Author: elderlawofmi

Retirement, Social Security

My Social Security, It’s Not Just for Retirees

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to benefit from a personal my Social Security account.  Calling Social Security is rarely necessary once you have one.  You can do much of your business with us online. With your personal my Social Security account, you can:  Request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and … Continue reading My Social Security, It’s Not Just for Retirees

elderlawofmi
Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Making the Most of America Saves Week

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This year, America Saves Week runs from February 22 – 26.   The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good financial habits.  It’s also a great time for people to assess their own saving status, as planning and saving are key to a successful retirement. Each day of the week will focus on a different … Continue reading Making the Most of America Saves Week

elderlawofmi
Social Security

Get Your Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099 / SSA-1042S)

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Tax season is approaching, and replacing your annual Benefit Statement has never been easier.  The Benefit Statement, also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA-1042S, is a tax form we mail each year in January to people who receive Social Security benefits.  It shows the total amount of benefits you received from us in the previous … Continue reading Get Your Social Security Benefit Statement (SSA-1099 / SSA-1042S)

elderlawofmi
Social Security

Workers in Your Home And Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter, or other household worker at least $2,300 in 2021?  This amount includes any cash you pay for your household employee’s transportation, meals, and housing.  If you will pay at least $2,300 to one person, you have some additional financial responsibilities. When you pay at least … Continue reading Workers in Your Home And Social Security

elderlawofmi
Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

Mid-America Pension Rights Project: What happens to my pension if my pension plan terminates and how can I protect it? (Part 2)

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan In my last blog post, I discussed the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, commonly referred to as the PBGC. Most private defined pensions are insured by the PBGC. In this post, I will discuss how you can protect your private defined pension benefit. If the PBGC insures a private defined … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: What happens to my pension if my pension plan terminates and how can I protect it? (Part 2)

elderlawofmi
Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security benefits are part of the retirement plan of almost every American worker.  If you’re among the many people covered under Social Security, you should know what your future benefit may be. These monthly payments may be a vital part of your retirement income. We base your benefit payment on how much you earned during … Continue reading Four Questions About Social Security That Can Help You Plan Your Retirement

elderlawofmi
fraud, Social Security, Tips

Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears.  The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.    One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement.  They may claim … Continue reading Three Ways to Fight Scammers Who Target Your Social Security Benefits

elderlawofmi
Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Pension

Mid-America Pension Rights Project: What happens to my pension if my pension plan terminates and how can I protect it? (Part 1)

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan You may have wondered what happens to your private defined benefit pension if your employer terminates the plan. Luckily, there is a Federal agency that protects private defined benefit pension plans. You may have heard of this agency. It is called the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation, commonly known as … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: What happens to my pension if my pension plan terminates and how can I protect it? (Part 1)

elderlawofmi
Social Security

Your Newborn and Their Social Security Number

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Getting your newborn a Social Security number is important for their future.  If your child is born in a hospital, the easiest way to apply for a Social Security number is right at the hospital.   When you give information for your child’s birth certificate at the hospital, you’ll be asked whether you want to apply … Continue reading Your Newborn and Their Social Security Number

elderlawofmi