Benefits & Updates
Latest updates
What changed this year, and which agency published each figure.
Articles in this category (17)
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Latest updates2026 Benefit Changes: What You Need to Know
The 2026 figures that changed: the 2.8% Social Security COLA, the Medicare Part B premium, SNAP allotments, EITC amounts and the poverty guidelines.
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Latest updatesHow to Apply for Benefits: What to Gather First
Most benefit applications ask for the same handful of documents. What to gather before you start, who decides, and what happens after you apply.
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Latest updatesSNAP and Medicaid Work Requirements: What Changed
SNAP's time limit now reaches adults up to age 64, and Medicaid expansion adults face an 80-hour monthly rule. Who has to meet each one, and who is exempt.
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Latest updatesPaper Benefit Checks Have Ended: How to Get Paid
Federal paper benefit checks have ended. How Social Security and SSI pay now, how to switch to direct deposit or Direct Express, and when exceptions apply.
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Latest updatesBenefit Scams: How to Spot and Report Fake Offers
Fake benefit calls, texts and emails follow a pattern. The warning signs SSA lists, what real agencies never ask for, and how to report a Social Security scam.
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Latest updatesBenefits Denied? How and When to Appeal
Appeal deadlines differ: 60 days for Social Security, about 90 for SNAP and up to 90 for Medicaid. The steps, keeping benefits during an appeal, and free help.
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Latest updatesReporting Changes to Your Benefits: What and When
What to report and when: SSI changes by the 10th of the next month, SNAP rules that depend on your state, and Medicaid deadlines. Late reports can mean repayment.
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Latest updatesMoving to Another State: What Happens to Benefits
Social Security and Original Medicare move with you; SNAP, Medicaid and SSI state supplements do not. What to close, what to apply for, and when, if you move states.
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Latest updatesAre Government Benefits Taxable? What You Report and What You Do Not
Unemployment and some Social Security count as income, while SSI, SNAP, TANF and VA benefits do not. See which benefits are taxable and how to avoid a surprise bill.
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Latest updatesBenefit Cliffs: When a Raise Costs You Benefits
A small raise can cut benefits by more than it pays. See where the cliffs are in SSI, SNAP, Medicaid and Marketplace credits, and how to test a raise first.
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Latest updatesHow to Get Proof of Your Benefits: Award and Verification Letters
Landlords and lenders ask for proof of income. Get a Social Security benefit verification letter online in minutes, plus letters for Medicare, SNAP and unemployment.
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Latest updatesCan Social Security Be Garnished? Your Benefits and Bank Account Protections
Most private creditors cannot take Social Security or SSI, but the IRS, child support and some federal debts can. Learn the bank account rules and what to do.
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Latest updatesGetting Married: What Changes for SSI, Medicaid and Taxes
Marriage can cut SSI by nearly a third, end some Social Security child's or divorced-spouse benefits and change Medicaid, SNAP and tax credits. See what changes.
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Latest updatesNoncitizens and Federal Benefits: What Changed for SNAP, Medicaid and Medicare
Which immigrants still qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, Marketplace tax credits and Medicare under the new federal rules, and the date each change takes effect.
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Latest updatesJanuary Benefit Changes: A 3.6% COLA, Higher SSI and New Medicare Drug Costs
The 3.6% cost-of-living raise, new SSI amounts, earnings limits, Medicare's drug cap and SNAP's new figures: what changes, by how much and when it arrives.
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Latest updatesWhen a Family Member Dies: Who to Notify and Which Benefits to Claim
Who reports a death to Social Security, why the last payment may have to go back, the $255 payment, survivor benefits, the final tax return and debts.
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Latest updatesAfter a Disaster: Federal Help With Food, Lost Work, Housing and Taxes
After a hurricane, flood or wildfire: FEMA assistance, disaster SNAP, replacing spoiled SNAP food, Disaster Unemployment Assistance and tax deadline relief.