Category: Money and Finances

fraud, FYI, Money and Finances, Safety, Social Security, Tips

Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With millions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely … Continue reading Beware of False Social Security and Medicare Advertisements

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Elder Law of Michigan, MiCAFE, Money and Finances, Nutrition, Senior hunger, seniors

MiCAFE Success Story: Ms. H

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan  Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE) is a program of Elder Law of Michigan that helps potentially eligible older adults and individuals with disabilities access and apply for public benefits through the Department of Health and Human Services. MiCAFE also helps older adults and those with disabilities who are struggling to renew … Continue reading MiCAFE Success Story: Ms. H

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security

Your Earnings Record is Both Your Financial History and Your Financial Future

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is an earned benefit. Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your benefits. Social Security keeps track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your Social Security earnings record is so important. If an employer didn’t properly report just one … Continue reading Your Earnings Record is Both Your Financial History and Your Financial Future

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, Planning for the Future, Retirement

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Proposed Hardship Distribution Regulations Mean Changes for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Sponsors

Via JD Supra By Samantha Kopacz and Samuel Parks Employer-sponsors of certain retirement plans have work to do prior to the end of 2019. Sponsors of Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) section 401(k) and 403(b) plans must analyze their plan documents and associated administrative procedures in order to ensure compliance with newly issued guidance related to hardship distributions. On November 18, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Proposed Hardship Distribution Regulations Mean Changes for 401(k) and 403(b) Plan Sponsors

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FYI, Housing, Money and Finances, senior independence

Capital Area Housing Partnership

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan When the need arises for a home repair or basic maintenance, many people search for a reliable professional. Often, with a few skills and some basic tools, people can maintain and repair their own homes, which can save a lot of money. Learning home repair skills, being able to practice repair skills without damaging … Continue reading Capital Area Housing Partnership

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Coal Miners Back in Washington Fighting for Benefits

Via Western Kentucky University By Becca Schimmel United Mine Workers and supporters were on Capitol Hill Wednesday in an effort to shore up their pension and health benefits. More than 43,000 coal miners in Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia are growing anxious about losing their retirement benefits. The coal miner’s union says its pension fund will be insolvent in three years if Congress doesn’t take action. If … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Coal Miners Back in Washington Fighting for Benefits

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
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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Client story, FYI, 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 the services. The Pension Project works to find answers and solutions to your pension-related problem. Just ask Ms. Q. Ms. Q. worked for … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project ): A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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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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Celebratory Day, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI

Celebrating Independence Day

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist July 4th brings family and friends together, as well as neighbors, to celebrate that we’re all part of a community. Everyone pitches in, combining their resources — great food, music, and displays — to lift our spirits. Social Security has been helping people maintain their independence for over 80 years. In that time, we’ve made it even … Continue reading Celebrating Independence Day

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