What You Need to Know About the New Social Security Changes
Massive changes at the Social Security Administration are raising red flags among retirees and those nearing retirement. Between field office closures, staff cuts, and scaled-back phone service, seniors are facing longer wait times, tougher verification steps, and growing anxiety about when their benefits will arrive.
Among all groups, some 41.7% of U.S. households rely on Social Security for 50% or more of the households' income. That's no small number
The recent changes have led to a surge in questions, many directed at Yahoo! financial columnist Kerry Hannon, who recently fielded thousands of reader concerns about everything from benefit timing to tax strategies. At the heart of it all is uncertainty: When will my check arrive? Should I file early? Is the system stable?
One major worry is customer service. 'Where I live, the closest Social Security office is a four-hour drive,' one reader wrote. Others described endless wait times on SSA's 800 number, an issue exacerbated by a 25% spike in call volume in April. In some areas, it's not just inconvenient—it's unworkable.
Field office closures and an estimated 7,000 job cuts are only making matters worse. Experts warn these reductions will likely lead to even longer delays and more frustration, especially for those who rely on in-person help.
Meanwhile, financial planning questions continue to dominate retirement discussions. Many Americans are still opting to claim benefits at age 62—not because it's the best financial move, but because they simply don't have a choice. Age discrimination, job loss, and lack of savings are forcing early retirements. The result? Smaller monthly checks and limited options.
For those able to delay, the benefits can be significant amounting to up to 8% more per year by waiting until age 70. But as one reader put it bluntly, 'Most of us don't have the luxury to wait.'
Between system strain and growing demand, the outlook remains cloudy. The best advice for now: plan early, stay informed, and be ready for delays.
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