American Aid Tracker

• Common snag: Claimants lack docs showing benefits received or proof out of work.
• Quick fix: Log into state unemployment site for Form 1099-G.
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Premiums doubling for ACA enrollees after enhanced tax credits expire Dec 31, 2025, with older adults (50-64) hit worst—1/3 of enrollees, peaking at...

• First full Farm Bill draft in years from Congress
• Key SNAP changes: benefits, online shopping, food incentives, fraud protections
• Impacts SNAP, senior food programs, school meals
• Video breaks down positives and concerns for food aid future

No new $2000 stimulus confirmed – it's Social Security Fairness Act back payments averaging $6,700 one-time for ~900K affected by repealed WEP/GPO.
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Digital barriers hit hard as SS benefit verification and replacement cards go online-only, requiring accounts and internet many seniors lack.

• SNAP...

Short-term relief via USDA: Illinois soybean farmers receive bridge payments end of February from $12B national pot, with $11B for row crops like corn...

Residential 30% solar tax credit ended Dec. 31, 2025—no more for owners.

• Leases unlock credits: Providers claim Section 48E commercial ITC (viable...

• Subsidy shock: Enhanced ACA tax credits expired Dec 31, 2025, more than doubling premiums for 22M+ Americans, hitting freelancers hardest.
• Real...

Critical 2026 updates reshaping student aid:

• FAFSA push: February Financial Aid Awareness Month spotlights forms like FAFSA for grants, loans,...

• Jobs steady but watchful: Claims rose modestly to 212,000, historically healthy levels, yet unemployment drifting up sparks worker anxiety.
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Key steps to unlock the upgraded refund for kids under 17:

• Max credit: $2,200 per qualifying child via One Big Beautiful Bill Act
• Refundable ACTC:...

Smartest borrowing ladder for 2026 amid rate hikes:

• Cheapest: Family/friends (0% interest)
• Low-cost secured: CDs/savings/insurance (~7-9%);...

Eligible Virgin Islanders can now access free energy efficiency upgrades to cut utility costs:

• Next-gen appliances replace inefficient ones,...

Employers, gear up for WOTC in 2026: Federal tax credit for hiring from targeted groups like historically disadvantaged candidates.

• Qualifies...

Western NC's Helene recovery faces a huge funding gap:

• $7B received so far vs. $60B in estimated damages
• Leaders like GROW NC's Matt Calabria met...

• Record-time approval: President Trump rapidly greenlit DC's emergency declaration for Potomac Interceptor collapse.
• FEMA-EPA coordination: Joint...

• Who qualifies: Single filers up to $75K income, married jointly to $150K, heads of household to $112.5K, SSDI/SSI/VA recipients, families with...

Housing Aid Updates

• 🔥 FY2026 HUD Funding Finalized: FY2026 HUD funding finalized at $77.3B with major increases for tenant- and project-based...

Fed expects less aggressive rate cuts in 2024 due to stronger economic data; two officials see no near-term need to change policy.

• Core Applications: Integrating AI into payments, financial management, HR, and U.S. Treasury services.
• System Shift: Moving from bank-by-bank to...