Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) announced on May 1 that he has joined a bipartisan group of senators in introducing the Claiming Age Clarity Act, a bill aimed at updating language used by the Social Security Administration to help Americans better understand their options when claiming retirement benefits.
The legislation is intended to provide clearer information for seniors making important decisions about when to begin receiving Social Security payments. The current terminology can be confusing, and supporters say that modernizing these terms will help people make more informed choices regarding their financial futures.
“Americans have worked their entire lives to earn their Social Security benefits. They should have all the necessary information to make the best decisions for their futures. This bill would fix outdated language, help clear up confusion for older Ohioans and ensure they have what they need to plan effectively,” said Husted.
The Claiming Age Clarity Act proposes changing “Early Eligibility Age” to “Minimum Benefit Age” (age 62), “Full Retirement Age” to “Standard Benefit Age” (age 66-67 depending on birth year), and “Delayed Retirement Age” to “Maximum Benefit Age” (age 70). Claiming benefits at age 62 results in a permanent reduction of up to 30%, while waiting until age 70 provides an increase of up to 24% over the standard benefit. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) said, “Americans have earned their benefits. When planning for retirement, let’s make sure they have the best information available and receive what they deserve.” The American Association of Retired Persons supports this legislation as well; Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs at AARP, said, “AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, is pleased to endorse S.1504… Your bipartisan bill will provide American workers with better and more understandable information about the impact claiming age has on their earned benefits.”
Husted brings experience from his roles as Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives—where he advanced tax reductions and educational choice scholarships—and later as Ohio secretary of state and lieutenant governor before joining the U.S. Senate according to his official website. He serves on Senate committees focused on health, education, labor and pensions, small business and entrepreneurship, environment and public works, as well as aging according to his official website. Husted also holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Dayton according to his official website, raised three children with his wife Tina in Columbus where they welcomed a granddaughter according to his official website.
Supporters believe that if passed into law, this measure could lead other agencies or programs serving seniors toward similar reforms in communication practices.
