Seeds of Wisdom RV and Economic Updates Tuesday Morning 3-11-25

11/03/2025

Good Morning ,

RETROACTIVE SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS BEGIN, WHEN TO EXPECT THEM?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made remarkable progress in distributing retroactive payments to those impacted by the Social Security Fairness Act.

This pivotal legislation, passed at the end of 2024, repeals two controversial provisions—the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). These provisions had long been criticized for reducing or eliminating benefits for certain public sector workers, including firefighters, police officers, and teachers.

According to the SSA, over $7.5 billion has already been distributed to more than 1.1 million eligible beneficiaries.

The average retroactive payment stands at $6,710, compensating for benefits that would have been issued in 2024 had the law been enacted earlier. Initially, the agency estimated that processing these increased monthly payments and retroactive sums could take over a year. However, recent updates suggest that the majority of cases have been expedited.

Who will receive these payments and when? The SSA is actively adjusting the monthly benefits for affected recipients, with updated payments expected to be reflected in the April 2025 disbursement. Those who have not yet received their retroactive payment are advised to wait until April before contacting the SSA for further inquiries.

To determine eligibility for increased benefits, the SSA will be sending official notices by mail to affected individuals in the coming weeks. It is estimated that up to 3.2 million Americans will benefit from the changes introduced by the Social Security Fairness Act. However, some individuals may need to take action to ensure they receive their due benefits.

Individuals who are unsure whether they previously applied for retirement, spousal, or survivor benefits, or those who never applied due to WEP or GPO restrictions, should consider taking action. The SSA recommends submitting an application online or by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM ET). When prompted, say “Fairness Act” to be connected with a trained representative.

How much will monthly payments increase? A September 2024 estimate by the Congressional Budget Office projected significant increases. Social Security beneficiaries previously impacted by the WEP will see an average increase of $360 per month. Those affected by the GPO could receive between $700 and $1,190 extra per month.

These adjustments represent a historic shift for millions of retired public sector employees, ensuring they receive the benefits they were previously denied. This change marks a new era of fairness and equity in the distribution of Social Security benefits.

For further details, beneficiaries should refer to their official SSA notices or check the agency’s website for updates. The SSA is committed to ensuring that all eligible individuals receive the benefits they deserve under the new legislation.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: MSN

~~~~~~~~~

TRUMP SET TO SIGN EXECUTIVE ORDER REVERSING BIDEN’S CRYPTO BANKING RESTRICTIONS

President Donald Trump is all set to sign an executive order targeting Biden administration policies that have made it hard for crypto companies to access banking services. The order is expected to target policies under “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” which seeks to roll back these restrictions and support the crypto industry.

Bo Hines, Executive Director of the White House’s Presidential Working Group on Digital Assets, confirmed that administrative action is coming but didn’t provide details. He mentioned that the industry can expect something soon.

Hines also emphasized that the Trump administration aims to end practices linked to “Operation Chokepoint 2.0,” a term coined by Nic Carter, which refers to efforts similar to the Obama-era Operation Choke Point that targeted payday lenders and gun dealers.

Trump’s Executive Order Could Open Fed Access to Crypto Banks

While details of Trump’s executive order are still being finalized, it could impact Federal Reserve policies on master accounts. These accounts, held by federally chartered banks, are essential for making direct payments and accessing the Fed’s services. Under the Biden administration, the Fed denied master accounts to crypto-focused banks like Custodia, hindering their growth.

Fox Business reporter Eleanor Terrett remarked that this is significant because the Federal Reserve and the FDIC have not yet reversed any anti-crypto policies, even though Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell mentioned last month that he was concerned by the increasing number of crypto debanking cases and that the Fed would “take a fresh look” at the issue.

Trump Administration Pushes Forward Despite Challenges

While the Federal Reserve operates independently from the White House, the Trump administration is pushing forward with its crypto order, despite potential legal hurdles. Sources note that senior White House officials are set to meet Thursday to assess possible challenges before putting the order on Trump’s desk.

However, a White House official denied any such meeting is scheduled but confirmed that efforts to roll back Operation Chokepoint 2.0 are already in motion. The race to reshape crypto policy is heating up, and all eyes are on what comes next.

Directive on Stablecoins?

The upcoming executive order could extend beyond banking, and might include a directive stating that stablecoins, which are designed to maintain a stable value and are typically pegged to the U.S. dollar, should not be classified as securities.

If Trump signs this order, it would be his third crypto-related executive action since returning to office. The first, signed on January 23, created a Presidential Working Group on Digital Asset Markets. The second, signed last week, ordered the establishment of a U.S. government Bitcoin reserve and a separate stockpile for other digital assets.

Bitcoin Dips Despite The Developments

Trump’s recent Crypto Summit disappointed industry leaders, with his Bitcoin reserve plan failing to boost the market as the administration plans to use seized assets. Broader economic policies, including tariffs on China and others, have also shaken markets. As a result, institutional investors pulled funds from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, causing Bitcoin to fall below $80,000 for the first time in 4 months and Ethereum to drop to $1,870.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Coinpediia and Twitter

~~~~~~~~~

THAILAND’S SEC JUST APPROVED USDT & USDC, ALONGSIDE BITCOIN & ETHEREUM AS APPROVED TOKENS!

▪Thailand’s SEC approves USDT and USDC for trading on licensed crypto exchanges.

▪Stablecoins join Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Stellar in Thailand’s approved crypto list.

▪New rules effective March 16 boost crypto trading and adoption in Thailand.

▪Tether faces transparency scrutiny despite $142 billion market cap and growing demand.

Thailand’s financial regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has expanded its list of approved cryptocurrencies. The country has now allowed the use of Tether (USDT) and Circle’s USD Coin (USDC) on licensed digital asset exchanges. This decision follows a growing demand for stablecoins in crypto trading and payments worldwide.

Thailand Regulator Adds USDC, USDT Stablecoins

With this approval, Thailand opens its doors to stablecoins, a crucial part of the global crypto market. Stablecoins like USDT and USDC are widely used for trading, payments, and remittances due to their price stability.

By adding USDT and USDC to its list of approved cryptocurrencies, alongside Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and Stellar, Thailand is expanding its digital asset ecosystem. This move not only enhances trading opportunities but also strengthens Thailand’s position as a growing hub for crypto adoption in Asia.

The new regulations, set to take effect on March 16, will allow licensed exchanges to list and trade these stablecoins, making it easier for investors and traders to move funds within the crypto ecosystem.

Thailand Aligns with Global Crypto Trends

The decision to approve USDT and USDC comes after a public consultation held in February, where most participants supported the idea. Across regions like Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, stablecoins have gained popularity due to their reliability and ease of use in transactions.

Tether alone contributes to around 40% of the total trading activity in the country. As of now, USDT holds a massive $142 billion market capitalization, while USDC follows with $58 billion.

Push for Transparency

The approval of Tether’s stablecoin comes at a time when the company is facing scrutiny over its financial transparency. Just last week, the company appointed Simon McWilliams as its Chief Financial Officer to address concerns regarding its financial audits.

The company has been publishing quarterly reports verified by BDO Italy, but some critics argue that a full financial audit is needed. Following the 2022 market crash, the crypto industry has pushed for more transparency.

@ Newshounds News™

Source: Coinpedia