How to use the IRS tool to ensure your donation reaches the right charity

IRS desk with calculator and computer, showing IRS sign to signify charity verification tool use.

As natural disasters and charitable causes prompt many Americans to open their wallets, it’s essential to ensure that your donation goes to a legitimate charity. The IRS offers a powerful tool to help you verify whether an organization is truly tax-exempt and eligible for tax-deductible donations. Unfortunately, charity scams are on the rise, especially during … Read more

Millions of US retirees will receive more than $2,000 from Social Security on this day in July 2025

Close-up image of Social Security cards and money representing payments to US retirees in July 2025

Millions of retirees are waiting eagerly for their Social Security payments this month. Every month, retirees in the U.S. rely on Social Security benefits to support their financial well-being. With July 16, 2025, just around the corner, thousands of beneficiaries are preparing for the second Wednesday payment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is set to … Read more

SSDI recipients advised by Social Security Administration to immediately report these 3 situations

Social Security Administration letter advising SSDI recipients to report important situations

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed to help people who can’t work due to a disability. But, did you know that your benefits can be suspended or even stopped under certain circumstances? Here’s a breakdown of what could cause your SSDI benefits to end, and how you can avoid penalties. Once you’re approved for … Read more

Retiring at 70: this is the strategy for getting more benefits from Social Security

Close-up of U.S. dollar bill and coins with a small American flag, symbolizing financial planning for retirement.

Waiting until age 70 to claim Social Security benefits instead of age 62 can lead to a 77% increase in monthly payments. However, for many retirees, funding the years before reaching 70 can be a challenge. Fortunately, a financial strategy known as a “bridge strategy” can help ease the wait. Retirees are eligible to claim … Read more

It’s official: Social Security’s email error creates confusion—find out who’s actually getting a tax break

Donald Trump alongside email graphics and American flag representing Social Security email confusion

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently sent a misleading email to beneficiaries, claiming that the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into law would eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits. However, the actual changes are not as dramatic as the email suggested. Here’s a breakdown of the confusion and what beneficiaries need to know. On July … Read more

Official: Trump-era rule revives 50% embargo by July 24 — here’s what beneficiaries who received overpayments need to submit

Former president in front of Capitol beside Social Security cards illustrating upcoming 50 percent benefit garnishment on July 24 for overpaid recipients

Over a million recipients could lose up to half of each monthly payment because of past overpayments. The good news? Federal rules give you several ways to fight back before the deadline hits. For retirees and disabled workers alike, a Social Security check often means the difference between comfort and hardship. Beginning July 24, the Social … Read more

Confirmed: Millions of Americans already receiving Social Security Fairness Act retroactive checks

Joe Biden and Donald Trump in front of the U.S. Capitol with Social Security cards, discussing Social Security Fairness Act payments.

Millions of public‑sector retirees are already seeing fatter checks after the Social Security Administration (SSA) finished processing every Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) adjustment nearly five months early. At a glance, the accelerated rollout restores full benefits to roughly three million teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other government workers and issues a one‑time retroactive payment dating … Read more

Social Security double deposits: why some Americans see an extra check

Stacks of dollars with American flag illustrating Social Security double deposits and extra retirement check payments

Some retirees may see an extra deposit this July, but it is rarely a second retirement check. Every month, millions of beneficiaries wait for their Social Security deposit. Most see one payment—and that single check is all the retirement income the program provides. Still, bank accounts sometimes show two deposits in the same month, sparking … Read more

Don’t miss your Social Security payments: if you change banks, quickly update your information in a few simple steps

Illustration showing Social Security card and bank building, representing updating direct deposit bank account details.

Moving your monthly benefit to a new account is easy, but one typo or missed step can stall the deposit you count on. Social Security beneficiaries who change banks should update direct‑deposit details right away to avoid missing the check that pays rent, groceries, and meds. The sooner you act, the smoother the next payday. … Read more

Confirmed: Major Social Security Adjustment to impact 51 million seniors nationwide

President Trump announces major Social Security adjustment impacting 51 million senior citizens

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act heads to President Trump’s desk, promising a fresh tax deduction for retirees while trimming other federal programs. Last week’s razor‑thin 218‑214 House vote, following a 51‑50 squeaker in the Senate, pushes the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the White House for signing this Friday, July 11. If enacted, the … Read more

Haven’t spotted the 2.5 % bump? Pinpointing the July COLA in your benefit statement

Cost-of-living sign on top of a Social Security card and dollar bills, symbolizing the 2.5 % COLA boost to July benefits.

Millions of beneficiaries should see a 2.5 % increase this month, but some checks still look flat. If your July benefit is identical to June’s, you’re not alone. The cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 kicked in back in January, yet pockets of retirees, SSDI recipients and survivors still haven’t noticed a dime. So where’s the money? … Read more

Official: Up to $1,756 in SNAP benefits can be received until July 15 in this US state

Outline of Texas over a faded American flag with a SNAP grocery-bag icon, highlighting food stamp benefits up to $1,756 available to Texas residents through July 15

Deposits hit Lone Star Cards July 7‑15 for case numbers ending 21‑53—check yours now. Between Monday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 15, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will load the next round of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Recipients whose Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) numbers end in 21 through 53 are on deck, so a … Read more

NJ Medicaid recipients ask: when do cuts kick in under Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’?

Former President Donald Trump in front of a “Big Beautiful Bill” sign, highlighting Medicaid cut timeline for NJ recipients.

Roughly one in five Garden State residents on NJ FamilyCare could see big changes under the newly signed law. New Jersey’s 350,000 Medicaid recipients have just learned that the sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by former President Donald Trump on July 4, trims a staggering $1 trillion from the program nationwide. What does that mean for families who rely on … Read more

Confirmed – New 2025 stimulus checks worth $1,000 headed to eligible residents in eight states

Stimulus Check note on U.S. flag beside Treasury check and cash, illustrating 2025 state relief payments

Half the country is still catching its breath after tax season, yet fresh relief is already on the way thanks to state‑backed stimulus and rebate programs. Millions of low‑ and middle‑income residents could see between $150 and $1,000 land in their wallets over the next few months—no congressional gridlock required. With the last federal Recovery Rebate Credit … Read more

Social Security payment schedule for the last 3 payments in July 2025: why some checks may arrive with less money this month

Social Security benefits document, cash roll, Social Security card, and July 2025 calendar highlighting payment dates

Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits mark their calendars each month. July’s deposits are right around the corner—and this time, a brand‑new withholding rule could trim some checks. Wondering when your money will show up—or why it might be smaller? Here’s the full schedule, the reason certain … Read more

Confirmed: Georgia begins sending up to $500 tax refunds this summer

Illustration of a Georgia Taxpayers check symbolizing up to $500 state tax refund, set against a U.S. flag backdrop.

Refunds authorized by House Bill 112 are rolling out in batches from June through August, promising a timely boost for hundreds of thousands of Georgia taxpayers. Georgia’s record‑large surplus—about $11 billion—has allowed Governor Brian Kemp and the Department of Revenue (DOR) to launch a fresh refund worth up to $500 per filer. Payments labeled “GASTTAXRFD” are already landing in … Read more

It’s official: Retirees will continue to lose part of their Social Security benefits through 2025 in these 9 states

Red Social Security file tab among folders symbolizing retiree benefit records still taxed in nine states through 2025

Millions of retirees rely on every dollar of their monthly check; these holdout states still want a slice. For the 62 million Americans drawing retirement benefits, the math feels simple: you paid in, you cash out. Yet nine states—Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia—will continue treating those benefits as taxable income in … Read more

Your Social Security check could shrink 50% starting July—find out who’s affected

Scissors cutting Social Security card illustrating a 50% benefits reduction starting July 2025

Millions of retirees, disability recipients, and survivors could see a 50 percent cut when the Social Security Administration starts recovering old overpayments on July 24, 2025. The clock is ticking. If you rely on Social Security each month, you might ask, “Could my benefits really drop overnight?” Here’s the essential information—deadlines, dollar amounts, and the steps to protect … Read more

Retirees and SSDI recipients face delays under new SSA verification system: new Social Security regulations

Social Security Administration building exterior with official signage

Since June, Social Security will require most applicants—and anyone changing account details—to visit a local office with original documents, a move aimed at stopping surging identity fraud. Social Security’s new identity‑verification rule lands just as retirees and disability recipients brace for summer payments. The agency says in‑person checks will plug an $8 billion fraud leak, but … Read more