Social Security is an earned benefit. You become eligible by paying the payroll tax during your working years, and the amount you get is geared to your wage history - with a glaring exception. Since the 1980s,

The Senate voted early Saturday morning to repeal two laws that prevent many public employees from receiving Social Security, a move that is expected to weigh on the overall solvency of the Social Security system.

About 3 million retirees would get full benefits in addition to pensions. As a result, Social Security could hit insolvency earlier.

But those who claimed at 62 receive far less. Their average monthly benefit in 2023 was just $1,298.26. Factoring in the 2024 COLA brings it to $1,339.80. And the 2.5% COLA for 2025 will make it about $1,373.30.

The Senate on Saturday passed the Social Security Fairness Act, a bill that would repeal provisions that reduce benefits for some retired federal workers who also get other benefits.

Social Security is an earned benefit. You become eligible by paying the payroll tax during your working years, and the amount you get is geared to your wage history - with a glaring exception.

If you wait to claim spousal benefits until your full retirement age, you can receive up to half the amount of your spouse's benefit.

The age at which full retirement benefits can be received rises next year, as experts warn those preparing to retire not to be caught out.

Some retirees come up with creative ways to supplement their Social Security when they can’t rely on retirement accounts or pensions. Eldonna Edwards, a retired former certified massage therapist and author based in California,