By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For nearly 90 years, Social Security has provided financial protection to communities throughout the United States, including the Hispanic community. Today, our retirement, disability, and survivors benefits are an important source of income for Hispanics.  Our Spanish-language website, http://www.ssa.gov/espanol, provides information for those whose primary language is Spanish.  There, people can learn how to get a … Continue reading Social Security services for the Hispanic community

By Rachel Berry, MiCAFE Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan According to AARP, more than 42 million Americans ‘identify as being lonely’.  A recent survey of older adults shows that 1 in 4 say that they feel isolated from others at least some of the time, and 1 in 3 say that they do not have regular companionship. Luckily, there is the Senior … Continue reading Senior Companionship

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Did you know, you can do much of your business online with Social Security?  This means no need to call or visit a local Social Security office.  You can take your time completing our online applications and even save your progress to return to later. You can apply online for: Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You … Continue reading Apply for Social Security benefits online

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Every July, we take pride in celebrating our nation’s independence.  For nearly 90 years, our programs have helped provide financial independence to millions of hardworking people.  We have useful online tools like the Social Security Statement (Statement) and our benefits estimator tool that help people not yet receiving benefits.  The Statement shows the benefits that you … Continue reading Celebrate your independence with Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you applied for Social Security benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can instantly check the status online using your personal mySocial Security account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at http://www.ssa.gov/myaccount to see thefollowing information about your claim: • Date of filing. • Re-entry numbers for incomplete applications. • Current … Continue reading Use my Social Security to instantly check the status of your benefits claim

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist  Currently, more than five million Americans suffer fromAlzheimer’s disease. Since the onset of Alzheimer’s can occur in people before they retire, it may strike during an individual’s working years, preventing gainful employment as the disease progresses. As a result, people with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers must figure out how they’ll pay for care. Our benefits and … Continue reading Faster processing of disability claims for people with Alzheimer’s disease

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. On this day, communities, seniors, caregivers, governments, organizations, and the private sector unite to prevent the mistreatment of and violence against older people. Social Security scams are widespread across the United States.  Scammers use sophisticated tactics to deceive you into providing sensitive information or money.  They target everyone … Continue reading Five Social Security resources that can protect elders from scams

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist  Your Social Security Statement (Statement) tells you how much you or your family can expect to receive in disability, survivors, and retirement benefits.  It also provides a record of your most recent earnings history and other valuable information.  We also give you fact sheets with your online Statement. The fact sheets provide clear and useful information, based on your age group and … Continue reading Fact sheets added to your Social Security Statement