Category: Money and Finances

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

When Should You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We’re often asked, “What’s the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?”  The answer is:  there’s not a single “best age” for everyone.  The most important thing is to make an informed decision.  Base your decision about when to apply for benefits on your individual and family circumstances. Would it be better for you to start … Continue reading When Should You Start Receiving Social Security Benefits?

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, senior independence

Employed Older Adults

By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Older adults are going into the work force more and more every year. In the article There’s Good News for Seniors Who Want to Work Longer, Rita Williams reports the number of adults 65 and older in the work force has risen to 25.2% in February 2019. In February 2018 only 24% … Continue reading Employed Older Adults

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Elder Law of Michigan, Health, Money and Finances

MiCAFE Client Story: Mr. H

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Do you have questions about your Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) benefits? Are you having trouble contacting your MDHHS caseworker? Michigan’s Coordinated Access to Food for the Elderly (MiCAFE) might be able to help! Mr. H called MiCAFE because he was having trouble with his Medicaid benefits. Mr. H had been in the … Continue reading MiCAFE Client Story: Mr. H

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Social Security

Eligibility for Spouse’s Benefits

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist With more than 80 years of service, the Social Security Administration has helped secure today and tomorrow with financial benefits, information, and tools that support you throughout life’s journey.  In May, we recognize Older Americans month and we encourage you to participate by learning about available Social Security benefits.  Did you know that you may be … Continue reading Eligibility for Spouse’s Benefits

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, Retirement

Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 2

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan In my last blog post, I discussed a defined benefit pension where the employer solely contributes to the plan and bears all the risk. In this post, I will discuss the defined contribution plan. A 401(k), also called a defined contribution benefit, is very different from a defined benefit … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 2

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Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, Health, Money and Finances

Coronavirus Scam Alert

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan All disasters have something in common. From hurricanes and tornadoes to pandemics, any time the normal operation of daily life is disrupted people pull together and pitch in to help each other survive. Unfortunately, scammers also try to take advantage of people during these times. The coronavirus pandemic is no different. While many of … Continue reading Coronavirus Scam Alert

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Elder Law of Michigan, Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension

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 You cannot have your pension at this time because your current job is similar employment! Sounds ridiculous, right? Well, this is a common restriction that some pensioners face when they leave a long-term job position. Employment restrictions are very common within multi-employer (skilled trades) pension plans and are legal. These restrictions effect pensioners … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: A Working-Class Program that Works to Solve Your Pension Problems

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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: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 1

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan Do you ever wonder if you have saved enough for retirement? There are so many online calculators, articles, and books written on this very issue. You save and expect your retirement to go smoothly. However, many people retire and realize that they have not saved enough. Recently, General Electric … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Defined Benefit Pension vs Defined Contribution 401(k): Part 1

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Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances

How Does a Medicaid Spend-down Work?

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening and Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Health insurance is complicated, and Medicaid is no exception. I have helped many older adults apply for Medicaid, and I have talked with many individuals who have Medicaid with a Spend-down. As with most health insurance and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) benefits, there are many other regulations and exceptions that … Continue reading How Does a Medicaid Spend-down Work?

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Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Retirement, Social Security

Social Security benefits increase in 2020

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Each year, we announce the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). By law, federal benefits increase when the cost of living rises, as measured by the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). Usually, there is an increase in the benefit amount people will receive each month, starting the following January. Nearly … Continue reading Social Security benefits increase in 2020

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