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Is Congress Cutting Social Security

by Barbara Sheridan June 30, 2024

The media in the U.S. is reporting that possible legislation from the House of Representatives could potentially cut Social Security benefits, but, that may not be the full story.

The legislation that the House is looking to pass is bill H.R.5779 – Fiscal Commission Act of 2023.

The Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 is calling for the creation of a 4 person commission that will design a pathway to a balanced budget “at the earliest reasonable date.”

The requirements of this commission will be to “stabilize the debt-to-GDP ratio at or below 100% by the end of the 10-year period”.

As of the 3rd Quarter of 2023, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve that U.S. debt-to-GDP is at 120.13%. Meaning that the U.S. is spending well more than what it is taking in.

Is the Fiscal Commission going to be all Republicans?

The construction of the commission, according to the bill, will consist of “3 individuals from among the members of the Senate, and 1 outside expert”.

The Senate Majority Leader, Charles (Chuck) Schumer, will have the responsibility of selecting all members of the commission.

Yes, this is a Republican bill, but the power and control this bill will create will reside within the confines of the Senate Majority Leader and only that person, which until the next election is going to be a Democrat.

Will this commission begin cutting Social Security benefits?

There is nothing specific within the Act to Social Security nor is there any mention of cuts, cutting or even the word cut throughout the entire bill.

Again, the bill from the House is simply requesting that the Senate Majority Leader hand select 4 individuals to devise a plan on how to bring down the country’s debt.

Are Social Security benefits going to be cut?

According to the Social Security Board of Trustees (SSBT), the Social Security program has enough funding to continue benefits as they are today through at least 2034.

However, the Trustee are also reporting that the program’s operating expenses will increase by 5.42% annually while the payroll tax revenue to fund it will only grow by 3.80% over the next 9 years.

Coupling this issue is the demographics within the United States as the Trustees are also stating that the country’s fertility rate will only be 1.99% going forward.

This means that the current Social Security program is in the death spiral of having more and more people aging into the program while less and less people are taking their place to fund the benefits.

Eventually, when it comes to the Social Security benefits, something has to give as it appears that there just won’t be enough revenue from taxes to continue to paying out the same amounts when it comes to benefits.

But, again, there is nothing in this bill that even suggests that Congress will be cutting Social Security benefits.

IRMAA may be able save the Social Security program.

By law Social Security benefits automatically pay Medicare premiums on a monthly basis.

Medicare also has a tax on income through Medicare’s Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA).

IRMAA is simply a surcharge that is added to a retiree’s Part B and or Part D Premium if they are earning too much income.

Currently, you have to qualify for IRMAA by generating $103,000 in income a year if you are an individual and $206,000 for couples.

The more income you generate after these initial qualifying points the higher the chances that your Medicare premiums increase even higher.

Saving the Social Security program or at least lowering the obligations of the program can literally just come down to changing the IRMAA qualifications.

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Set your own individual borders on your own.

by Steven Woods February 24, 2024

If you are stuck in a relationship that is unhealthy for you, it might look like though your sensations and requirements are never considered. This is due to the fact that the relationship is unhealthy! As a consequence of this, setting individual limits is an outright requirement if you wish to protect both your mental and physical Health. Furthermore, in order to achieve this, it is regularly necessary to acknowledge what it is that you need in order to feel safe and safe, to acknowledge habits that are harmful to your psychological health, and to efficiently communicate these limitations to your partner according to fantastic website.

In order for your partner to treat you with the type of respect and factor to consider that you deserve, it is essential for them to have an understanding of your requirements. As a result of taking this action, you will substantially enhance your understanding of the requirements of behavior and communication that will enable you to experience a sense of Security. The capability to recognize the important Things that make you feel cherished, respected, and valued is an essential part of a healthy relationship. These are the fundamental parts that are needed in order to develop limits that are healthy  according to escorts in Hertfordshire.

For instance, if you feel mentally unsafe as a result of being subjected to constant criticism or yelling, it is essential that you acknowledge this as a border in the relationship you remain in. On the occasion that you acknowledge the value of respectful communication and acknowledge that it is needed, you will have the ability to establish a limit for such behavior within the context of your relationship.

Developing Clear limits needs putting in place company limits on the kinds of behaviors that are acceptable and unacceptable from your partner. This is an essential step in the process of establishing clear borders. The establishment of these boundaries not only offers you with a sense of control over your own life, however they also work as essential guidelines for navigating the complexities of a relationship that is hazardous to you. This description might include a number of various elements, a few of which are individual space, privacy, regard, sincerity, and emotional support.

As soon as these limits have been developed, it is of equivalent importance to effectively communicate them to your partner while you are going through the process of establishing more boundaries. When there is open communication concerning boundaries, both parties have the ability to much better understand each other’s requirements and activates. This is accomplished through using boundaries. Consequently, this contributes to the advancement of an environment that is defined by mutual regard.

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Key Elements of an Effective Emergency Preparedness Plan

by Steven Woods December 18, 2023

Understanding the Importance of Emergency Preparedness

The perplexing and bursty nature of our ever-changing world demands an unwavering focus on Emergency preparedness. The unpredictability of disasters and emergencies looms over us, ready to strike at any given moment. Thus, it becomes paramount for individuals, communities, and nations alike to embrace the necessity of proactive measures in order to effectively respond to and recover from these catastrophic events.

Within this context lies the crux of why emergency preparedness holds such unparalleled significance – it has the power to save lives. By cultivating an acute awareness of potential risks and hazards coupled with a well-devised plan, people are poised to take the necessary steps towards safeguarding not only themselves but also their cherished ones. This might entail diligently stocking emergency kits with essential supplies, familiarizing oneself with designated evacuation routes or comprehending communication protocols tailored specifically for exigent situations. Armed with preparation, individuals can confidently face peril head-on while promptly taking appropriate action; thus amplifying their chances of survival whilst simultaneously diminishing the overall loss inflicted upon humanity’s fragile existence.

Assessing Potential Risks and Hazards

Developing a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan necessitates embarking upon the perplexing journey of assessing potential risks and hazards. Only through unraveling the enigmatic tapestry of these perils can proactive measures be woven to staunch their disruptive influence. Engaging in this mystifying assessment entails unearthing all conceivable hazards that may manifest, ranging from cataclysmic acts of nature such as earthquakes or floods, to man-made calamities like chemical spills or nefarious terrorist attacks.

The inaugural stride towards evaluating potential risks and hazards involves delving into an intricate analysis of the targeted area or organization. This labyrinthine exploration should encompass a meticulous scrutiny of historical data, mining past incidents and their reverberations within the fabric of reality. Additionally, an astute evaluation must be conducted regarding the current milieu and any capricious changes that may have transpired. Furthermore, it is imperative to enlist the sagacity of experts in pertinent domains – whether they wield knowledge in geology, engineering, or Security – so as to ensure a holistic appraisal. Armed with this methodical approach toward scrutinizing potential risks and hazards, communities and organizations shall navigate emergencies with greater aplomb while safeguarding both their constituents’ well-being and employees’ welfare.

Developing a Comprehensive Communication Strategy

Crafting a communication strategy that encompasses the vast realm of emergency preparedness and response is an endeavor of utmost importance. The power of effective communication cannot be underestimated when it comes to disseminating vital information, coordinating collaborative endeavors, and safeguarding the well-being of those impacted by emergencies. A meticulously thought-out strategy must encompass various facets, including the identification of specific target audiences, careful selection of appropriate channels for communication, and artful creation of messages that are both Clear and concise.

The initial phase in constructing a comprehensive communication strategy entails identifying the audiences that warrant our attention. It is paramount to acknowledge and accommodate the diverse needs and peculiarities inherent within different groups – be it residents seeking refuge, valiant emergency responders who selflessly confront adversity head-on or vulnerable populations requiring special consideration. By tailoring our messages in accordance with their unique circumstances, we foster enhanced comprehension levels whilst encouraging active engagement on their part. Furthermore, choosing suitable avenues through which these messages will traverse plays an integral role in effectively reaching said target audiences. Employing a judicious blend comprising conventional media forms like television or radio alongside digital platforms as well as Social media ensures maximum reachability across all fronts.

Lastly but certainly not leastly – for crafting intelligible yet compelling communications during times fraught with tension is imperative – lies the task of generating messages that possess unequivocal clarity while maintaining brevity. By employing plain language devoid of intricate jargon or technical terms that may obfuscate rather than enlighten individuals amidst stressful situations, comprehension becomes effortlessly attainable thus minimizing any potential confusion which might arise.

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How Does Social Security Benefits Work for Married Couples?

by Steven Woods September 24, 2023

When the time to collect social security benefits is inching closer, married couples can sometimes wonder how social security insurance would work for them. It can be a tricky area, especially if there are two very different income levels, or if someone passes, it’s good to understand how the insurance income from social security works and avoid any hiccups that could prevent collecting on social security retirement benefits. 

Work Benefits for Married Couples

Each married person is entitled to their social security benefits based on their own work record and is available to file for when the age of 62 is reached, though waiting beyond early retirement can increase the amount of the social security benefit. Also, a married couple is eligible to collect benefits up to 50% of their spouse, whichever is greater. This is a great help if one spouse is a much higher earner and is known as a “spousal benefit.”

To be clear, both spouses cannot claim both benefits. The Social Security Administration will give you whichever is higher, but not both. If one spouse qualifies for benefits based on their own earning history, the SSA will use your own work records first, but will then use your spouse’s to give the maximum benefit. 

Calculating Spousal Social Security Benefits

Spousal benefits are calculated based on the primary insurance amount, the amount you’re eligible for at the full retirement age (FRA). Depending on your age when you start paying into social security, you can claim 32.5-50% of your spouse’s benefits. If filing at the FRA, you’ll receive 50% maximum, but early retirement at age 62 will give you 32.5%. 

Waiting past the full retirement age can give you delayed retirement credits, this is 8% more of your social security for each year you wait past the FRA, capped at 70 years old. It’s important to note that you cannot earn delayed retirement credits when taking spousal benefits. Also, if you take spousal benefits it won’t affect the benefits your husband or wife receives. SSI benefits are based only on the primary insurance amount and when they’re claimed. 

Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits are social security benefits based on the word record of a spouse who has passed away. To qualify, the couple must have been married for at least ten years or have a child that the surviving spouse is caring for, and is younger than 16 or is disabled. This benefit is similar to claiming the benefits of a living spouse, that you’re able to receive the amount if it is higher than your own social security benefit amount at the time when the spouse passed. 

In order to file for survivor benefits, you must wait until your full retirement age in order to receive the full benefits. If you claim social security benefits from a deceased spouse as soon as you are eligible (age 60) you will only receive 71.5% of the benefits. If you remarry before the age of 60, you won’t be able to collect survivor benefits, but remarrying after the eligibility age won’t affect collecting them. 

Threats to Claiming Your Social Security Benefits

There are mistakes and pitfalls that many people make when filing for spousal social security benefits. Many married couples develop a strategy to ensure they get the most out of their benefits, filing at the right time and claiming the higher earner strategically. When filing as a divorced person or survivor benefits, things can become more tricky, which is why we at Marken Law have dedicated our legal expertise to helping people Secure their SSI benefits. 

Here at Marken Law Group, we have a comprehensive understanding of social security benefits. We understand how stressful benefits can be and don’t want to add to your plate during this potentially stressful time. We have represented hundreds of claimants in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and California to obtain what is rightfully theirs. We focus on your individual needs and bring our extensive experience to help guide you through. 

Getting what you need to live and have what you deserve is too important to leave to chance. Partner with an experienced ally that is by your side from start to finish by having qualified social security lawyers help you through this process to secure your benefits.

Secure Your SSI