PENSION BENEFITS

June 2025 Social Security and SSI payment guide: All dates, delays, and new rules
Social Security Administration issued June's SSI payments early in May. Recipients will not receive SSI payment in June. Regular Social Security payments will be disbursed in June based on birth dates. The Social Security Fairness Act is reshaping benefits for public sector retirees. Retroactive payments are being processed. Beneficiaries should update personal information and enroll in direct deposit.

8th Pay Commission salary hike may miss January 2026 deadline: Will it impact fitment factor calculation?
Many employee unions have begun voicing concern over the delay, urging the government to form the 8th Pay Commission well in advance to ensure timely implementation and reduce uncertainty for both employees and pensioners. Read below to know more about 8th pay commission.

In a big u-turn, UK restores winter fuel payments to millions of pensioners
Facing intense political pressure, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government in the United Kingdom has reversed unpopular cuts to winter fuel payments. This decision, made on June 9, will restore the subsidy to 9 million pensioners for the 2025 winter season. The U-turn will cost the government 1.25 billion pounds.

Los Angeles protests: What is the role of the US National Guard—and how is it deployed?
Los Angeles faced intense protests due to President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard. Demonstrators blocked highways and clashed with law enforcement. The National Guard's role is to protect federal buildings. This deployment is controversial because it bypassed the governor's request. Critics view it as federal overreach. The situation has sparked debate about state and federal power.

Is UPS better than NPS for government employees? Here’s how to decide
By 30 June, central government employees must decide whether to continue with the National Pension System (NPS) or switch to the newly rolled out Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as their retirement chariot. This switch can only be exercised once.

What are the different types of life insurance plans, do they offer saving options?
If you are confused by personal finance terms, jargon and calculations, here’s a series to simplify and deconstruct these for you. In the 54th part of this series, Riju Mehta lists the difference between various types of life insurance plans.
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How you can negotiate spending on your parents
The argument that parents sacrificed a lot in early years and it is now payback time fails to see that the child is now a parent too. At the same time, the thinking that parents must expect nothing from children is discounted as being too Western in cultural orientation, while also excluding children who genuinely like to spend on their parents.
Cash discovery row: Resignation only option before Justice Varma to avoid removal by Parliament
Justice Yashwant Varma may face impeachment proceedings in Parliament. This is regarding alleged corruption. Resignation is an option to avoid removal. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had recommended Varma's removal. A committee investigated the matter. Parliament will decide on impeachment. Previous judges faced similar situations. The Monsoon session will address this. The case involves discovery of cash.
Why bananas may soon be a luxury in America; Chiquita’s layoffs in Panama hold the answer
Banana giant Chiquita faces turmoil as it exits Panama amidst labor disputes and mass layoffs, impacting banana exports. Climate change threatens Latin American banana cultivation, potentially reducing suitable areas by 2080. While companies explore disease-resistant varieties, port strikes and production challenges may lead to higher prices and banana shortages in US stores soon.
Jammu and Kashmir DA hike 2025: Pensioners to get 55% DA from January 1, arrears in June
Dearness Allowance hiked: Central government employees would see an increase of 2% in dearness allowance-from 53% to 55%, as per a government issued on June 4, 2025
Fraud beneficiaries of Ladki Bahin Yojana beware: Maharashtra govt to cross-check income tax data; check who is eligible to get Rs 1,500 per month
The Maharashtra government can now access Income Tax Return data to identify fraudulent beneficiaries of the Ladki Bahin Yojana. This move, enabled by a central government notification, aims to tighten screening and ensure only eligible women from economically weaker backgrounds receive the financial assistance of Rs. 1500 or more per month.
Social Security Fairness Act benefit increases reach 91% processed — what public employees need to know about their higher Social Security payments and lump sum retroactive checks in 2025
Social Security Fairness Act benefit increases and lump sum payments have now been processed for about 91% of the nearly 3 million affected people. This new law, passed in January, removes rules that lowered benefits for public workers with pensions but no Social Security taxes. Many beneficiaries are seeing monthly Social Security check boosts and retroactive lump sums from January 2024. While automation sped up payments, about 300,000 complex cases still need manual review. The Social Security Administration promises to complete all adjustments by early November, ensuring fairer benefits for teachers, firefighters, and other public servants.
Social Security Fairness Act big update given on expanded benefits. Here's how it will impact millions of Americans
The Social Security Administration is processing expanded benefits under the Social Security Fairness Act. The Act removes provisions that reduced benefits for some. Around 91% of cases are processed, with retroactive payments issued. Complex cases are still under review. Commissioner Frank Bisignano aims to resolve all claims by July 1.
FD interest rates are falling: Can corporate bonds offer better returns with safety?
Today, the bond market in India surged to $2.6 trillion, of which $1.3 trillion, or 45%, is made up of corporate bonds. Corporate bonds have been benefitting from the headwinds of companies allocating a higher debt component than equity, foreign investors betting on Indian debt, and retail investors finally having a seat at the table.
California Film Credit expansion claims to bring back jobs; effect remains uncertain
California lawmakers plan to boost the Film and Television Tax Credit Program. The aim is to retain productions and revive the entertainment sector. The program's limit may rise to $750 million. This move seeks to bring back jobs lost since 2022. While not a complete fix, it could attract high-budget films. The incentive program aims to generate employment for Californians.
Govt to promote these employees day before retirement: Will their pension increase?
The Ministry of Home Affairs will grant honorary ranks, one level higher. This initiative, led by Prime Minister Modi, aims to boost morale and self-respect without financial benefits.
JPMorgan CEO Dimon backs US taxing carried interest, warns of bond market trouble
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon advocates for taxing carried interest, aligning with Donald Trump's efforts to close the loophole benefiting private market investors. Dimon suggests using the additional revenue to double income tax credits, benefiting communities and families. He also cautioned about a potential "crack in the bond market" due to government overspending and quantitative easing.
Retired govt NPS subscribers with min 10 years can claim additional benefits under UPS
Central government NPS subscribers retiring by March 31, 2025, with 10+ years of service, or their spouses, can claim Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) benefits beyond NPS. The scheme offers a lump sum and monthly top-up, with arrears and interest. The deadline for claims is June 30, 2025, providing an assured pension option.
EPF withdrawals via ATM, instant UPI as EPFO 3.0 likely to roll out in June 2025
The EPFO is set to revolutionize PF withdrawals by June 2025, enabling instant access via UPI and ATMs, pending NPCI approval. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, will allow members to check balances and transfer funds seamlessly.
Ontario MPPs to receive 35 percent salary increase and reinstated pension plan
Ontario's MPPs will soon see a substantial pay raise. They will also regain pension benefits. The salary increase aims to align MPP pay with federal MPs. Base salaries will rise to $157,350. Premier Doug Ford's salary will increase as well. A pension plan, abolished in 1995, will be reinstated. This move seeks to attract qualified individuals to provincial politics.
Canada Post and CUPW expected to return to bargaining as overtime ban disrupts mail and postal service nationwide
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers will meet for negotiations. This is happening as an overtime ban affects mail delivery nationwide. The union represents many workers. They announced that Canada Post proposed resuming talks. The overtime ban started recently. It directs members to refuse extra work. The dispute involves worker pay and other issues.
This European country is planning for 6-year-olds to start saving for retirement: Is this the future of financial freedom?
Imagine kids saving for retirement before hitting puberty. Germany’s new “early start pension” plan might do just that—handing six-year-olds monthly contributions for their future. It’s a radical bid to promote long-term financial thinking, but critics argue it lacks depth and true educational value. Is this the future of fiscal foresight or just feel-good policy?
Centre amends key pension rules; PSU employees to lose retirement benefits on dismissal
The Centre has announced that the dismissal or removal of a PSU employee will result in the loss of retirement benefits, even for service rendered under the government. This decision, outlined in the amended Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2025, will be subject to review by the relevant administrative ministry.
UPS benefits announced for these retired govt employees and their spouses: Know how to claim UPS benefits, deadline to apply
The Central Government introduces the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) under the National Pension System (NPS) starting April 1, 2025, offering assured payouts to eligible retirees and their spouses. This scheme provides a one-time lumpsum, monthly top-ups, and interest on arrears, supplementing existing NPS benefits.
Pension is a legal right, not charity, and shouldn't be delayed even a day: HC
Calcutta High Court addressed a pension delay issue. The court stated pension is a legal right, not charity. Hooghly Chinsurah municipality was reprimanded for delaying payments to 148 retired workers. The delay was blamed on technological issues. The court ordered the municipality to submit employee details promptly. The directorate must redesignate employees quickly.
Special schemes being implemented for welfare of transgender people: Tamil Nadu govt
Tamil Nadu government is implementing schemes for transgender people's development. These include house site pattas and business subsidies. Pension is provided for destitute transgender persons. M K Stalin's scheme offers up to Rs 50,000 subsidy for businesses. The government allocated funds for pensions and education. A welfare board and mobile app support transgender welfare.
NPS vs UPS Calculator: New tool for Government employees; Compare NPS and UPS for higher retirement benefits
The PFRDA has launched a Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) Calculator to aid central government employees in estimating pension benefits under NPS and UPS. Effective April 1, 2025, UPS offers a stable pension payout, with current NPS subscribers having the option to switch. The UPS calculator provides transparency on expected payouts, ensuring informed retirement planning.
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