Category: seniors

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Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, Tips

Social Security Q&A Part 11

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? Answer: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records: Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; and Provide documents proving your: New or revised citizenship status (We can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 11

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Celebratory Day, Elder Abuse, fraud, FYI, Legal, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Social Security

Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. This is an opportunity for everyone, all over the world, to voice their opposition to abuses inflicted on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. For more than 80 years, Social Security has provided for the elderly as part of our everyday mission. Sometimes a family member … Continue reading Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors

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Aging in Place, Celebratory Day, Elder Abuse, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, Michigan, Michigan Elder Justice Coordinating Council, PREVNT, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Elder Abuse Awareness Day

By: Rachel Autera-Polzin, Volunteer Intern Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, but who comprises the elderly population? Anyone can become a victim, including your grandmothers and grandfathers, neighbors and friends. Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults. In Michigan, there are approximately 40,000-50,000 elder abuse cases annually; which include physical abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of elder abuse cases that go unreported each year. Some of the abusers in these cases are family, caretakers, or medical personnel. Cases are unreported … Continue reading Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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FYI, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, Tips

Five Steps for Social Security Success

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist No matter how much you’ve planned, there’s no better time than now to think about your future. We’d like to encourage you to take Five Steps toward Your Financial Security. Planning for the future may seem intimidating to many, but we’ve broken the task down into five easy steps: Step 1: Get to know your Social Security … Continue reading Five Steps for Social Security Success

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Health, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, Planning for the Future, senior independence, seniors

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

By Ron Tatro, Vice President  In 1988, Robert (Bobby) McFerrin, Jr. wrote and performed a song entitled, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In that song, he sings, “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double.” It seems that in today’s society, we are surrounded by egotism, fake news, and tension. All the negativity bombarding us every day can make us lose sight of all the wonderful things that also surround us. … Continue reading Don’t Worry, Be Happy

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, MiCAFE, Planning for the Future, Retirement, Senior hunger, senior independence, seniors

Tools for Economic Security

By Dawn Kepler, Project Administrator  Financial wellness is important at any age. However, economic security becomes critical for older adults who are on a fixed income and the cost of living continues to rise. Completing a check-up of your personal finances can be a daunting task. Here are some free tools available to help:  EconomicCheckUp® provides information for older adults on how to avoid scams, setting a budget and goals, tips on saving money, and resources for finding jobs.  Michigan Association of CPAs has resources on how … Continue reading Tools for Economic Security

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Disability, FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, Tips, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 10

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Are Social Security numbers reassigned after a person dies? Answer: No. We do not reassign Social Security numbers. In all, we have assigned more than 460 million Social Security numbers. Each year we assign about 5.5 million new numbers. There are over one billion combinations of the nine-digit Social Security number. As a result, the current … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 10

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A man in a wheelchair walks with a young girl next to a war memorial.
FYI, History, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors, Social Security, veterans

Social Security Honors the Nation’s Heroes on Memorial Day

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist On Memorial Day, we honor service members who have given their lives for our nation. Social Security acknowledges the heroism and courage of our military service members, and we remember those who have given their lives to protect our country. Part of how we honor these heroes is the way we provide Social Security benefits. The loss … Continue reading Social Security Honors the Nation’s Heroes on Memorial Day

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A senior couple smiles while looking at a laptop.
FYI, Health, Insurance, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, taxes, Tips

Facts You Should Know About Enrolling In Medicare Part A & B

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Understanding Medicare isn’t as difficult as you might think. It’s a benefit most working Americans can count on. Here are some facts you might not know about the program. Can I still get Medicare at 65? Yes, you’re eligible for Medicare starting at 65, no matter what year you were born. If you or your spouse worked … Continue reading Facts You Should Know About Enrolling In Medicare Part A & B

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Celebratory Month, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, MiCAFE, seniors, Tips

May Flowers

By Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member Do you know what the flower for the month of May is? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, May’s flower is the hawthorn plant or better known as the lily of the valley, which symbolizes the return of happiness. It can also represent sweetness, good luck, and humility. When the lily of the valley blooms, happiness is said to return as well as majesty and … Continue reading May Flowers

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