Social Security for Dummies

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

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.

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

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.