Category: seniors

A pen and calculator laying on a graph on paper.
Caregivers, FYI, Money and Finances, seniors, taxes, Tips

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren

By Darling Garcia, Director of Community Services at Elder Law of Michigan  The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for low to moderate income earners where the amount of tax owed is reduced and earners may receive an EITC refund. In a nutshell, to qualify for the EITC, individuals must earn income from working for someone or from self-employment and meet basic rules. There are … Continue reading Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Grandparents Caring for Grandchildren

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Darts on a dart board.
Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors, Tips

Achieving Your Financial Goals: Part 1

By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, there’s no better way to succeed than by setting SMART money goals. SMART is an acronym that is used in many goal-setting scenarios but is commonly associated with Peter Drucker’s Management by Objectives concept. By applying the SMART concept to your money goals, you will be well … Continue reading Achieving Your Financial Goals: Part 1

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Elder Abuse, Elder Law of Michigan, fraud, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, seniors, Social Security

Federal Trade Commission Scam Warning

Via Administration for Community Living (ACL) The Federal Trade Commission is getting reports about people pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) who are trying to get your Social Security number and even your money. In one version of the scam, the caller says your Social Security number has been linked to a crime (often, he says it happened in Texas) involving drugs … Continue reading Federal Trade Commission Scam Warning

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medical, Medicare/Medicaid, seniors

Extra Help with Medicare and Prescription Drug Costs

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Paying out of pocket for prescription drugs can be a burden that many households can’t afford. The Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs program was designed to help people in getting the vital medicine they need to live healthy and productive lives. Anyone who has Medicare can get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some people with … Continue reading Extra Help with Medicare and Prescription Drug Costs

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Disability, senior independence, seniors, Social Security

Disagree with Your Disability Decision?

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is here to help secure today and tomorrow by providing benefits and financial protection for millions of people. It is imperative that we continue to protect the integrity of the disability program for everyone by ensuring we make the correct decision on each claim. However, if you do not agree with our decision, you can … Continue reading Disagree with Your Disability Decision?

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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 18

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security (FICA) taxes on my income? Answer: Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year Social Security automatically … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 18

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Planning for the Future, seniors

Wills vs. Trusts: Part 8 of 8

Previously posted in 2015. By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney In our previous posts, we discussed the different types of wills and trusts. There is one other estate planning document that we haven’t discussed that allows you to transfer real estate to your beneficiaries without probate. This document is called a “Lady Bird” deed. A “Lady Bird” deed transfers real estate after your death automatically … Continue reading Wills vs. Trusts: Part 8 of 8

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A man uses a laptop while sitting at a table.
FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security

Be the First to Know: Online COLA Notices

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We are constantly expanding our online services to give you freedom and control when doing business with us. Our new online cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) notices are another example of our commitment in this area. Soon, you’ll be the first to know your new benefit amount! Later this year, we will post the Social Security COLA notices online … Continue reading Be the First to Know: Online COLA Notices

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Planning for the Future, seniors

Wills vs. Trusts: Part 7 of 8

By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the seventh in a series regarding wills, trusts, and estate planning.  In our previous post, we discussed how a revocable grantor trust DOES NOT shelter assets, including one’s homestead, for Medicaid eligibility. In addition, the fact that a homestead has been held in the trust for longer than the 5 year look back period doesn’t make … Continue reading Wills vs. Trusts: Part 7 of 8

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