Recent reporting and explainers from the Federal Updates newsroom.
Updated August 13, 2026. If you are trying to understand SNAP benefits, start with this answer: eligibility depends on your household, income, resources, state, and other program rules. You must apply through the SNAP agency in the state where you live. The federal government sets the broad program framework, but state agencies review applications, conduct … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. If you are planning retirement, the right Social Security decision is usually not just a question of choosing age 62 or age 70. Your claiming age, earnings record, health coverage, household income, spouse options, and need for cash can all matter. Social Security retirement benefits can generally begin at age 62. … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. If you receive Social Security, SSI, or SSDI, the annual Social Security COLA increase is designed to help your benefit keep pace with inflation. COLA means cost of living adjustment. It is a percentage increase applied under a formula set by law. The important point is this: the COLA percentage is … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. If you are trying to find your Social Security payment date, start with two details: the type of benefit you receive and the birth date used for the benefit record. For many people who filed for benefits on or after May 1, 1997, the payment arrives on the second, third, or … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. SSDI updates can affect an application, a monthly benefit, a medical review, work activity, or an appeal. The safest way to understand an update is to identify which part of your case it concerns, read the notice from the Social Security Administration, and compare it with the current information on SSA.gov. … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. What Are SSI Payments? SSI payments are monthly federal payments for people who have limited income and resources and who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled. SSI is different from Social Security retirement or disability insurance because it is funded by general federal revenue rather than Social Security taxes. … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. You do not need to panic when an IRS notice arrives, but you should not ignore it. Read the notice, identify the CP or LTR number, check the response date, and follow the instructions printed on that document. If you disagree, respond by the listed date and keep copies of everything … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. If you are raising or supporting a child, the Child Tax Credit may reduce the federal income tax you owe. Some eligible taxpayers may also qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit, which can make part of the credit refundable when the credit is larger than their tax liability. Eligibility depends … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. Tax filing updates can affect the date you file, the forms you use, the credits you claim, and the amount you owe or receive as a refund. The safest approach is to check the latest IRS guidance, gather your records, review changes for the tax year, and file only after the … Read more
Updated August 13, 2026. Why Is My IRS Refund Delayed? An IRS refund can be delayed when the return needs correction, extra review, identity verification, comparison with another filing, or a response to a notice. A delay does not automatically mean the IRS denied the refund. Start with the official Where’s My Refund tool or … Read more