Recent developments in government benefits, sourced and updated.
Early forecasts put the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment near 3.8%, well above 2026's 2.8% increase, though the official number isn't out until October.
Read more →After years of litigation, the SAVE repayment plan is officially gone. Borrowers are being notified starting July 1, 2026, with 90 days to pick a new plan.
Read more →New federal rules expanded SNAP work requirements to more adults in 2026, and USDA data show enrollment falling in nearly every state as the changes roll out.
Read more →Nebraska became the first state to enforce new federal Medicaid work requirements in May 2026, with most states required to comply by January 2027.
Read more →Enhanced ACA premium tax credits expired at the end of 2025, and early 2026 data show a sharp jump in what marketplace enrollees are paying out of pocket.
Read more →Federal budget standoffs have repeatedly put benefit programs in the headlines. Here's how a shutdown typically affects SNAP, Social Security, and health coverage.
Read more →The VA has continued working through a large backlog of disability claims. Here's what affects how long a claim takes and how veterans can check status.
Read more →Lifeline has offered low-income households a monthly phone or internet discount since 1985, but take-up remains far below the number of eligible households.
Read more →The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit remain two of the largest benefits many working households never claim. Here's a quick refresher before you file.
Read more →The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps millions of households with heating and cooling costs each year, but funding and timing vary sharply by state.
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