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HelpWithMySocialSecurity.com is a blog intended to give you information on Social Security topics. Neither the blog, nor Jim Saulnier and Associates, LLC, are in any way approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Social Security Administration.
Jim Saulnier and Associates, LLC is a retirement planning firm that can assist you with your Social Security concerns.

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IRMAA Brackets and QLACs
A reader wonders whether their lower 2024 income will automatically reduce their 2026 IRMAA surcharge (even though it doesn’t qualify for an SSA-44) or whether they must contact the Social Security Administration. “My 2024 income decreased, not for any of the reasons listed on the SSA-44 form. I simply didn’t do Roth conversions in 2024. Will the Social Security Administration automatically reduce my 2026 IRMAA surcharges, or do I need to contact them? My 2024 MAGI qualif

Chris Stein, CFP®
6 minutes ago3 min read


Coordinating Spousal Benefits
A reader from Texas asks when his spouse can file for her spousal Social Security benefit after he submitted his own application. “I will turn 70 in March 2026, so I applied online in November 2025 for my Social Security retirement benefit to start next March. I want to maximize my delayed retirement credits and benefit from the 24% growth on the principal that funds my future payments. I have left enough time for Social Security to review and approve my application. Here

Chris Stein, CFP®
Dec 12, 20253 min read


Delayed Retirement Credits
A reader from Pennsylvania asks about how delayed retirement credits are calculated based on specific months, and what to consider when not claiming exactly at one's Full Retirement Age (FRA) or at age 70. "My friend, who is married filing jointly, hits his FRA in March 2026, at 66 years 10 months. He was going to claim at FRA, but now wants to delay to stay around AGI $150K for 2026 to get the entire senior bonus exemption/deduction. I've heard Chris say that when not claim

Chris Stein, CFP®
Nov 21, 20255 min read


Survivor Benefits with Missing ex-Spouse
A reader asks how to qualify for survivor benefits if her ex-husband has been missing for seven years. “I am currently 63 and plan on...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Apr 25, 20254 min read


Exploring Spousal Benefits
A reader from Colorado asks how spousal benefits are calculated when one spouse took Social Security early, and the other has a Colorado...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Apr 11, 20254 min read


Correcting Social Security Records
A reader from Colorado asks about fixing gaps in her Social Security record. "I was shocked to find my ex-husband did not file Social...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Mar 27, 20254 min read


Spousal Benefits and Inflation
A reader from Ohio asks how inflation adjustments apply when a reduced Social Security benefit converts to a spousal benefit. “If my...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Mar 7, 20253 min read


Applying for Child in Care Benefits
A reader from California wonders if his wife is eligible for Social Security while taking care of an adult disabled child if the reader...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Dec 6, 20244 min read


Dual Citizenship and Benefit Payments
A reader from Michigan asks if dual citizenship will affect Social Security benefits. "Can I continue to receive my Social Security...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Nov 22, 20243 min read


Survivor Benefits Under Special Circumstances
A reader from Illinois asks for advice on filing Social Security survivor benefits when the deceased spouse passed away before Full...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Oct 24, 20246 min read


Do Stock Options Count Towards Social Security Earnings?
A reader from Washington wonders if stock options should be counted toward earnings when considering Social Security. “My husband retired...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Jan 26, 20244 min read


Social Security Voluntary Suspension of Benefits
A reader from Colorado looks for clarification on the law regarding voluntary suspension of benefits. "I read the article "Delaying Your...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Nov 3, 20234 min read


The Social Security Earnings Limit For Self Employed Individuals
A reader from Texas looks for clarification on the rules surrounding the Social Security earnings limit for self-employed people. "My...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Jul 28, 20236 min read


Social Security COLAs For Ages 60-62
A reader from Michigan wonders about Social Security COLAs for ages 60-62 in high inflationary environments. "I was born in 1961, so my...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Sep 9, 20225 min read


Backdating Social Security Benefits
A reader from Washington State would like some clarity on backdating her Social Security benefits. “I am 70. I filed for Social Security...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Jul 1, 20226 min read


Estimated Monthly Benefits
A reader from Arizona has some questions about his estimated monthly benefits from Social Security. “I retired in mid-2019 and turned 67...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Jun 12, 20204 min read


Child-In-Care Spousal Benefits: Can I Still Work?
A reader from Florida would like to know if she can still work if she files for child-in-care spousal benefits. “If I file for...

Chris Stein, CFP®
May 26, 20202 min read


Divorced Spousal Benefit: What If My Ex Hasn’t Claimed Benefits?
A reader asks about her Social Security divorced spousal benefit if her ex-spouse has not yet claimed his benefits but is turning 62....

Chris Stein, CFP®
Apr 23, 20203 min read


What if Social Security Made an Error?
A reader would like advice on what to do if Social Security has made an error and they don’t seem to be fixing it. “I found an error that...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Apr 9, 20203 min read


Separated but Filing for Divorce at the End of the 10-Year Mark
A reader asks about the Social Security rule of reaching your marital 10-year mark for divorced spouse benefits: if you’ve been separated...

Chris Stein, CFP®
Mar 26, 20202 min read
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