Social Security

Exploring the reality of retirement savings in the U.S. and strategies to reach the coveted $1,000,000 milestone.

Understanding FICA and SECA Taxes and How They Affect Your Earnings

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Working while receiving Social Security benefits is actually very beneficial and is one can be taxed on both sources of income

SSA warns that benefit cuts could hit millions earlier than planned, with Trump-era tax bill accelerating insolvency.

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From a higher COLA increase to new tax breaks and going paperless, Social Security’s latest updates will impact over 72 million Americans.

New proposal aims to protect benefits, cut wait times, and modernize the system for millions of Social Security recipients

Here’s when the Social Security Administration may begin reducing your benefits—and what actions you can take in response.

Calls to local Social Security offices are currently being rerouted

If you receive Social Security benefits, you probably heard some news about a big policy change coming on August 18. Many people were frustrated...

Big change coming to social security: payments will never be the same The end of cheques marks new era of faster, safer Social Security payments Social Security payments will be made a whole lot differently starting September 30. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin phasing out paper Social Security checks as part of an upgrade to the federal payment system.It's just part of the Trump administration's push to save the government money, reduce fraud, and save taxpayers billions of dollars.Although the vast majority of recipients already get their benefits electronically, the change will affect the remaining few Americans who still get paper cheques—and is a permanent change in the way retirement payments are disbursed in the future.Why this change is happeningIt was in mid-July when the SSA issued its plans to discontinue issuing paper cheques, citing several reasons for this.To start with, electronic payments are more secure and faster. Paper cheques, according to the agency, are 16 times more prone to theft or loss than direct deposit or debit card payments. This change aims to safeguard recipients and their benefits, in response to heightened concerns about fraud and mail theft.Second, becoming digital will save the government a considerable sum of money. It takes about 50 cents per paper cheque to mail, while electronic payments take less than 15 cents. With millions of Social Security benefits mailed monthly, a transition to digital will save the federal government tens of millions of dollars a year.Finally, the switch is part of a broader effort to computerise the SSA's payment systems, improve customer service, and eliminate through delays.What this means for beneficiariesFewer than one per cent of all Social Security beneficiaries continue to receive their cheques by mail, the SSA says. Direct deposit or the Direct Express® debit card, specifically designed for federal benefit payments, already has been adopted by most recipients.But the SSA continues to call the last remaining recipients of cheques to request them to convert to electronic payment. If you're among the few individuals still receiving your Social Security payment by mail, here's what you need to know:You'll receive a notice letter from the SSA informing you of the change. There will be an information insert accompanying future paper cheques. You can also have SSA technicians help you sign up for direct deposit or get a Direct Express card.For some beneficiaries, the SSA will continue to mail paper cheques if they cannot get payments electronically due to hardships. However, the majority of its recipients will now use electronic payments, which coincidentally happen to be the default method of payment. Read this laterThe Direct Express debit card is a safe way for people without bank accounts to avoid direct deposits. It works just like a normal debit card and you can:Withdraw cash from ATMs Spend in shops or on the internet Pay bills on the internet Look at your balance on the internet or by phoneThe Direct Express card is insured by the U.S. Treasury but does not need it to be linked to a bank account. It's an easier choice for recipients who are reluctant to use standard banking services but want a safe and reliable medium through which they can receive funds.SSA's new digital pushThis major payment transformation is part of a larger initiative to modernise the SSA. The agency is also making a fundamental upgrade in online capabilities. Later this year, the Social Security online portal will be accessible 24/7, giving Americans more flexibility to manage their benefits on their own terms.Under Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano, the agency is improving customer service, reducing wait times, and making it easier for people to get their benefits and information.SSA has launched a new website on which beneficiaries may:Enroll or change direct deposit choices Join as a Direct Express cardmember Track payments and benefit history Get replacement Social Security cards Get help and adviceWhat if you still get paper cheques?If you're one of the still-receiving-by-mail dwindling group of recipients who receive their Social Security cheques in the mail, don't panic—but act fast. The SSA is encouraging all paper cheque recipients to switch online as smoothly as possible.Here's how you can:1. Create a personal Social Security account at SSA.gov if you don't already have one. 2. Make an online change to your payment information – choose direct deposit to a bank account or enroll in a Direct Express card 3. Receive letters or inserts from the SSA with instructions to change 4. Call SSA's customer service call center if you are experiencing difficulty with the changeThe agency has announced that, as part of that discussion, they will be talking about providing assistance to anyone who is left behind in the switch.Why this change mattersEven though this change may appear to be a minor one—to convert from paper cheques to electronic payments—it is in fact a huge shift in how the government distributes financial aid to seniors, the disabled, and survivors.Here are some of the best advantages of going paperless:Speed: Payments come sooner via direct deposit or onto the Direct Express card. Security: The risk for theft or loss is much smaller. Simplicity: People can get cash back without needing to go to the bank or wait for a letter. Savings: Taxpayers save millions, so more funding is available for programs and services. Accessibility: The Internet system offers easy access to manage your benefits, keep information up-to-date, and get help.Overall, the move protects your money, your privacy, and your peace of mind. Read this later: Neither Los Angeles, New York, nor Miami – The U.S. cities where you can retire on $1,500 from Social Security and live well. What are the customer service hours for 1-855-290-1545, the SSA number to call to keep receiving paper checks and how can I speak with... Good news about the COLA adjustment – The average maximum amount a Social Security retiree will receive in 2026, with an increase of up... The three exceptions for continuing to receive Social Security checks by mail starting September 30 – Here’s how to know if you’re eligible and... Neither California, Florida, nor Texas – This is the state with the most favorable taxes for retirement in 2025 Good news for millions of Americans – These are the three legal options to avoid repaying Social Security overpaymentsSpurred by presidential decrees and federal policyThe stimulus for electronic benefits is already not new. Plans to go digital instead of printing on paper checks have been in the works under past administrations. Recent moves, however, are a part of a bigger push at modernization backed by an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in March.

These simple-to-avoid blunders might wind up costing you thousands of dollars during retirement—here's how to avoid them. 

These 10 cities offer low living costs, warm communities, and a quality retirement lifestyle—all on a monthly Social Security check.

This article details the number to call if you want to keep receiving paper checks

Here's what the latest 2026 COLA forecast means for your Social Security benefits

Social Security will be sending out checks by electronic payments but there are some exceptions to this

Mississippi tops the list as the most tax-friendly state for retirees in 2025, offering generous exemptions on retirement income, low property taxes, and no estate or inheritance tax.

There are legal ways you can avoid Social Security overpayments and this article highlights the three major ways

A last-minute decision turned a controversial rule into a choice, helping millions of seniors, disabled individuals, and low-income beneficiaries avoid extra stress

Simple steps to obtain a copy of your form W-2

Retirement in these three states is the most expensive in the United States. Read to find out

Everything you need to know about accessing and understanding your Social Security statement.

SSA will return to its former practice of withholding 100% of a beneficiary's monthly benefit to recover overpaid benefits.

The potential impact of DOGE's proposed $5,000 payments on social security benefits - Is this payment still possible?