2026 Election Issues Series · Part VIII When work becomes unstable, social welfare is no longer just a safety net. It becomes the system that determines whether insecurity turns into crisis. Artificial intelligence is accelerating changes in how people work, how often they work, and how predictable their income is. Careers are becoming fragmented. EmploymentContinue reading “Artificial Intelligence and Social Welfare: Can Safety Nets Survive a World Without Stable Work?”
Tag Archives: Social Security benefits
Social Security Policy Changes Since 2025: What You Need to Do Right Now
Since former President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has rolled out a series of new policies. These changes affect how benefits are paid, how identities are verified, how online accounts are accessed, and how retirement and disability benefits are calculated. Many recipients don’t usually pay attentionContinue reading “Social Security Policy Changes Since 2025: What You Need to Do Right Now”
Claiming U.S. Social Security Benefits in China: A Guide for Retirees and Survivors
Why Does This Matter? Many U.S. citizens choose to retire abroad. For cultural, family, and cost-of-living reasons, China has become a preferred destination for some. At the same time, many Chinese spouses of U.S. citizens may qualify as survivors entitled to Social Security benefits. A practical question arises: Can you still receive U.S. Social SecurityContinue reading “Claiming U.S. Social Security Benefits in China: A Guide for Retirees and Survivors”
Why SSI Benefits May Be Reduced: Understanding In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)
In the United States, Supplemental Security By | Voice in BetweenIncome (SSI) provides important support for many eligible seniors and individuals who need additional assistance. However, some notice their SSI payments are reduced when they live with others or receive free housing and meals. This is due to the rule known as In-Kind Support andContinue reading “Why SSI Benefits May Be Reduced: Understanding In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)”
My Social Security: A Complete Guide
Editor’s Note: Our previous article, “The Confusing Math of Social Security: Why Chinese Seniors Complain About Fluctuating Payments,” raised an important question: Is there a better way to manage and keep track of one’s Social Security benefits? The answer is yes. The Social Security Administration offers an online personal account system called “My Social Security.”Continue reading “My Social Security: A Complete Guide”
The Confusing Rules of Social Security: Why Chinese Seniors Complain About Sudden Changes
In the Chinese community, many seniors have recently been talking about the “confusing account” of Social Security. Some said their checks dropped to only a quarter of the usual amount last month, while others received overpayment notices in English that they could not understand. For immigrant seniors who rely on Social Security, these fluctuations disruptContinue reading “The Confusing Rules of Social Security: Why Chinese Seniors Complain About Sudden Changes”