4 Social Security Changes Coming in 2011

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Make the politicians that have been in office for more than a decade and became millioneers at the tax payers expense give all there I'll begotten gains pay it back into the Social Security funds. Then take there forever retirement pay from the Federal Government away and make them live on Social Security like the people that have paid into all there lives. I believe that the Social Security Admin. would then not have a shortfall of funds. It would also save the Federal deficit !

Darwin Fojtik Jr. of TX 4:38PM January 29, 2011

Ozark Ellie,
You must be kidding......
Al Gore cast the vote that cost me my fully paid for social security, as well as my widow's benefit from my husband....And who has denied us a COLA on what we do receive for the past two years.
Can't wait to get them out of the White House.....

flcookie of FL 7:59AM January 29, 2011

Have an idea how to help pay down national debt and save Social Security. Each taxpayer can be assessed $10 (or other amount) and be offered additional opportunity to contribute more up to a maximum to reduce taxable income. Perhaps a drawing could take place to award one or more taxpayers an amount of money from the proceeds. Otherwise, the money will go to pay down the debt.

OZARK ELLIE of MO 1:05PM January 28, 2011

Worked as a secretary in California for 25+ years. Retired in Branson, Missouri. I am 70 years old. My Social Security income allows me to pay for a 2-bedroom apartment, with Internet connection and washer and dryer included, and support my disabled granddaughter. I pay about $1100 a year for Medicare/Anthem Advantage Plan, which includes no co-pay drug coverage. I paid into Social Security since 1959 and now, because of fairly good health, have not had many medical bills (thank you God) yet. I am not getting Social Security of Medicare "for free." I paid for it. Is that what "entitlement" means? That I'm "entitled" to it? Folks, keep your hands off my Social Security. And, given the blogs I read, learn to spell and use understandable English! Or was it too expensive for you to go to school? Vote Democratic. Might help.

Ozark Ellie of MO 12:50PM January 28, 2011

Back in 1989 - 1990 I've notice on my social security annual report I'm missing the amount of money taken from social security
however,do I need to make appointment at my local office? I wish to retire 12/11 or by 12/12.

dianne henderson of NY 12:39PM January 28, 2011

Question:
While at age 64 I am currently receiving SS monthly benefits. If I am offered a full time job can I just suspend my SS payments I have already received in the last 10 months and not have to pay the government back. Then later on apply for SS benefits when my job is finished. ?? Right now I have a part time job but can only earn 14160 a year.
Anyone know if this is possible??
Thanks

James Singley 10:13PM January 24, 2011

Since the social security benefit is tiered - those at lower average monthly earnings levels over 35 years getting a far greater return per $1 contributed than those at the upper end, it is really a welfare system. [The tiers are 90%, 32% and 15%.] In addition, the higher income recipients generally are paying income tax on 85% of their ss benefits Also, higher income people continuing to do some work post retirement get little or no additional benefits despite paying in substantial additional social security and medicare tax. My point is that social security is already heavily "means" tested.

Jerome of OH 1:46PM January 23, 2011

"Am I reading correctly that no one can return the benefits amounts beginning in 2011?"
I think that is correct and I certainly hope so! That was a scam on the system that never should have been allowed. In addition to the interest free loan, it also was of benefit to anyone doing that who happened to die before age 70.

Jake of OH 1:38PM January 23, 2011

Yeah Jim, that sounds like a brilliant idea, let's give it to the private sector, so that they can invest it in sub-prime and lose it all in a housing bubble.
Your ideas are about as valuable as stock in Washington Mutual.

David of CA 8:55PM January 21, 2011

I'm 77 & spouse is 79. Thru the years, our payments to SSA + our employers' payments equal $134,951. To date, we have received $361,532 O.K. If we could have invested both our & employers SSA payments at 6% compounded & guaranteed rate, we would have run-out of money this year (w/payouts the same as SSA's). As it is, if we live to 100, we will have received over $ 1.3M (10 x what was put into the SSA fund by us and employers). What's your problem?

Fred W of CA 6:37PM January 21, 2011