Social Security

The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is grappling with a severe operational crisis, marked by repeated website outages, prolonged phone service disruptions, and widespread confusion among beneficiaries. These issues have intensified following a series of cost-cutting measures and policy changes implemented by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk.​ Website Crashes and System Overloads In recent weeks, the SSA's online portal, MySSA, has experienced multiple outages, with some lasting up to 24 hours. These disruptions have prevented millions of retirees and disabled Americans from accessing their accounts or completing necessary transactions. The outages are reportedly linked to an expanded fraud detection system...

In the United States, Social Security benefits play an important role in supporting people during retirement. But to receive these benefits, there’s a basic rule everyone needs to understand: you must earn Social Security credits during your working life. These credits are proof that you've worked and paid taxes into the system, and they help decide if you qualify for retirement, disability, Medicare, or survivor benefits. It’s not just about age—it’s about how much you’ve contributed over the years. To qualify for retirement benefits, you need at least 40 Social Security credits. Most people earn these credits automatically while working, but not everyone realizes how the system works. In simple terms, for every year you work and earn a minimum amount, you can get up to four credit...

If you’re dreaming of getting the highest possible Social Security benefit in retirement — ₹4.26 lakh (or $5,108) every month in 2025 — then you’ll need to meet some strict conditions. While the average retiree in the U.S. currently receives around $1,980 per month, the top benefit is only available to those who check every single box. What You Must Do to Qualify for the Maximum Social Security Benefit? There are two main rules you need to follow: Earn a high enough income every year for 35 years Delay your Social Security claim until age 70 Miss either one, and you won’t qualify for the maximum. It’s truly an all-or-nothing situation. The Salary Target: What You Need to Earn Social Security only counts a portion of your earnings when calculating your benefit. Th...

In the United States, the Social Security Administration follows a set schedule to distribute payments to retirees and other beneficiaries. However, this schedule does not mean everyone receives their payment at the same time. Some groups of Social Security recipients will have to wait until May 2025 to get their next payment, while others have already received their April benefits. This delay mainly affects a specific group of retirees who started receiving their benefits before May 1997. These beneficiaries will get their monthly check on May 2, 2025. This group is not determined by birth date, unlike other recipients who are paid later in the month based on when they were born. Instead, this group is simply identified by the fact that their benefits started before a specific ...

Starting from April 2025, a big change is coming for Social Security beneficiaries in the United States. The government has made it mandatory for all current and future recipients to verify their identity in person at Social Security Administration (SSA) offices. This new rule replaces the earlier system, where people could prove their identity online through the SSA website. The change has been introduced by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which was created under former President Donald Trump and is currently being overseen by Elon Musk. According to DOGE, this move is meant to reduce fraud, prevent misuse of funds, and ensure that benefits go to the right people. Why Is This Change Happening? This rule comes after an internal investigation suggested that ...

In just two weeks, millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program will receive their direct payment of up to $967. These payments, set to be distributed on May 1, are a vital source of financial support for individuals living with severe disabilities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) states that SSI is designed for people whose conditions either significantly limit their daily activities or are expected to result in death. To qualify for SSI, applicants must be at least partially blind or have a physical or mental disability that restricts their ability to perform basic activities for at least 12 months. The goal of SSI is to provide financial relief to those who cannot earn enough due to their disabilities, helping them maintain a basic ...

If you're planning your financial future in the U.S., knowing your Social Security status is very important. Whether you're years away from retirement or nearing it, checking your Social Security account regularly helps you stay informed and prepared. Luckily, the process is simple and can be done online in just a few minutes. Here’s everything you need to know. What is the "My Social Security" Account? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a secure online tool called “my Social Security” account available on ssa.gov. This account gives you access to all your Social Security information—like how much you’ve earned, your benefits estimate, and any updates to your record. You can open the account for free, and it’s available 24/7. It’s designed to make your life easier...

One of former President Donald Trump’s long-standing tax policy goals — eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits — is gaining traction with some Democratic lawmakers, but with a key condition attached. Trump has been urging Congress to include the elimination of federal taxes on Social Security benefits in the upcoming budget bill. According to a recent analysis reported by The Center Square, this move would reduce federal revenue by $1.5 trillion over the next decade and accelerate the depletion of the Social Security trust fund by two years. However, a new proposal from Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn..) offers a different approach. Her bill, titled the You Earned It, You Keep It Act, aims to eliminate taxes on Social Security benefits while simultaneously securing the program’s ...

In a significant political development, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called for the resignation of Leland Dudek, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Schumer's demand comes amid growing concerns over alleged mismanagement, controversial data-sharing practices, and substantial staff reductions within the SSA under Dudek's leadership.​ Allegations Against Dudek During a press conference in New York on April 15, Schumer criticized Dudek for granting the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, access to sensitive SSA data without adequate oversight. He accused Dudek of laying off thousands of SSA employees and closing critical offices, actions that Schumer claims have disrupted services for millions of Ameri...

On Tuesday, April 15, former President Donald Trump signed a new memorandum aimed at tightening rules around who can receive Social Security benefits. The White House stated that the move is designed to ensure that only those who are legally eligible get access to programs under the Social Security Act. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the directive will prevent ineligible foreign nationals from receiving Social Security funds. It also includes stronger enforcement against those who fail to properly verify eligibility, continue payments to deceased or disqualified individuals, or allow unauthorized access to these benefits. As part of this order, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will expand its anti-fraud efforts. At least 50 U.S. Attorneys’...