Category: seniors

Elder Law of Michigan, Planning for the Future, seniors, Social Security

Three reasons why Social Security is important for women

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Yet, on average, women face greater economic challenges than men in retirement. Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Women generally live longer than men … Continue reading Three reasons why Social Security is important for women

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Aging in Place, Elder Law of Michigan, Retirement, seniors

That’s for the Birds

By Ron Tatro, Vice President at Elder Law of Michigan My family’s home is in the country and we are surrounded by nature. Deer, turkeys, coyotes, and sandhill cranes roam the fields. Our back yard is home to countless species of birds. They range from large birds such as hawks and eagles to doves, cardinals, and songbirds. For me, they are a reminder of the changing … Continue reading That’s for the Birds

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Michigan, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Tips

2019 Fall Season Health and Safety Reminders for Seniors

By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan The 2019 fall season is upon us with cooler temperatures, changing colors of leaves, animals gathering food for storage, and people letting go of the hustle and bustle of the hot weather. However, this is a critical time for the senior population. Fall marks the time to remind seniors of health and safety … Continue reading 2019 Fall Season Health and Safety Reminders for Seniors

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Elder Abuse, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Safety, seniors

Domestic Violence Awareness

By Shirley Brown, Screening and Application Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Domestic violence is one of the most horrific crimes a person can be subjected to. The individual who commits the crime quite often goes unpunished. Perpetrators often hide their behavior from the public and seem to be ordinary upstanding people; pretending to be a loving and caring partner in public, while at home … Continue reading Domestic Violence Awareness

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Retirement, seniors, Tips

Maintaining Emotional Wellness

By Betsy Smith MiCAFE Network Shareholder and Partner Manager at Elder Law of Michigan Stress and depression can have adverse effects on our physical health, and when left unchecked, both can lead to chronic conditions. To raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, October is observed as Emotional Wellness Month. Many seniors enjoy the freedom of retirement; fewer responsibilities, and more time for travel … Continue reading Maintaining Emotional Wellness

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

Understanding Social Security Spouse’s Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Marriage is a tradition that exists on every continent and in nearly every country. Having a partner not only means creating a family unit, it means sharing things like a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your retirement, here are a few things to … Continue reading Understanding Social Security Spouse’s Benefits

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

Social Security Announces 1.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2020

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for nearly 69 million Americans will increase 1.6 percent in 2020, the Social Security Administration announced today. The 1.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) will begin with benefits payable to more than 63 million Social Security beneficiaries in January 2020. Increased payments to more than 8 million SSI beneficiaries will … Continue reading Social Security Announces 1.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2020

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Medicare/Medicaid, MiCAFE, Money and Finances, Nutrition, Planning for the Future, Senior hunger, seniors

New: Whitmer, DHHS announce plan to ease access to public assistance

Via Michigan Advance By Allison Donahue Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Director Robert Gordon on Thursday morning announced policy changes aimed at making access to food assistance and other public benefits easier for families. “These asset test policy changes are important because right now too many Michigan families are struggling to get ahead,” said Whitmer in a press … Continue reading New: Whitmer, DHHS announce plan to ease access to public assistance

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legislation, seniors, Technology, Tips

Voting: Absentee and Accessibility

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan Are you one of 7,503,397 registered voters in Michigan? If you want to verify your voter registration status, go to the Michigan Voter Information Center. There you will find two options to search: by Driver’s License number or your name (and additional details). ­You can then view important information such as the date and type of … Continue reading Voting: Absentee and Accessibility

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

(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): GE’s pension freeze puts a spotlight on America’s retirement planning problem

Via Yahoo News By Ethan Wolff-Mann The news that General Electric (GE) was freezing its pension for 20,000 workers this week and offering buyouts to 100,000 former employees sent the company’s beleaguered stock up slightly, but dealt the two fierce blows to two great American institutions. The first: GE itself. An American staple and iconic industrial company that has employed hundreds of thousands — if not millions … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): GE’s pension freeze puts a spotlight on America’s retirement planning problem

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