Jim Palmieri, PhD, is a senior strategic policy advisor at the AARP Public Policy Institute. His areas of expertise include Social Security, retirement, and financial security. Read his full biography.
Given projections concerning the financial health of Social Security, the program is poised to receive attention from policymakers in the near future. Extensive survey and polling research demonstrates that a strong majority of Americans believe Social Security is an important program they view…
Claiming Social Security earlier means more time receiving benefits, but that action will permanently reduce them, which can threaten financial health at older ages.
Representative payees are vital to the well-being of millions of Social Security beneficiaries, and most perform their duties well; nevertheless, the program can be strengthened.