The 2025 Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment cycle has begun with a 2.5% increase in benefits. This adjustment, tied to the annual Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), affects over 72.5 million Americans and offers financial relief as inflation moderates. However, beneficiaries must stay alert for important updates, including a new requirement to migrate their … Read more
Reporting your income to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is critical to ensuring that you continue to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program provides essential financial support to those with low income who are blind, disabled, or aged 65 and older. Accurate income reporting not only helps the SSA allocate benefits fairly but … Read more
Social Security’s maximum monthly benefit is set to hit an all-time high of $5,108 in 2025, marking the first time retirees can collect more than $5,000 per month. But here’s the catch: only a small percentage of retirees will qualify for this amount. Want to know if it’s possible for you? Achieving the maximum benefit … Read more
Social Security benefits are a crucial part of retirement income for millions of Americans. By 2025, the average monthly benefit is expected to be around $1,976, totaling nearly $24,000 annually. However, most retirees won’t see all of that money. Withholdings like Medicare Part B premiums and federal taxes can chip away at these benefits, and … Read more
Social Security provides critical financial support to millions of Americans, but navigating the rules about working and collecting benefits can be complex. Knowing these guidelines is essential, especially if you’re balancing a job and Social Security income while approaching or surpassing your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Here’s a breakdown of how earnings affect your Social … Read more
For many Americans, 65 has long been the golden age of retirement. However, the “full retirement age” (FRA) for Social Security benefits has already climbed beyond 65 and is set to rise again in 2025. FRA is the age at which workers are eligible to claim 100% of their Social Security benefits. As this age … 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
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
Claiming Social Security benefits is a major financial decision, and timing is everything. While it’s tempting to retire early, waiting until your full retirement age ensures you don’t lose out on the benefits you’ve worked so hard to earn. Over the decades, changes to the full retirement age have gradually increased the threshold from 65 … Read more
The Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program, managed by the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), provides essential financial support to individuals who cannot earn a living due to mental or physical disabilities. Designed to assist those requiring full-time care, the GIA ensures that vulnerable members of society can meet their basic needs while being cared for in … Read more