In a significant policy update, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has confirmed its plan to extend eligibility for the PCAFC to “legacy” participants and applicants until September 30, 2028. The extension will ensure that an estimated 15,000 families continue to receive uninterrupted benefits as the department finalizes broader program reforms. This proposed rule … Read more
Millions of Americans depend on Social Security as their only or primary source of income in retirement. For people like 68-year-old Cyndi Greening from northern Wisconsin, the monthly benefit is not just financial support; it’s a lifeline. Greening, a retired professor, relies entirely on her Social Security check, just like her mother did before her. … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made substantial progress in enhancing its customer service operations, responding to record-high transaction volumes with improved efficiency and faster delivery. From significantly reducing phone wait times to processing millions of payments ahead of schedule, the agency is showing clear signs of operational turnaround under its new leadership. These changes … Read more
In the aftermath of the passage of President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging economic bill, dubbed his “big, beautiful bill,” many Americans are sorting through the massive legislation to determine what it means for their everyday lives. Among the most notable changes are updates affecting Social Security recipients, reductions in nutrition assistance, and greater flexibility for 529 … Read more
In a move to ease financial pressures on low-income families, New York State has introduced a new policy granting \$1,800 as a one-time baby benefit to qualifying households. Announced as part of the 2026 fiscal budget, the initiative aims to support families with newborns, particularly those already enrolled in public assistance programs such as TANF, … Read more
In a move aimed at curbing homelessness among U.S. military Veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has announced a new round of funding totaling \$42 million under its Legal Services for Veterans (LSV) Grant Program. The initiative will support legal aid organizations in providing direct assistance to Veterans facing housing instability or legal issues … Read more
Ohio has revised its driver’s license rules for individuals aged 21 and under, significantly changing the path to obtaining a license. These changes, part of Governor Mike DeWine’s newly signed two-year budget, aim to improve road safety through mandatory training and supervised practice. Under the updated regulations, all new drivers aged 16 to 21 must … Read more
Approximately 10% of Colorado’s population, or more than 584,000 residents, are currently receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. To enhance food security and support healthy eating, these recipients are now eligible for a monthly produce bonus of up to \$60, thanks to a targeted state initiative aimed at increasing access to fresh fruits and … Read more
The U.S. government has announced a significant change to how Social Security and other federal payments will be delivered. Beginning September 30, 2025, all federal benefit payments will be issued electronically, officially ending the use of paper checks for Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), veterans’ benefits, and IRS tax refunds. This nationwide transition follows … Read more
New York State will begin distributing one-time Inflation Refund Checks to eligible residents starting in mid-October 2025, as part of the state’s 2025–2026 budget plan. The initiative is designed to ease the financial burden caused by inflation-driven price increases and the resulting growth in sales tax revenue. According to state officials, more than 8 million … Read more