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

Supreme Court clears DOGE to tap Social Security data trove

U.S. Supreme Court building with American flag against a clear blue sky, symbolizing the justices’ landmark ruling

Justices lift a lower‑court block, granting the Department of Government Efficiency a peek at records that follow Americans from birth to death. The nation’s top court has opened the vault. In a 6‑3 decision, the Supreme Court on Friday reinstated the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) access to Social Security Administration (SSA) databases—an ocean of … Read more

Say goodbye to waiting at the SSA offices: now Social Security checks are deposited directly into your account

Exterior of a Social Security Administration office where beneficiaries can now receive direct deposit payments

Goodbye to waiting lines—Social Security checks now land in your account automaticallySkip the paper shuffle: millions of SSA and SSI beneficiaries can get paid faster and safer with direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card. If you still race the mail carrier for a paper check, here is welcome news. The Social Security Administration (SSA) … Read more

Confirmed: Digital SSN cards arrive this summer — what the SSA rollout means and how to view your number

Illustration of a digital Social Security card alongside a padlock icon, representing the SSA’s secure online SSN access rollout

Starting in July 2025, beneficiaries will be able to view their full SSN online through a fortified mySocialSecurity portal, eliminating the need to carry the fragile paper card. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has confirmed a landmark upgrade that lets account holders pull up their nine‑digit number on any secure device. The change promises to spare … Read more

Summer garnishments threaten seniors’ Social Security: here are two legal escape routes

Man in suit with red tie in front of U.S. Capitol, Social Security card and cash backdrop illustrating benefit garnishments

Millions of retirees could see their monthly checks shrink as early as July, thanks to a revived rule targeting unpaid federal student loans. The change restarts a collection tool frozen during the pandemic and allows the government to intercept part of a benefit before it ever reaches the bank. For roughly 452,000 older borrowers, the Treasury … Read more

Social Security confirms 2.5 million back payments sent—find out whether yours is on the way

Hand holds Social Security card outside SSA office as agency issues 2.5 million retroactive benefit payments.

Teachers, firefighters, police officers and other state and local workers can now reclaim benefits lost under the old WEP and GPO rules. Nearly four months after the Social Security Fairness Act took effect, the Social Security Administration (SSA) says it has already deposited more than 2.5 million one‑time retroactive payments into Americans’ bank accounts. The checks … Read more

No deposits for Father’s Day: SSA schedules checks for $2,020 for these days in June

Father and child silhouettes over a Social Security card and U.S. flags, symbolizing post-Father’s Day $2,020 June payments.

The SSA’s June calendar places the next round of retirement payments on June 18 or June 25, depending on birthdays and when benefits first started. Father’s Day falls on Sunday, June 15, yet the Social Security Administration (SSA) never processes deposits on weekends or federal holidays. If your check usually lands mid‑month, you might have to wait a … Read more

Confirmed: This city is opening a $3.9 million housing relief fund for eligible residents

Stack of $50 bills peeking from a brown envelope, illustrating Richmond’s $3.9 million housing relief grant for eligible residents.

RVA Stay Gap Grant will award $1,200 checks on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The City of Richmond, Virginia, has set aside $3.9 million to help renters and homeowners who spend a disproportionate share of their income on shelter. Under the new RVA Stay Gap Grant, successful applicants will receive a one‑time $1,200 payment, but funding will be … Read more

The IRS confirms payment | $3,034 refunds will arrive in eligible taxpayers’ bank accounts by June 15

IRS globe illustration over $100 bills symbolizes $3,034 tax refunds reaching eligible taxpayers’ bank accounts by June 15

Millions of Americans who wrapped up their 2024 returns after a hectic spring can finally exhale. The Internal Revenue Service says a new wave of refunds — worth as much as $3,034 — will hit bank accounts no later than June 15, giving households a welcome cushion amid rising prices. If you filed online and chose direct deposit, the money could … Read more

It’s official: SSA database gets its biggest scrub in decades — Out with the 160-year-olds

Two prominent figures sharing a friendly moment in front of a Social Security card and dollar-bill background, illustrating nationwide focus on the agency’s record-breaking data purge and anti-fraud push.

More than 12.3 million records for Americans improbably listed at 120 years old—or older—have been wiped, closing a costly loophole for identity thieves. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has finished an 11‑week sweep of the Social Security Administration’s files, striking names that should have been marked deceased decades ago. Officials say the move will cut down … Read more

Good news for 2.8 million retirees — full Social Security checks return under new law

Two prominent political figures stand before the U.S. Capitol and an American-flag backdrop, illustrating restored Social Security benefits for retirees.

Millions of retired public workers will soon see their full Social Security checks again, thanks to a new federal law signed just before the presidential transition. For years many teachers, firefighters, and other public servants watched part of their earned benefit vanish. Now relief is on the way—and it starts retroactively from January 2024. What the … Read more

The one-time $255 Social Security check helps ease expenses: these are the eligible families and requirements to meet

Rows of American flags on graves symbolize deceased workers whose families may claim the $255 Social Security lump-sum death payment.

Losing a loved one is hard enough—missing out on a modest but timely $255 payment from Social Security shouldn’t add to the stress. Here’s what survivors need to know, in plain English. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a one‑time “death payment” of $255 to certain relatives of a worker who paid into the system. … Read more

SSI checks up to $1,450: who can claim and what to know for 2025

Woman in wheelchair in front of a Social Security card and a fan of $100 bills, illustrating 2025 SSI checks up to $1,450.

More than 7 million Americans rely on Supplemental Security Income—here’s what changes next year and whether you’re leaving money on the table. If your wallet feels lighter than it should, SSI may soon give it a boost. The federal program will raise its maximum monthly check to $967 for individuals and $1,450 for eligible married … Read more

End of paper paychecks: verify your bank details ahead of the IRS switch to direct deposit by 2025

US Treasury check and dollar bills on American flag illustrate IRS switch from paper checks to direct deposit by 2025

Paper check fans, take note: the Treasury’s looming deadline means tax refunds, Social Security benefits and other federal payments will soon land in bank accounts, not mailboxes. The IRS is encouraging every taxpayer to switch to electronic payments before the September 30, 2025 cutoff, citing faster delivery, lower fraud risk and fewer lost checks. Those who keep … Read more

Social Security overhaul: full retirement age climbs, ending the 65 tradition for good

Worried senior couple outside a Social Security office, dollar bill backdrop, illustrating 2026 shift to full retirement age 67.

Starting January 1, 2026, American workers will need to reach age 67 to claim the full Social Security retirement check—ending four decades of gradual increases and marking a permanent shift in how (and when) future retirees can cash in. For anyone eyeing their golden years, the new full retirement age (FRA) means planning just got real. Beneficiaries born in … Read more

Say goodbye to veterans’ benefits: Thousands face immediate loss of benefits under Trump’s tax

Female U.S. soldier in camouflage salutes Donald Trump before American flag backdrop.

House proposal looks generous, but hidden cuts could hit wallets and health care fast. A tax-and-spend package barreling through Congress could upend hard-won protections for U.S. veterans. The Trump-backed bill pumps record money into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), yet watchdogs say it quietly slashes day-to-day support the moment it takes effect. Record funding … Read more

Who qualifies for the late-June RSDI checks—retiree, survivor, or disabled?

Suited man before U.S. flags, hundred-dollar bills and Social Security cards symbolizing late-June RSDI payments.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just three Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance (RSDI) checks left to send this June, and each one follows strict birth‑date and filing rules that millions of recipients need to watch. Missing the window could mean waiting until July. The last rounds of Wednesdays began on June 11 and only … Read more