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For Individuals & Retirees
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When to claim, how much you'll get, payment schedules, spousal and survivor benefits — in plain English.
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Trustees reports, OIG findings, regulatory changes, and Capitol Hill activity — built for advisors, attorneys, and policy staff.
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All newsThe Social Security 2100 Act: What It Would Change
House Democrats' flagship bill (H.R. 9519) would boost every check, tie COLAs to seniors' actual costs, create a $1,663 minimum benefit, and cut taxes on benefits — funded by taxing income above $400,000. It's a bill with long odds, not a coming raise. Here's what's actually in it.
Which States Tax Social Security in 2026? Just 8 Left
Only 8 states tax Social Security benefits for 2026 — and every one exempts large groups of retirees. West Virginia's tax ended January 1, completing its phase-out. Here's the state-by-state map, plus the two caveats that matter more than the headline.
Gen X and Social Security: Claiming Into the 2032 Window
The oldest Gen Xers reach full retirement age in 2032 — the same year the trust fund is projected to run short. Surveys show rising anxiety, and fear is pushing some toward a costly claiming mistake. Here's what's actually true under current law and what to do about it.
Can the Stock Market Save Social Security?
Borrow $1.5 trillion, invest it in stocks, let returns fix the shortfall — the idea keeps resurfacing because it promises no visible pain. Independent analyses of the leading proposal found it fully repays its borrowing in at most 36% of simulations. Here's the full picture, explained neutrally.
Workers' Comp and SSDI: New Data and the 80% Rule
A new national report says workers' comp paid $64.1 billion in benefits in 2023 — and if you ever collect workers' comp and SSDI together, a federal rule caps the combined total at 80% of your pre-disability earnings. Here's how the two programs fit together.
Social Security Fast-Tracks 14 More Disability Conditions
SSA added 14 conditions to its Compassionate Allowances list on August 11, 2026, bringing the fast-track disability list to 314 conditions approved in days rather than months. No separate application is needed — here's what was added and how the fast track works.
Sanders' $2,400 Social Security Boost, Explained
The Social Security Expansion Act would add $200 a month to every benefit check, funded by taxing income above $250,000 — and Sanders is pitching it as the alternative to the fast-track PROMISE Act. It's a bill with long odds, not a coming raise. Here's what it would do and who would pay.
The $100,000 Social Security Benefit Cap, Explained
A budget watchdog has proposed capping Social Security benefits at $100,000 a year per couple — but it's a think-tank idea, not a bill, and by its authors' own math it would initially affect only about the top 0.05% of couples. Here's how it would work and where it fits in the solvency debate.
Denied SSDI? The Disability Appeal Process Explained
Most SSDI claims are denied at first — but a denial is the middle of the process, not the end. You have 60 days to appeal, and SSA's own data show the ALJ hearing is where denied claims most often become approvals. Here's each appeal stage and how to strengthen your case.
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Benefits Estimator
Estimate your monthly retirement benefit using the official PIA formula, with optional spousal and survivor estimates.
Disability (SSDI) Calculator
Estimate your monthly SSDI benefit, your family total with dependents, and your potential back pay.
COLA Tracker
See the current cost-of-living adjustment, find your payment dates by birthday, and view 20+ years of COLA history.
Glossary & FAQ
Plain-language definitions of essential Social Security terms, searchable and filterable by audience.
Resource Directory
A curated directory of official SSA and Medicare calculators, forms, publications, and research.
Quick answers
All guidesHow much will I get from Social Security?
Your benefit is based on your 35 highest-earning years and the age you claim — anywhere from 62 (reduced) to 70 (maximum).
Estimate your benefitCan I work while collecting benefits?
Yes. But before full retirement age, Social Security temporarily withholds $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit — and repays it later, so it isn’t lost.
How the earnings test worksAre Social Security benefits taxed?
Up to 85% of your benefit can be federally taxable, depending on your total income. A new senior deduction (2025–2028) shields many retirees from that tax.
See if yours are taxableWhen will my payment arrive this month?
Retirement and disability benefits arrive on a Wednesday set by your birth date — the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Wednesday. SSI arrives on the 1st.
Check the 2026 scheduleWhat if my claim is denied?
You can appeal — but you generally have only 60 days, and there are four levels, starting with reconsideration. Many claims that ultimately succeed do so on appeal.
How to appeal, step by stepIs Social Security going away?
No. Even if Congress did nothing, incoming payroll taxes would still cover about 78% of benefits after the trust fund’s projected 2032 depletion — and Congress has always acted before a cut.
What the 2032 date really meansGet the free 2026 Social Security Cheat Sheet
The key numbers, claiming ages, and a pre-claim checklist — on one page. Plus a short, plain-English weekly update. No hype, no spam.
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