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Newsweek
3 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Map Shows States Where Seniors Are Most Vulnerable to Social Security Cuts
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Seniors in states like Oregon, New Hampshire, and Vermont are among the most vulnerable to Social Security cuts in the country, according to research from Retirement Living. The report, which identifies the top states where retirees rely most heavily on the benefit for basic living expenses, comes amid sweeping changes to the Social Security Administration (SSA) under the Trump administration. Newsweek reached out to the SSA and House Speaker Mike Johnson for comment. Why It Matters Earlier this year, the SSA announced it plans to cut 7,000 staff members. The changes came as part of efforts by President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to streamline government spending; however, critics argue that the cuts could delay or interrupt benefits for vulnerable retirees. The closure of field offices and internal departments also complicates access for the elderly and individuals with disabilities. What To Know For over 40 percent of Americans aged 65 and older, Social Security now serves as their sole source of retirement income, making benefit stability a matter of life and death for millions. Seniors in certain states are at heightened risk, not only because of high dependency but also owing to challenging cost-of-living conditions and limited local services. Vermont ranked as having the most vulnerable Social Security beneficiaries due to its high cost of living index, the eighth highest in the U.S., contending with a senior poverty rate of 9.6 percent, and a high rate of Social Security fraud. Retirees in Massachusetts, which ranks third, also struggle to make an average monthly check of $1,979.84 last in a state with the second-highest cost of living index and the 20th-highest senior poverty rate. Top 10 States Where Seniors Rely Most on Social Security The Retirement Living rankings reflect several factors, including the state's percentage of seniors dependent on Social Security, the cost of living, the senior poverty rate and the state's social security fraud reporting. Vermont: 90.9 percent of seniors receive Social Security; the average check is $1,949.07; the cost-of-living index is 114.4. New Hampshire: 91.6 percent of seniors; $2,087.54 average check; cost-of-living 112.6. Massachusetts: 82.8 percent of seniors; $1,979.84 average check; cost-of-living 145.9. Washington: 90 percent of seniors; $2,003.81 average check; cost-of-living 114.2. New York: 83.1 percent of seniors; $1,922.40 average check; cost-of-living 123.3. Delaware: 90.1 percent of seniors; $2,085.16 average check; cost-of-living 112.6. New Jersey: 85 percent of seniors; $2,087.95 average check; cost-of-living 114.6. Rhode Island: 88.4 percent of seniors; $1,963.73 average check; cost-of-living 112.2. Oregon: 92.7 percent of seniors; $1,909.85 average check; cost-of-living 112. Hawaii: 83.9 percent of seniors; $1,895.23 average check; cost-of-living 186.9. A Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Washington, D.C., as seen on March 26, 2025. A Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Washington, D.C., as seen on March 26, 2025. SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images Max Richtman, president and CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, warned last month that DOGE cuts to the SSA were harmful and "have already hindered our members and supporters (mostly seniors, people with disabilities, and their families) from collecting the benefits they have paid for." A recent survey also found that even future recipients are concerned that the Trump administration's changes could impact their Social Security benefits, with 59 percent of working-age Americans concerned that it will be gone by the time they retire. What People Are Saying A spokesperson for RetirementLiving told Newsweek: "Our research shows that many retirees rely on Social Security as their financial lifeline, not just a supplement. That's why older adults in some states are more at risk than others. In places with higher economic vulnerability, a large portion of the senior population simply can't afford to lose any part of their benefit." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "The reoccurring theme of states with residents who rely more on Social Security is a higher cost of living. States primarily in the Northeastern United States provide a significant strain on benefits, due to higher costs and more common fraud. Cuts to the program could provide substantial challenges for seniors as they struggle to maintain the same standard of living with less." Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of told Newsweek: "You know the saying 'actions speak louder than words?' Well, Trump's crew is putting on the biggest magic show in Washington. They're waving one hand, saying 'we'll never touch your Social Security,' while the other hand is quietly dismantling the whole thing, piece by piece. "West Virginia, Mississippi, Arkansas are more than just red dots on a map (barely...). Places where nearly one in 10 dollars in the local economy comes from Social Security checks. That sounds like the difference between keeping the lights on and going dark." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "It is worth noting that many retirees in those states may also have additional income sources, whether it be pensions, investments, or rental income. So while the strain would be real, some individuals may be in a better position to absorb the blow compared to retirees in lower-cost states who rely more heavily on their monthly benefit." What Happens Next The prospect of further cuts at the SSA remains unclear, and several advocacy groups have launched legal actions seeking to reverse DOGE-ordered changes. "When Social Security spending disappears from these communities, it's not just individual families that suffer," Ryan said. "Think of the 'trickle down.' Grocery stores, pharmacies, the small businesses that survive on that steady monthly flow of federal dollars."
BBC News
23-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Fate of Somerset's 'ugly' shopping centre to be decided at appeal
Plans to turn an "eyesore" shopping centre into a retirement community are to be decided by a planning inspector.A six-day appeal hearing will begin in Shepton Mallet on Wednesday, after Somerset councillors rejected the plans for Street's Crispin Shopping Centre in July Retirement Living wants to demolish the shopping centre, original built in 1979, and build a retirement complex in its place, with 45 extra care apartments and 11 retirement cottages. Somerset Council's Planning Committee East voted against the proposals citing a lack of parking, an unattractive design and possible damage to local heritage assets. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Hampshire-based developer lodged an appeal against this "extremely disappointing" decision shortly after the committee Retirement Living said the development was "in a sustainable location" and would deliver "tangible benefits" to the local community. Local resident Emma Harding spoke out against the plans at the council's planning meeting last year. She said: "I am one of the seven residential neighbours which will be overlooked by the new flats."We don't have an issue with the site being developed - we have an issue with what's being put there and how it may be put there. When you have demolition work close to our properties, we're concerned about the damage that will be done to them by vibration."Councillor Peter Goater, vice-chairman of Street Parish Council, told last year's meeting: "The existing building is an ugly monstrosity which has been taken over by pigeons, rats and antisocial behaviour."Street Liberal Democrat Somerset Councillor Simon Carswell is in favour of the plans."I think it'll be good for Street. It'll provide homes for retired people, and it will get rid of an eyesore which is right in the centre of the High Street," he said. "So I think that can only be good for the community." The site is one of nine identified for delivering new housing within the council's revised Mendip Local Plan Part II, which went out to public consultation in Churchill's proposals, the existing buildings would be replaced with a three-storey, L-shaped block of apartments, with two blocks of cottages on the northern and eastern sides. The council previously voted unanimously to refuse the plans on eight grounds including "over-development", "insufficient information" on how existing trees within the site can be adequately protected and not including adequate space for waste vehicles.A Churchill Retirement Living spokesman said: "The site is in a highly accessible location, making it suitable for older people."The appeal proposal will assist in releasing and freeing up under-occupied houses elsewhere in the county back into the housing currently operates the Riverain Lodge care facility in Taunton town centre, and secured planning permission in early-April 2024 to deliver a similar development on the former police station site in Wells.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Wichita Falls named a top Texas city to retire
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — For those looking to retire, a new study says Wichita Falls could be a great option. According to Retirement Living, Wichita Falls is the third-best city for retirees in the state of Texas based on the percentage of seniors, median home sale prices, median rent, poverty rate, and sales tax. 'Better space for seniors' Presbyterian Manor unveils modern renovations With more than 15% of Wichita Falls' population being over the age of 65, the city has many programs geared toward the demographic, such as the 50 Plus Zone, a recreational facility operated by the Parks & Recreation Department for the use and enjoyment of people ages 50 and over. Housing in Wichita Falls is among the most affordable in the state, with median rent prices staying below $1,000 and median home sales prices under $200,000. Chris Horgen, Public Infomation Officer for Wichita Falls, said the city is excited about the news. 'The City is thrilled with the ranking,' Horgen said. 'It's another reason to celebrate Wichita Falls.' The top ten cities were: Amarillo Beaumont Wichita Falls Abilene Corpus Christi El Paso Mesquite Brownsville Tyler McAllen Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
