Social Security
Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP and disability: the rules, the deadlines, and what you're owed, explained plainly and checked against the agency.
What the 3.6% COLA adds to your check in January 2027, and what can take it back
The 2027 raise is set. Here is what it adds to the average retirement, survivor and disability check, how to figure your own, and the three things that can shrink the net amount.
Every benefit number that changes on January 1, 2027
Social Security, SSI, Medicare and SNAP each publish a new set of figures, and they do not arrive on the same day. Here is each program's table with the 2026 number beside the 2027 one, and what each change does to a real check.
How to apply for Social Security if WEP or GPO stopped you from filing
The Social Security Fairness Act ended the two rules that shrank or erased benefits for people with a government pension. If you never applied because of them, nothing happens until you do.
Couples with an earnings gap: when the lower earner should file first
One spouse earned much more than the other. Here is the claiming sequence that often fits that shape, how the spousal top-up works, and the situations where it is the wrong move.
Should I claim at 62, my full retirement age, or 70?
The honest answer is that it depends on three things — and only one of them is math.
The 7 biggest Social Security mistakes
Several of these cannot be undone. All of them are avoidable if you know about them before you file.
Can I collect on my ex-spouse's Social Security?
Often yes — up to 50% of their benefit, and it does not reduce what they or their current spouse receive.
My spouse died — what am I entitled to?
First, I am sorry. When you are ready, here is what you are owed and the order to handle it in.