As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.
Starting January 2026, Social Security payments will increase by 2.8%. This cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) means the average monthly retirement payment will rise by about $56, from $2,015 to $2,071. Survivor benefits will go up by roughly $52, and disability payments will increase by $44. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will see their first boosted payment on December, payable in January 2026.
The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters—known as ANCHOR—program, will help homeowners and renters pay property taxes in the state that has the highest in the country.
Join us on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6 p.m. for our free, virtual presentation, “Prepare to Care: Resources and Tips for Family Caregivers.” The webinar will also include guided tai chi.
Rich Sodon, AARP New Jersey’s 2021 Community Engagement Award recipient, joined the AARP NJ Speakers Bureau in early 2020, just as the pandemic lockdowns went into effect. Despite being new to the Bureau, Rich quickly got up to speed on AARP’s goals, objectives, and procedures and jumped right in.