Social Security 2025: What Goes Into Determining Your Monthly Payment and How to Maximize It

We’ll explain below. How much money do I need to make to get the maximum benefit? The SSA takes your highest 35 working years of earnings and your age when you begin collecting benefits. To receive the highest Social Security benefits, you’ll have to earn at least themaximum taxable amountannually. For 2025, that’s $176,100. In 2015, the amount was $118,500. Any earnings made over the maximum amount isn’t taxed and won’t count toward your total earnings....

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 164 words · Tim Zimmerman

Social Security and SSDI Essential Cheat Sheet: What to Know About Social Security

Social Securityprovides financial benefits to senior citizens, low-income individuals and people with disabilities. When will I get my Social Security check? When you receive your monthly Social Security check depends on which specific benefit you’re receiving. No matter which benefit you receive, we have the answers. Applying for Social Security benefits isn’t nearly as difficult as you might think it is. you could also apply over the phone or in person if that’s more convenient for you....

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 140 words · Nicholas Martinez

Social Security benefits are getting their biggest increase in four decades. How much can you expect?

Social Security benefitsare getting their biggest increasein 40 years this month, thanks tosoaring inflationin 2021. How much will my Social Security check increase? Beneficiaries of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income received letters in December detailing their new COLA benefit rate. When will I see the additional COLA money in my Social Security check? The COLA goes into effect with December benefits, which are paid in January. How does the increase in Social Security benefits compare with inflation?...

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 87 words · Robert Robinson

Social Security Benefits for Children: How to Check Eligibility and Apply

Social Security benefitsaren’t just available for eligible retirees or disabled individuals.Qualifying children can receive these benefitsas well. We’ll fill you in. Below we’ll go over eligibility and how to apply for Social Security benefits for children. Is my child eligible for benefits? Below is an overview of what generally allows a child to qualify for benefits. Learn Security Income for children. How much can a child receive in Social Security benefits?...

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · Andrea Vega

Social Security Disability Insurance: How To Check Your Eligibility and Apply

However, just meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’ll receive SSDI. Below, we’ll fill you in on the details for eligibility and how to apply for SSDI. What conditions qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance? Qualifying for SSDI isn’t so cut and dried as you might think it could be. However, some specific conditions automatically qualify as long as you meet the proper diagnosis requirements. For adults, they’re broken down into 14 categories....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 243 words · Wayne Patterson

Social Security Recipients Need Their Benefit Statement for Filing Taxes

Social Security beneficiariesmight not have to file taxes this year, but whether you do depends on your circumstance. The Social Security Administration had beensending annual benefit statementsto beneficiaries since 1999. BecauseSupplemental Security Incomeis not considered taxable income, SSI recipients will not receive a benefit statement. What is the benefit statement used for? Social Security recipients whose primary income source is their benefits likely won’t have to file taxes. The benefit statement can help you determine whether any of your benefits are considered taxable....

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 125 words · Stacey Parker

Social Security Sent Me Too Much Money. Am I Supposed to Pay It Back?

What is a Social Security overpayment and how does it happen? How do I know if the SSA overpaid me? If you receive a notice, Shedden advises acting on it quickly. Read through the notice carefully and confirm that the information – the amounts and the dates – are correct. Keep reading for what to do if it is or if it isn’t correct. How can I clear up the overpayment?...

April 15, 2025 · 1 min · 213 words · Dr. Michael Jones

Software for kindergarten Beethovens

That shift could have ripple effects on an already transformed music industry thanks to the digital age. Instead of downloading pirated music, more kids may begin to create their own sounds, educators say. “This is good for two reasons. This growing genre of musical education software aims to change that. But it’s also based on core music curriculum from the National Association for Music Education Standards. The software sells for $69 on the company’s Web site and in some Apple stores....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 258 words · Patricia Rogers

Solar Energy Just Became More Accessible for Renters

Tapping into renewable energy like solar isn’t just for homeowners anymore. Renters can get into the game, too. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and well instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. The competition will strive to promote and fund community solar projects across the nation. Community solar There are large-scale solar farms built locally that power communities....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 245 words · Jessica Cox

Solar Inverters: Essential to Any Solar Panel System

But how does that sunlight turn into electricity? This is where the essential part of a residential solar system comes into play: a solar inverter. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and well instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. Going into your inverter shopping experience armed with information will ensure you’re getting the best deal available....

April 15, 2025 · 3 min · 447 words · James Fowler

Solar Loans: What They Are and How to Get One

The downside is that solar panels aren’t cheap. Theaverage costof an8-kilowatt residential panel systemis $3 per watt. One way to pay for your home solar panel system is toget it financed. Manysolar companieswill even offer loans or other financing options as part of the installation process. Here’s what you oughta know and how to get the best deal on a solar loan. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home?...

April 15, 2025 · 4 min · 671 words · Donna Reed

Solar Panel Maintenance Guide: Keep Your Panels Clean

There’s a lot to love aboutinstalling solar panels for your home. For starters, they’re a great way tosave money on your energy bill. Plus, theyreduce your home’s carbon footprint. And whilesolar panels aren’t exactly inexpensive, theycan last about 25 to 30 years. You’ll have loads of time to get areturn on your investment in solar panels. To get the most value and productivity out of your panels, you gotta maintain them properly....

April 15, 2025 · 3 min · 513 words · Matthew Gilbert

Solar Panel Maintenance: Make Your Panels Last for Decades

Household solar panelsare built to be super durable. For the most value, you’ll want to double-check they last as long as possible. Residential solar panel systems can now cost$20,000 or lessafter a newly expandedfederal tax credit. That means the option to switch to clean energy has never been more attainable. Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and well instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings....

April 15, 2025 · 2 min · 349 words · James Brown