing his own benefit to earn delayed credits.
Also, a spouse born on January 1, 1954, or earlier who takes her own benefit early but becomes eligible for a spousal benefit once her spouse has applied for his benefits won't automatically have to claim the spousal benefit if it's higher. She could choose to wait to bump up to the higher spousal benefit once she turns full retirement age. (Under the rule changes, those born after January 1, 1954, are automatically given the higher of their own or their spousal benefit, once they are eligible for both benefits.)
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
But beware if you are eligible for both strategies: Make sure you don't want to use the restricted application strategy before filing and suspending, because you can't do both. Run your numbers and see which strategy will pay out more before making any move.
-
Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray DivorceSome states automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary on some accounts. Waivers can be used, too. Best not to leave it up to your state, though.
-
What’s the Difference Between a CPA and a Tax Planner?CPAs do the important number crunching for tax preparation and filing, but tax planners look at the big picture and come up with tax-saving strategies.
-
403(b) Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans Teachers and nonprofit workers can contribute more to a 403(b) retirement plan in 2024 than they could in 2023.
-
SEP IRA Contribution Limits for 2024SEP IRA A good option for small business owners, SEP IRAs allow individual annual contributions of as much as $69,000 a year.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2024Roth IRAs Roth IRA contribution limits have gone up for 2024. Here's what you need to know.
-
SIMPLE IRA Contribution Limits for 2024simple IRA The maximum amount workers at small businesses can contribute to a SIMPLE IRA increased by $500 for 2024.
-
457 Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans State and local government workers can contribute more to their 457 plans in 2024 than in 2023.
-
Roth 401(k) Contribution Limits for 2024retirement plans The Roth 401(k) contribution limit for 2024 is increasing, and workers who are 50 and older can save even more.
-
Is a Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?Medicare Advantage plans can provide additional benefits beneficiaries can't get through original Medicare for no or a low monthly premium. But there are downsides to this insurance too.
-
What You Must Know About the Different Parts of MedicareMedicare Medicare can be complicated but we've got you covered. Here is a quick guide to the different benefits provided through each part.
