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Stay Informed — Get Monthly Updates

Choose the topics that matter to you. Once a month, we'll send you a plain-English summary of what's happening — policy changes, new rules, state-level updates, and anything that might affect your benefits.

🏖️
Social Security Retirement
COLA, earnings test, claiming rules
SSDI / Disability
CDR changes, work incentives, SGA limits
🛡️
SSI
Payment amounts, resource limits, state supplements
💊
Medicare
Premiums, IRMAA, Part D, enrollment periods
🏥
Medicaid
Renewals, eligibility, your state's changes
🍎
SNAP / Food Stamps
Benefit amounts, ABAWD rules, state policies
🏠
Housing / Section 8
Waitlist openings, payment standards, HUD updates
🎖️
Veterans Benefits
VA disability, healthcare, pension, GI Bill
📊
SS Trust Fund Updates
Solvency, Congressional action, projections
🚨
Scam Alerts
Latest government impersonation scams
We'll include state-specific Medicaid, SNAP, and housing updates for your state
💡 Did You Know?

If you're on Medicare AND your income is under $1,900/month, you may qualify for Extra Help — a program that saves people an average of $5,000/year on prescriptions. Most eligible people don't know it exists.

Learn more in our Medicare Guide →

Schedule a Benefits Package

Know something's coming? We'll send you a complete preparation package — guides, checklists, deadlines, and step-by-step instructions — right when you need it. No more scrambling at the last minute.

💊
Medicare Open Enrollment
Full package: plan comparison guide, cost calculator, deadline checklist, and what's changing for 2027
📅 We'll send it mid-September (before Oct 15 enrollment starts)
🎂
Turning 65 / Initial Medicare Enrollment
Everything you need: Part A, B, D decisions, Medigap vs Advantage, enrollment timeline, and common mistakes to avoid
📅 We'll send it 4 months before your 65th birthday — enter your birth month below
🔍
Continuing Disability Review (CDR) Prep
How to fill out the CDR form, what SSA is looking for, medical evidence checklist, and insider tips
📅 Tell us when your CDR is expected and we'll send it 30 days before
🍎
SNAP Recertification Prep
Document checklist, deduction reminders, interview tips, and what to do if you miss the deadline
📅 Tell us your recertification month and we'll send it 30 days early
🏥
Medicaid Renewal Prep
Renewal checklist, what documents you need, how to update your information, and what to do if coverage lapses
📅 Tell us your renewal month and we'll send it 30 days early
🏛️
ACA Open Enrollment
Plan comparison tips, subsidy estimator, what's changing for next year, and enrollment deadlines
📅 We'll send it late October (before Nov 1 enrollment starts)
🏖️
Social Security Claiming Strategy
When to claim, spousal strategies, earnings test impact, and tax implications — personalized to your situation
📅 Tell us when you plan to claim and we'll send it 3 months before
📋
Benefits Tax Prep (January)
Which benefits are taxable, what forms to expect, withholding strategies, and deductions you might be missing
📅 We'll send it early January before tax season starts
💡 Did You Know?

Receiving even $1 in LIHEAP (utility assistance) can trigger the Standard Utility Allowance in your SNAP calculation — potentially increasing your SNAP benefit by $50-$100/month. Some states issue small LIHEAP payments specifically to help SNAP recipients.

Learn more in our SNAP Guide →

2026 Benefits Calendar

Every major deadline and event that affects your benefits this year. Bookmark this page — these dates don't change.

January 2026
Jan 1
New COLA increase takes effect for Social Security & SSI
Social Security
Jan 1
New Medicare Part B premium & deductible take effect
Medicare
Jan 1
Medicare Part D new plan year begins
Medicare
Jan 15
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment ends (most states)
ACA
Late Jan
SSA-1099 forms mailed (Social Security tax documents)
Taxes
Late Jan
1095-A forms available (Marketplace coverage tax docs)
Taxes
March 2026
Mar 31
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment ends (switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare)
Medicare
April 2026
Apr 15
Federal income tax filing deadline
Taxes
Apr
Many states begin new SNAP certification periods
SNAP
July 2026
Jul 1
New SGA limit may take effect for SSDI (check for mid-year adjustment)
Social Security
September 2026
Sep 15
Medicare Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letters mailed by plans — review carefully
Medicare
October 2026
Early Oct
Social Security COLA announcement for 2027
Social Security
Oct 1
New federal fiscal year — SNAP income limits and allotments updated
SNAP
Oct 15
Medicare Open Enrollment STARTS — compare and switch plans through Dec 7
Medicare
November 2026
Nov 1
ACA Marketplace Open Enrollment STARTS for 2027 coverage
ACA
Mid-Nov
2027 Medicare Part B premium announced
Medicare
Mid-Nov
2027 SSI/SSDI payment amounts announced
Social Security
December 2026
Dec 7
Medicare Open Enrollment ENDS — last day to switch plans for 2027
Medicare
Dec 31
Last day for Roth conversions and other tax-year strategies
General
★ Dr. Ed's Insider Tip
"The dates that cost people the most money are Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7) and the COLA announcement in October. Every year I'd see people stuck in plans that cost them hundreds more per month because they didn't compare during Open Enrollment. Put it on your calendar. Set an alarm. Better yet — let us remind you."
✅ Want These Dates Sent to You Automatically? Switch to the Monthly Alerts tab and sign up. We'll send you reminders before every deadline that applies to your programs — so you never miss one.
🎉

You're All Set!

We'll send your alerts and packages right when you need them.

🦸 Want to Help Someone You Care About?

Your grandma in Florida. Your sister in Texas. A friend going through a rough patch. You can set up alerts for them too — we'll send you the updates so you can keep them informed.

💡 Did You Know?

Children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for free school meals — no separate application needed. If someone you're helping has kids and gets SNAP, make sure the school knows.