Category: Disability

Disability, Elder Law of Michigan, Social Security

Certain disability payments and workers’ compensation may affect Social Security benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Many people working nowadays have more than one job. This means they have several sources of income. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of income can sometimes affect your Social Security benefits; but, it depends on the source. Disability payments from private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don’t affect your … Continue reading Certain disability payments and workers’ compensation may affect Social Security benefits

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Disability, Elder Law of Michigan, Social Security

Social Security Reinstates Reconsideration Appeal Level of Disability Process in Michigan

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The Social Security Administration announced the reinstatement of the reconsideration, the first step in the disability appeal process, in Michigan beginning on October 1.  This year, seven additional states–Alabama, California, Colorado, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania–reinstated the reconsideration. A level of Social Security’s national disability appeals process since 1959, the reconsideration step was eliminated in … Continue reading Social Security Reinstates Reconsideration Appeal Level of Disability Process in Michigan

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Disability, Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence, Social Security, Tips

Social Security Can Help You Get Back to Work

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Having a job means different things to different people, but it can give you a sense of self, a community to rely on, and much-needed structure. Some people define themselves through their work. Others may enjoy the social aspect of their jobs. If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits … Continue reading Social Security Can Help You Get Back to Work

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Disability, seniors, Social Security

Social Security’s Definition of Disability

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This month marks the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Disability affects millions of Americans. It can inhibit peoples’ quality of life and their ability earn a living. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are … Continue reading Social Security’s Definition of Disability

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Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 21

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 21

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Disability, FYI, Michigan, senior independence

Waves or Woods?

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan As Michigan summers are never as long as we’d like, many people take advantage of the beautiful weather to explore the state. For people who use wheelchairs, however, spontaneous excursions are not always feasible due to inaccessible terrain or buildings. Here are some resources for exploring nature in Michigan. Michigan is famous for its … Continue reading Waves or Woods?

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Disability, divorce, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security

Understanding Social Security Benefits

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security touches the lives of nearly every American, whether at the birth of a child, the loss of a loved one, the onset of a disability, or the transition from work to retirement. For more than 80 years, our programs have contributed to the financial security of the elderly and the disabled. Social Security replaces a … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Benefits

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Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 20

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Is it true I can save about $4,900 per year if I qualify for Social Security’s Extra Help with the Medicare prescription drug program? Answer: Yes. If your income and resources meet the requirements, you can save nearly $4,900 in prescription costs each year. Resource limits for 2018 are $14,100 (or $28,150 if you are married … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 20

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Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 19

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? Answer: It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before 01/01/1954 and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 19

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Disability, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Social Security

How Social Security Decides If You Still Have a Qualifying Disability

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is required by law to review, from time to time, the current medical condition of all people receiving disability benefits to make sure they continue to have a qualifying disability. Generally, if a person’s health hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working, they will continue to receive their benefits. These continuing … Continue reading How Social Security Decides If You Still Have a Qualifying Disability

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