Things I Learned at Center for Elder Rights Advocacy (CERA)
By Mike Walters, Legal Hotline Managing Attorney, Pro Seniors, Inc., Project Manager, CERA. I had a general private law practice when I began working part-time as a hotline attorney at Pro Seniors in 2000. I quickly discovered that hotline advice was well suited to my personality. I had always been able to convey legal advice to clients in a “down to earth” manner. I knew enough about different … Continue reading Things I Learned at Center for Elder Rights Advocacy (CERA)
Protection Through Protective Orders for Medicaid Planning
By Jadranko Tomic- Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney, and Ashley Jayne, Legal Hotline Intern. The Michigan Court of Appeals came down with an opinion last month that will have a significant impact on Medicaid planning. Protective orders are a commonly used tool by Michigan Medicaid planners. Married couples often face difficulties in spending down their assets, so that one spouse may qualify for Medicaid benefits. Also, the loss of the institutionalized … Continue reading Protection Through Protective Orders for Medicaid Planning
Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Shirley Brown
By Ellen Mason, J.D., Hotline Attorney Shirley Brown is a MiCAFE Network Coordinator and Economic Security Team Member in the Elder Law of Michigan’s Detroit office. Shirley has been with Elder Law of Michigan since 2011. Her current focus is assisting clients with benefits applications such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. How did you first learn about Elder Law of Michigan? I … Continue reading Meet the Team, Staff Spotlight: Shirley Brown
Social Security Q&A Part 11
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: How do I change my citizenship status on Social Security’s records? Answer: To change your citizenship status shown in Social Security records: Complete an application for a Social Security card (Form SS-5), which you can find online at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/online/ss-5.html; and Provide documents proving your: New or revised citizenship status (We can only accept certain documents as proof of citizenship. … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 11
Don’t Forget Father’s Day, June 17th!
By Michelle Goetz, J.D., Project Coordinator If your dad is around, would you do me a favor? Forget finding the ‘perfect’ gift, and spend some time with him. My dad lives far away from me, but we always make a Skype date (virtual) to catch up. Like many of those who will read this post, my life can be busy and time flies by. Therefore, it becomes even more important to make sure my dad knows … Continue reading Don’t Forget Father’s Day, June 17th!
Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. This is an opportunity for everyone, all over the world, to voice their opposition to abuses inflicted on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. For more than 80 years, Social Security has provided for the elderly as part of our everyday mission. Sometimes a family member … Continue reading Social Security Helps You Care for Seniors
Elder Abuse Awareness Day
By: Rachel Autera-Polzin, Volunteer Intern Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15, but who comprises the elderly population? Anyone can become a victim, including your grandmothers and grandfathers, neighbors and friends. Elder Abuse Awareness Day was created to raise awareness of abuse and neglect of older adults. In Michigan, there are approximately 40,000-50,000 elder abuse cases annually; which include physical abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect. However, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of elder abuse cases that go unreported each year. Some of the abusers in these cases are family, caretakers, or medical personnel. Cases are unreported … Continue reading Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Flag Day: June 14, 2018
By Rachael Savoie, Human Resources Do you know what the colors of the United States flag represent? According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, red represents hardiness and valor; blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice; and white represents purity and innocence. According to The Library of Congress, Flag Day is observed annually in the United States on June 14th. Flag Day was established to honor and celebrate the adoption of the American Flag which took place on June 14, 1777. … Continue reading Flag Day: June 14, 2018
Five Steps for Social Security Success
By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist No matter how much you’ve planned, there’s no better time than now to think about your future. We’d like to encourage you to take Five Steps toward Your Financial Security. Planning for the future may seem intimidating to many, but we’ve broken the task down into five easy steps: Step 1: Get to know your Social Security … Continue reading Five Steps for Social Security Success
Don’t Worry, Be Happy
By Ron Tatro, Vice President In 1988, Robert (Bobby) McFerrin, Jr. wrote and performed a song entitled, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In that song, he sings, “In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry, you make it double.” It seems that in today’s society, we are surrounded by egotism, fake news, and tension. All the negativity bombarding us every day can make us lose sight of all the wonderful things that also surround us. … Continue reading Don’t Worry, Be Happy