Understanding Spouse’s Benefits

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Marriage is a cultural institution that exists all over the world. Having a partner means sharing many things including a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your fun and vibrant golden years, here are a few things to remember. If a spouse accepts reduced … Continue reading Understanding Spouse’s Benefits

Social Security and Small Businesses

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Running a small business isn’t just a full time job — it can be a 24-7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling, and services, not to mention marketing, can be exhausting. Social Security can make your life easier with our suite of services that allows you to file W-2/W-2Cs online and verify your employees’names and Social Security numbers … Continue reading Social Security and Small Businesses

Wills vs. Trusts: Part 2 of 8

Previously posted in 2014. By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney In our previous post, we defined a will as a document that contains your instructions about how you want your assets (also known as your estate) distributed upon your passing. A will allows you to determine who receives what share of your assets after your death. Many people are not aware that Michigan has a … Continue reading Wills vs. Trusts: Part 2 of 8

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Social Security Q&A Part 17

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I have diabetes and I have to take insulin. Is my insulin covered by Medicare? Answer: Medicare Part B does not cover insulin unless use of an insulin pump is medically necessary. However, certain Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin and certain supplies used to inject insulin, like syringes. For more information, please … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 17

Three pill capsules next to a mercury thermometer.

Flu Season When You Are Age 65 or Over

Previously posted in November 2017. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the peak of flu season occurs between November and March. In consideration of the upcoming season, the first step to preventing the flu would be to get your flu shot. Other common preventative methods include practicing good health habits such as: regularly washing your hands (especially after coughing, sneezing, or touching things … Continue reading Flu Season When You Are Age 65 or Over

Wills vs. Trusts: Part 1 of 8

Previously posted in 2014. By Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors receives many calls each week regarding estate planning documents. Clients often call with questions regarding wills and trusts and what are the differences between the two. Many clients have heard of these documents, yet they are confused as to what each document can do for them. Wills and trusts … Continue reading Wills vs. Trusts: Part 1 of 8

Three women smile while walking in a field together.

Why Social Security Retirement is Important to Women

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security plays an especially important role in providing economic security for women. In the 21st century, more women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income than at any other time in our nation’s history. But, women face greater economic challenges in retirement. Women: tend to live longer than men. A woman … Continue reading Why Social Security Retirement is Important to Women

In this season of giving, help a loved one with Social Security

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist During the holiday season, we surround ourselves with family and friends, some of whom may rely on us for a number of reasons. An aging parent might need help clearing snow. A sibling may require help after a surgery. And as we get older, our family members may need help managing their finances. In fact, more than … Continue reading In this season of giving, help a loved one with Social Security

Join a Global Day of Giving This #GivingTuesday

Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist Now that you’ve given thanks and found great deals during the universally celebrated shopping days of #BlackFriday and #CyberMonday, it’s time to turn your attention to giving back. Tomorrow we celebrate #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving powered by social media. It’s one of the best ways to get involved in your community and your favorite charities. On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, donors, … Continue reading Join a Global Day of Giving This #GivingTuesday

Your Social Security, giving thanks and spending quality time

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist In November, millions of families gather together to give thanks, share a meal, and spend time together. Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to get together, so you want to make every second with the ones you love count. Social Security understands that your time is valuable whether you’re working, running your business, or taking time … Continue reading Your Social Security, giving thanks and spending quality time