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SocialSecurityNewsOct 20, 2026

SSA's 50-Million-Record Cleanup: What to Know

The SSA says it corrected nearly 50 million records — about 15% of active Social Security numbers — in its largest-ever database cleanup, adding 17 million death dates and updating citizenship data. It calls this an accuracy project, not a benefits change, and reported no fraud prosecutions. Here's what it means for you.

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SocialSecurityNewsOct 20, 2026

Can You Collect SSDI and Retirement at Once?

No — SSDI already pays 100% of your full retirement benefit, and it automatically converts to retirement at full retirement age, same amount. You're never paid both. Here's how it works, SSDI's hidden advantage, and the cases people confuse it with.

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SocialSecurityNewsOct 20, 2026

How Congress Fixed Social Security in 1983

The last time Social Security nearly ran out of money, in 1983, Congress fixed it with a bipartisan deal that raised the retirement age, taxed benefits, and lifted payroll taxes — buying ~50 years. Here's what they did and what it signals for the 2032 shortfall.

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SocialSecurityNewsOct 14, 2026

Did Congress “Raid” Social Security’s Trust Fund?

No money was stolen. By law, Social Security's surpluses are invested in interest-bearing U.S. Treasury bonds — and that money is being repaid, with interest, right now. Here's how the trust fund actually works, whether it's 'just IOUs,' and what the real problem is.

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SocialSecurityNewsOct 14, 2026

Social Security COLA Is 3.6% for 2027: What Changes

It's official: Social Security benefits rise 3.6% in 2027 — about $75 more a month for the average retiree, starting in January. Here's how much more you'll get, the other 2027 figures that changed (wage base, earnings limits, SGA), and when you'll see it.

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SocialSecurityNewsOct 7, 2026

Getting a $90 Check? It’s the Medicare Rebate

A surprise $90 payment from Social Security this month is most likely real — a one-time Medicare rebate to offset your October Part B premium, sent to 20M+ enrollees. Here's who gets it, when, and how to tell it apart from the scams that impersonate it.

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