A Life Well-Lived
By Ron Tatro, Vice President at Elder Law of Michigan We have all found ourselves in this time of confusion, fear, and uncertainty. This environment has left us fearful, searching for hope and answers, and sometimes depressed. More than 6,000 fellow Michiganians have lost their lives. We have all been directly or indirectly impacted by these losses. In the last weekend of June, my friend Tom … Continue reading A Life Well-Lived
Social Security in Plain Language
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms 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. We strive to explain your benefits using easy-to-understand, plain language. The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in a way“the public … Continue reading Social Security in Plain Language
A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We are excited to tell you about our redesigned retirement benefits portal at http://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement. Keeping you informed about our products and services, and helping you prepare for making decisions that will affect your benefits is very important to us. Preparing for retirement is one of the most important decisions you can make. Our website has helped … Continue reading A Redesigned Retirement Benefits Portal That Works for You
Important Information About Reaching Social Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic
By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist During the current coronavirus pandemic, we continue to provide help to you and other people in your communities. While our offices are not providing service to walk-in visitors due to COVID-19, we remain ready and able to help you by phone with most Social Security business. You can speak with a representative by calling your local Social Security … Continue reading Important Information About Reaching Social Security During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We pay monthly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources, and people who are age 65 or older without disabilities who meet the financial limits. Income is money you receive, such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes things like food and shelter. The amount … Continue reading Qualifying for Supplemental Security Income with Social Security
Safety Tips for Seniors Who Live Alone
By Shanon Gallagher, MiCAFE Network Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Most people enjoy the independence of living on their own, so it is not surprising that you and your loved ones would prefer to continue to live on your own for as long as possible. However, as you age you may go through subtle changes that make you more susceptible to accidents. According … Continue reading Safety Tips for Seniors Who Live Alone
Older LGBT Pride
By Betsy Smith, Network Partner at Elder Law of Michigan June 28, 2020 is the fiftieth anniversary of the first Gay Pride march. The first Pride march commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, one of the most important events leading up to the gay liberation movement. Now, that same generation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) Baby Boomers watches as the world … Continue reading Older LGBT Pride
Forming and Maintaining Connections While Physically Distancing
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Did you know, “Loneliness and social isolation can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day?” This report by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) highlights the importance of maintaining social relationships and staying connected with your friends and family. In January 2020, prior to much of the U.S. implementing … Continue reading Forming and Maintaining Connections While Physically Distancing
Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors Citizens
By Pam Canty, Intake and Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan June is crime prevention month for senior citizens. The senior citizen population is a vulnerable age group because they are more likely to be on low or reduced incomes, more likely to live alone, and more likely to suffer from physical and cognitive impairments. Some types of crime could be but are not limited to … Continue reading Crime Prevention Tips for Seniors Citizens
(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How Does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Planning?
Via ThinkAdvisor By Roger Wohlner One of the most visible provisions of the CARES Act was the suspension of required minimum distributions (RMDs) for 2020. This covers RMDs in connection with IRA accounts, 401(k)s, 403(b)s and other similar retirement plans. This includes those who reached age 70½ during 2019 and were required to take their first RMD by April 1 of this year. It also … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): How Does the CARES Act Impact Retirement Planning?