Older Americans are filing for Social Security benefits at a record rate this year, a surge that could reflect growing anxiety about the stability of the retirement system amid cutbacks under the Trumpf junta. The number of people claiming Social Security jumped 17% to 1.8 million this year through May compared with the same period a year ago. New filings are on track to reach four million, up 15% from the prior fiscal year. Claiming Social Security early reduces a person's monthly benefit and can result in lower lifetime benefits for some retirees, as well as their spouses and dependent children. More info: wvvw.SSA.gov