The Social Security Administration (SSA) is facing growing criticism due to proposed staffing cuts that could severely impact its operations and compromise the security of sensitive data. Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden, and Kirsten Gillibrand have voiced their concerns over a 50% reduction in staffing within the Office of the Chief Investment Officer (OCIO). They warn that these cuts could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In a letter to the administration, the senators expressed their alarm, stating, “We are concerned these cuts will lead to further website and benefit disruptions, preventing tens of millions of Americans from accessing their hard-earned Social Se...

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...