It’s official: Married or divorced Americans may collect half of partner benefits under new SSA policy next year

Man and woman holding cash before Social Security Administration eagle logo, illustrating 2025 spousal benefit share of up to 50 percent

Millions of Americans could see their retirement budgets swell next year after the Social Security Administration confirmed that qualifying spouses—and even former spouses—may receive up to 50 percent of their partner’s full‑retirement‑age benefit. The 50 percent ceiling is not new, but the agency’s fresh guidance clarifies deadlines and age rules for the 2025 benefit cycle, giving couples … Read more

The SSA is overhauling identity checks—new rule hits retirees, SSI and SSDI claimants

Social Security Administration office sign with a U.S. passport, marriage certificate, and enhanced driver’s license.

SSA tightens verification rules after fraud surge; retirees, SSI, and SSDI recipients urged to gather original documents now The Social Security Administration (SSA) will require most beneficiaries to show up at a local office for identity verification starting this June. The change affects more than 68 million Americans and could briefly stall monthly payments if paperwork … Read more

Confirmed: These two states will distribute stimulus checks to eligible citizens before the end of 2025

Smiling woman fans hundred-dollar bills against U.S. Treasury check, envelopes, and flag, illustrating 2025 Alaska and California stimulus aid

Two very different state programs promise extra cash before December 31—but only if you tick the right boxes. Millions of households in Alaska and California may soon see welcome relief as both states roll out targeted stimulus checks in 2025. While the federal government is still debating broader aid, these state‑level payments are already scheduled, … Read more

New rules, back pay, and deadlines in 2025 for retirees: Social Security shake-up

Donald Trump gesturing in front of an american flag background with “social security” spelled out in letter tiles

After a flurry of legislation and inflation tweaks, millions of Americans must rethink their claiming strategy this year. Social Security is changing faster than many seniors expected. From heftier monthly checks to the rollback of two controversial offsets, 2025 is rewriting the rulebook and, perhaps, retirement timelines. Here’s what matters most—without the jargon. Cost‑of‑living (COLA) … Read more

Government alert—skip this tax step and your home could be seized by the IRS

IRS notice with american flag background and a hand holding a house stamped “seized,” illustrating home forfeiture for unpaid taxes

Taxpayers who brush off a last‑chance bill from the Internal Revenue Service risk seeing their house auctioned to cover overdue balances. The IRS is turning up the heat on chronic tax debtors. Under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), the agency can attach a lien, seize real estate and sell it—sometimes within weeks—if required steps go … Read more

The SSA confirms it: this is how retirees with lower incomes can increase their monthly benefits

Senior Social Security beneficiary leaning on a cane in front of a $100 bill and SSA paperwork.

Thousands of Americans living on modest Social Security payments can unlock a larger monthly benefit by taking three often‑overlooked steps, according to fresh guidance from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Retirees with earnings histories below the national average may feel locked into a “fixed‑income” life. However, the SSA has highlighted little‑known options—ranging from tapping a … Read more

Social Security confirms it: this is the pension you will receive if you retire at age 70

Senior man smiling before Social Security card and dollar bills, illustrating average retirement check at age 70

Delaying benefits can mean an extra four‑figure boost every month for future retirees. Choosing when to claim Social Security may be the biggest paycheck decision you ever make. Older Americans who hold off until 70 are now seeing the largest monthly benefit in program history, and the numbers might surprise you. Waiting sounds simple, but … Read more

The SSA issues a nationwide alert: an IRS SMS scam is sparking a new wave of concern among US taxpayers

Hands holding a smartphone that displays a fake IRS stimulus-payment text, next to a bright yellow “Fraud Alert” sign, illustrating the SSA’s warning about smishing scams.

Smishing scammers are posing as the IRS and Social Security Administration, stealing personal data through texts, emails, calls, and even letters. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is urging every beneficiary—and really, anyone who files taxes—to keep their guard up. A surge of slick IRS‑themed scams is sweeping the country, and the agency fears more people … Read more

Confirmed: The $333 payment to beneficiaries of the Blue Cross Blue Shield contract is still on track for summer, and many have already received it

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina sign outside the insurer’s headquarters, symbolizing the ongoing $333 settlement payments to beneficiaries.

Checks tied to a $2.67 billion antitrust deal are finally landing in mailboxes—are you on the list? Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) policyholders who filed a claim by November 5, 2021 are seeing an average $333 payout, closing a lawsuit that accused the insurer of squeezing competition and inflating premiums. After years of appeals, the first wave of checks … Read more

Goodbye to SSI payments: here are the days you can spend abroad without losing your benefits

Supplemental Security Income document with SSA logo and floating hundred-dollar bills illustrating benefit payments abroad.

Thinking of retiring overseas? The Social Security Administration (SSA) will still direct‑deposit your monthly benefit in many countries, but only if you meet a few non‑negotiable requirements. America’s retirees, disabled workers, and surviving family members receive more than income—they get peace of mind. But what happens when that peace of mind packs a suitcase? In … Read more

Social Security confirms $5,108 max benefit for retirees—see who qualifies and the steps to claim

Close-up of a Social Security card, several pennies, and part of a U.S. dollar bill—visualizing the confirmed $5,108 maximum retirement benefit for qualified retirees.

Good news for high earners who delayed claiming their benefits: the Social Security Administration (SSA) has reconfirmed that the maximum monthly retirement check remains $5,108 for June 2025. Even so, only a fraction of retirees will ever see that figure land in their bank account. Curious whether you’re among them? Read on for the key … Read more

Deadlines, forms and red flags that can jeopardize SSDI benefits during a medical review

Stethoscope atop Social Security cards illustrating SSDI medical review deadlines, required forms and red-flag issues risking benefits.

Millions of SSDI recipients face periodic medical reviews—understanding the rules can keep those monthly checks coming. The Social Security Administration (SSA) regularly double‑checks every disability case to be sure benefits still match current medical realities. These reviews sound daunting, but knowing the schedule, paperwork and appeal rights turns anxiety into simple planning. SSDI is meant … Read more

Which retirees and SSI recipients will receive money on June 18? Social Security confirms it

Social Security card, $100 bills, smiling retirees with U.S. flag over a June 2025 calendar highlighting the June 18 payment date.

Next Wednesday’s payout targets a very specific group of retirees and disability recipients—check the calendar before you check your bank account. For millions of Americans, Social Security payments arrive like clockwork. On Wednesday, June 18, only one slice of beneficiaries will see money hit their accounts. Want to know if you’re on that list? Read on. The … Read more

Confirmed: the promised payment of $5,000 in “DOGE” never materialized, was never funded, and was never viable

Red “no” symbol over a fake $5,000 DOGE check in front of the U.S. Capitol, with a fan of $100 bills, illustrating the debunked congressional payment hoax.

The much‑touted payout turned out to be another internet mirage, leaving would‑be recipients empty‑handed. Social media has been buzzing for months about a supposed $5,000 “DOGE check” that would be mailed to every U.S. household. The rumor, amplified by high‑profile tech voices and a handful of populist politicians, promised windfalls from alleged federal “efficiency” savings. … Read more

July’s $967 SSI checks drop July 1—what every beneficiary needs to know

Social Security card, $100 bills, and July 2025 calendar illustrate the $967 SSI payment scheduled for July 1.

The next Supplemental Security Income deposit lands on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, bringing an average $967 to millions of low‑income Americans. Here’s why that date—and amount—matter for stretched household budgets. The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed that July’s SSI payment will be released right on schedule because the first of the month is a regular banking day. … Read more

Moving across state lines: must retirees alert Social Security to keep their checks coming?

Retiree travel scene with airplane, boarding passes, car route and cash over a Social Security card, illustrating address updates after moving state lines.

Relocating across state lines doesn’t cut your retirement check, but failing to update your file can delay everything else— from benefit notices to Medicaid coverage. When retirees change states, monthly Social Security payments keep flowing because the program is federal. Still, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must know where to find you, or critical mail … Read more

Social Security COLA increase for 2026: June projections point to an increase for retirees

June cost-of-living adjustment concept with $100 bills and “cost of living adjustments” headline, symbolizing the projected 2.5 percent social security cola for 2026

Early estimate suggests modest rise for 71 million beneficiaries, edging past last month’s outlook and hinting at larger checks next year. The Social Security cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) looks set to rise by about 2.5 percent in 2026, according to fresh June projections from The Senior Citizens League and inflation analyst Mary Johnson. Wondering how much that means … Read more

How to apply for additional assistance using Social Security form SSA-1020

Person in blue shirt holding a fan of two-dollar bills, symbolizing savings gained by filing Social Security form SSA-1020 for Extra Help.

New income and asset limits mean more seniors, disabled adults—and even some low‑income families—now qualify for Medicare’s Extra Help subsidy. If your medication co‑pays keep getting in the way of rent or groceries, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has good news. The Extra Help program, requested with How the SSA‑1020 form can cut your 2025 … Read more

IRS reminder: These taxpayers living abroad have until today, June 16, to file their returns

Torn paper reading “IRS” over a U.S. hundred-dollar bill, symbolizing overseas taxpayers’ June 16 2025 tax-filing deadline.

Staying on top of your tax duties doesn’t just shield you from penalties—it can keep money in your pocket, too. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set June 16, 2025 as the last day for U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad to submit 2024 federal returns. The automatic two‑month grace period covers expatriates and active‑duty military … Read more

Does Social Security indicate the average pension amount at age 67 for the year 2025?

Older man considering 2025 Social Security average pension at age 67, with hundred-dollar bills and a Social Security card behind him

Typical full‑retirement‑age beneficiaries are now seeing about $2,102 each month, while the richest payments top $5,108 for those who wait until 70. Retirees who hit full retirement age (FRA) this year have good news: the average monthly Social Security benefit at age 67 sits at $2,101.74, according to the latest figures released in June 2025. That number is … Read more