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Social Security Administration Advises Online Filing for Retirement Benefits to Avoid Delays and Lost Payments

Social Security Administration Advises Online Filing for Retirement Benefits to Avoid Delays and Lost Payments

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is strongly recommending that first-time applicants for retirement benefits utilize its online filing system. The SSA describes online application as the quickest and most convenient method to sign up for monthly payments. While other options exist, such as applying by telephone or in person at a Social Security office, these methods are prone to delays. Financial journalist Gerelyn Terzo highlighted that in-person appointments can be booked one to two months in advance, and the review process for applications typically takes several weeks. Such delays can result in applicants missing their desired enrollment month and consequently losing out on monthly benefit payments. For example, if a monthly benefit is $2,400 and a delay causes a loss of one month's payment, that $2,400 is not recovered.

Asheville Citizen-Times

2027 COLA increase announcement to come in October. Latest projections

2027 COLA increase announcement to come in October. Latest projections

The announcement for the 2027 COLA increase is expected to come in October. How much North Carolina retirees could see.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

$90 Medicare checks going to 1.4 million in Florida. Do you qualify?

$90 Medicare checks going to 1.4 million in Florida. Do you qualify?

More than 20 million Medicare Part B enrollees are getting $90 payments from the federal government, including almost 1.4 million In Florida.

FHFA Internal Watchdog Budget Cut Raises Concerns Over Misconduct Oversight

FHFA Internal Watchdog Budget Cut Raises Concerns Over Misconduct Oversight

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently reduced the budget of its internal watchdog, the Office of Inspector General (OIG). This cut, which amounts to 64% less than the budget proposed by the White House, has prompted the OIG to warn lawmakers that it will be forced to significantly reduce staff and will be unable to effectively police misconduct. The FHFA, which oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, stated that the budget cut aims to align the OIG's funding with that of its peers. However, critics argue that this comparison is flawed as it does not account for the OIG's additional role in overseeing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and federal home loan banks, including investigating fraud within mortgage markets. The IG’s Acting Principal Deputy James Hodge informed Senate and House lawmakers that the cuts would reduce the office’s annual budget to $20 million, necessitating a 70%-80% staff reduction and the discontinuation of investigations.

Why many Medicare enrollees are getting $90 checks

Why many Medicare enrollees are getting $90 checks

Some seniors are getting $90 checks from the Trump administration. Here's who's eligible.

EBSCO Information Services Launches New Urban Studies Research Database

EBSCO Information Services Launches New Urban Studies Research Database

EBSCO Information Services has introduced 'Urban Studies Source,' a new full-text research database designed to support interdisciplinary teaching and research focused on cities, urban communities, and the forces shaping them. This resource offers international perspectives on the historical, social, economic, environmental, and physical dimensions of urban development. The database includes content from 127 active full-text journals and magazines, covering topics such as city planning, community development, environmental policy, housing, land use law, population and demographic change, public policy, sustainable development, transportation and infrastructure, urban economics, and urban sociology & social issues. Kimberly Clarkson, EBSCO Director of Product Management for Research Databases, highlighted the need for research that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries to understand contemporary urban challenges. The Urban Studies Source is accessible through EBSCOhost, EBSCO’s research platform, whic...

Springfield, MO, Proposes Extension of Data Center Application Delay and Code Definition Amid Public Concerns

Springfield, MO, Proposes Extension of Data Center Application Delay and Code Definition Amid Public Concerns

The City of Springfield, Missouri, is taking two significant steps in its ongoing review of potential data center developments. First, the city proposes extending the current administrative delay on accepting and processing data center applications. This delay, set to expire on November 17, is intended to provide additional time for city officials to evaluate community input and develop policy options for the city council. Second, the city plans to define 'data center' within its Land Development Code. This measure aims to establish a clear and formal definition for the term, which is currently not specifically outlined in the code. These proposals follow three public engagement sessions where residents voiced concerns about electricity and water usage, utility rates, wastewater, noise, air quality, land use, public safety, and neighborhood impacts associated with data center development. City Manager David Cameron emphasized the need to thoroughly understand community feedback before proceeding, stating t...

Singapore Government Refers Eight Civil Servants to Police Over Alleged Misuse of Planning Information for Property Transactions

Singapore Government Refers Eight Civil Servants to Police Over Alleged Misuse of Planning Information for Property Transactions

The Singapore government has referred eight civil servants to the police for further investigation following a review of a study that alleged some officials used privileged planning information for housing transactions. Chan Chun Sing, Coordinating Minister for Public Services, stated that this referral does not confirm wrongdoing but indicates the government lacks sufficient information to dismiss these cases without further review. The government's action comes after a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research in the U.S. claimed that civil servants and their relatives purchased S$270 million ($210 million) worth of property near planned train stations before public announcements. The review covered property transactions of 191 civil servants between 2007 and 2014. The research paper identified 113 property purchases by civil servants near planned train stations within two years prior to announcements, and an additional 108 by relatives within three years prior. These transactions, whic...

South Carolina Disability System Faces Challenges Amid Staffing Shortages and Federal Control

South Carolina Disability System Faces Challenges Amid Staffing Shortages and Federal Control

A new state audit in South Carolina has revealed significant challenges within the state's disability determination system, particularly concerning delays in processing disability benefits. The audit, conducted by the Legislative Audit Council, highlights a complex relationship between state and federal agencies responsible for reviewing disability claims. South Carolina Disability Determination Services, a division of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, handles these determinations. While state employees make the decisions, the program is federally funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which also exerts considerable control over hiring and operational decisions. The audit found a 35% reduction in disability examiner staffing between January 2021 and June 2026, with 114 examiners lost during this period. Factors contributing to these shortages include employee turnover, pay concerns, and the loss of telework opportunities. Disability rights advocate Sue Berkowitz of the A...

Social Security Administration May Withhold Full Benefits for Early Claimants Exceeding Earnings Limits

Social Security Administration May Withhold Full Benefits for Early Claimants Exceeding Earnings Limits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has regulations that can lead to the withholding of full benefits for individuals who claim Social Security at age 62 while still earning above a specified threshold. For those born in 1960 or later, specific earning limits are in place, and exceeding these limits can result in deductions from their Social Security payments. The system is designed such that if an individual's earnings surpass the established limits, a portion or even the entirety of their benefits may be withheld. However, the SSA does make adjustments for these withheld amounts once the individual reaches their full retirement age, potentially increasing future benefits to compensate for earlier reductions.

Dave Ramsey warns Americans on 401(k)s, IRAs, Social Security

Dave Ramsey warns Americans on 401(k)s, IRAs, Social Security

The bestselling personal finance author emphasizes a major financial consideration when saving for retirement.

Allied Universal Seeks Surveillance Investigator for Insurance Claims in U.S.

Allied Universal Seeks Surveillance Investigator for Insurance Claims in U.S.

Allied Universal Seeks Surveillance Investigator for Insurance Claims in U.S.