A Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) is a rule under SSI to help people with disabilities return to work. If you receive SSI or could qualify for SSI after setting aside income or resources so you can pursue—or achieve—a work goal, you could benefit from a PASS.

People receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits can obtain their new, standardized Benefit Verification letter by using their personal my Social Security account. You can use the letter as proof of income for loans, housing assistance, mortgage, and other verification purposes.  

Of those who do change their plan, nearly half cut their premiums by at least 5 percent. Even beneficiaries who have been satisfied with their plans in 2020 should review their choices for 2021, as both premiums and plan coverage can fluctuate from year to year. Could you save money with the same coverage by switching to a different plan?

"COVID has brought to attention the underlying risks of being overweight or having a chronic disease and getting very sick,” says Mark Hyman, M.D., of Cleveland Clinic. “So, people are paying more attention to their health and they’re spending more time outdoors, they’re sleeping better, they’re eating better, they’re exercising more.”

The Social Security Administration announces that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for approximately 70 million Americans will increase 1.3 percent in 2021. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 64 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2021. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2020.

Caregiving is one of the toughest things any of us will ever do. But while we're taking care of a loved one or friend, it's important to care for ourselves, too.