With fall around the corner, summer in the rearview mirror, and a consequential midterm election just weeks away, there is a lot happening in money news. From essential tax, unemployment and social security benefit annual changes — here are some updates worth reviewing.
- Maximum Weekly Unemployment Benefits by State: Washington now pays the highest maximum in the country, $1,208 a week for new claims filed on or after July 5, and Massachusetts pays the most once dependent allowances are included.
- SNAP Benefits and EBT Amounts: The maximum for a single person is $298 a month for FY2026, and the One Big Beautiful Bill expanded work requirements to cover adults 55 to 64 and parents whose youngest child is over 14.
- 2027 Social Security COLA: Estimates are running 3.4% to 3.6% ahead of the official October 14 announcement, worth bookmarking if you’re budgeting around next year’s check.
- Best High-Yield Savings and CD Rates: The Fed raised its benchmark rate on September 16 to 3.75%–4.00%, its first hike since 2023. I’m refreshing this post’s rate table now that the decision is final.
- 401(k), IRA & Roth IRA Limits: The 2026 numbers are set ($24,500 for a 401(k), $7,500 for an IRA), and early 2027 projections are already in the post.
What Actually Changed This Month
- Trump Accounts 2026: Updated with current activation steps and the $5,000 annual contribution limit. The part most coverage skips: the account becomes a traditional IRA at 18, and most of what comes out is taxed as ordinary income.
- Adoption Tax Credit: The 2026 credit is up to $17,670 per child, and for the first time up to $5,120 of it is refundable.
- Grocery Benefits for Seniors: The federal pilot letting Medicare Advantage plans offer grocery allowances based on income alone ended December 31, 2025. Getting one now generally requires a verified chronic condition.
- VA Disability Compensation Rates: 2026 rates reflect the 2.8% COLA increase, a veteran rated at 100% with no dependents now gets $3,938.58 a month, with early 2027 estimates around 3.8%.
