Social Security for Dummies

by Jonathan Peterson

Get the benefits you've earned

Social Security For Dummies is the one guide you need to navigate the often-complex world of Social Security retirement benefits. This updated edition offers clear guidance on when to claim benefits, how much you can expect to receive, where to find Social Security calculators, and so much more.

Since its inception in the 1930s, workers across the United States have set aside a portion of their wages to fund the Social Security Administration. For many, Social Security forms the foundation for their retirement funds. Social Security For Dummies provides you with all the information you need to take charge of your retirement, maximize your financial well-being, and successfully navigate the U.S. Social Security Administration. You'll get up-to-date information to:

Make your way around the Social Security website Know your Social Security options--including retirement, survivor, spousal, and disability benefits Find resources when you're stumped Get answers to common questions Retirement is meant to be enjoyed, and Social Security For Dummies makes it easier.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Social Science, Money, Disability

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2012

Reviews

[Doug · Rating 2 out of 5]

A bit of a snore, I wanted to check it out way before retirement to see if I needed to know anything. Reading this book did not help, SS is complicated and I would just research it as you prepare to use it. So if you are about to retire read this book, if not, wait until.

[Sherry Tamone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This gave me a bit of insight about social security and when to take it in retirement. It was very confusing in some parts and I needed to read and reread sections on spousal benefits. Anyway, I am just trying to get an idea of how this system works

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info to demystify the Social Security system and how to work within the system to make sure you are getting your maximum benefits.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a lot of information in this book. I listened to this book digitally and I think it would be better to have the hard copy because you will want to take notes and that is more difficult when you are working outside listening to the book. The book would be more helpful if it provided more concrete suggestions. Most of the book seems to be a referral to go "read up" on the information you need at the SSA website or referrals to other people or books. While I understand that it would be onerous to have "everything you need to know about social security" in one book....that's kind of the point of reading a book like "Social Security for Dummies"....the title might more accurately be "Some information about Social Security and where to find more information for Dummies"

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Will need updated birth certificate to apply.
Based on birthdays is when you will receive your monthly social security allotment.

Sign up for Part A. (hospitalization)
Only sign up for Part B if you have no other insurance. (doctor visits)
In order to get Part C (not sure what it is for) you need to have signed up for both A and B
Part D is for prescriptions.
Your social security will be reduced by $2 for every 1$ you earn OVER $18K
This part is confusing as the numbers all change depending on your age and current rules.

Raised more questions than answers.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the appropriate sections of this book for me and reading the entire book is not a necessity.

This book has some great tips and advice for understanding Social Security and when to begin drawing on Social Security provided it is still solvent when one reaches Full Retirement Age.

I definitely recommend this book.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real good look on how Social Security works and when to claim benefits. A good read for anybody that is receiving benefits.

[Lewis Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good, need to know, information on Social Security, with a few tid-bits about Medicare.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful. I read the 2018 edition. The laws changed for 2019. still, helpful

[Kim Zinkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful information for retirees.

[Philip · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book answered my questions.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good reference material for those of us nearing retirement age.

[Steve Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Z

[Rick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading if you´re getting close to deciding on whether to start taking at and/or any other questions you might have about the topic.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[Hunter McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly presented and useful.

[Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most information you need in one place

But all the information here can be found online if you look for it. This book is useful, but simply because most information you need is in one place.

I haven’t read any of the many other books on this same subject, but I suspect they are similar. They may be better or worse than this one.

[Bob Mendelsohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A detailed, play-by-play catalog of how-to's in the US Social security system. I am owing to my friend Michael Minns for his sending this to me, and appreciate all the facts in one handy place.

[Susan C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good info!

[David Carlson · Rating 3 out of 5]

No plans to retire, just long range planning.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry material but very informative.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe it's good info - I learned things about SS I will need to know soon.

[Gail Gibbs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked out four or five library books on retirement social security. This was the easiest to understand.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lived up to its title: info was very basic and minimally useful.

[Rosanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely helpful basic information about both Social Security and Medicare, with many helpful links to additional information.

[Karen Ng · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been reading retirement and investment books before I decided on an early retirement last year. This is one of the better ones. Very thorough and easy to understand.

[Nora Olmo]

a lot of conflicting information....

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good information. A few of the URLs (Internet links) are out-of-date, but SSA's search window will quickly get you to the right place.