Category: Disability

Caregivers, Disability, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Legal, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, medical, MiCAFE, Nutrition, seniors, Tips

Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member  What is diabetes? Diabetes is the inability of your body to use blood glucose for energy. There are several types of this disease, however I will address Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.   Type 1 diabetes is a more severe form because the pancreas no longer makes insulin. This is when blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, where either the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or … Continue reading Recognizing the Symptoms of Diabetes

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Disability, FYI, Money and Finances, Social Security

How Social Security Defines Disability

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Disability affects millions of Americans, in one form or another. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict criteria for meeting the definition of disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or short-term disability. … Continue reading How Social Security Defines Disability

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Disability, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI, Tips

Social Security Q&A Part 13

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How do I know if I’ve worked long enough to get Social Security disability benefits? Answer: To get Social Security disability benefits, you must meet the definition of disability under the Social Security Act. And you must have worked long enough — and recently enough — under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. The amount … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 13

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

If You are Young and Lose a Parent

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here for young people when a parent passes away. We know that the loss of a parent isn’t just emotionally painful; it can be devastating to a family’s finances. In the same way that Social Security helps to lift up the disabled and elderly when they need it, we support families when an income-earning … Continue reading If You are Young and Lose a Parent

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Disability, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI, Tips, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 12

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is the benefit amount a spouse may be entitled to receive? Answer: If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we will always pay you benefits based on your record first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combination … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 12

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Disability, Medicare/Medicaid, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI, Tips, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 11

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits? Answer: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 11

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Disability, Social Security, SSI

Working While Disabled – Social Security Can Help

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist While it may be best known for retirement, Social Security is also here to help you get back to work if you are disabled. For millions of people, work isn’t just a source of income, it’s a vital part of who they are — it gives them purpose and pride — it’s a connection to community. If … Continue reading Working While Disabled – Social Security Can Help

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