Social Security sends a letter to a 65-year-old widow: A decades-old error leaves her $70,000 in debt

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Official Social Security Administration envelope with $70,000 overpayment notice sent to a 65-year-old Ohio widow.

The Social Security Administration is demanding a substantial amount back from a grieving widow, raising questions for other retirees who may be facing similar overpayment claims. In Sheffield Lake, Ohio, 65-year-old widow Ruth Podmanik recently received a distressing notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA). After applying for her late husband’s benefits, she discovered she … 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

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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

New Dollar Tree salary report for 2025: How much do cashiers, stockers, managers, forklift operators, and warehouse staff earn per hour?

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Exterior view of Dollar Tree store with bright green signage, illustrating 2025 hourly wage report for cashiers through warehouse workers

Dollar Tree offers varying pay rates for its staff members across the United States, factoring in the role, prior experience, and regional differences. Although many people know this chain as a budget-friendly store, it also serves as a potential workplace for a wide range of job seekers. Who might find an opportunity here, and why … Read more

From shoe boxes to secret compartments: the popular practice of keeping cash at home comes with these costly risks, according to experts

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Hands hiding a bundle of fifty-dollar bills under a mattress, illustrating the risks of storing cash at home without protection

Experts are warning that stashing money around the house can lead to unexpected losses and missed opportunities. Many Americans do keep some emergency funds at home, but the big question is: Are you putting your savings at risk without even realizing it? Recent findings from financial management app Piere show that the average person has … Read more

Nationwide Toyota safety alert: more than 147,000 Tacoma trucks recalled for urgent rear-brake hose repairs

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Toyota logo on dealership facade; brand recalls 147,000 U.S. vehicles for potential brake-hose leaks

Toyota, General Motors, Volvo, and Hyundai are issuing a far-reaching recall that could affect thousands of drivers nationwide. Are you wondering if your vehicle is part of this list? Read on to find out why these recalls matter, which models are involved, and how to take immediate action. Toyota’s recall centers on more than 147,000 … Read more

New DMV “Beat-the-Clock” program: shorter lines, online preparation tools, and same-day card issuance to obtain Real ID

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Residents line up outside a California DMV to apply for Real ID during the agency’s new early-morning processing hours

California drivers have fresh options to secure their Real IDs before 2025. Find out how you can benefit from the DMV’s latest schedule changes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced extended hours at 18 locations across the state. This move aims to help residents obtain a Real ID more conveniently, ensuring compliance before … Read more

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

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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

Avoid airport delays: Everything you need to know about getting a free Real ID in California this year

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California DMV worker wearing blue gloves hands a Real ID-compliant driver’s license to an eligible resident under the fee-waiver program.

Since May 7, 2025, all travelers boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal buildings in the United States will be required to carry a Real ID. This is a significant change, but there is good news for Californians: a new program allows eligible residents to obtain this document at no cost. Think you might … Read more

Social Security Fairness Act boosts monthly checks—see which retirees qualify for the larger payments

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Close-up of overlapping Social Security cards, symbolizing benefit increases for retirees under the Social Security Fairness Act

This is the list of those who will receive more money from this year. Thousands of retirees across the United States are already feeling the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act, which officially removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you previously saw your Social Security benefits reduced … Read more

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Good news for people with these last names: it’s now easier to obtain US citizenship faster

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents with passport, gavel, and American flag.

Discover the list of surnames with American ancestry that can facilitate the naturalization process. Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a dream for many immigrants, but it can be a complicated process. The journey often involves strict legal requirements, including a lengthy residence period, English proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. history and government. However, a lesser-known factor … Read more

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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