Q. I receive a significant pension from work I have done outside of Social Security. I have not worked enough hours under Social Security to receive a benefit based on my work record. My spouse is

The consolation prize retirees received from the One Big Beautiful Bill is arguably a bigger win than ending the tax on benefits.

The agency, which serves 73 million beneficiaries, has struggled to improve customer service amid cutbacks, long wait times and a crashing website.

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.

Choosing the right Medicare coverage, deciding whether to buy a long-term-care insurance policy and determining when to claim Social Security retirement benefits are among the most complicated financial decisions older adults need to make.

Let's assume that you worked for at least 35 years in jobs that are eligible for Social Security and you wait until age 70 to claim benefits. What salary do you need to make to receive the maximum benefit payment? The magic number is $176,100 -- for now.

As Social Security faces potential reforms, understanding the implications is crucial for your retirement planning. From projected trust fund depletion to possible changes in benefits and taxes, staying informed can help you make strategic financial decisions.

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.