Building a Better World For People of All Abilities
By Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan There was a day, not long ago, when people with disabilities were not able to function in the world. Some of you might be saying, well, yes, of course. It was the norm for citizens with disabilities to sit back and be less involved in life around them, whether it be the business world, common … Continue reading Building a Better World For People of All Abilities
Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Scammers are using the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to file fraudulent unemployment claims, often using someone else’s identity. Scammers may even use the identity of someone who is receiving or applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSI applicants and recipients who begin receiving — or appear to begin receiving — State Unemployment Insurance (UI) … Continue reading Unemployment Insurance Fraud and Social Security
Replacement or Corrected Social Security Cards During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security offices are currently open only for in-person appointments for limited, critical situations, depending upon local office conditions. However, you can continue to apply for a replacement Social Security card online and by mail. Before requesting a replacement card, please remember that you might not need the physical card. Most of the time, simply knowing … Continue reading Replacement or Corrected Social Security Cards During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Eating Seasonally: Eggs
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Each spring, people around the world participate in egg related activities and celebrations, from decorating Easter eggs and egg trees to Bosnia’s celebration of Cimburijada, The Festival of Scrambled Eggs. One reason eggs could play such a significant role in Spring celebrations is their abundance during this time. Seasonal changes in daylight affect when chickens and … Continue reading Eating Seasonally: Eggs
Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Children with Disabilities
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program provides cash payments to children with disabilities whose families have limited income and resources. A child must meet the following medical requirements to be considered disabled under Social Security rules: The child must have a medical condition, or a combination of conditions, that results in “marked and severe functional … Continue reading Supplemental Security Income Benefits for Children with Disabilities
Eating Well in the Spring
By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Wow, it has been over one year since the COVID-19 stay home order. This has been extremely hard for just about everyone but especially seniors. Spring is finally here, and it is wonderful to see the sun and enjoy the temperature change. After being cooped up inside many seniors can go walking, sit on the porch … Continue reading Eating Well in the Spring
New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Your Social Security 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 earnings history and other valuable information. And now it’s even better! We’ve added new fact sheets to accompany the online Statement. The fact sheets are designed to … Continue reading New Fact Sheets Added to Your Online Statement
Social Security’s Many Online Services
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist There’s probably been a time in your life when you’ve wondered, “Can I do this online instead of visiting a Social Security office?” The answer is more than likely yes, and you can find more information about our online services at http://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices. Online, you can apply for retirement and disability benefits, appeal a decision, and do … Continue reading Social Security’s Many Online Services
The Value of…
By Ron Tatro, Director, Elder Justice Coordinating Council at Elder Law of Michigan I was fortunate to grow up on a small farm in rural New England. Those days were spent working from early morning to late evenings, especially in the summertime. As I now reflect on that time many decades ago, I have come to appreciate the lessons learned that I did not know … Continue reading The Value of…
Part 2: What is Elder Abuse and What can be Done About It?
By Brenda Jones, E-MDT Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan In my first post, I addressed the creation of the Upper Peninsula Financial Abuse Specialists Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (U.P. FAST E-MDT) to combat elder abuse. Elder abuse is a form of family violence. Like other types of family violence, the dynamics of elder abuse are complex. The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 in 10 … Continue reading Part 2: What is Elder Abuse and What can be Done About It?