All articles tagged with #benefits
Research shows that following Dave Ramsey's advice to claim Social Security at 62 is financially disadvantageous, as it results in significantly lower benefits compared to delaying until 70, which increases benefits by 24%. Early claiming incurs penalties that reduce monthly benefits by 30%, making it a costly mistake for most retirees.
The article explains the Social Security benefit payment schedule for 2026, detailing how payment dates are determined by birth dates and providing specific dates for each month, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.
Despite recent legal and market changes, premium credit cards are expected to remain popular in 2026 due to high consumer satisfaction, continued demand for luxury perks, and the ongoing growth of high-end offerings, even with rising fees and potential regulatory adjustments.
Starting in 2026, federal and state Social Security tax rules will change, with West Virginia ceasing to tax benefits and other states like Connecticut and Vermont continuing to do so; older Americans will also benefit from expanded federal tax breaks through 2028.
The article compares the Capital One Venture X and Citi Strata Elite premium travel credit cards, highlighting that Venture X offers a lower annual fee and simpler rewards structure, making it more suitable for most travelers, while Citi Strata Elite provides higher earning potential and more statement credits but at a higher cost and complexity. The choice depends on individual travel habits and how much value one can extract from the benefits.
The article provides essential guidance for federal employees approaching retirement, covering key decisions such as final separation, withdrawal of retirement applications, returning to federal employment, managing leave, choosing survivor benefits, handling military service credit, and maintaining health and life insurance, to ensure a smooth transition and optimal benefits.
The Social Security Administration announced that SSI and Social Security benefits will increase starting late December 2025 due to an annual cost-of-living adjustment tied to inflation, with maximum federal SSI benefits rising to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples, though some advocates believe the increase is insufficient to match rising living costs.
Social Security and SSI beneficiaries will receive their December payments on specific dates based on their birth dates, with SSI recipients getting two payments this month on Dec. 1 and Dec. 31. The SSA provides a schedule and advises contacting your bank if payments are delayed.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide whether full SNAP benefits should resume amid ongoing legal battles and a government shutdown, affecting millions of Americans' access to food assistance, with the outcome depending on court rulings and congressional action.
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on the resumption of full SNAP food assistance payments amid ongoing legal battles and a potential government shutdown deal, affecting millions of Americans' access to food benefits.
The Trump administration is continuing to seek a Supreme Court stay to block full funding of November SNAP benefits amid a government shutdown, despite courts ruling in favor of full payments to support millions of Americans relying on food assistance programs.
An appeals court has denied former President Trump's attempt to stop full SNAP benefits for November, amid ongoing legal disputes that have caused confusion over food assistance subsidies for 42 million recipients.
The Trump administration has ordered states to immediately reverse any actions taken to provide full SNAP benefits for November 2025, following a Supreme Court stay on a lower court's order to pay benefits in full, with the USDA emphasizing the need to undo any unauthorized payments.
Minnesota has resumed full SNAP benefits for 440,000 residents amid federal shutdown and legal battles, ensuring continued food assistance despite government funding delays.
Oregon SNAP recipients will receive their full November benefits today after a court order, despite ongoing legal disputes with the federal government over food assistance funding during a shutdown.