VA disability benefits 2025: What forms you need to list new dependents

Exterior sign for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, symbolizing 2025 VA disability benefit updates for adding new dependents.

An updated guide for veterans who want to ensure their monthly compensation reflects their current family situation. If you receive VA disability compensation, changes in your household—such as marriage, divorce, or a child turning 18—can directly affect how much you receive every month. Knowing how to properly add or remove a dependent is crucial, especially … Read more

Trump’s promised Social Security tax break missing: What the House bill really offers seniors

Close-up of a Social Security card and U.S. passport on an American flag, symbolizing senior benefits in the House tax bill debate.

Trump campaigned on a promise to reduce Social Security taxes, but the latest Republican-backed tax bill moving through the House seems to have left that pledge on the sidelines. Instead, lawmakers have introduced another form of tax relief that could benefit millions of seniors. In this article, we explore what happened to the proposed cuts … Read more

Older Americans face shrinking benefits as student loan offsets kick back in

Social Security cards, $100 bills and a “Student Loans” label illustrate benefit offsets that can cut income for older Americans.

Elderly Americans who rely on Social Security to cover daily expenses could soon see smaller monthly checks. Federal authorities have resumed garnishing benefits to recoup unpaid student loan debts, raising widespread concerns. Millions of borrowers are once again subject to these collection efforts, and approximately 425,000 are 62 or older. For seniors already living on … Read more

Beyond the three-month limit — Who still gets SNAP with zero work hours

SNAP logo on tablet surrounded by fresh vegetables, representing recipients exempt from new 80-hour work requirements

Ensuring that no one goes hungry in the United States is the cornerstone of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). At the same time, the program aims to promote responsibility and workforce participation. This balance between support and work-related obligations can sometimes create confusion—especially around who is exempt from these requirements. If you are worried … Read more

Retirees must wait longer — 65 no longer guarantees full Social Security benefits

Close-up of Social Security cards on U.S. dollar bills illustrating higher retirement age and delayed full benefits.

Changes will take effect from May 2025, signaling a major shift for American workers planning their retirement. This update affects those who expected to claim full Social Security benefits upon turning 65 and now face a longer wait. Starting next spring, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will continue implementing reforms enacted decades ago, gradually increasing … Read more

The SSA is preparing May 28 payments with a COLA increase for a group of people: You can check if you are on the list

Calendar displaying “May 28” atop a Social Security card and scattered $100 bills, illustrating the upcoming COLA-boosted benefit payment date.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will release its final May payment on Wednesday, May 28, offering critical support for retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. Many beneficiaries are eager to see this deposit, especially since it includes a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) intended to help with rising expenses. This round primarily goes to individuals born between … Read more

A 180-degree turn in Social Security: these are the government’s changes to retirement applications

Elon Musk raises his hands before a backdrop of Social Security cards, symbolizing the government’s U-turn on retirement application changes.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just rescinded a key part of its anti-fraud policy, which had caused confusion among retirees and sparked nationwide concern. The announcement follows a wave of criticism from senior advocacy groups who claimed the measure delayed much-needed retirement benefits. Under pressure from a growing backlog of nearly 575,000 retirement claims, … Read more

Act now or lose access: Wells Fargo’s crackdown on inactive accounts could redirect your emergency stash to the state

Wells Fargo branch sign and ATMs illustrate policy to close dormant accounts and transfer unclaimed balances to state treasuries

Wells Fargo has begun strictly enforcing a longstanding policy that could lead to the abrupt closure of countless accounts. This policy targets dormant or inactive accounts, meaning you might suddenly lose access to your money if you haven’t used your account in a while. If you haven’t made a deposit, withdrawal, or transfer for more … Read more

The Social Security Equity Act tightens controls: benefits increase under the new law, but nearly one million retirees remain in limbo

President Joe Biden gestures in front of a Social Security benefits form and pen, illustrating upcoming payment increases.

The Social Security Fairness Act has finally taken effect, and millions of recipients nationwide are now seeing larger monthly checks. Signed by President Joe Biden in January 2025, this legislation eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO), granting a boost to public servants who were long penalized under these rules. However, … Read more

Social Security Administration moves up June deposit: May’s second SSI check now has a confirmed date

Stack of U.S. $100 bills covering a Social Security card, illustrating the June SSI check arriving early in May.

Starting in May, beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive an early payment intended for June. This change has been made by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to ensure recipients have access to their funds at the start of the new month. Here’s everything you need to know. The SSA has set up a … Read more

The government changes the retirement age: now you need these years to receive full Social Security benefits

Man thinking about retirement with Social Security benefits and U.S. flag, alongside Donald Trump and money.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has updated its rules on the age at which workers can begin receiving full Social Security benefits. Millions of Americans are approaching retirement with the belief that turning 65 will automatically grant them full benefits. However, recent changes now depend on the year of birth. For years, 65 was considered … Read more

2026 Social Security COLA update: May’s estimated percentage revealed

Line graph overlaid with U.S. coins illustrating the projected 2.4% increase in the 2026 Social Security COLA.

May estimate suggests a 2.4% boost, surprising many beneficiaries. The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Social Security in 2026 is currently projected at 2.4%, making it potentially the smallest increase in the last five years. According to recent data, this figure is below the 2.5% awarded for 2025, raising concerns among retirees and other … Read more

These are the people who will receive SNAP funds between May 19 and 25, 2025: check your benefit day

Lone Star EBT card alongside fresh produce and U.S. currency, illustrating SNAP benefit distribution for Texas recipients.

Low-income households across Texas rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to afford healthy foods for a balanced diet. If you are wondering whether you’ll receive your allotment this week, keep reading to find out who qualifies and how the benefit schedule works. In the Lone Star State, Texas Health and Human Services manages … Read more

New rules delay full Social Security benefits past 65 as retirement age climbs

Notebook titled “Retirement Plan,” upward-trend chart, cash, and pencils illustrating 2025 Social Security retirement-age changes.

If you’ve been counting down to 65 as the magic number for full Social Security benefits, think again. A new shift takes effect in 2025, meaning retirees born in 1959 will see their Full Retirement Age (FRA) pushed back. So who’s affected by these changes, and what should future beneficiaries watch out for? The traditional … Read more

Kevin O’Leary warns U.S. workers: Social Security checks fall short of real retirement costs

Kevin O’Leary seated at a desk with a Social Security card and $100 bills backdrop, emphasizing retirement savings needs

The famed ‘Shark Tank’ investor highlights key steps toward a more secure retirement. Millions of workers across the United States strive to cover monthly bills, often questioning how much they should set aside for future needs. Kevin O’Leary, known for his candid advice and role as a prominent investor on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” urges Americans … Read more

The Social Security payment for May has been set for the 21st: check if your name appears on the list of beneficiaries

Social Security benefits statement next to a calendar block showing “May 21”

The Social Security Administration has adjusted its schedule for May 2025, leaving many beneficiaries wondering when their payments will arrive. This change is especially significant for those who depend on these monthly amounts for essential expenses. In May 2025, some individuals could receive their money later than usual, raising questions about what to expect and … Read more

Exceed this income and the SSA will hold back part of your retirement pay

Social Security card with us dollar bills and coins illustrating ssa income limit on retirement pay

Working Americans approaching retirement might be in for an unpleasant surprise. According to the latest updates from the Social Security Administration (SSA), surpassing specific income limits in 2025 could shrink your monthly check. That means beneficiaries who decide to keep working, or receive extra funds from certain sources, risk losing part of their benefits if … Read more

Older Americans face significant Social Security benefit losses as Trump rolls back Biden-era protections

Trump and Biden in front of American flag during debate on Social Security benefit losses for older Americans.

Major reversal threatens retirement Income for many older Americans. Retirees who have defaulted on their student loans could soon see their federal benefits dip as low as $750 a month. This stark change, triggered by the Trump administration’s revival of an older garnishment rule, comes after a Biden-era provision had planned to shield a significantly … Read more

Trump-backed tax break for to eliminate Social Security taxes, but at what cost to tomorrow’s retirees?

Politician in blue suit framed by a Social Security card being cut with scissors, symbolizing proposed tax-break plan for retirees.

A recent push by former President Donald Trump to remove federal taxes on Social Security, tips, and overtime has sparked debate among lawmakers and retirees. If approved, these changes could lead to earlier benefit reductions for millions who rely on the program. In January, Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.) introduced the You Earned It, You Keep … Read more

Social Security shake-up goes live in May: five things recipients should prepare for now

Close-up of a Social Security card and a $100 bill representing May 2025 benefit changes, faster deposits, and fraud prevention.

Big adjustments are on the way for millions of Social Security recipients. The latest measures aim to strengthen identity verification, update direct deposit processing, and reintroduce a tougher policy on overpayment recovery. Beginning in May 2025, everyone applying for Social Security benefits who cannot use the online platform must appear in person at a Social … Read more