• Did you know?

    Less than 4% of Social Security beneficiaries receive all the benefits they are entitled to.

  • Fact or Myth? Social Security will soon be gone.

    Myth. Social Security is a pay-as-you-go program. The payroll taxes being paid by workers today are used to pay for the benefits of current retirees.

  • Program Insights:

    Social Security has played a significant role in reducing poverty among the elderly. Before Social Security, over half of America's elderly lived in poverty. Today, less than 10% of the elderly live in poverty- largely due to Social Security benefits.

What is a Registered Social Security Analyst? (RSSA)

A RSSAs are an elite group of advisors trained to help Americans maximize their Social Security benefits. Registered Social Security Analysts have studied the complex laws and rules of Social Security – and have passed the national RSSA Competency Exam administered by the National Association of Registered Social Security Analysts. RSSAs provide benefit estimates by taking into consideration historical earnings, future assumptions, and conditions provided by the user to determine optimal Social Security benefit claiming dates and strategies.

RSSAs can help their clients receive tens of thousands of dollars or more in additional Social Security benefits. RSSAs are well-equipped to guide individuals through the complex considerations in their claiming strategies, providing advice and comfort. RSSAs help individuals and couples understand how to make decisions about when to retire, how to claim spousal benefits, and how to navigate Social Security regulations to maximize their benefits.

How it works:

  • 1: Introduction and Assessment of Needs

    The meeting will start with introductions and a discussion of your current situation and what you hope to achieve from the consultation. I will ask questions about your work history, health status, financial situation, and retirement goals to assess your needs.

  • 2: Education on Social Security Options

    I will provide detailed information about the various social security benefits you may be eligible for, such as retirement, disability, survivor benefits, and Medicare. I will explain how these benefits work, eligibility requirements, and the impact of different choices on your benefits.

  • 3: Analysis of Your Specific Situation

    Using the information gathered, I will project your social security benefits under various scenarios and analyze the implications of different claiming strategies by using RSSA Roadmap Software.

  • 4: Recommendations and Strategy Development

    Based on the analysis, I will recommend strategies that align with your financial goals and needs. I will help you understand the pros and cons of each option, including the optimal time to start taking benefits to maximize your lifetime benefits.

  • 5: Implementation Guidance & Concerns

    Once a strategy is decided, I will guide you on how to implement it, including when and how to apply for social security benefits. I will provide instructions on the necessary paperwork and deadlines.

  • 6: Ongoing Support and Follow-up

    For my clients, I offer ongoing support and follow-up meetings to adjust your strategy as your circumstances change or as new laws and regulations affect social security benefits.

Imagine someone who has worked tirelessly for decades, contributing to Social Security with each paycheck, looking forward to the day they can retire and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Now, picture this individual as they begin the journey of retirement, only to find the path is more complex and less clear than they ever anticipated. Surprisingly, less than 4% of retirees manage to claim all the Social Security benefits they deserve. Why is this the case? The answer lies in the complexity of Social Security itself and the lack of comprehensive guidance provided to retirees. Unfortunately, the government, stewards of this program, fall short in educating individuals about their full range of options. Therefore, most seniors, unaware of these options & strategies, miss out on maximizing their benefits. It’s almost as if Social Security claiming strategies could be deemed one of their best-kept secrets.

After spending a lifetime contributing to the system, isn't it only fair that they get the most out of it?

This is where my role as a Social Security Analysts becomes vital. I bridge this gap to ensure that retirees receive every penny they’re entitled to. In essence, I don’t just offer a service; I provide clarity and fairness, ensuring that the dedication of a lifetime’s work is fully honored in retirement. By filling this void in the market, I help turn the complex process of claiming Social Security benefits into a clear and navigable journey.

✔ Expert Knowledge

RSSAs possess in-depth knowledge of the Social Security system, including its various rules, regulations, and strategies. This expertise ensures that you are getting accurate and comprehensive advice tailored to your specific situation.

✔ Maximized Benefits

An RSSA can help identify the optimal time and method for you to claim Social Security benefits, potentially increasing your lifetime benefits. This can mean a difference of thousands of dollars over time.

✔ Customized Planning

Every individual’s financial and life situation is unique. RSSAs provide personalized planning and analysis to align with your overall retirement goals, considering factors like your health, marital status, life expectancy, and financial needs.

✔ Avoiding Mistakes

The complexity of Social Security rules can lead to costly mistakes when claiming benefits. An RSSA can help avoid common pitfalls, such as claiming benefits too early or not coordinating benefits with your spouse effectively.

✔ Peace of Mind

Navigating the Social Security system can be stressful and confusing. Hiring an RSSA can provide peace of mind knowing that a professional is guiding you through the process, helping to make informed decisions and reducing anxiety about retirement planning.

✔ Ongoing Support

As laws and personal circumstances change, an RSSA can offer ongoing advice and support, helping to adjust your strategy as needed to ensure continued optimization of your Social Security benefits.

Types of Benefits

  • Retirees can begin claiming benefits between age 62 and 70. Your social security is based on earnings on which Social Security tax was paid, and generally have achieved 40 or more quarters of coverage.

  • Spousal benefits are based on the other spouse’s earnings record. One spouse must be collecting their own retirement or disability benefit for the other spouse to collect a spousal benefit. The maximum is 50% of the other spouse’s PIA if the spouse collecting is FRA or older. The benefit is reduced if collected prior to FRA. When eligible for multiple benefits, only the higher amount is paid. These benefits may also apply for divorced spouses.

  • Benefits are paid to the surviving spouse of a deceased worker based on the earnings of the deceased. Generally, the survivor is entitled to receive the amount the deceased worker was collecting if the survivor files at FRA or older. The survivor can elect to start benefits as early as age 60 at a reduced amount. Survivor benefits do not increase if collected after the FRA of the surviving spouse. These benefits may also apply for divorced spouses.

  • Spousal and survivor benefits may be available for a spouse who is caring for a minor or disabled child, subject to earnings limits and age restrictions.

    Surviving dependents of an eligible worker may be entitled survivor benefits up to 75% of the deceased worker’s PIA. These dependents include biological or adopted children, stepchildren, or dependent grandchildren. The child must be unmarried and may qualify if they are younger than 18, or up to age 19 if still in high school, or over age 18 if disabled prior to age 22. Dependent parents may also be eligible for survivor benefits if they receive the majority of their financial support from the worker.

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides assistance to people with disabilities. The application for disability benefits requires a complete history of the applicant’s medical and work history. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs provide assistance to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits, or people age 65 and older who meet the financial qualifications.