The scale: A database left accessible online in January contained roughly 2.7 billion records with Social Security numbers — researchers found that one in four SSNs in their sample appeared valid and legitimate, potentially representing 675 million real Social Security numbers.

Why old data still matters: Even though much of the data dates to around 2015, it remains dangerous because Social Security numbers almost never change during people's lifetimes and are linked to the most sensitive financial data — making valid SSNs "crown jewels" for identity thieves.

You may not know you're exposed: Many people whose information appeared in the database have not yet had their identities stolen or suffered hacks — meaning the data hasn't been fully exploited by criminals yet, but victims don't know their information has been compromised.

Healthcare coverage at risk: 15 million people are projected to lose health coverage by 2034 due to Medicaid cuts and the expiration of premium tax credit enhancements — marketplace enrollees saw premiums more than double on average, with older adults ages 50-64 facing the steepest hikes.

Food assistance cuts hit older workers: SNAP was cut by $187 billion (20% by 2034), including expanded work requirements to adults ages 55-64 — an estimated 800,000 older adults in this age group will lose food assistance, plus CBO projects 2.4 million total people cut from SNAP monthly.

Bottom earners lose while top earners gain: Households in the bottom 20% will lose more from cuts to health coverage and food assistance than they gain in tax cuts, with average incomes falling $1,200 annually for the bottom 10% while rising $13,600 for the top 10%.

No limits after full retirement age: Once you reach FRA (age 67 for those born in 1960 or later), you can work and earn as much as you want with no impact on your Social Security benefits.

Earning limits before FRA: In 2026, if you're under FRA all year, you lose $1 in benefits for every $2 earned over $24,480; if you'll reach FRA during the year, you lose $1 for every $3 earned over $65,160 (only until you hit FRA).

Working can boost your benefits: If your current earnings are higher than some of your 35 highest-earning years used to calculate your benefit, working now can replace those lower-earning years and permanently increase your monthly Social Security check.