Tuesday, December 24
Goodbye to Social Security: Key Date for the 2025 COLA Increase
Finance

Goodbye to Social Security: Key Date for the 2025 COLA Increase

Over 71 million U.S. retirees, VA veterans, and disability beneficiaries are anxiously awaiting news of the 2025 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase. With inflation continuing to impact everyday expenses, the COLA is vital in helping retirees keep up with rising costs. Predicted 2025 COLA Increase: 2.5% Experts predict that the 2025 COLA will bring a 2.5% increase to Social Security payments. This estimate follows the 2024 increase of 3.2%, a figure the same experts accurately forecasted last year. Although this year's increase is expected to be lower, it still provides essential relief for millions of Americans who rely on Social Security as a primary source of income. Official Announcement Date The U.S. Government has set October 10, 2024, as the officia...
IRS Tax Refund Checks Targeted in Major Theft Scheme
Finance

IRS Tax Refund Checks Targeted in Major Theft Scheme

A significant number of taxpayers who chose to receive their IRS tax refunds via mail have fallen victim to a widespread theft operation, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Over 200 individuals have reported that their refund checks, some valued at up to $500,000, were stolen. This large-scale fraud has resulted in millions of dollars in losses, sparking concerns over the security of mailed IRS refund checks. Representative Nicole Malliotakis Responds to Stolen Checks Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican representative from Staten Island, has taken on 218 cases involving stolen refund checks, amounting to $3.8 million in missing funds. One of her constituents faced the issue of having to refile multiple times to receive their refund, only to have reissued checks stolen as ...
2025 Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know
Finance

2025 Social Security Disability Benefits: What You Need to Know

Social Security Disability benefits play a vital role in supporting millions of U.S. citizens who are unable to work due to disabilities. As inflation continues to impact living costs, beneficiaries eagerly await the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to help cope with rising expenses. Although the official COLA announcement is yet to be made, there are already predictions for the increase in monthly payments for disability recipients. What Is the 2025 Disability Benefit Increase? The Senior Citizens League has estimated that the 2025 COLA could bring a 2.5% increase to Social Security payments. This means that individuals receiving disability benefits, or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), could see their checks rise accordingly. For those receiving the maximum SSDI ...
October 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Your Food Stamps?
Finance

October 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: When Will You Get Your Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as Food Stamps, provides crucial financial assistance to millions of low-income households in the United States. With rising inflation, the USDA has announced a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for SNAP recipients in October 2024. While the increase may not be substantial, it will offer some extra support to those who rely on these benefits. How SNAP Payments Are Scheduled Unlike Social Security payments, which are based on a recipient's retirement date or birthday, SNAP payments are distributed on different dates depending on the state. Each state has its own schedule for SNAP payments, which typically occur between the 1st and the 28th of the month. It's important for recipients to check their state's specific cal...
Social Security COLA in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know
Social Security

Social Security COLA in 2025: What Retirees Need to Know

For millions of retirees, Social Security is a vital source of income, making annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) crucial for managing inflation and rising living expenses. As we approach 2025, the new COLA is expected to introduce changes that retirees should be prepared for, marking a new era for Social Security recipients. Lower COLA Expected for 2025 In 2025, retirees can anticipate a lower COLA increase compared to the 3.2% adjustment in 2024. Based on inflation data from July and August, estimates project a 2.5% COLA for the upcoming year. However, this figure is subject to change depending on the September inflation data, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will release soon. Despite the final percentage still being unknown, the increase in 2025 is expected to be l...
October Social Security Payments: Are You Eligible for the October 23 Payout?
Social Security

October Social Security Payments: Are You Eligible for the October 23 Payout?

Social Security payments for retirees vary based on specific rules, particularly around your birthdate and when you started receiving benefits. October has several payment rounds, and if you're eligible, your payment may arrive earlier or later in the month. Some retirees, for example, will receive their cheque or direct deposit as late as October 23, 2024. Despite the wait, these payments are scheduled and on time, with no delays. Who Qualifies for the October 23 Payment? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a clear schedule for payments based on your birthdate. If you were born between October 21 and October 31, you will receive your Social Security payment on October 23. Here’s a breakdown of the payment dates: Birthdays from October 1 to October 10: Payment on October...
You Could Receive Up to $4,873 Today if You Missed Social Security Due to the 2025 COLA Increase
Social Security

You Could Receive Up to $4,873 Today if You Missed Social Security Due to the 2025 COLA Increase

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for disbursing retirement benefits to millions of Americans, but not all retirees receive their payments on the same day. Eligibility for certain pay dates depends on when you started receiving benefits, your birthdate, and whether you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In October, several rounds of payments will be sent, so it’s important to know which date applies to you. October 3 Payment for Early Retirees For retirees who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, the SSA sent out payments on October 3, 2024. This payment date also applies to individuals who receive both SSI and retirement benefits. Those who fit this category may have already seen their direct deposit or cheque arrive. If y...
Legendary French Treasure Hunt “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” May Have Ended After 31 Years
US News

Legendary French Treasure Hunt “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” May Have Ended After 31 Years

After 31 years of captivating treasure hunters across France, the renowned hunt for the "Golden Owl" may have come to an end. Official social media accounts linked to the treasure hunt announced that the token required to claim the grand prize has reportedly been discovered, marking the potential conclusion of one of the longest-running treasure hunts in history. The hunt, officially named “On the Trail of the Golden Owl,” was launched in 1993 with the release of a book by author Régis Hauser, who wrote under the pseudonym Max Valentin, and artist Michel Becker. The book contained a series of 11 puzzles that participants had to solve, with an additional hidden 12th puzzle providing the final clues to the token’s location. Treasure hunters, known as "owlers," scoured France for over thre...
Poughkeepsie Man Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Wappinger
Crime News

Poughkeepsie Man Killed in Fiery Car Crash in Wappinger

A 23-year-old man from Poughkeepsie tragically lost his life in a fiery crash in Wappinger on Wednesday evening. The accident occurred at around 6:20 p.m. on All Angels Hill Road near Dugan Lane when the vehicle, a 2007 Infiniti sedan, crashed into a utility pole and caught fire. According to authorities, the Infiniti was carrying five passengers when it veered off the road and struck the pole, causing the vehicle to nearly split in half. The impact was so severe that it shattered the utility pole. Upon arrival, emergency responders found the car fully engulfed in flames, with two victims lying on the roadway outside the vehicle. One of the victims, Yanique Jackson, 23, who had been sitting in the rear passenger seat, was found in critical condition. CPR was administered by firefight...
Staten Island Man Arrested for Brutal Assault on 81-Year-Old Woman
Crime News

Staten Island Man Arrested for Brutal Assault on 81-Year-Old Woman

A Staten Island man has been arrested in connection with a violent, unprovoked attack on an 81-year-old woman on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. The incident, which took place on September 13, involved Hansel Esparragoza, 37, who was charged with felony assault after knocking the elderly woman unconscious with a sucker punch. The victim, Geula Freeman, was walking her son’s dog near West 66th Street and Amsterdam Avenue when the attack occurred. Security footage revealed that Esparragoza initially walked past Freeman but then turned back and randomly struck her in the face. The impact knocked Freeman to the ground, rendering her unconscious. She was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital for treatment of facial injuries and a concussion. Esparragoza, who has a history of 21 prio...