Age Eligibility for Social Security Could Go Up, While Confidence Goes Down

Financial planners look at three sources of revenue at retirement: company pension plans, personal savings and Social Security.

Now, the age eligibility requirements for full social security benefits may be going up. For some people, that means confidence in the Social Security system is going down.

Worry-free retirement years are not always in the cards.

For an aging generation, shuffling retirement plans in search of extra income is the only way they avoid living hand to mouth. But Letty Liles is not just worried about herself.

"My daughters are coming along. They have no savings," said Liles.

People are living longer and healthier lives, and those with no savings will put a further strain on Social Security.

Lawmakers are considering a plan to raise age eligibility requirement for full Social Security benefits from 65 to 67 beginning with people born in 1938. If your date of birth falls between 1943 and 1954, benefits would kick in at age 66. People born in 1960 or later would receive benefits at the age of 67.

Financial planner Sonya McKay says the best way to prepare for retirement is to to plan early and plan ahead.

One couple recently reminded her of the soundness of that advice.

"Her husband made her save money every month even though she didn't know how she was going to buy groceries some months, and they're very comfortable now," said McKay.

McKay says that couple's money continues to work for them.

She also has one other suggestion. Obtain a form from the Social Security office. It is a simple form you fill out that will give the Social Security office an opportunity to conduct an audit of your Social Security account.

It will not only tell you how much you can expect to be paid by Social Security at retirement, but it will also tell you what is being credited to your Social Security number.

For more information, you can call the Social Security Administration at(919) 790-2782.