Historic milestone approaching: The average Social Security check reached $2,075 per month in January 2026 ($24,900 annually) — if it rises to just $2,084 monthly, the average annual benefit will hit $25,000 for the first time in the program's history.

Still a $36,000 gap from actual expenses: While $25,000 is significant, the average household headed by someone 65+ spent over $61,000 annually in 2024 (likely higher now due to inflation) — meaning the average Social Security benefit covers less than half of typical senior living costs.

Maximize your benefit now: You can increase your Social Security check by working longer to replace low-earning years, increasing your current income, and delaying claiming strategically — but continue saving for retirement on your own since Social Security was never designed to cover all living expenses.

Scammers are getting more sophisticated: Social Security scams cost Americans nearly $600 million in 2024 — fraudsters now use real SSA employee names, provide fake ID photos, and contact victims via text, phone, and social media to appear legitimate.

Four red flags mean it's a scam: The Social Security Administration will NEVER threaten you with arrest, suspend your Social Security number, demand secrecy, pressure you to move money to a "protected" account, or contact you via social media direct messages.

Gift cards mean scam: If anyone asks you to pay with gift cards, it's always a scam — government agencies never accept gift card payments, so hang up immediately, ignore the messages, and report the fraud to the Office of the Inspector General.

Historic change coming: CMS Director Mehmet Oz announced Medicare will launch a pilot program in April to cover CBD treatments for the first time — this would allow Medicare beneficiaries to access hemp-derived cannabinoid products for pain, sleep, and other health conditions through government coverage.

New coalition formed to support expansion: The National Compassionate Care Council launched to help shape the Trump administration's move to expand cannabis treatment access for Medicare recipients — the coalition includes medical cannabis industry players working to provide research and patient perspectives to policymakers.

What's covered: CBD products like beverages, gummies, and creams are made from a nonintoxicating cannabis compound — while some contain THC (the high-inducing compound), others don't produce a high and are used therapeutically for various health conditions.