Social Security Q&A Part 22
By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? Answer: Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 22
Making Wise Choices When a Representative Payee Manages Your Money
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some of the millions of people who get monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits need help managing this money. A person assigned to help you manage your monthly benefits is called a representative payee. We may decide you need a representative payee if we receive information that indicates you need help to manage your … Continue reading Making Wise Choices When a Representative Payee Manages Your Money
(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Should Clients Take a Lump-Sum Social Security Payment?
Via ThinkAdvisor By Ginger Szala Advice from many experts today is that people should delay claiming their Social Security benefits for as long as possible, or until age 70, when they have to claim them. But what do advisors tell clients who have delayed taking Social Security even after reaching full retirement age (FRA), and when they make the claim, the government offers them a … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Should Clients Take a Lump-Sum Social Security Payment?
(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Secure Act’s 401(k) Annuity Options: The Pros and Cons
Via ThinkAdvisor By William H. Byrnes and Robert Bloink The Secure Act contains provisions that will impact nearly every client saving for retirement—along with many who have already begun taking withdrawals from qualified plans and IRAs. The Secure Act provisions impacting lifetime income options in defined contribution plans have the potential to be some of the most significant. Although it is expected that most 401(k)s … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Secure Act’s 401(k) Annuity Options: The Pros and Cons
Beware of Social Security Scams
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist There’s a widespread telephone scam involving callers claiming they’re from Social Security. The caller ID may even show a government number. These callers may tell you there’s a problem with your Social Security number. They may also threaten to arrest you unless you pay a fine or fee using gift cards, pre-paid debit cards, a wire transfer, … Continue reading Beware of Social Security Scams
Senior Home Shares
By Michelle Jackson, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Senior home sharing is becoming more and more popular in today’s world. Seniors are sharing homes with each other to share the high cost of housing expenses, as well as to have the companionship that comes with having a roommate. Senior home sharing also improves the health and safety of seniors by having … Continue reading Senior Home Shares
Lessons Learned
By Ron Tatro, Vice President at Elder Law of Michigan It is hard to believe that another year, 2019, is gone and that 2020 has begun. The holiday season is over, and we are looking forward to spring. It is also the time that many people make, or at least consider making, resolutions. It is a time for new beginnings. I am surrounded by some wonderful colleagues … Continue reading Lessons Learned
This New Year, See What You Can do Online at Socialsecurity.gov
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Are you looking for new ways to save time this new year? Social Security offers many of its services online by signing up for a secure my Social Security account. Once you create an account, you can review your work history and see an estimate of your future Social Security benefits. We recently made several enhancements and … Continue reading This New Year, See What You Can do Online at Socialsecurity.gov
Small Businesses and Social Security
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the 28.8 million small businesses in the United States represent 99.7% of all U.S. businesses, and employ 56.8 million people. Running a small business can be a 24-7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, services, and marketing can be challenging. If you are a small business owner or you work … Continue reading Small Businesses and Social Security
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