Category: Money and Finances

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

Understanding Social Security Survivors Benefits

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

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Client story, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, Retirement, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

By Sandra Wisnewski, Director of the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan The Mid-America Pension Rights Project (MAPRP) assists clients with pe­nsion and 401(k) issues. There are no age or income restrictions and there is never a charge for services. The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem.  Sometimes retirees are notified after retirement that the monthly … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Trump Treasury Backtracks On Lump-Sum Pension Rules Meant To Protect Retirees

Via Forbes.com By Ashlea Ebeling The Treasury Department told off employers back in 2015: Lump-sum pension buyouts for retirees already in payout status are a no-no. In practice, employers stopped offering them, per Notice 2015-49, despite the fact that proposed and temporary rules never came out. Now, in a Trump-era twist, the Treasury Department has backtracked with Notice 2019-18, a retraction of intent to propose regulations on the topic: … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Trump Treasury Backtracks On Lump-Sum Pension Rules Meant To Protect Retirees

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Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, seniors, Social Security

Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Sometimes it’s confusing to know who to contact and for what. Social Security and Medicare offer related services, so people aren’t always certain who does what. This “cheat sheet” can help. Contact Social Security to: See if you’re eligible for Medicare; Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and … Continue reading Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare

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A woman smiles while holding a small pig-shaped piggy bank.
FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Social Security

Social Security and America Saves Week

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Planning and saving are core elements to a successful retirement. For over 80 years, Social Security has helped Americans achieve that goal. Each year, the American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordinate America Saves Week. The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior; and a great time for people to assess their … Continue reading Social Security and America Saves Week

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Dollar bills rolled up and planted in dirt like flowers.
Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors, Tips

Achieving Your Financial Goals: Part 3

By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan If you’re like most Americans, you probably set some New Year’s resolutions in January that included a few money goals. As the new year moves forward, are you smashing those financial goals, or are you like most people, who end up hitting roadblocks? New Year’s resolutions, like getting physically fit or financially fit, have … Continue reading Achieving Your Financial Goals: Part 3

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