Frequently Asked Questions

Many seniors qualify for programs that reduce or eliminate Medicare premiums and prescription costs. Start with the Medicare Savings Estimator to check your eligibility in minutes.

MSP helps pay your Part B premium ($185/month in 2026) — and in some cases, deductibles and copays. Eligibility depends on income and household size. Asset limits were eliminated in 2024 for most MSP programs. Learn more about MSP →

Extra Help is a federal program that reduces your Part D drug costs — sometimes to near zero. Many seniors qualify automatically through MSP without realizing it. Learn about drug savings →

You can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or during certain Special Enrollment Periods triggered by life events like moving or losing coverage.

Most seniors compare claiming at 62, 67, and 70. Claiming earlier means smaller monthly checks permanently. Delaying until 70 gives you the highest possible benefit. The right answer depends on your health, savings, and income needs. Use the Social Security Benefit Estimator to see your numbers side by side.

If you claim before your Full Retirement Age (67 for those born in 1960+), the earnings test may temporarily reduce your benefit if you earn above $22,320 in 2026. The withheld amount is added back as a permanent credit at FRA. Learn about the earnings test →

You may receive up to 50% of your spouse's benefit if it's higher than your own. If your spouse passes away, you may receive up to 100% of their benefit, including any delayed retirement credits. Learn about spousal benefits →

COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) adjusts your Social Security benefit each year based on inflation. The 2026 COLA is 2.5%, raising the average benefit by about $49/month. See the 2026 COLA breakdown →

They may be — depending on your "combined income" (your AGI + nontaxable interest + half of your SS benefit). If combined income exceeds $25,000 (single) or $32,000 (joint), up to 85% of your SS may be taxable. Use the SS Taxability Checker →

RMDs count as ordinary taxable income. Large distributions can push you into a higher tax bracket, make more of your SS taxable, and trigger Medicare IRMAA surcharges. Learn about RMD tax impact →

No — every state has different rules. 13 states have no income tax. 41 states either have no income tax or fully exempt Social Security. See the state-by-state comparison →

Most seniors must begin at age 73 if born between 1951–1959, or age 75 if born in 1960 or later (SECURE 2.0 Act). Roth IRAs do not require RMDs during your lifetime.

The IRS charges a 25% penalty on the amount you should have withdrawn. If you correct the mistake promptly within the two-year correction window, the penalty drops to 10%. First-time mistakes are often waived entirely when corrected quickly. Learn how to fix a missed RMD →

Divide your December 31 account balance by your IRS life expectancy factor. Use the free RMD Calculator to get your exact 2026 required minimum distribution in seconds.

Many seniors qualify for SNAP (grocery assistance), housing assistance, utility bill help (LIHEAP), Medicare Savings Programs, and state-specific programs — but never apply because they don't know they exist or assume they don't qualify. Use the Benefits Eligibility Checker →

Yes — many programs allow medical expense deductions that increase your eligibility even if your income is slightly above the standard limit. This is one of the most commonly overlooked rules.

Yes — all tools, guides, and resources are completely free. No account required. No credit card. No hidden fees.

No. Your information stays private. We never sell or share your data. Your trust is more important than anything else.

Absolutely. We have a full page dedicated to Families & Caregivers with guidance on how to use our tools together with a parent or loved one.

You can always reach us at support@savednest.com or use the Contact page. We reply with patience and care.