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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Unfortunately, tragedy can strike without any warning. The loss of the family wage earner can be devastating both emotionally and financially. Social Security helps by providing income for the families of workers who die. Some of the Social Security taxes you pay go toward survivors benefits for workers and their families. The value of the survivors benefits … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits
By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Losing your vision can be overwhelming and feel incapacitating, but there are many resources available so you can continue to live independently and enjoy your hobbies and favorite activities. In Michigan, the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP) is under the purview of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA). The BSBP offers many … Continue reading Vision Loss and Tools for Independence
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In February, our nation honors African Americans by celebrating Black History Month. Recognizing our shared history is one way we can affirm our belief in freedom and democracy for all. For more than 80 years, Social Security has helped secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools for people of countless backgrounds and ethnicities that … Continue reading Social Security and Black History Month
