Yes now you can get first payment when your adsense earnings reach $10 and have received PIN. Earlier it was $100.
This is what adsense says :
"So when it comes to payments, consider 10 your new lucky number. Once you receive your PIN or a notice to verify your phone number, you'll know it's also time to head to your account and enter your tax information and select your form of payment. Then you'll be on your way to receiving your first payment -- lucky you!"
And which mode you you prefer to receive the Google checks? By general Mail or pay $25 for courier mail? For those having low earnings, $25 is too much , so is it safe to prefer general mail ??