WEATHER ALERT
Social Security Administration probes origin of website portal outage
Read full article: Social Security Administration probes origin of website portal outageThe Social Security Administration says it is investigating the root cause of website outages that have affected the โmy Social Securityโ portal where recipients access their benefits.
Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlash
Read full article: Social Security Administration backtracks on some ID requirements after backlashThe Social Security Administration said Wednesday that people applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, Medicare, or Supplemental Security Income who are not able to use agencyโs online portal, can complete their claim entirely over the phone instead of at an office.
Social Security office closed or need help navigating the changes? Hereโs a guide
Read full article: Social Security office closed or need help navigating the changes? Hereโs a guideOn Monday, a 63-year-old woman from Orlando called News 6 for help as she has tried for over 10 days to get in contact with anyone from Social Security.
Social Security office in Melbourne closing; one nearby staying open
Read full article: Social Security office in Melbourne closing; one nearby staying openMore federal spending cuts are impacting Central Florida. This time, Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency is closing office space for Social Security. DOGE said itโs closing the Social Security office on Dairy Road on May 16.
Self-professed 'DOGE person' Frank Bisignano gets his confirmation hearing to lead Social Security
Read full article: Self-professed 'DOGE person' Frank Bisignano gets his confirmation hearing to lead Social SecurityThe nominee to lead the Social Security Administration has faced tough questions at his confirmation hearing about efforts by the Department of Government Efficiency to shut down field offices and cut back on phone service.
Judge blocks DOGE from accessing sensitive information at US agencies
Read full article: Judge blocks DOGE from accessing sensitive information at US agenciesA federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency from accessing peopleโs private data at the Education Department, the Treasury Department and the Office of Personnel Management.
New Social Security requirements pose barriers to rural communities without internet, transportation
Read full article: New Social Security requirements pose barriers to rural communities without internet, transportationNew requirements that Social Security recipients go online or in person to a field office to access key benefits, instead of just making a phone call, will pose challenges for many people.
DOGE blocked in court from Social Security systems with Americans' personal information, for now
Read full article: DOGE blocked in court from Social Security systems with Americans' personal information, for nowA federal judge has temporarily blocked Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency from Social Security Administration systems that hold personally identifiable data on millions of Americans.
People named in JFK assassination documents are not happy their personal information was released
Read full article: People named in JFK assassination documents are not happy their personal information was releasedThe John F. Kennedy assassination documents released this week disclosed sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers.
Social Security in-person identity checks opposed by advocates and retirees alike
Read full article: Social Security in-person identity checks opposed by advocates and retirees alikeThe Social Security Administrationโs plan to require in-person identity checks for millions of new and existing recipients has drawn ire from lawmakers, advocacy groups and program recipients who are concerned that the government is placing barriers in front of people seeking to access their benefits.
A list of the Social Security offices across the US expected to close this year
Read full article: A list of the Social Security offices across the US expected to close this yearTwenty-six Social Security Administration offices across the country are expected to close this year, due to actions taken by Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency.
Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipients
Read full article: Social Security Administration to require in-person identity checks for new and existing recipientsIn an effort to limit fraudulent claims, the Social Security Administration will impose tighter identity-proofing measures.
Voters flood town halls with fears of Social Security cuts, putting heat on GOP over Musk and DOGE
Read full article: Voters flood town halls with fears of Social Security cuts, putting heat on GOP over Musk and DOGEPeople across the political battleground of Michigan and elsewhere in the U.S. say they're worried about cuts to Social Security.
Federal judge considers blocking DOGE from accessing Social Security data of millions of Americans
Read full article: Federal judge considers blocking DOGE from accessing Social Security data of millions of AmericansA federal judge is considering whether to temporarily block Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency from accessing Social Security Administration systems that hold sensitive data on millions of Americans.
Future of Social Security: More than half of Americans fear benefit cuts
Read full article: Future of Social Security: More than half of Americans fear benefit cutsWith the Social Security trust fund projected to run out by 2035 and absent any reforms, current payroll taxes will only be able to fund 83 percent of the scheduled benefits.
Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programs for cuts while claiming widespread fraud
Read full article: Musk eyes Social Security and benefit programs for cuts while claiming widespread fraudElon Musk says Social Security and other federal benefit programs will be targeted in his hunt for fraudulent spending.
Unions ask court to stop DOGE from accessing Social Security data of millions of Americans
Read full article: Unions ask court to stop DOGE from accessing Social Security data of millions of AmericansA group of labor unions are asking a federal court for an emergency order to stop Elon Muskโs Department of Government Efficiency from accessing the sensitive Social Security data of millions of Americans.
Social Security says higher payments are on the way for millions of former public workers
Read full article: Social Security says higher payments are on the way for millions of former public workersMore than 3.2 million Social Security recipients who received pensions from their time as teachers, firefighters, police officers and other public service jobs will see an immediate boost in their benefits.
New Social Security chief contradicts claims that millions of dead people are getting payouts
Read full article: New Social Security chief contradicts claims that millions of dead people are getting payoutsThe new head of the Social Security Administration says deceased centenarians are โnot necessarily receiving benefits."
Tens of millions of dead people aren't getting Social Security checks, despite Trump and Musk claims
Read full article: Tens of millions of dead people aren't getting Social Security checks, despite Trump and Musk claimsThe Trump administration is falsely claiming tens of millions of dead people over 100 years old are receiving improper Social Security payments.
Will the โSocial Security Fairness Actโ become law? Hereโs what to know
Read full article: Will the โSocial Security Fairness Actโ become law? Hereโs what to knowThe โSocial Security Fairness Actโ features plans to amend Social Security rules for millions, though itโll have to get a presidential signature before going into effect.
3 ways a government shutdown could affect Central Florida
Read full article: 3 ways a government shutdown could affect Central FloridaIf the government shuts down, essential services remain in place, but others will be stopped or delayed. Here are some ways a government shutdown could affect people living in Central Florida.
Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?
Read full article: Millions of people may get expanded Social Security benefits. Who are they and how would it happen?Nearly 3 million people could receive a boost in Social Security payments under legislation that's set for a final vote in the Senate.
Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of people
Read full article: Senate begins final push to expand Social Security benefits for millions of peopleThe Senate is pushing toward a vote on legislation that would provide full Social Security benefits to millions of people.
What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefits
Read full article: What to know about the House push to expand some Social Security benefitsThe House is expected to try next week to pass a Social Security-related bill to ensure benefits for workers who are also eligible for other pensions.
What US House, Senate candidates in Florida think about Social Security, cost of living
Read full article: What US House, Senate candidates in Florida think about Social Security, cost of livingNews 6 viewers said they were concerned that Social Security didn't keep up with the cost of living. We asked Central Florida's candidates for U.S. House and U.S. Senate where they stand on the issue.
What to know about this year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustment
Read full article: What to know about this year's Social Security cost-of-living adjustmentTens of millions of older Americans will see a 2.5% increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments.
Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living boost in 2025, smaller than in recent past
Read full article: Social Security recipients will get a 2.5% cost-of-living boost in 2025, smaller than in recent pastMillions of retirees who receive Social Security benefits will see a 2.5% cost-of-living increase to their monthly checks beginning in January.
Social Security's scheduled cost of living increase 'won't make a dent' for some retirees
Read full article: Social Security's scheduled cost of living increase 'won't make a dent' for some retireesSocial Security recipients are expected to receive a smaller cost-of-living increase in January than in recent years as inflation moderates.
Tips, overtime, Social Security: A look at Donald Trump's no-tax pledges and what they might cost
Read full article: Tips, overtime, Social Security: A look at Donald Trump's no-tax pledges and what they might costDonald Trump has pledged to end taxes on everything from tips to Social Security and overtime pay if heโs elected to the White House again.
An appeals court has revived a challenge to President Biden's Medicare drug price reduction program
Read full article: An appeals court has revived a challenge to President Biden's Medicare drug price reduction programA constitutional challenge to the Biden administration program enabling Medicare to negotiate lower prices for prescription drugs has been revived by a federal appeals court.
Florida Department of Health notifies those affected by hack, shares resources available
Read full article: Florida Department of Health notifies those affected by hack, shares resources availableThe Florida Department of Health is sending out notices to people whose personal information was stolen and released by hackers in June.
Beyond 'childless cat ladies,' JD Vance has long been on a quest to encourage more births
Read full article: Beyond 'childless cat ladies,' JD Vance has long been on a quest to encourage more birthsJD Vance repeatedly expressed alarm about declining birth rates as he launched his political career with a bid for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
Key senators reach agreement on spending levels for next year, setting up clash with House
Read full article: Key senators reach agreement on spending levels for next year, setting up clash with HouseThe Senate will pursue a spending increase next year of about 3.4% for defense and 2.7% increase for non-defense programs under a bipartisan agreement reached by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
For decades, states have taken foster children's federal benefits. That's starting to change
Read full article: For decades, states have taken foster children's federal benefits. That's starting to changeStates have for decades been using foster children's federal Social Security benefits to help cover the costs of state services.
โWe were robbed:โ Hackers steal $27K from retired coupleโs savings account
Read full article: โWe were robbed:โ Hackers steal $27K from retired coupleโs savings accountA retired Central Florida couple discovered that thousands of dollars stolen from their credit union account was transferred to Merrill Lynch accounts using the wifeโs name and social security number.
The federal debt tops $34T and some in Congress want a commission to find ways to tackle it
Read full article: The federal debt tops $34T and some in Congress want a commission to find ways to tackle itA bill to create a bipartisan commission that would tackle the nationโs soaring debt and make policy recommendations to Congress has won approval from a House committee.
What to know about the Social Security cost-of-living adjustment
Read full article: What to know about the Social Security cost-of-living adjustmentTens of millions of older Americans will see a modest increase in benefits in January when a new cost-of-living adjustment is added to Social Security payments.
Social Security benefits will increase by 3.2% in 2024 as inflation moderates
Read full article: Social Security benefits will increase by 3.2% in 2024 as inflation moderatesThe acting Social Security commissioner says a 3_2% increase in benefits next year โwill help millions of people keep up with expenses."
Debt limit deal is in place, but budget deficit is still a multi-decade challenge for US government
Read full article: Debt limit deal is in place, but budget deficit is still a multi-decade challenge for US governmentEven with new spending restraints included in the congressional debt limit deal, the U.S. governmentโs deficits are still on course to keep climbing to record levels over the next few decades.
Most oppose Social Security, Medicare cuts: AP-NORC poll
Read full article: Most oppose Social Security, Medicare cuts: AP-NORC pollAmericans are deeply opposed to cutting into Medicare or Social Security benefits, and most support raising taxes on the nationโs highest earners to keep Medicare running as is.
Medicare, Social Security could fall short over next decade
Read full article: Medicare, Social Security could fall short over next decadeAn annual report on Social Security and Medicare says the financial safety nets millions of older Americans rely on and millions of young people are counting on will run short on funds to pay full benefits within the next decade.
Poll: Cut federal spending โ but not big-ticket programs
Read full article: Poll: Cut federal spending โ but not big-ticket programsIn the federal budget standoff, the majority of U.S. adults are asking lawmakers to pull off the impossible: Cut the overall size of government, but also devote more money to the most popular and expensive programs.
Haley wants entitlement program changes for younger people
Read full article: Haley wants entitlement program changes for younger peopleRepublican presidential candidate Nikki Haley is proposing changes to entitlement programs for younger generations, opening the door to potential cuts to Social Security and Medicare if elected.
Palm Bay landlord accused of stealing nearly $10K from man with brain injury
Read full article: Palm Bay landlord accused of stealing nearly $10K from man with brain injuryA Palm Bay man was arrested Friday on accusations of stealing thousands of dollars in social security checks from a brain-injured man in 2022, according to the Brevard County Sheriffโs Office.
Sen. Rick Scott alters policy plan causing heartburn for GOP
Read full article: Sen. Rick Scott alters policy plan causing heartburn for GOPRepublican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida has amended a plan to overhaul how the federal government works after Democrats repeatedly seized on it to accuse Republicans of looking to cut Medicare and Social Security.
Biden warns of GOP plans for Medicare, Social Security cuts
Read full article: Biden warns of GOP plans for Medicare, Social Security cutsWhen President Joe Biden suggested that Republicans want to slash Medicare and Social Security it brought howls of protests from the GOP side of the aisle during the State of the Union address.
Social Security boost seen as unlikely to help Dems at polls
Read full article: Social Security boost seen as unlikely to help Dems at pollsThe news that 70 million people will see an 8.7% boost in their Social Security checks next year came just weeks before Election Day, but it's unlikely to give Democrats the edge they're desperately seeking at the polls.
Plane crashes in New Smyrna Beach after engine failure, officials say
Read full article: Plane crashes in New Smyrna Beach after engine failure, officials sayA plane crashed in New Smyrna Beach Thursday evening after what a pilot reported as an engine failure, according to Edgewater Fire Rescue Department.
Seminole County Emergency Management helps with home repairs, other unmet needs
Read full article: Seminole County Emergency Management helps with home repairs, other unmet needsIf you need assistance and the Federal Emergency Management Agency has not been able to help your family yet, there are other options.
Pig on the Pond returns to Clermont this weekend. Hereโs what to expect
Read full article: Pig on the Pond returns to Clermont this weekend. Hereโs what to expectPig on the Pond festival will be returning for three days of family fun this weekend to Waterfront Park in Clermont. Events will be held on Friday, Oct. 14. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15. 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 16. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
How Social Security works and what to know about its future
Read full article: How Social Security works and what to know about its futureTens of millions of older Americans will see a major increase in benefits this January when a new cost-of-living adjustment (or COLA) is added to Social Security payments.
Go-broke dates pushed back for Social Security, Medicare
Read full article: Go-broke dates pushed back for Social Security, MedicareA stronger-than-expected economic recovery from the pandemic has pushed back the go-broke dates for Social Security and Medicare, but officials warn that the current economic turbulence is putting additional pressures on the bedrock retirement programs.
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COVID recession pushed Social Security insolvency up a year
Read full article: COVID recession pushed Social Security insolvency up a yearThe sharp shock of the coronavirus recession pushed Social Security a year closer to insolvency but left Medicareโs exhaustion date unchanged, the government reported Tuesday.

Taxes: Answers to top FAQs about Social Security income
Read full article: Taxes: Answers to top FAQs about Social Security incomeEven for those of us who think we have some knowledge about anything tax related, it can be a stressful time. And it's certainly not a time when you want to play a guessing game.
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Will you get a coronavirus stimulus check and if so, when?
Read full article: Will you get a coronavirus stimulus check and if so, when?The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, the third coronavirus relief bill since the pandemic hit a year ago, passed on Wednesday by a vote of 220 to 211. How do I know if I quality for the American Rescue Plan stimulus check? Will I get a $1,400 check? Third Stimulus Check Calculator - American Rescue PlanWho wonโt get a $1,400 check? AdYou should automatically qualify to receive a third stimulus check, most notably if you received a first and second round of payments.
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Social Security recipients to see uptick in 2021 checks amid coronavirus worries
Read full article: Social Security recipients to see uptick in 2021 checks amid coronavirus worriesWASHINGTON โ Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus and its consequences for older people. The economic fallout from the virus has reduced tax collections for Social Security and Medicare, likely worsening their long-term financial condition. The former vice president would raise Social Security taxes by applying the payroll tax to earnings above $400,000 a year. Jane Whilden lives in a household that leans heavily on Social Security. That amount generally increases, so at least some of any additional Social Security raise goes to health care premiums.
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Social Security fraudsters target former Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary
Read full article: Social Security fraudsters target former Orange County Sheriff Kevin BearyORANGE COUNTY, Fla. โ Former Orange County Sheriff Kevin Beary is the latest Central Florida resident to receive a threatening robocall from someone claiming to be an investigator with the Social Security Administration. โHe said whatโs the last four digits of your Social Security number.โThe original recording was the voice of a woman who claimed to be Officer Karen Davis with the Social Security Administration. The Social Security Administration told News 6 it is aware of the surge in the bogus robocalls. Social Security will not:Tell you that your Social Security number has been suspended. Demand that you pay a Social Security debt without the ability to appeal the amount you owe.
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5 things to know when getting Medicare cards
Read full article: 5 things to know when getting Medicare cardsIf you haven't received a Medicare card now, you should before April 2019. It will include your name, new Medicare number, and the dates your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage started. Destroy the old one immediately, since it contains your Social Security number. If you happen to lose or misplace a card, you can get a replacement, but you can also can access your new Medicare number on a Medicare Summary Notice or through Medicare. The Railroad Retirement Board will issue new cards to Railroad Retirement beneficiaries.
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Social Security & Tax Breaks
Read full article: Social Security & Tax BreaksFiguring out what you owe can be complicated, here is some information to understand what is taxable under Social Security. Social Security is taxable at three different levels, based upon how much other income you have and your income tax filing status. This is 50% of your household Social Security benefits plus all of your other taxable income, plus any tax-free income. These breakpoints are the same if your filing status is Married Filing Separately and the couple does not live together during the tax year. If your Provisional Income (defined above) is less than the first breakpoint based on your filing status, then none of your Social Security is taxable.