To qualify for Social Security as a retiree, you need to earn 40 work credits in your lifetime, at a maximum of four credits per year. In 2025, a single work credit is worth $1,810, up from $1,730 in 2024. So if you want your four work credits for the year, you'll need to make sure your wages equal at least $7,240.

A Social Security cost of living increase offers retirees options such as managing costs, saving or enjoying small splurges.

Meanwhile, you may want to know exactly when to expect your 2.5% Social Security COLA to hit your bank account. Here's what the timing of that raise should look like. When your So

The first round of November's Social Security payments have gone out. If you're expecting a check this coming week, we'll tell you when you'll get it.

While millions of retired Americans will soon see a 2.5% cost of living increase in their Social Security payments, additional Social Security checks might be in the mail for November, thanks to a calendar quirk.

In an unexpected twist, some Social Security beneficiaries will receive an extra SSI check in November. This anomaly, rooted in the Social Security Administration's 2024 calendar, may surprise those accustomed to monthly payments.