The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing one of its biggest leadership crises in years as its acting commissioner, Michelle King, has stepped down following a dispute over the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its demands for access to Social Security data. King, a long-time SSA veteran, reportedly refused DOGE’s request for access to … Read more
A new scam is targeting taxpayers across the United States, with cybercriminals sending fraudulent text messages claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and offering a $1,400 refund. The IRS has confirmed that these messages are fake and are part of an attempt to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting individuals. How … Read more
Washington, D.C. – The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced the termination of approximately 6,700 employees—around 6% of its workforce—as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to reduce the size of the federal government. The move has sparked controversy, with critics warning of potential disruptions to tax collection and enforcement. Scope of the Layoffs … Read more
In recent months, reports have circulated suggesting that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has closed all its offices, leaving millions of Americans concerned about their benefits and access to essential services. However, the reality is more nuanced. While not all offices have shut down permanently, several locations across the country have temporarily stopped in-person services … Read more
New York State residents receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are set to receive checks of up to $967 per month in 2025, following a federal cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). This increase aims to assist low-income individuals in coping with inflation and rising expenses. Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a one-time “Inflation Refund” payment for eligible … Read more
In 2025, the Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Social Security benefits in the United States will increase to 66 years and 10 months. This change applies to individuals born in 1959, who will reach their FRA in 2025. This is part of a gradual increase in retirement age initiated by Congress in 1983 to strengthen … Read more
In a landmark move, the Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025, restoring full Social Security benefits to over 3.2 million public sector employees, including teachers, firefighters, and police officers. This legislation eliminates the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—two rules that had significantly reduced or … Read more
Social Security beneficiaries may see a smaller cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2026 compared to recent years. Early forecasts suggest that the 2026 COLA could be as low as 2.1% or 2.3%, a decline from the 2.5% adjustment in 2025. While Social Security increases are designed to keep up with inflation, a lower COLA may impact … Read more
Millions of Social Security recipients will see their monthly payments rise in 2025, thanks to a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The increase, aimed at keeping benefits in line with inflation, will impact more than 72.5 million Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Why the COLA Increase Matters The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates … Read more
In a move aimed at improving transparency and accessibility, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced enhancements to its Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) notices for 2025. The initiative seeks to provide beneficiaries with clearer, more personalized information regarding their benefit increases, making it easier to understand how COLA affects their monthly payments. 2025 COLA Increase and … Read more