Nice surprise for SS checks

[question everything]

I usually get mine the fourth Wednesday of the month, but it was Christmas did not check until Thursday to realize that it was deposited on Dec. 24.

Spouse's is on the second Wednesday but, again, since the first Wednesday was New Year, was surprised to find it already there, as of Jan .8.

[LakeArenal]

1. Mine was $8 more, too

[still_one]

2. If you also are under Medicare you will notice that the premium increased

[question everything]

3. Interesting how they round the numbers

I remember previous years there was $0.2 as part of the "gross." But deposits have to be total dollars and so was Medicare deduction so "we must round down to the whole dollar" explained the notice.

So now both the "gross" and Medicare premiums ($144.60) have $0.6 after them - problem solved.

[still_one]

4. Isn't it though

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

5. Even though the Medicare premium is increasing,

I'm getting some $18.00 more each month. Better than my first three years on SS when my take-home didn't increase at all.

[still_one]

6. Good

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

7. Hooray!

My January SS deposit was $18 more than last year. Actually, I knew it would be that amount, and I'm fortunate that my income is somewhat above my rock-bottom basic needs.

Actually, my income in retirement is more than what I had while working, lucky me. And a re-arrangement of my income has helped. I had been taking money from investments, and then a bit over a year ago started taking money from annuities, meaning I could take less from the investments which would allow them to grow. And then I switched from taking SS from my ex-husband (which I'd started when I turned 66) to taking it from my own account once I turned 70, which was several hundred dollars a month. Lucky me.

As far as the timing of SS deposits, because of my ex's birth date, I was getting the SS deposit on the third Wednesday of the month. My own birth date would have made that the 4th Wednesday, but the Social Security Administration, in its infinite wisdom and compassion, left my SS deposit on the 3rd Wednesday. I'd have adjusted to the change, but I really am grateful they left it on the earlier day of the month.

[trof]

8. SS giveth and Medicare premiums taketh away.