A family sits together on a couch. The mother helps her daughter hold a mug of hot chocolate.

5 Ways Social Security Protects You and Your Family

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Next payday, when you see a portion of your wages go toward FICA taxes, rest easier knowing that your investment in Social Security brings a lifetime of protections for you and your family. From your first job and throughout your career, we track your earnings and give you credits. As you prepare for a financially secure future, … Continue reading 5 Ways Social Security Protects You and Your Family

Elder Law of Michigan – Winter Holiday Closing

Elder Law of Michigan will be closed Friday, December 22, 2017 through Monday, January 1, 2018 for our staff to spend time with their families and friends during the holiday season. Happy Holidays! We will reopen our normal business hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Continue reading Elder Law of Michigan – Winter Holiday Closing

10-key pad calculator

Concrete Coring Co. Inc. alleged to have failed to pay contributions

Via Pen Record By Louie Torres HARRISBURG – A Butler-headquartered business is alleged to have failed to remit contributions to a union and two of its funds. Laborers Local Union 158, Laborers Local Union 158 Health and Welfare Fund and Laborers Local Union 158 Pension Fund filed a complaint on Dec. 6 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against Concrete … Continue reading Concrete Coring Co. Inc. alleged to have failed to pay contributions

Kroger Withdraws from Central States Pension Fund

Via Newsmaker Supermarket chain owner The Kroger Co. has signed a new labor agreement with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) that allows the company to withdraw from the Central States Pension Fund, which projects it will become insolvent by 2025. The new labor agreement covers associates represented by the IBT at three distribution centers, as well as two dairy manufacturing facilities operated by Kroger. … Continue reading Kroger Withdraws from Central States Pension Fund

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‘Tis the Season to Think About Estate Planning

By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney The holiday season is a busy time for everyone. We are decorating homes, preparing meals, baking cookies, visiting loved ones, and buying gifts for others. One thing we often overlook is taking care of others by having our estate plan in place. People often wait to call an attorney for estate planning documents before going on a big trip or having major surgery.  However, this is the … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season to Think About Estate Planning

A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.

Social Security Q&A Part 4

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do? Answer: You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service — it is added automatically. For service … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 4

Stethoscope and EKG print out.

Middle Stage Dementia

By Michelle Goetz, Project Coordinator Dementia is a syndrome or disease, which includes a deterioration of memory, cognitive skills, and the ability to perform everyday activities.   While dementia often has a flux of symptoms, it generally has seven stages, often broken down into mild (early-stage), moderate (middle-stage), and severe (late-stage). The stages range from no cognitive decline to very severe cognitive decline. The personal and financial toll it can cause is often devastating. … Continue reading Middle Stage Dementia

A doctor talks to his male patient.

Is It Medicare or Medicaid?

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist A lot of people have a difficult time understanding the difference between Medicare and Medicaid. Both programs begin with the letter “M.” They’re both health insurance programs run by the government. People often ask questions about what Medicare and Medicaid are, what services they cover, and who administers the programs. Let’s start with Medicare. Medicare is the … Continue reading Is It Medicare or Medicaid?

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Medicare Open Enrollment Period Ends Thursday, December 8, 2017

Via National Council on Aging The Medicare Open Enrollment Period is an annual period of time (October 15 through December 7) when current Medicare users can choose to re-evaluate part of their Medicare coverage (their Medicare Advantage and/or Part D plan) and compare it against all the other plans on the market. After re-evaluating, if you find a plan that is a better fit for … Continue reading Medicare Open Enrollment Period Ends Thursday, December 8, 2017

Aging Network News

Via Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan Aging Network News The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging has called on Congress to reject any tax cut proposals that fail to recognize the fiscal realities of the aging of our nation and/or would undermine critical aging programs. Since 10,000 Baby Boomers turn 65 every day now and the older adult population is expected to hit … Continue reading Aging Network News