Can Social Security deduct property taxes automatically from monthly benefits?

Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration doesn't offer a direct property tax withholding option like they do for Medicare premiums or federal income taxes. They only allow these specific deductions: - Medicare premiums - Federal income tax withholding (if you request it) - Garnishments for things like child support - Some union dues in special situations For property taxes, you might want to look into: 1. Setting up an escrow account with your mortgage lender if you still have a mortgage 2. Creating automatic transfers to a separate savings account each month to save for property taxes 3. Checking if your county tax office offers automatic payments from your bank account

jst wanna add my county lets u pay property taxes monthly instead of the big lump sums twice a year... might wanna call ur tax collector and ask if thats an option where u live. made it way easier for me on my SS budget

I was wondering EXACTLY the same thing last year!!! Called SSA and waited on hold for TWO HOURS only to be told they can't do it. The whole system is designed to make life difficult for seniors! Why can they take out Medicare premiums but not help us with other important bills???

Have you looked into your state's property tax relief programs for seniors? Many states have them and they can reduce your tax burden substantially if you qualify based on age and income. Worth checking!

My bank has a bill pay service that automatically sends checks for my property taxes when they're due. I just had to set up the payment schedule once, and now I don't have to remember. It's free with my checking account.

Just to add one more option - many counties now offer automatic payment plans where they can withdraw the property tax amount directly from your bank account when due. This is different from the monthly payment option mentioned above. You'd still pay the same twice-yearly schedule, but it would happen automatically without you having to remember.

Another option to consider is setting up calendar reminders on your phone or computer well in advance of your property tax due dates. I set mine for 6 weeks before each due date, then again at 3 weeks, and finally 1 week before. This gives me plenty of time to make sure I have the funds available and get the payment sent. You could also ask a trusted family member or friend to help remind you - sometimes having that backup person can be really helpful when managing multiple bills on a fixed income.

I've been helping my elderly neighbors with similar issues, and one thing that's worked well is creating a simple property tax savings plan. Calculate your annual property tax amount, divide by 12, and have that amount automatically transferred from your Social Security direct deposit account to a separate "property tax only" savings account each month. Most banks can set this up as an automatic transfer on the same day your SS benefit arrives. Then when tax time comes, the money is already there waiting. Some people also like to add an extra $10-20 per month to cover any increases. It takes the stress out of those big lump sum payments!

I had this same question when I retired three years ago! While SSA can't deduct property taxes directly, I found a great workaround. I contacted my local credit union and they helped me set up what they call a "Christmas Club" type account specifically for property taxes. Every month when my Social Security hits my checking account, $150 automatically moves to this separate account (my annual property taxes are about $1,800). The account even earns a little interest! When tax time comes around in June and December, I just transfer the money back and pay online. It's been a lifesaver - no more scrambling to find $900 twice a year. Most banks and credit unions offer similar programs, so definitely worth asking about!