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.

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.

Deciding on the right Medicare coverage means first figuring out whether to go with original Medicare plus a Medigap supplemental policy and a Part D plan, or with a Medicare Advantage and Part D plan. After that, you can determine which offerings to enroll in.

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.

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

With concerns over Social Security high, seniors may benefit by supplementing their income with one of these options.

Question: I’m 62 and worried about Social Security’s future, especially given that it is projected to pay me less than I expected in just a few years. Should I take it early? Answer: This is a question that financial planners often get,