What’s changing for veterans in late 2025? Expect three headline items: (1) VA pay increases for 2026 tied to the Social Security COLA announced in October 2025, implemented Dec 1, 2025 (paid with January checks) if Congress passes the annual veterans’ COLA bill (H.R. 2138 / S. 2392). (2) Caregiver Support (PCAFC) is already extended … Read more
Medicaid drug coverage is not one size fits all—and 2025–2026 brings some of the biggest shifts in years. Below, we break down the federal rules now in force, how states are handling GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and sickle cell gene therapies, and where to click to confirm your state’s latest PDL. What changed federally for 2025–2026? … Read more
There isn’t one official “Ticket to Work success rate.” Instead, SSA reports pieces: how many people assign Tickets (engagement), how many reach SGA-level earnings (milestones), and how many have benefits suspended or terminated due to work (outcomes). Below, we translate the latest 2024–2025 data into practical success benchmarks—minus the jargon. What does “success rate” mean … Read more
In 2025, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) still shapes Medicaid in two big ways that seniors feel indirectly: (1) which states expanded Medicaid (affecting local delivery systems and budgets), and (2) how states process applications/renewals (streamlined rules and timelines that also touch seniors). But core senior eligibility (SSI-based) remains largely outside ACA’s MAGI rules. KFF+2Medicaid+2 … Read more
Seniors have fresh money-saving options in 2025. Highlights include New Jersey’s new one-stop application for property-tax relief programs, Pennsylvania’s active Property Tax/Rent Rebate portal, Colorado’s 2025 senior exemption timing and eligibility restorations in some counties, Illinois’s income-indexed Senior Freeze, New York’s updated EPIC drug help, and SNAP ESAP simplified access. Apply using the official links … Read more
2025 brought meaningful state action against elder financial exploitation. More states empowered banks to pause suspicious transactions, several refined reporting and immunity rules, Florida strengthened injunctions to stop exploitation, and other states advanced POA safeguards. Exact protections differ by state, but the overall trend is toward faster intervention and clearer safe harbors. ABA Banking Journal+2Florida … Read more
The typical SSI disability application in 2025 takes about 7–8 months (≈220–230 days) for an initial decision, with reconsiderations often around the same or slightly longer and hearings adding many more months if you appeal. Times vary by state and by the evidence in your file. Sources and how to speed things up below. Social … Read more
The 2025 Trustees Report says Social Security’s retirement fund (OASI) will be depleted in 2033, and the combined funds in 2034—at which point the program could still pay 77–81% of scheduled benefits from incoming payroll taxes. The disability fund (DI) remains solvent for the 75-year window. Here’s what that means—and what you can do. Social … Read more
Here’s what actually changed for seniors’ taxes in 2025—and what kicks in for 2026. The Trump administration’s 2025 tax law (H.R.1) adds a new $6,000 deduction for people 65+ (with income limits). Separate bills would end federal tax on Social Security starting in 2026—but as of today they’re not law. Details and action steps below. … Read more
In 2025, California remains the only state that has fully suspended (eliminated) the Medicaid asset test—for Medi-Cal non-MAGI programs—while other states are raising limits or considering a phase-out. Below is the plain-English rundown of what’s in effect now and what’s proposed next, with official sources. Quick answer: Which states suspended Medicaid asset tests in 2025? … Read more