Tag: Social Security benefits

Elder Law of Michigan

Social Security honors our military heroes

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist On Memorial Day, our nation honors military service members who have given their lives to preserve our freedoms.  Families, friends, and communities come together to remember the great sacrifices of military members and ensure their legacies live on. The benefits we provide can help the families of deceased military service members.  For example, widows, widowers, and … Continue reading Social Security honors our military heroes

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Elder Law of Michigan

Social Security’s top ten web pages for 2021

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs SpecialistSocial Security Column There’s no better place to do your business with us or get answers than on our website.  We’re always working to improveour web pages and add online services to better serve you.  Here are our top 10 web pages of 2021: 1. Open your own my Social Security account, where you canverify your earnings, … Continue reading Social Security’s top ten web pages for 2021

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Elder Law of Michigan

Social Security: Answers from the experts

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist You may need Social Security when you least expect it and we’re here to make sure our information is always accessible to you.  Whether you’re planning for your retirement years in advance or thinking about applying today, you probably have questions. Our Frequently Asked Questions web page at faq.ssa.gov has answers to your questions about our … Continue reading Social Security: Answers from the experts

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Elder Law of Michigan

Women and Social Security

By Vonda Van Til, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist More women work, pay Social Security taxes, and earn credit toward monthly retirement income in the 21st century than at any other time in our nation’s history.  Women, on average, also face greater economic challenges in retirement than men. Women generally live longer than men while often having lower lifetime earnings.  Women may also reach retirement … Continue reading Women and Social Security

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Social Security

Press Release: Statement about Service from Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security

Statement about Service from Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security “I want to update you about how things are going at the Social Security Administration. About a year ago, I took the unprecedented step to close our offices to the public.  I did this to keep our employees and you—the public we serve—safe.  As we enter year two of the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines and other … Continue reading Press Release: Statement about Service from Andrew Saul, Commissioner of Social Security

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FYI, Health, medical, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors

Social Security Q&A Part 4

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do? Answer: You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service — it is added automatically. For service … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 4

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
FYI, Health, medical, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors

Social Security Q&A Part 3

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: Can I refuse to give my Social Security number to a private business? Answer: Yes, you can refuse to disclose your Social Security number, and you should be careful about giving out your number. But, be aware, the person requesting your number can refuse services if you don’t give it. Businesses, banks, schools, private agencies, etc., are … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 3

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
FYI, Health, medical, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, seniors

Social Security Q&A Part 2

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: My brother had an accident at work last year and is now receiving Social Security disability benefits. His wife and son also receive benefits. Before his accident, he helped support another daughter by a woman he never married. Is the second child entitled to benefits? Answer: The child may qualify for Social Security benefits even though your … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 2

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FYI, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, seniors

Social Security Q&A Part 1

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B? Answer: You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact the Social Security Administration to … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 1

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FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future

Understanding the Government Pension Offset

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Getting ready for retirement requires evaluation of all your sources of retirement income. Even if you worked for the government and didn’t pay the FICA tax on your earnings, you may be eligible for benefits from your spouse’s work under Social Security. However, when you receive both your own non-covered government pension and a Social Security spousal … Continue reading Understanding the Government Pension Offset

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