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, Disability, Money

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 12, 2012

Reviews

[Doug]

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]

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]

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]

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"

[Chris]

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]

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]

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

[Catherine]

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

[Kim Zinkowski]

Useful information for retirees.

[Philip]

The book answered my questions.

[Tammy]

Good reference material for those of us nearing retirement age.

[Steve Dunn]

Z

[Rick]

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

[Deborah W.]

Not the most exciting book to read, but very informative and one that I have no regrets reading and learning from.

[Samaya]

Excellent resource

[Hunter McCleary]

Clearly presented and useful.

[Kent]

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.

[Elle]

I read the 4th edition, which educated me on Medicare Parts: A (Hospital), B (Medical Insurance), C (Medicare Advantage), and D (Prescription).

_You must enroll in Medicare Parts A and B when your 65th birthday draws near to be eligible for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

_To qualify for Part D, you have to be enrolled in Part A OR Part B.

[Bob Mendelsohn]

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.

[Valiant Vasquez]

I do not know how to compare this book with any other social security book. But I found this book answered key questions that I was curious about. For Dummies has been a great blessing and a go to for route for me.

[Susan C]

Lots of good info!

[David Carlson]

No plans to retire, just long range planning.

[Mary Ann]

Dry material but very informative.

[Cathy]

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

[Gail Gibbs]

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

[Linda]

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

[Rosanne]

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

[Karen Ng]

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....