By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is at the forefront of keeping your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal information too. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. You might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a … Continue reading Scams Come in Many Different Forms
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms (an abbreviation of the first letters of words in a phrase) people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know. Social Security employees strive to explain benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. In fact, The Plain Writing … Continue reading Social Security Terms in Plain Language
By Kim Hill, Economic Security Client Services Manager at Elder Law of Michigan The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General has issued a Medicare fraud alert involving genetic testing kits. Fraudulent companies are offering Medicare beneficiaries access to a free screening for cancer, Parkinson’s or other conditions, claiming that Medicare will cover the cost. These companies find their victims through phone calls, … Continue reading Genetic Testing Scam Alert
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist This month marks the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Disability affects millions of Americans. It can inhibit peoples’ quality of life and their ability earn a living. Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are … Continue reading Social Security’s Definition of Disability
Via Tribune News Services By Todd Spangler, Detroit Free Press WASHINGTON — The U.S. House on Wednesday approved legislation intended to prop up multi-employer pension plans including the Central States Pension Plan that covers Teamsters in Detroit and across the country. Ultimately, the legislation, which was co-sponsored by eight Michigan members of Congress, including both Democrats and Republicans, would protect pensions for more than 43,000 Central … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): U.S. House passes legislation to prop up Teamsters, multi-employer pension plans
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
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
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
By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan The senior population faces many challenges, safety at home being one of them. There are so many safety precautions that need to be taken. After living in a home for over 40 years new ideas can be helpful to enable seniors to live safe, happy lives in their homes. Safety for Seniors at … Continue reading Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone
By Michelle Jackson, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are easy to use devices for seniors. During a fall or an emergency situation, the response systems can save lives and provide extra security for seniors. Many seniors feel they do not need one of these devices. They fear these devices make them look incompetent or their pride … Continue reading Personal Emergency Response Systems
