Social Security is an important part of retirement planning for many Americans. If you’re thinking about retiring soon, ...

While choosing the right timing to apply for Social Security retirement benefits can be complicated, the actual process of applying is a lot more straightforward. Profit and prosper with the best of ...

Once you contact the SSA, you’ve established what they call a “protective filing date” and your rights to benefits are guaranteed from that month forward. ImagePixel / Getty Images/iStockphoto ...

I got an email from a woman who had recently filed for widow’s benefits. She was writing to tell me that the process went very smoothly, and her benefits started within weeks of her application. She ...

The rules for collecting spousal benefits depend, in part, on how long you've been married. You can file for spousal benefits based on an ex-spouse's work record as long as you're not married to ...