Depression in Older Adults
By Brenda Jones, E-MDT Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan Depression affects millions of adults 65 years and older, reports the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), but the National Institute on Aging (NIA) clarifies it is not a normal part of aging. Depression is more than just feeling sad, it affects how you think, sleep, eat, and work. As we age, important life changes occur, like … Continue reading Depression in Older Adults
Social Security and Household Workers
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Do you plan to pay a cleaning person, cook, gardener, babysitter, or other household worker at least $2,200 in 2020? This amount includes any cash you pay for your household employee’s transportation, meals, and housing. If you will pay at least $2,200 to one person, you have some additional financial responsibilities. When you pay at least … Continue reading Social Security and Household Workers
Social Security and Women’s History Month
By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In March, our nation celebrates Women’s History Month. Today, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. Social Security has served a vital role in the lives of women for over 80 years. With longer life expectancies than men, women tend to … Continue reading Social Security and Women’s History Month
Coronavirus Scam Alert
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan All disasters have something in common. From hurricanes and tornadoes to pandemics, any time the normal operation of daily life is disrupted people pull together and pitch in to help each other survive. Unfortunately, scammers also try to take advantage of people during these times. The coronavirus pandemic is no different. While many of … Continue reading Coronavirus Scam Alert
Why is the Census Important?
By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan How do communities get funding to provide services? How is the number of seats each state receives in the House of Representatives determined? How are congressional and legislative districts drawn? The answer to all of these is the census. From road construction to housing assistance for older adults, school lunches to firefighters, the census … Continue reading Why is the Census Important?
Effective March 17, 2020, Social Security Offices Will Only Offer Phone Service
Via Social Security Administration By Mark Hinkle All local Social Security offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This decision protects the population we serve—older Americans and people with underlying medical conditions—and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services. Read the full press release. Continue reading Effective March 17, 2020, Social Security Offices Will Only Offer Phone Service
Hoarding Part 2: The Do’s and Don’ts of Decluttering
By Betsy Smith, Network Partner Manager at Elder Law of Michigan People with hoarding disorder are emotionally attached to their belongings and cannot set priorities and make informed decisions. Therefore, they can compromise their safety and relationships just because they are afraid to throw anything away. When the well-being of the affected individual is in danger hoarding help becomes necessary. If you suspect a loved one of … Continue reading Hoarding Part 2: The Do’s and Don’ts of Decluttering
Social Security and OIG Announce National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day
By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security, and the agency continue raising public awareness about telephone impersonation schemes during the Office of the Inspector General’s (OIG) national ‘Slam the Scam’ Day on March 5. Social Security and OIG have made concerted efforts to educate the public about these scams – in which fraudulent callers mislead victims into … Continue reading Social Security and OIG Announce National ‘Slam the Scam’ Day
(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Only Insurance Policies You Need After Retirement
Via U.S. News By Maryalene LaPonsie RETIREMENT IS WHEN everything changes. Seniors may end up with new schedules, new hobbies and even new homes. In the midst of all these exciting changes, don’t overlook the mundane: your insurance coverage. With a new season of life at hand, old policies may no longer meet your needs. However, seniors should be cautious about canceling their policies. You need … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): The Only Insurance Policies You Need After Retirement
(Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Social Security and survivor benefits
Via InvestmentNews By Mary Beth Franklin Widows and widowers have more flexibility than other Social Security beneficiaries when it comes to claiming strategies because retirement benefits and survivor benefits represent two different pots of money. A surviving spouse or an eligible surviving divorced spouse can choose one type of benefit first and switch to the other benefit later if it results in a larger monthly … Continue reading (Mid-America Pension Rights Project): Social Security and survivor benefits