Foundation O ers Peace of Mind to Seniors social security update
A fter receiving some contradic- tory guidance from Social Secu- rity Administration (SSA) staff members, Marla O. approached our telephone service with several critical questions about retirement. One of her concerns dealt with the confus- ing process of voluntarily suspending benefits and allowing delayed retire- ment credits to augment her monthly benefits. One of our founding AMAC Foundation Social Security Advisor Service staff members, Sharon Kleczka, addressed all her basic questions about when and how to file, including the effect of her income level on Medicare premi- ums and how to handle income-tax withholding on her benefits. On the more complex issue of suspending benefits, Sharon researched the SSA’s detailed operating documentation and explained the relevant rules covering the process for stopping and restart- ing her benefits later. Afterward, she provided a copy via email for her use in approaching SSA’s field office. Marla
responded with a sincere thank you to the AMAC organization and to Sharon personally, acknowledging her patience as well as the extraordinary effort put into answering her questions thor- oughly and providing the documenta- tion to support the correct answer to the file-and-suspend matter. Launched in 2016, the AMAC Foun- dation Social Security Advisory has now responded to over 30,000 calls for assistance—calls from people desperate for guidance as they navi- gate the complexity of our country’s Social Security system. Often, those who contact our service are frus- trated by their inability to obtain clear and understandable answers to basic questions about the options available and the impact of the decisions they must make. Our trained and accred- ited Advisors welcome these interac- tions, offering first a compassionate ear to exasperated callers, followed by a careful analysis of their situation and a well-constructed explanation of the
guidelines embedded in this massive senior benefits program. All of us on the Advisory Staff are committed to meeting the needs of those who contact us, and the feedback we receive—100 percent of our callers express appreciation— tells us those we serve are well satisfied with our service. We aim for an immediate or less-than- 24-hour turnaround, something that distinguishes us from other organiza- tions serving the public. Even more tell- ing is the fact that nearly all of those we help (98 percent) indicate they’d recommend our service to others. You retired. This is your time. Enjoy it. Be confident with the answers you receive by giving AMAC’s nonprofit organization, AMAC Foundation, a call so you can be assured that the Social Security decisions you make are correct for your situation.
Gerry Hafer Social Security Advisor
supporting & educating america’s seniors
you can help build the foundation! Learn more at amac.us/Foundation The AMAC Foundation plays a vital role in helping build the services that will enrich the lives of America’s seniors.
e AMAC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonpro t organization. Your donation is tax deductible as allowable by law.
46 • AMAC Magazine
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