Latest news with #benefits
CNET
16 hours ago
- Business
- CNET
Social Security: A Guide to Applying for Retirement Benefits
Looking to retire soon? Learn how to apply for Social Security retirement benefits, and what you can expect when you you plan on retiring in the near future, you're probably thinking about applying for Social Security benefits. There are several factors to consider before taking the plunge, but knowing the process of applying can help you prepare for when you're ready. You can begin collecting Social Security benefits as early as the age of 62, but you'll get more money the longer you wait, and you'll receive the maximum benefit at the age of 70. Whether you're just beginning to plan for retirement or you're ready to apply today, we'll walk you through the process and fill you in on what you need to have ready before you begin. For more, don't miss our Social Security and SSDI cheat sheet and our look at why more people are applying for benefits early. Gather your documentation You'll be asked for a lot of documentation when you apply for Social Security benefits, so it's a good idea to get everything you need in order before going through the process. What you need to apply for Social Security benefits Personal information Your Social Security number Place of birth (city, state, country) Work in the last 5 years Names of employers Dates of employment Average hours worked Pay rates received Spousal information Social Security number of current or former spouse Birth date of current or former spouse The date you were married or divorced Place of marriage (city, state, country) Bank account details Routing and account number of your bank account Eligible dependents Your children could be eligible for benefits as a dependent under your account if they're 17 or younger, 18 or 19 and still in school (K-12), or became disabled before 22. Qualifying children can receive up to half of their parent's full retirement benefit. How to apply for Social Security benefits When you're set to apply for Social Security benefits, go to You'll be prompted to create a My Social Security account if you haven't created one already. It's easy. Once you're logged in and at the Apply for Social Security benefits page, you'll be asked who you're applying for (an adult or a child) and what type of benefit you're applying for. Select all that apply and click the Learn how to apply button. The next page will give you a quick summary of your selections. Under the Submit an application section, click the Apply online button to start your application. If you'd rather not apply online, you can call the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 to set up an appointment to apply for benefits. The agent will schedule the appointment and let you know whether you can do it over the phone or if you'll need to go to a local branch to apply. However, due to policy changes and layoffs, going this route may prove to be more difficult. The job cuts have resulted in longer than normal wait times to reach the SSA by phone, local branches are crowded and the official website has had issues staying online. Still, the latter will likely remain the easiest of your options, so signing up for a My Social Security account should be at the top of your list of things to do even if you choose to apply another way. While the SSA says that all claims can be completed over the phone, a new fraud-checking system has been put in place that may require some applicants to perform extra steps. If your account is flagged for potential fraud or irregularities, you may need to complete the identity proofing check in person at a local branch. What happens after you apply for benefits? After your application has been received, you'll get a letter with a decision about your application. If you apply to receive benefits as soon as possible, you'll typically get your decision notice within 30 days. If you apply in advance, you'll receive your letter closer to the time you chose to begin receiving benefits. During the application process, you'll need to select what month you'd like your benefits to begin. If approved, your first payment will typically be sent out for the following month. You can always check the status of your application by logging into your My Social Security account For more, don't miss the four ways you could potentially lose your Social Security benefits.
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Two Social Security checks are coming next month for some. Here's what to know
Some Social Security beneficiaries will notice a change in their payment schedule in August due to a quirk in the calendar. The Social Security Administration (SSA) shifts the payment schedule whenever the first of the month falls on a weekend or holiday. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program that provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources who are age 65 or older or have a disability. Children with disabilities or who are blind may also qualify. Since Sept. 1 is Labor Day, SSI recipients can expect to receive two checks in August: one on Aug. 1 and the other on Sept. 1, according to the administration's calendar. Two SSI payments will also be issued on October 1 and on October 31. The same applies to December. This does not mean extra money is being offered to beneficiaries. The latest from MassLive Police determine barricaded suspect threat not connected to Worcester New mental health clinic opens in Springfield, seeing patients and hiring Arrest warrant issued for Brockton double fatal shooting suspect on the run 'Defending migrants 'cuz the Pope said so': How faith leaders are risking everything at the U.S.-Mexico border Walmart yanks popular brand from Target and Amazon with new exclusive deal Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Exact date 100,000s of households need to claim key benefits to qualify for £150 cost of living cash revealed
HUNDREDS of thousands of households will need to claim benefits on a specific day to qualify for this year's Warm Home Discount. The eligibility requirements for the scheme, which automatically credits £150 to a customer's energy account, are similar to last year. 1 There are two Warm Home Discount schemes - one for England and Wales, and one for Scotland. Those living in England and Wales do not need to apply for the scheme, but those living in Scotland do. Between October and December, the government will issue letters to households that qualify for the scheme. However, to be eligible for the discount, you need to be claiming one of nine means-tested benefits on a specific date this month. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which administers the Warm Home Discount, says households must have an active claim for any of the following benefits on Sunday, August 24: If you aren't claiming any of these benefits on August 24, 2025, you won't be eligible for the payment. However, even if you aren't receiving pension credit on the qualifying date, there's a trick you can follow to ensure that you get the extra cash later. This is because your eligibility for certain benefits can be backdated. For example, successful pension credit claims can be backdated by three months. Could you be eligible for Pension Credit? Claims for Universal Credit can be backdated by one month. Around 700,000 pensioners are eligible for pension credit but not claiming it. What is pension credit and how do you apply? PENSION credit tops up your weekly income to £227.10 if you are single or to £346.60 if you have a partner. This is known as "guarantee credit". If your income is lower than this, you're very likely to be eligible for the benefit. However, if your income is slightly higher, you might still be eligible for pension credit if you have a disability, you care for someone, you have savings or you have housing costs. You could get an extra £82.90 a week if you have a disability or claim any of the following: Attendance allowance The middle or highest rate from the care component of disability living allowance (DLA) The daily living component of personal independence payment (PIP) Armed forces independence payment The daily living component of adult disability payment (ADP) at the standard or enhanced rate. You could get the "savings credit" part of pension credit if both of the following apply: You reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016 You saved some money for retirement, for example, a personal or workplace pension This part of pension credit is worth £17.30 for single people or £19.36 for couples. Claims for pension credit also open doors to a number of freebies and discounts. For example, pension credit claimants over 75 qualify for a free TV licence worth up to £174.50 a year. Claims for the benefit also provide eligibility to £25 a week cold weather payments and the £150 warm home discount. Applications for pension credit can be made on the government website or by ringing the pension credit claim line on 0800 99 1234. What if I live in Scotland? In Scotland there's a "core group" that'll receive an automatic payment and a "broader group" which has to apply for the scheme with their energy provider. You'll need to check with your energy supplier directly to see the eligibility requirements and details on how to apply. The scheme will have more applicants than places, so make sure you apply as soon as possible. What energy bill help is available? There's a number of different ways to get help paying your energy bills if you're struggling to get by. If you fall into debt, you can always approach your supplier to see if they can put you on a repayment plan before putting you on a prepayment meter. This involves paying off what you owe in instalments over a set period. If your supplier offers you a repayment plan you don't think you can afford, speak to them again to see if you can negotiate a better deal. Several energy firms have schemes available to customers struggling to cover their bills. But eligibility criteria vary depending on the supplier and the amount you can get depends on your financial circumstances. For example, British Gas or Scottish Gas customers struggling to pay their energy bills can get grants worth up to £2,000. British Gas also offers help via its British Gas Energy Trust and Individuals Family Fund. You don't need to be a British Gas customer to apply for the second fund. EDF, Octopus Energy and Scottish Power all offer grants to struggling customers too. Thousands of vulnerable households are missing out on extra help and protections by not signing up to the Priority Services Register (PSR). The service helps support vulnerable households, such as those who are elderly or ill. Some of the perks include being given advance warning of blackouts, free gas safety checks and extra support if you're struggling. Get in touch with your energy firm to see if you can apply.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
When will my benefits be paid by the DWP over August bank holiday?
With the August bank holiday around the corner, there may be some changes to payment dates for anyone claiming benefits. Here's what you need to know if your payment date is expected around 25 August. What benefits are affected? These date changes will be the case if you claim universal credit, carer's allowance, personal independence payments (PIP) or pension credit — as well as the state pension. The full list of the benefits can be found below. Attendance allowance Carer's allowance Employment support allowance (ESA) Income support Jobseeker's allowance (JSA) Pension credit Personal independence payment (PIP) State pension Universal credit What date should I expect my payments? If your payment date is normally Monday, 25 August 2025, you will receive your payment a little earlier on the previous working day, Friday 22 August 2025. Your payment date will return to normal in September. Why are my benefits being paid early? As the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) website states, if your benefit payment date is on a weekend or a bank holiday you'll usually be paid on the working day before. This is because government workers and phone lines will not be staffed — for the most part — over the bank holiday period. In some cases, this is also done to assist people with any extra costs they are facing over holidays like Christmas. What other bank holidays do I need to bear in mind? Want to make a note of the rest of the benefits payment date clashes expected this year? They're listed below. England and Wales Monday, 25 August 2025 — Summer Bank Holiday Thursday, 25 December 2025 — Christmas Day Friday, 26 December 2025 — Boxing Day Scotland Monday, 25 August 2025 — Summer Bank Holiday Monday, 1 December 2025 — St Andrew's Day (substitute day) Thursday, 25 December 2025 — Christmas Day Friday, 26 December 2025 — Boxing Day Northern Ireland Monday, 25 August 2025 — Summer Bank Holiday Thursday, 25 December 2025 — Christmas Day Friday, 26 December 2025 — Boxing Day What do I do if my benefit payments are missing? If your expected payment date is correct and the funds are missing, you should contact the following relevant helpline: Universal credit: Use your online account or call the helpline on 0800 328 5644 PIP: Contact the PIP enquiry line on 0800 121 4433
The Sun
a day ago
- Business
- The Sun
Huge change to Universal Credit rules that means benefits WON'T be stopped over cash mistake
A HUGE change to Universal Credit rules meaning benefits won't be stopped over a cash mistake has been confirmed by the government. Claimants who have received compensation after a criminal conviction is reversed will no longer be ineligible for some means-tested benefits. 1 Means-tested benefits are issued dependent on your income and capital - the value of any savings, investments and property you hold. Previously, compensation payments issued after wrongful convictions counted as income and capital for people on six means-tested benefits. This meant they were no longer eligible for payments and missed out on vital support. However, since yesterday and moving forwards, this rule has now ben scrapped. Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disability, said: "Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed. "We can't return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims — but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead." It comes after the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) boosted the maximum amount miscarriage of justice victims in England and Wales can receive to £1.3million from £1million - a 30% rise. Alex Davies-Jones, minister for victims and violence against women and girls, added: "Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. "Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected." Who is affected? The new rule applies to those on six means-tested benefits in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The full list is: income-based Jobseeker's Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Housing Benefit Pension Credit Universal Credit Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Any compensation payments issued to claimants on these benefits under The Miscarriage of Justice Compensation Scheme will no longer be classed as capital or savings. A miscarriage of justice compensation payment is issued when someone has been convicted of a criminal offence and: had their conviction reversed a new or newly discovered fact shows beyond reasonable doubt that there has been a miscarriage of justice If you are currently on one of the six benefits and have previously received a miscarriage of justice compensation payment, you need to report a change of circumstances to the department who pays that benefit. Your change of circumstances should explain you've previously received compensation and that this is no longer classed as capital. The department responsible for paying the benefit will then consider whether you are receiving the correct amount. You will need to provide a copy of your compensation award notification. How to claim a miscarriage of justice payment The maximum amount of compensation issued to a miscarriage of justice victim who has been wrongfully imprisoned for up to 10 years is £650,000. For those who were sentenced to 10 or more years, the maximum amount is £1.3million. Both these maximum amounts were increased by 30% earlier this month, from £500,000 and £1million, respectively. You can apply for compensation if your conviction has been overturned by the courts and any of the following apply: your appeal was successful and it was submitted 28 days or more after your conviction in the Crown Court, or 21 days or more after sentencing for a conviction in a magistrate's court your conviction was overturned after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) you've been granted a free (unconditional) pardon You can find out more about applying for compensation payments via MOJ data published in March revealed 591 applications for compensation due to a miscarriage of justice were received between April 2016 and March 2024. Of these, 39 were approved and 35 payments were made totalling £2,380,700. Are you missing out on benefits? YOU can use a benefits calculator to help check that you are not missing out on money you are entitled to Charity Turn2Us' benefits calculator works out what you could get. Entitledto's free calculator determines whether you qualify for various benefits, tax credit and Universal Credit. and charity StepChange both have benefits tools powered by Entitledto's data. You can use Policy in Practice's calculator to determine which benefits you could receive and how much cash you'll have left over each month after paying for housing costs. Your exact entitlement will only be clear when you make a claim, but calculators can indicate what you might be eligible for.
