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.
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.