Clients still need Social Security advice

File and suspend's elimination doesn't mean advisers should put Social Security planning on the shelf.
APR 28, 2016
The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 took the wind out of the sails of many advisers who had been looking forward to using a Social Security claiming strategy known as file and suspend on behalf of their baby boomer clients. The option, which was eliminated in the budget deal, allowed those 66 or older to file for Social Security and activate benefits for a spouse or minor child while suspending them for themselves while they built up extra benefits they could claim down the road. The option sunsets on Friday.

KEY SOURCE OF INCOME

But this doesn't mean advisers should put Social Security planning on the shelf. If nothing else, the file-and-suspend strategy alerted a lot of advisers to the importance of these benefits and the need to maximize them for their clients. After all, Social Security will constitute a key portion of retirement income for many of their clients, and the budget act didn't wipe out all of the options that could help them — at least not yet. For example, the phase-out period for another strategy known as a restricted application for spousal benefits will continue, in some cases, for another eight years. This option allows those 66 or older to claim one-half of their spouse's, or ex-spouse's, full retirement age benefit for up to four years while their own benefits continue to grow by 8% a year up to age 70. To take advantage of this option, a client must have been at least 62 by the end of 2015. Beyond these creative strategies, clients need help with other questions concerning both Social Security and Medicare as they get close to retirement. Among the biggest issues is figuring out the optimum age to claim Social Security benefits. That will generally depend on many factors, including work options, health, income needs and retirement goals. Some clients may want to claim benefits as early as 62, but an adviser may conclude it is not in their best interests in the long run.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Like many of life's important decisions, those surrounding Social Security and Medicare can enhance — or sometimes impair — the quality of a client's life. They should not be taken lightly by either clients or advisers.

Latest News

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker
Merrill pays second settlement to former Miami Dolphins player, client of ex-broker

Professional athletes are often targets of scam artists and are particularly vulnerable to fraud.

Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day
Schwab touts AI as its biggest growth lever at investor day

The brokerage giant tells Wall Street it will use artificial intelligence to reach clients it has never been able to serve — and turn the technology's perceived threat into a competitive edge.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline