Survivor & Dependent Benefits
DIC, survivors pension, and benefits for spouses, children, and parents of veterans.
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Is Medicare Being Privatized? What A Proposed Enrollment Change Could Mean For You
Learn how a proposed Medicare enrollment change could affect you. We explain the shift toward private Medicare Advantage plans and what it means for your healthcare choices.
Is a Medicare Enrollment Freeze Coming for Hospice Providers?
A Medicare enrollment freeze for hospice care providers could be coming in late March 2026. Learn what this means for you and what steps to take.
Unemployment Identity Theft: What to Look For
Scammers may use your Social Security number to file fraudulent unemployment claims. If you get a letter about benefits you didn't apply for, act fast to protect yourself from tax issues and other problems.
LIHEAP on the Chopping Block in Proposed 2027 Budget
A proposed budget could cut funding for LIHEAP, a vital program helping low-income families pay energy bills. Learn what this means for your household and how to prepare for potential changes.
Why Social Security Fairness Act Payments are Taking Longer than Expected
See if your Social Security benefits are delayed due to the Social Security Fairness Act. Learn what the act means for your payments and how to stay informed.
Tax Refund Season 2026 Looks to Be a Big One: Here's Why
Get ready for a bigger tax refund this year! Learn why changes to tax laws mean more money back in your pocket. Find out how to file with confidence.
Why Some Social Security Recipients Could See Smaller Tax Refunds
Some Social Security recipients get smaller tax refunds due to WEP and GPO rules. Learn how these rules may affect your benefits.
Navigating Trump’s 'No Tax On Overtime' Deduction: Who Qualifies and How to Claim It
Learn if you qualify for Trump's "no tax on overtime" deduction for 2025. See how to claim this benefit to lower your taxable income.
Illinois Veterans Benefits: 2026 Programs, Services & How to Apply
Illinois veterans benefits in 2026 provide extensive support for education, health care, housing, employment, and family services. From the Illinois Veterans’ Grant covering tuition to state health insurance, housing tax exemptions, and business opportunities, this guide explains who qualifies, what’s available, and how to apply—so veterans and their families can maximize the benefits they’ve earned.
Medicaid Work Requirements Are Back — Here's How it Could Affect Older Adults
For millions of Medicaid recipients, even small administrative hurdles can mean losing coverage altogether.
Medicaid Retroactive Coverage Change: A Shifting Burden of Costs
While retroactive coverage changes are framed as a cost-saving move, they mostly shift bills onto patients, hospitals, and nursing facilities — especially those serving older adults and people with disabilities.
The Unemployment Benefit Dilemma: How Lower Earners Are Shortchanged
Lower earners often receive far less unemployment income than expected due to wage replacement rates and weekly benefit caps. Here’s why the system shortchanges low-income workers — and what to do about it.
How to Apply for VA Survivors Pension for Spouses and Dependents in 2026
The VA survivors pension provides monthly, tax-free income to eligible spouses and dependents of wartime veterans. Learn who qualifies in 2026, how much the benefit pays, and how to apply step by step.
The Ins and Outs of VA Benefits Counting as Taxable Income: What Veterans Should Know
The good news: most VA benefits are not taxable. The less-good news: a few related rules and programs can still affect your overall financial picture if you don’t understand how they fit together.
New Social Security Bill Would Raise Monthly Benefits and Strengthen the Program Long Term
The SAFE Social Security Act would raise average benefits by $150 a month, modernize cost-of-living adjustments, and strengthen Social Security’s long-term funding by lifting the payroll tax cap.
1.4 Million Lawfully Present Immigrants May Lose Federal Medical Benefits
A new federal law will end Medicaid and CHIP coverage for 1.4M lawfully present immigrants. Learn who’s affected and what steps to take now.
New Job Classifications May Change Your Student Loan & Benefits Eligibility
Recent federal job classification updates may change who qualifies for certain benefits and student loan programs. Check how your job is now categorized.
2026 VA Disability Pay Schedule: When Will Your VA Payments Arrive?
For veterans who are waiting on their disability compensation payments in 2026, the VA Disability Pay Schedule outlines the expected dates when payments will arrive.
Should Social Security Cap COLA Increases for High Earners?
A new proposal would cap Social Security COLA increases for high earners to help protect the program’s long-term solvency. Here’s how the idea works.
What Happens to Medicare When People Are Living Longer?
Americans are living longer than ever, making Medicare planning more important for seniors and their families. Learn how rising life expectancy affects healthcare needs.