The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages five key programs, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), commonly referred to as Disability. SSDI provides monthly payments to individuals who cannot work due to a disability lasting at least a year and significantly affecting their quality of life. Knowing when these payments arrive is crucial to financial planning. … Read more
Canada’s public retirement system—comprised of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)—continues to be a vital source of financial stability for retirees. For 2025, important updates have been announced, including adjusted benefit amounts and a payment schedule, ensuring that seniors can effectively plan for their financial needs amidst … Read more
As we step into 2025, Social Security beneficiaries should familiarize themselves with upcoming changes to the program. Most adjustments are inflation-related, but they can significantly impact benefits, calculations, and income limits for those still working. Staying informed is essential for making the most of your benefits in the new year. COLA Every year, Social Security … Read more
Social Security benefits follow a strict payment schedule to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds on time, helping them meet financial obligations. However, December can complicate the process due to holidays and weekends, potentially confusing recipients. Here’s a breakdown of the Social Security payment schedule and what to expect this December. Social Security Calendar The Social … Read more
The Social Security Fairness Act has reignited debate in Washington as it moves closer to a potential Senate vote. This bipartisan bill seeks to repeal two provisions—Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that currently reduce Social Security benefits for millions of Americans. While supporters emphasize fairness and justice for workers, critics voice concerns … Read more
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps, is a vital program for millions of families in the U.S. It helps people purchase nutritious food and even allows the purchase of seeds and garden plants for growing your own produce. Each month, benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, … Read more
Every year, the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) is applied to Social Security benefits, aiming to help recipients keep up with inflation. However, what many don’t realize is that COLA also impacts other government programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The 2025 COLA adjustment is set at 2.5%, but several issues remain with how … Read more
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is rolling out several updates for the 2025 tax filing season, aiming to simplify the process and improve accessibility for taxpayers across the country. These changes reflect the IRS’s ongoing commitment to modernizing tax administration and addressing the needs of its diverse population. With over 128 million individual tax returns … Read more
Centrelink Pension Increase 2024: The Centrelink age pension changes, effective from July 1, 2024, are now fully in place, offering a host of benefits for older Australians. While the base pension rates remain unchanged, adjustments to income and asset test thresholds have led to higher payments for many and expanded eligibility for others. These changes … Read more
The Social Security Fairness Act, recently passed by the House of Representatives, aims to repeal two contentious provisions—Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO)—that have long affected public service retirees who also contributed to Social Security. With the ball now in the Senate’s court, the act has sparked both hope and controversy. This … Read more