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"Testing the Impact of No-Strings Cash Aid on American Families"
1 year ago•Source: NPR
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2.225 min•1 year ago
Swiss Voters Approve Higher Pensions, Reject Retirement Age Increase
Swiss voters have approved an extra month's pension each year in a referendum focused on elderly living standards, rejecting the government's warnings about affordability. The move aligns the state pension with the country's 13-instalment salary system and reflects the high cost of living in Switzerland, particularly for older people, women, and immigrants. The decision also saw the rejection of raising the retirement age, signaling a historic victory for retirees and highlighting the power of Switzerland's direct democracy system.
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Study Reveals Basic Income Payments Primarily Allocated to Housing in Austin
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NYC Announces $2 Billion Medical Debt Relief for 500K Residents
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"State Governors Reject Federal Summer Food Assistance, Leaving Millions of Children Hungry"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WSB Atlanta
Georgia has opted out of participating in the 2024 Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program, which aims to provide grocery benefits to eligible children during the summer months. The program, initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has been embraced by 35 states, five territories, and four indigenous tribes. The decision not to participate follows concerns about backlogs in the state's food assistance program. While Georgia has not joined the program this year, the USDA states that the door remains open for future participation.
"21 Million Kids to Receive Summer Food Benefits Through New Federal Program"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
The USDA expects nearly 21 million children to receive food benefits this summer through the newly permanent Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program, which will provide $40 per month per child to eligible families. While 35 states, all five U.S. territories, and four tribes have opted in, some states cited existing programs and feasibility issues for not participating. The program aims to address child hunger during the summer months and supplement existing initiatives.
"Summer Feeding Program Faces State Participation Challenges"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNN
The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program aims to reduce child hunger during the summer by providing $120 per eligible child to buy food, but not all states are participating. While 35 states and territories have signed up, some, including Nebraska and Iowa, have declined, citing the program as an outdated Covid-19 relief measure. The initiative, part of the federal government's efforts to address food insecurity, has shown positive results in reducing child hunger and supporting healthier food purchases.
"UK Government Implements Benefit Cuts for Disabled Individuals Working from Home"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Newser
The UK's ruling Conservative Party has unveiled welfare reforms that require disabled people, including those with mobility or mental health issues, to find work they can do from home or risk losing almost $6,000 per year in benefits. Critics argue that the plan is ill thought-out, as the number of work-from-home jobs has decreased since the end of the pandemic. Charities for people with disabilities have expressed concerns about the added anxiety and financial strain this may place on disabled households. The opposition Labour Party accuses the government of ignoring the broader issues of high rates of long-term illness and long National Health Service waiting lists.
California Implements State-Funded Guaranteed Income Pilot Programs
Originally Published 2 years ago — by KTLA Los Angeles
California has launched state-funded guaranteed income pilot programs in Ventura and San Francisco counties, providing $1,000-$1,200 per month to 150 former foster youth. The programs aim to disrupt poverty, advance equity, and support recipients' basic needs. The pilots will track the impacts on health, well-being, financial stress, employment, and education. Previous guaranteed income projects, such as the Stockton program, have shown positive outcomes, including increased financial stability and improved mental and physical health. The initiative aims to break the cycle of poverty and provide opportunities for young adults transitioning out of foster care.
New York Families to Receive Economic Support Payments for Children
Originally Published 2 years ago — by WKBW 7 News Buffalo
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that households enrolled in public assistance with children 17 or younger will receive a one-time payment of $100, using $12 million in federal funding. Approximately 120,000 eligible families will be notified by mail and the payments will help low-income households provide for their children during times of increased expenses.
Upcoming SNAP Changes: Work Requirements, Benefit Increase, and Government Shutdown Concerns
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Hill
Starting October 1, changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will require able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 51 to 52 to prove they are actively working, training, or in school to qualify for benefits. Previously, this requirement only applied to ABAWDs aged 18 to 52. Exemptions include homeless individuals, veterans, and youth aged 18 to 24 who aged out of foster care. Those who do not meet the work requirements will only be eligible for SNAP benefits for three months in a three-year period. Additionally, most SNAP recipients will receive larger benefit amounts due to a cost-of-living adjustment.
Lawmakers Push for Higher Asset Limits and Increased Savings Opportunities for Benefit Recipients
Originally Published 2 years ago — by CNBC
Lawmakers in Washington are pushing to update the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides monthly income to elderly, blind, and disabled Americans, by raising the asset limits from $2,000 to $10,000 for individuals and from $3,000 to $20,000 for couples. The proposal, called the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, aims to allow beneficiaries to save money for emergencies and encourages work, as the current limits prevent them from saving and punish those who want to do so. The program, which has not been updated in about 40 years, currently has eight million beneficiaries, with an average monthly benefit of $585 for individuals. The proposal has bipartisan support but its fate remains uncertain.
"Maricopa County Program Restores AC Units for Qualifying Families, Ensuring Cool Relief"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix
Maricopa County in Arizona has a program that provides financial assistance to qualifying families for repairing or replacing broken air-conditioning units. With an Excessive Heat Warning in effect, the program aims to alleviate the financial strain on families during the hot summer months. The program helped 500 families last year and expects to assist another 500 this year, thanks to an additional $10 million in funding from the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Other organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity and the Arizona Department of Housing, also offer emergency home repair programs for qualifying households.
"The Buzz on the Korean Weight Loss Diet: What You Need to Know"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Moneycontrol
The Haryana government is considering implementing a pension scheme for unmarried individuals between the ages of 45 and 60, according to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar. The decision regarding the scheme will be made within a month. Khattar made the announcement while addressing a 'Jan Samvad' program in Karnal, where he also addressed other issues such as the construction of a school, road, volleyball ground, and the provision of internet connectivity to all villages in Karnal.