Answer: Social Security was designed as insurance for those who could no longer work, and a retirement earnings test has been a part of the system from its creation in 1935. Back then, the test was all-or-nothing: Any earned income would preclude your getting a benefit.

If you received more money than you were entitled to through Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and haven’t arranged a repayment plan, your benefits could be reduced by half starting this month. This applies even if the overpayment wasn’t your fault.

However, the latest report by the Social Security Trustees makes it abundantly clear that benefit cuts may soon be on the table. In the coming years, Social Security won't collect enough payroll tax revenue to keep up with its financial obligations due to a shrinking workforce.

When you've spent four decades or more in the workforce, it's understandable to be drawn to the idea of claiming those monthly checks at 62.

Deciding on the right Medicare coverage means first figuring out whether to go with original Medicare plus a Medigap supplemental policy and a Part D plan, or with a Medicare Advantage and Part D plan. After that, you can determine which offerings to enroll in.

The Social Security Board of Trustees Just Updated Its 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) Forecast. Here's How Much Your Benefits Could Increase. The Board of Trustees thinks retirees will get a bigger bump in 2026 than it thought a year ago.

With concerns over Social Security high, seniors may benefit by supplementing their income with one of these options.

The same approach could work again: thoughtful, phased reforms that maintain the program’s core protections. Ideas on the table include lifting the payroll tax cap (currently $176,100), gradually raising the 6.2% FICA rate, or making more forms of compensation subject to payroll taxes—similar to how TSP contributions are treated.

The second round of Social Security payments for the month of July are headed out. Here's when you can expect your check.