The Daily Retina
SOCIAL Security claimants will get the last round of monthly checks for January tomorrow, ranging from $1,827 to $4,555.
These checks got a significant boost from the 8.7 percent 2023 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
This was the most considerable COLA boost in 40 years, increasing checks on average from $140 to $1,827.
The maximum benefit rose to $4,555 as well.
Social Security benefits are given out on three Wednesdays each month.
Which Wednesday you get your Social Security check depends on your birthday.
If you were born between the first and the 10th, the payment would get to you on the second Wednesday of the month.
After that, those with birthdays between the 11th and 20th get their check on the third Wednesday of the month.
Finally, if your birthday is between the 21st to the 31st check will be deposited on the fourth Wednesday of the month.
HOW MUCH CAN I GET
Social Security payments vary from person to person.
Couples who are both claiming benefits are estimated to get $238 more this year, bringing their new benefit up to $2,972.
Waiting until full retirement age would earn you $3,627 a month.
In comparison, those who retired at 62 would only get $2,572.
Individuals who waited until age 70 to start claiming will see the maximum benefit of $4,555.
PAYOUTS AND RETIREMENT AGE
The exact benefit you’ll get depends on the age you retired.
Waiting until your full retirement age (FRA) would entitle you to full benefits – but that age varies depending on your birth year.
If you disregard your FRA and delay claiming until you’re 70, your benefit amount will increase.
The following is a breakdown of FRAs:
- Birth year: 1943-1954. FRA: 66
- Birth year: 1955. FRA: 66 and two months
- Birth year: 1956. FRA: 66 and four months
- Birth year: 1957. FRA: 66 and six months
- Birth year: 1958. FRA: 66 and eight months
- Birth year: 1959. FRA: 66 and 10 months
- Birth year: 1960 and later. FRA: 67
Claiming early will reduce your benefit significantly in some cases.
For example, someone born in 1960 who started claiming at 62 would lose $700 of their total benefit.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND TAXES
No good deed goes unpunished, and that’s the case with boosted payments.
Unfortunately, more money means many recipients will be taxed more heavily than before.
Social Security benefits can be taxes for those who have other supplemental income, such as folks who are still working or receive income through investment dividends.
Those making more than $25,000 could have 50 percent of their benefits taxed.
That amount goes up to 85 percent for those making more than $34,000.
Marries couples making more than $32,000 can expect 50 percent of their benefits to be taxed.
That rises to 85 percent for couples making more than $44,000.
Tax season is quickly approaching, and there’s a chance millions will face delayed returns even if they file early.
However, there is a quick change you can make to speed up the process.
Source: The US Sun