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
Short answer: Yes, Social Security retirement and SSDI checks can be offset for defaulted federal student loans—but not SSI. Offsets are limited to 15% of the benefit above a $750 monthly floor. Meanwhile, most federal student loan forgiveness is tax-free at the federal level through 2025. Here’s how it all fits together and what to … Read more
Medicaid covers over 70 million Americans, but what it covers for adults depends heavily on the state you live in. In 2025, the biggest differences show up in adult dental/vision, postpartum coverage, behavioral health, long-term care at home, and expansion to low-income adults. Below is a plain-English, state-by-state guide with trusted sources. Quick answer: What … Read more
Across the country, Section 8 (Housing Choice Voucher) waitlists have shifted to lottery systems and short opening windows. In 2024–2025, several big cities reopened briefly—then closed again—leaving applicants asking: Is my city open? Below you’ll find current status by major city, how lotteries work, and a quick plan to improve your chances. New York City … Read more
Medicare got pricier in 2025—and early 2026 projections point to another bump. The good news: Medicaid programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) and Extra Help can cover your Part B premium and most drug costs, and a new $2,000 Part D cap plus a monthly payment option can tame pharmacy shocks. Here’s exactly what changed and how to cushion … Read more
SNAP benefit amounts were updated for FY 2025 and took effect October 1, 2024. Below, find the new maximums by state group (48+DC, Alaska regions, Hawaii, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands), the income rules that drive your exact amount, and a quick worksheet to estimate your benefit. Food and Nutrition Service 2025 SNAP amounts at a … Read more