The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, provides essential support to over 42 million low-income Americans by helping them afford basic food necessities. This program is overseen by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), but in Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is responsible for distributing these benefits. … Read more
The state of New York, under Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership, is working on an initiative to help residents cope with rising costs due to inflation. The New York Inflation Reimbursement aims to distribute $3 billion in direct payments to approximately 8.6 million taxpayers in 2025. These funds are expected to come from excess sales tax … Read more
Tax returns always provide valuable financial insights, and one of the most beneficial credits available is the earned income tax credit (EITC). This tax credit is designed to support low- and moderate-income workers by significantly reducing their federal tax liability or providing them with a refund during tax season. If you meet the eligibility criteria, … Read more
A recent data breach at Columbus Regional Health System (CRHS) has led to a $1.17 million class action settlement, giving affected individuals the opportunity to claim up to $5,000 in compensation. The cyberattack, which occurred between May 19 and 21, 2023, revealed sensitive personal and medical data, impacting approximately 132,800 people. If you were affected, … Read more
Veterans receiving monthly benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will see a 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase in 2025. This adjustment ensures that VA disability compensation keeps pace with inflation, providing financial relief for those who depend on these benefits. For veterans with a 100% disability rating, the estimated increase is … Read more
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out tougher identity verification measures to protect Social Security benefits from fraud. While these new rules are aimed at enhancing security, they have sparked concerns among advocacy groups, lawmakers, and Social Security recipients who fear the changes may create obstacles, especially for vulnerable populations. Identity Verification To combat … Read more
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is one of the most significant support programs in the United States, providing food assistance to over 40 million low-income individuals. Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNAP benefits are distributed by state governments, meaning the process can vary depending … Read more
Did you miss out on your stimulus payments during the COVID-19 pandemic? You may still be eligible for an automatic payment from the IRS. Many taxpayers were unaware that they could claim the Recovery Rebate Credit, and now, the IRS is issuing payments to those who didn’t apply for it on their 2021 tax returns. … Read more
More than 600 Alaskans will begin receiving a $1,702 stimulus payment starting today as part of the 2025 Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD). This annual payment, funded by state oil and gas revenues, helps residents cover essential expenses like food, housing, and medical care. The Alaska Department of Revenue administers the program, ensuring that eligible residents … Read more
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides disability compensation to veterans based on the severity of their service-connected conditions. These ratings, expressed as percentages, determine the monthly compensation amount and eligibility for additional benefits. If a veteran has multiple disabilities, the VA calculates a combined rating using a formula rather than simply adding individual ratings. … Read more