Category: Benefits & Retirement
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SSI in 2026: The Federal Payment and Who Qualifies
The 2026 SSI federal payment is $994 a month for an individual and $1,491 for a couple. Here is who qualifies, and how income and assets change the check.
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Social Security for Divorced Spouses: The 10-Year Rule
Married 10 years before divorcing? You may qualify for Social Security on your ex’s record, worth up to half their benefit, without affecting their check.
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Turning 65 Soon? Your Medicare Enrollment Window
Medicare’s Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your 65th birthday. Miss it and the late penalties follow you for life. Here’s the timeline.
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The 2027 Social Security COLA: What Early Numbers Show
April’s inflation data pushed one early 2027 COLA estimate to 3.9%, up from this year’s 2.8%. It’s a forecast, not a promise. Here’s the math behind it.
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Catch-Up Contributions After 50: The New Roth Rule
Starting in 2026, higher earners must make 401(k) catch-up contributions as Roth. Who the rule covers, the 2026 limits, and what it does to your paycheck.
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Medigap Plans Compared: What the Letters Mean
Medigap plans are standardized by letter, so Plan G is Plan G everywhere and only the price changes. What each letter covers and why your buying window matters.
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LIHEAP Can Pay Cooling Bills Too: How to Apply
The federal energy assistance program isn’t just for winter heat. Many states pay summer cooling bills and even help buy air conditioners. How to apply for LIHEAP.
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Medicare Part D in 2026: The Cap on Your Drug Costs
In 2026, Medicare Part D out-of-pocket drug costs stop at $2,100 for the year. How the cap works, what counts toward it, and how to spread the bills out.
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Traditional vs. Roth: How to Think About the Tax Bet
Traditional or Roth comes down to one question: is your tax rate higher now or in retirement? The math, the 2026 limits, and the tie-breakers.
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The ACP Is Gone. Cheap Internet Options That Remain
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024, but Lifeline’s $9.25 monthly discount, state broadband laws, and provider plans can still cut your bill.