Rising living costs make missed student‑loan payments riskier than ever, and the government can now dock up to 15 percent of your take‑home pay without a court hearing. What can borrowers do to stay solvent? If you fall behind on federal student loans, the Department of Education can launch Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG) after giving just … Read more
Millions of retirees may see only a slight bump in monthly checks next year, and some advocates warn it still won’t keep pace with rising prices. A preliminary forecast from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) pegs the 2026 cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) at 2.5 percent, nudging up from last month’s 2.4 percent outlook. If the projection holds, the … Read more
Checks tied to a $2.67 billion antitrust deal are finally landing in mailboxes—are you on the list? Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) policyholders who filed a claim by November 5, 2021 are seeing an average $333 payout, closing a lawsuit that accused the insurer of squeezing competition and inflating premiums. After years of appeals, the first wave of checks … Read more
The much‑touted payout turned out to be another internet mirage, leaving would‑be recipients empty‑handed. Social media has been buzzing for months about a supposed $5,000 “DOGE check” that would be mailed to every U.S. household. The rumor, amplified by high‑profile tech voices and a handful of populist politicians, promised windfalls from alleged federal “efficiency” savings. … Read more
Teachers, firefighters, police officers and other state and local workers can now reclaim benefits lost under the old WEP and GPO rules. Nearly four months after the Social Security Fairness Act took effect, the Social Security Administration (SSA) says it has already deposited more than 2.5 million one‑time retroactive payments into Americans’ bank accounts. The checks … Read more
RVA Stay Gap Grant will award $1,200 checks on a first‑come, first‑served basis. The City of Richmond, Virginia, has set aside $3.9 million to help renters and homeowners who spend a disproportionate share of their income on shelter. Under the new RVA Stay Gap Grant, successful applicants will receive a one‑time $1,200 payment, but funding will be … Read more
Millions of Americans who wrapped up their 2024 returns after a hectic spring can finally exhale. The Internal Revenue Service says a new wave of refunds — worth as much as $3,034 — will hit bank accounts no later than June 15, giving households a welcome cushion amid rising prices. If you filed online and chose direct deposit, the money could … Read more
House proposal looks generous, but hidden cuts could hit wallets and health care fast. A tax-and-spend package barreling through Congress could upend hard-won protections for U.S. veterans. The Trump-backed bill pumps record money into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), yet watchdogs say it quietly slashes day-to-day support the moment it takes effect. Record funding … Read more
Withdrawing a large amount of money from your own bank account isn’t a crime, but it sure raises more questions than you might expect. If you need to take out $10,000 in cash, the bank is obligated to keep a record of it and even report it to government agencies. Why does this happen, and … Read more
Citizens across the United States may soon see some relief as part of a fresh initiative aimed at supporting those dealing with economic hardships. This development comes at a time when countless individuals struggle with the high cost of living and persistent inflation. The government’s new effort, called the Family First Economic Support Program (FFESP), … Read more
State residents living on Supplemental Security Income risk leaving money on the table. Here’s what to know before the new year. Living in New York on a fixed SSI check is tough when rent, groceries and utilities keep rising. Yet Albany and Washington funnel extra cash, food and bill relief to people who meet the same … Read more
Thinking of emptying the teller drawer? Here’s why that five-figure withdrawal sparks an instant paper trail. When you ask a U.S. bank for $10,000 in cash, the money is yours—but the information about the transaction is Uncle Sam’s. Federal rules require every institution to flag the move, share the details with regulators, and keep the … Read more
Deposits for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families will roll out June 2-13; here’s who qualifies and what to do if yours is late. Americans who rely on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) can circle next Monday, June 2, on the calendar. That date marks the first business day when June payments begin landing in … Read more
More than 4 million households stand to receive the top monthly allotment—here’s what to know before hitting the store. For many recipients, the June Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payment is already circled in red on the calendar. Families with four members could see as much as $975 land on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) … Read more
If you are a SNAP beneficiary, you might soon enjoy a welcome boost to your budget. From additional monthly payments to simplified application procedures, this new initiative aims to help more families across the country make ends meet. In a nutshell, this combined benefit merges the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with local Stimulus Checks … Read more
Sacramento County’s Family First (FFESP) initiative aims to reduce abuse and neglect while enhancing essential support for families with limited resources. Find out how local households can qualify and why this matters for children under age five. The FFESP program is preparing to disburse $725 each month to qualifying households in certain Sacramento zip codes … Read more
Florida’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) kicks off its June 2025 payments with a detailed timetable, ensuring that households can plan their groceries and other essential needs in advance. Recipients whose case numbers end in certain digits will see their deposits first, starting on June 1 for digits 00 through 03, followed by subsequent dates … Read more
The federal government has announced an expanded economic assistance that merges the traditional Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit with a local stimulus check. Recipients in several parts of the country can now access both types of support without filing extra paperwork, aiming to bolster family budgets as the month comes to a close. A … Read more
If you depend on SNAP in Texas, keep reading to see how the first June payments are organized and whether you qualify for this early distribution. In June 2025, thousands of individuals and families who benefit from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Texas are set to receive support during the initial days of … Read more
Some recipients may avoid the 80-hour monthly requirement due to new exemptions. Many people rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to cover essential food costs. While most applicants must meet specific work requirements, not everyone will be subject to the Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) time limit in 2025. In fact, certain groups … Read more