Thousands of older Americans living on modest Social Security benefits now have a clearer path to bigger monthly payments. The agency’s latest guidance spells out who can ask for more, which forms to file, and when to act. Many retirees discover—sometimes too late—that early claiming locked them into a paycheck that barely covers the basics. … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Waiting a few extra years can add thousands to every monthly check—here’s how the math works. Retirement timing is a personal choice, yet the age you file for Social Security largely determines how much you’ll pocket over the rest of your life. Want to be sure you’re not leaving money on the table? Read on. … Read more
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
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
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
The Treasury and Social Security Administration will stop mailing disability checks, pushing nearly half a million recipients to switch to direct deposit or a Direct Express card before the deadline. Starting this fall, disability beneficiaries who still rely on paper checks must move to an electronic option or risk missing their October payment. Officials say the … Read more
Millions nearing retirement must now adjust plans as the Full Retirement Age rises to 67 for everyone born in 1960 or later, ending a four‑decade phase‑in. Americans who expected to tap Social Security at 66 have one more year to wait. Beginning in 2026, every worker born in 1960 or later must reach age 67 to … Read more
Millions of Americans who rely on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) will see fresh payments next month, and the delivery date depends on when they first claimed benefits and even their birthday. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is sending an average $1,581 check—but some workers could pocket as much as $4,018. Will you see money … Read more
A 60‑day suspension of the Treasury Offset Program stalls debt collections, easing fears for millions of Social Security recipients facing possible cuts. Retirees who rely on monthly benefits just caught a break. Federal officials have delayed re‑starting the Treasury Offset Program, which withholds up to 15 percent of a beneficiary’s check to repay federal student loans … Read more
Trustees warn that more than 60 million retirees and families could see smaller checks if lawmakers fail to shore up the program’s main trust fund. The clock is ticking for America’s biggest safety‑net program. A fresh report from Social Security’s trustees says the retirement trust fund will be empty by 2033, slicing monthly payments by 23 percent … Read more
House measure would scrap the special FERS supplement, trimming thousands of dollars from longtime employees’ expected income. For Michele Santa Maria, who spent 35 years guiding Social Security claimants through red tape, the promise of a full pension plus a bridge payment from 57 to 62 made the long days worthwhile. Now that bridge is cracking. A … Read more
The Social Security Administration has green‑lit several underused strategies that could add real dollars to the wallets of pensioners living on modest benefits. Choosing when to claim Social Security is tough, but living on a fixed check that no longer stretches as far can be tougher. Thousands of low‑pension retirees now have a fresh chance … Read more