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

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

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

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The Social Security Administration (SSA) has just rescinded a key part of its anti-fraud policy, which had caused confusion among retirees and sparked nationwide concern.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

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

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

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

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

When to file for Social Security without losing a dime: Full retirement age revealed to claim benefits and boost your monthly check

Alarm clock on Social Security blocks with red question mark, symbolizing full retirement age and best time to claim benefits

More Americans than ever are asking themselves a crucial question: at what age can I receive my full Social Security benefits? That question matters because timing can impact your monthly payments and overall lifetime income, so it’s essential to understand the rules. Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the milestone at which individuals qualify to receive … 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

3 Social Security adjustments that may shrink or grow the money you receive: how this affects each retiree

Trump against Social Security card and hundred-dollar bill background, illustrating 2025 Social Security benefit changes.

Millions of Americans are seeing notable changes to their Social Security benefits this year, and these updates could make a difference in your monthly deposits. Are you ready to find out if your check just got bigger? In January 2025, three significant modifications took effect: the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the repeal of two reduction rules … Read more

SSA Confirms May 2025 Schedule — Retirement and disability payments explained

Two Social Security cards resting on a folded American flag, symbolizing U.S. retirement and disability benefits.

Millions of retirees and disability beneficiaries across the United States may be surprised to learn they won’t receive Social Security payments next week. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has adjusted its May 2025 payment calendar, leading to one of the latest schedules seen so far this year. Social Security recipients who began collecting benefits before … Read more

62-year-olds could get $2,831 from Social Security this May — If they meet these 4 rules

Hundred-dollar bills exchanged over Social Security cards, illustrating up to $2,831 May payments for eligible 62-year-olds

If you turned 62 this year and you’ve been tracking Social Security news, this might be your chance to secure a monthly payment of up to $2,831. According to the latest schedule from the Social Security Administration, there are three paydays in May, on the 14th, 21st, and 28th, that could bring you these retirement … Read more