Social Security Changes: Paperless Payments, Direct Deposit, and New Distribution Schedule
The latest round of Social Security payments for October is scheduled to be distributed this week, marking the first month under the agency's new paperless policy. Recipients will now need to have direct deposit set up with their bank account or use a Direct Express card. This change follows President Donald Trump's executive order in March, which ended the issuance of paper checks by the federal government. Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st of their birth month will receive their monthly Social Security benefit on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Social Security benefits are typically paid on Wednesdays, with payments issued based on the recipient's birthdate. States with an error rate higher than 6% will start losing federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program starting in the 2028 fiscal year. Only eight states would meet the criteria if the reform were to take effect immediately.
A Georgia Capital One customer received an email informing her that all debit cards would switch from Mastercard to Discover, potentially impacting her ability to shop at Costco. Costco only accepts certain forms of payment, such as VISA credit cards or most PIN-based debit cards for in-person shopping. Capital One's switch to Discover prompted concerns among Costco shoppers about the impact on their shopping experience. President Donald Trump recently met with major donors at a fundraising dinner to thank them for contributing to his $200 million White House State Ballroom project. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, Trump continues to invest in lavish projects while federal workers face financial uncertainties. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom will be the latest addition to the White House renovations since Trump's second term began. Following donations for the Ballroom, Trump announced his next million-dollar project: an Arc de Triomphe-style monument.
Nicki Minaj is facing legal issues related to her husband's assault case, potentially jeopardizing her $20 million Los Angeles mansion. The No Kings protest, characterized by Trump administration officials as a potential source of anarchy, was anticipated to be a far-left, unhinged event. Republicans expressed concerns about the rally leading up to it, labeling it as a "Hate America" Rally with potential extremist attendees. Amid rumors of Keith Urban moving on quickly after his divorce from Nicole Kidman, attention has shifted to Kidman's potential rebound. Friends suggest that Kidman's former fiancé, Lenny Kravitz, could be a suitable candidate to help her move on. Kidman and Kravitz were briefly engaged in 2003 but did not marry at the time. Tim Sheehy of Montana was surprised to learn that energy funding cuts affecting his state were not linked to the government shutdown.