Author: elderlawofmi

Elder Law of Michigan, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We are excited to tell you about our redesigned retirement benefits portal at http://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement.  Keeping you informed about our products and services, and helping you prepare for making decisions that will affect your benefits is very important to us.  Preparing for retirement is one of the most important decisions you can make. Our website has helped … Continue reading A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You

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Social Security

Important Information About Reaching Social Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist During the current coronavirus pandemic, we continue to provide help to you and other people in your communities.  While our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, we remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security business.  You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security … Continue reading Important Information About Reaching Social Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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Elder Law of Michigan, Social Security, SSI

Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We pay monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. Income is money you receive, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions.  Income also includes things like food and shelter.  The amount … Continue reading Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security

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Aging in Place, Elder Law of Michigan, Safety

Safety Tips for Seniors Who Live Alone

By Shanon Gallagher, MiCAFE Network Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Most people enjoy the independence of living on their own, so it is not surprising that you and your loved ones would prefer to continue to live on your own for as long as possible. However, as you age you may go through subtle changes that make you more susceptible to accidents. According … Continue reading Safety Tips for Seniors Who Live Alone

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Celebratory Day, Elder Law of Michigan

Older LGBT Pride

By Betsy Smith, Network Partner at Elder Law of Michigan June 28, 2020 is the fiftieth anniversary of the first Gay Pride march. The first Pride march commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, one of the most important events leading up to the gay liberation movement. Now, that same generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Baby Boomers watches as the world … Continue reading Older LGBT Pride

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Elder Law of Michigan

Forming and Maintaining Connections While Physically Distancing

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Did you know, “Loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?” This report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) highlights the importance of maintaining social relationships and staying connected with your friends and family. In January 2020, prior to much of the U.S. implementing … Continue reading Forming and Maintaining Connections While Physically Distancing

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Elder Law of Michigan, Safety

Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors Citizens

By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan June is crime prevention month for senior citizens. The senior citizen population is a vulnerable age group because they are more likely to be on low or reduced incomes, more likely to live alone, and more likely to suffer from physical and cognitive impairments. Some types of crime could be but are not limited to … Continue reading Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors Citizens

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How Does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Planning?

Via ThinkAdvisor By Roger Wohlner One of the most visible provisions of the CARES Act was the suspension of required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. This covers RMDs in connection with IRA accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and other similar retirement plans. This includes those who reached age 70½ during 2019 and were required to take their first RMD by April 1 of this year. It also … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How Does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Planning?

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, senior independence

Employed Older Adults

By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Older adults are going into the work force more and more every year. In the article There’s Good News for Seniors Who Want to Work Longer, Rita Williams reports the number of adults 65 and older in the work force has risen to 25.2% in February 2019. In February 2018 only 24% … Continue reading Employed Older Adults

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Elder Law of Michigan, Health

The Role of the Environment and Mental Health: Part One

By Abigail Haller, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan When you hear the words “mental health,” what do you think? Someone suffering from bipolar, depression, anxiety, or abuse? Although these health problems are very common among individuals who have mental health conditions, they are not the only contributing factor to a mental health condition. The environment in which we live has a larger impact than … Continue reading The Role of the Environment and Mental Health: Part One

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