The recently enacted Social Security Fairness Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden on January 5, 2025, has sparked a surge in Social Security benefit claims and payments. The legislation repeals two controversial provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO)—allowing millions of public sector workers to receive their full Social … Read more
In response to the recent devastating floods, the federal government has approved Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits for residents in 14 counties. The program aims to provide much-needed food assistance to individuals and families affected by the disaster who may not typically qualify for regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. What is … Read more
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides crucial financial assistance to low-income individuals and families across the United States. As of Fiscal Year 2025, which started on October 1, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released updated income eligibility standards. For a two-person household, the net monthly income … Read more
A former care worker in Pennsylvania has been charged after allegedly stealing $8,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from a vulnerable resident. The accused, identified as Amanda Marie Quick, 32, of Wilkes-Barre, was arrested following an investigation by Pennsylvania State Police into fraudulent activity at The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a facility that … Read more
Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would ban the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—commonly known as food stamps—for purchasing candy and soda. The proposed legislation, introduced by Representative Jamie Gragg (R-Ozark), aims to encourage healthier eating habits among SNAP recipients by restricting the purchase of sugary snacks and beverages with government … Read more
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has issued a formal request to President Donald Trump’s Social Security Administration (SSA), seeking assurances that the agency will address growing concerns over long wait times for phone assistance and the closure of Social Security field offices nationwide. With the Trump administration pursuing an aggressive government downsizing initiative, … Read more
Millions of retired workers, disabled individuals, and survivors who rely on Social Security benefits will receive their March 2025 payments according to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) official payment schedule. The average Social Security retirement benefit for this year is estimated at $1,976 per month, rounding up to $2,000 for most recipients. The SSA distributes … Read more
The Trump administration has confirmed plans to restructure and streamline the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of a broader push to reduce government spending and increase efficiency. The plan, which could involve cutting up to 50% of the IRS workforce, is expected to impact tax processing, customer service, and enforcement as the country moves … Read more
In a closely contested 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has denied the Trump administration’s emergency request to maintain a freeze on $2 billion in foreign aid funds. The decision forces the government to immediately release the money, which had been allocated by Congress for global health, humanitarian, and economic development programs. The ruling marks … Read more
California families enrolled in the Family First Economic Support Pilot (FFESP) program can expect their March 2025 stimulus payment of $725 to arrive on March 15, 2025. This initiative, launched in December 2024, provides monthly financial assistance to low-income families in Sacramento County to help cover essential expenses like rent, food, and childcare. With thousands … Read more