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USA Today USA Today
What the Social Security COLA means for your benefits

What the Social Security COLA means for your benefits

Learn how the COLA is calculated, who benefits and why rising costs can limit the impact of a bigger check.
The Commercial Appeal The Commercial Appeal
SSI payments for August coming early for Tennessee recipients

SSI payments for August coming early for Tennessee recipients

Supplemental Security Income recipients will receive their August payments early as the first falls on a Saturday.
Detroit Free Press Detroit Free Press
When do SSI payments go out this month. See August schedule

When do SSI payments go out this month. See August schedule

Michigan residents who are a part of the Supplemental Security Income program will get their checks early for August. Here's why.
TheStreet TheStreet
A Medicare surcharge that could quietly cost retirees thousands

A Medicare surcharge that could quietly cost retirees thousands

You did the right things. You saved. You invested. You planned your retirement income carefully. T hen the Medicare bill arrived and it was nothing like what you expected. The number on the page was hundreds of dollars higher per month than the standard premium you had budgeted for. What hit you is ...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congress' Inaction on Social Security Could Lead to Significant Retirement Benefit Cuts

Congress' Inaction on Social Security Could Lead to Significant Retirement Benefit Cuts

The Social Security trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2032, leading to a potential 22% reduction in benefits unless Congress intervenes. This situation could significantly impact retirees, with estimates suggesting that a couple receiving maximum benefits could lose between $425,000 and $509,000 in lifetime benefits. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget (CRFB) highlights that without legislative action, the financial losses for retirees will only increase over time. The depletion of the trust fund coincides with rising healthcare costs, further straining retirees' finances. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation to fast-track Social Security-saving bills, but the proposal faces opposition from groups like AARP, which argues that Congress should directly address the issue.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Economic Concerns Rise in the U.S. Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

Economic Concerns Rise in the U.S. Ahead of 2026 Midterm Elections

As the 2026 midterm elections approach, economic concerns are at the forefront for many Americans. Rising costs for food, rent, and gas, exacerbated by renewed tariffs and energy price spikes due to the conflict with Iran, are significant issues for voters. The Consumer Price Index has shown a 3.5% increase over the past year, with housing costs also rising. These economic pressures are influencing voter sentiment, with many expressing concerns about the affordability of living expenses.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Medicare Premiums for 2026 Based on 2024 Tax Returns, Catching Retirees Off Guard

Medicare Premiums for 2026 Based on 2024 Tax Returns, Catching Retirees Off Guard

Medicare premiums for 2026 are being calculated using tax returns from 2024, which may result in unexpectedly high costs for retirees. The Social Security Administration uses a two-year look-back rule to determine the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), potentially leading to surcharges for those whose income was higher in 2024 due to employment or capital gains. Form SSA-44 can be filed to adjust these calculations if a qualifying life-changing event, such as retirement, has occurred. However, this form is underutilized, leaving many retirees paying more than necessary.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Social Security Benefits Projected to Increase, Calls for Reform in Calculation Method

Social Security Benefits Projected to Increase, Calls for Reform in Calculation Method

Social Security benefits for retirees are projected to increase by $77 per month in 2027, based on a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). However, critics argue that this increase is insufficient to meet the rising living costs for seniors. The current COLA is calculated using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners (CPI-W), which some believe does not accurately reflect the spending patterns of older adults. Advocates are pushing for the adoption of the Consumer Price Index for the Elderly (CPI-E), which would potentially offer higher adjustments by better accounting for seniors' spending on housing and medical care.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
2027 Social Security COLA May Lead to New Taxes for Seniors

2027 Social Security COLA May Lead to New Taxes for Seniors

The Senior Citizens League projects a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security benefits in 2027. While this increase aims to help seniors cope with rising costs, it may also push some into higher tax brackets, resulting in new or increased taxes on their benefits. The COLA is expected to add approximately $79 to the average monthly benefit, but for some, this could trigger federal Social Security benefit taxes for the first time, potentially offsetting the financial gains from the adjustment.
USA Today USA Today
How Congress' inaction on Social Security could tarnish your retirement

How Congress' inaction on Social Security could tarnish your retirement

Social Security and Medicare funds are running dry. See how potential benefit cuts could impact your retirement.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Social Security Payment Schedule for August Detailed

Social Security Payment Schedule for August Detailed

The Social Security Administration has outlined the payment schedule for August, with payments distributed on the second, third, and fourth Wednesdays of the month, depending on the recipient's birth date. Eligibility for Social Security benefits requires individuals to be at least 62 years old with a minimum of 40 work credits. Payments are typically made electronically, either via direct deposit or loaded onto a Direct Express Debit Mastercard. The SSA encourages recipients to ensure their bank information is up-to-date to avoid delays.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
High Grocery Prices Reshape Shopping Habits Across the U.S.

High Grocery Prices Reshape Shopping Habits Across the U.S.

Americans are adjusting their grocery shopping habits in response to the largest price increase in 50 years. The average price of groceries in U.S. cities has risen by 33% since 2019, driven by factors such as the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical tensions. Residents in urban areas with above-average food price inflation are adopting strategies like couponing, brand switching, and reducing discretionary purchases. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is further accelerating food price inflation, making affordability a key issue in upcoming elections.