The Social Security cost-of-living increase will go up by 2.8% in 2026, which translates to an average increase of more than $56 for retirees every month.
Social Security
Posted inLocal & State, News
A new scam is targeting Maine veterans — by postcard
The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services says the scam attempts to persuade veterans to enroll in a false savings program, soliciting personal and financial information in the process.
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Posted inFact Brief, Local & State, News
Did Maine net $12 billion in federal funding in 2023? | Fact brief
Thirty-one of the 50 states received more in federal funds than they paid in federal taxes, according to the most recently available data.
Posted inLocal & State, News
For many older Mainers, covering costs in retirement is a major challenge
Experts say there is a clear divide between people who can afford to live comfortably in retirement — and those whose tight budgets make it difficult to pay for basic needs like food and housing.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Social Security is ending paper checks. What does it mean for Maine recipients?
The Trump administration is phasing out paper checks starting next week, but those who haven’t switched to online payments will still be paid.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Former Social Security chief gives new reasons for brief cancellation of Maine birth registry contracts
Leland Dudek, the former acting SSA commissioner, told ProPublica that he intentionally undermined his own order to have the contracts rescinded.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
How Trump’s actions are affecting — and targeting — Maine
In addition to a new federal lawsuit against the state, the new administration’s actions include multiple efforts to pull funding over Maine’s policies regarding transgender athletes, as well as unrelated cuts to health care funding and medical research grants.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Social Security head called Gov. Mills a ‘petulant child’ in email ordering staff to cancel Maine contracts
Emails show Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek ignored his own staff’s warnings and briefly killed Maine contracts because he was upset that the governor publicly defied President Donald Trump.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Social Security official ended program for Maine newborns because he was ‘ticked’ at Mills
Rep. Chellie Pingree said the rationale given by Lee Dudek, the acting commissioner of the Social Security Administration, is ‘infuriating and absurd.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Social Security workers, union say staffing cuts would gut the agency
They warn that it is already understaffed and that further cuts, including the possible closure of the Presque Isle office, could lead to major disruptions for 355,000 older and disabled Mainers.