Social Security offering free presentation on benefit changes due in 2016

Two agencies would like to help you understand changes to Social Security and are offering a free public presentation.

Jointly sponsored by the Social Security Administration and the Pierce County Community Connections Aging & Disability Resource Center, the hour-long presentation, “Social Security: What You Need to Know,” will be held Tuesday, April 19, 4 p.m., at the Pierce County Summit Branch Library, 5107 112th St. E. in Tacoma.

Changes in 2016 include the loss of the “file and suspend” strategy, changes to the “file as a spouse first” approach and an increase in earnings needed for a quarter of coverage. The workshop will present strategies that can maximize benefits and will feature a look at the rules about working full or part time while receiving benefits.

Kirk Larson, public affairs specialist for Social Security, will make the principal presentation at the gathering, and has suggested that those who plan to attend should “open an account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/ and print out and bring your Social Security Statement.”

For information, call the Aging & Disability Resource Center at 253-798-4600.

This story was originally published February 24, 2016 at 3:09 PM with the headline "Social Security offering free presentation on benefit changes due in 2016."