Digital Digest – Federal

Headline: The Trump administration has issued several orders restricting the rights of transgender people, including banning them from participating in the military, ceasing to issue passports with an X gender marker, and denying medical care to trans youth.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: In a policy shift, the government will no longer be garnishing the wages of student loan borrowers who have defaulted on their federal student loans. Tax refunds will also not be withheld. People with loans in default may be able to work with the Default Resolution Group to find a solution 

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will no longer pursue complaints based on “disparate impact” discrimination. “Disparate impact” discrimination occurs when an employer’s practices have a significant negative impact on a protected class (such as race, sex, or national origin). While the federal government will limit its enforcement action based on disparate impact, the order does not affect the rights of private individuals to bring claims based on this theory.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: SNAP eligibility rules have changed, subjecting many recipients who were previously exempt to work requirements. Under the new requirements, able-bodied adults ages 18-65 who doesn’t have a child under 14 could love access to their benefits if they do not meet the work requirements. To help maintain benefits, SNAP recipients should ensure they are reading and responding to all notices regarding benefits and submitting required documentation.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) passed in 2025 that will implement work requirements for able bodied adults without dependents, ages 19-65 by January 2027. Some states may begin implementing these requirements earlier; recipients should review their states requirements and see if they are eligible for an exemption.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: A federal judge recently ordered that the federal government must maintain funding for homelessness programs, despite the government’s attempt to redirect funding from permanent housing services to transitional housing services with work requirements

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: On February 2, 2026, a federal judge temporarily blocked the Administration’s attempt to end Temporary Protected Status for over 350,000 Haitians living in the US. As a result, Haitian TPS does not expire on February 3, 2026, and employment authorization tied to Haitian TPS remains valid while litigation is ongoing. The Administration is likely to appeal this ruling, so stay informed of changes. 

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: The Supreme Court has allowed the State Department to implement a policy that stops transgender people from accessing passports with correct gender markers. The policy discontinues passports using an X gender marker and requires that individuals have a gender marker that matches their sex assigned at birth.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026

Headline: Low income individuals who need financial assistance may be eligible to receive LIHEAP. Individuals can use the LIHEAP Clearinghouse to find information about local programs.

Last reviewed: Feb. 4, 2026