SOCIAL SECURITY 2019
INSIDE: MEDICAID FACTS, FINDING THE RIGHT HEARING AID,
SPOTTING SCAMS, HELPING VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS, FIVE THINGS PARENTS CAN LEARN ABOUT SOCIAL SECURITY & MORE! An advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News
2 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
Courtesy of Merchant Funeral Home
FACT: Many People who require nursing home care cannot afford to pay the costs. Because of the high costs, a high percentage of residents that live in nursing homes rely on Medicaid to pay
for their care. Today, an estimated four percent of the over 65 age population lives in a nursing home. As the proportion of the older people increases due to longer life expectancies, it is likely that more and more people will need nursing home care.
Social Security won’t cover everything.
Do you have a plan? When it comes to funeral costs, Social Security pays very little, leaving your family with unexpected payments.
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WHAT IS MEDICAID? By definition, Medicaid is a jointly funded program managed by both state and federal governments. Medicaid offers medical treatment, including nursing home care for low-income individuals who are 65 or older, blind or disabled. The rules for qualifying for Medicaid change often and vary state to state and from country to country. Medicaid is not considered an entitlement program like Social Security; rather it is a needs-based program. Because it is based on the need, a person is not eligible to receive Medicaid benefits as a matter of right. Each person must make himself or herself eligible. As a component of qualifying for Medicaid, a person must have limited assets. To limit assets, a
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person may be required to “spend down” his or her assets to a level as determined by the appropriate regulatory agency in his or her area. The concept of “spending down” is simple. Essentially, the Medicaid agencies will provide funding for nursing home care only once a person’s assets have been reduced to the specified limits. FACT: There are several methods to “spend down” assets, one of which is to prepay funeral expenses. If a person’s assets exceed the specified limits, then he or she may have to use his or her own assets to pay for his or her care in a nursing home. There are several methods to “spend down” assets, one of which is to prepay funeral or cremation expenses. Most agencies will exclude a FACTS cont. on page 15
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LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 3 optional method described below.
By Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications | www.SSA.gov
Many people enjoy the independence of owning and operating their own small business. If you’re a small business owner, you know that you have additional financial responsibilities when reporting your taxes. A part of this is paying into Social Security. Most people who pay into Social Security work for an employer. Their employer deducts Social Security taxes from their paycheck, adds a matching contribution, then sends those taxes to the Internal Revenue Service
(IRS) and reports the wages to Social Security. Self-employed people must do all these actions and pay their taxes directly to the IRS. You’re self-employed if you operate a trade, business or profession, either by yourself or as a partner. You report your earnings for Social Security when you file your federal income tax return. If your net earnings are $400 or more in a year, you must report your earnings on Schedule SE, in addition to the other tax forms you must file. You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain length of time to get
Social Security benefits. The amount of time you need to work depends on your date of birth, but no one needs more than 10 years of work (40 credits).
We use all your earnings covered by Social Security to figure your Social Security benefit, so, report all earnings up to the maximum, as required by law.
Family members may operate a business together. For example, a husband and a wife may be partners or run a joint venture. If you operate a business together as partners, In 2019, if your net earnings you should each report your are $5,440 or more, you earn share of the business profits the yearly maximum of four as net earnings on separate credits — one credit for each self-employment returns $1,360 of earnings during (Schedule SE), even if you file the year. If your net earnings are less than $5,440, you still may earn credit by using an SELF cont. on page 15
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4 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
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By Anne Simon, Au.D., Audiologist, research. Simon Audiology & Tinnitus
Ethan is a business owner. He relies on his ability to connect to his customers. When customers asked questions, he had trouble hearing them. Ethan wants customers leaving delighted they came in. He needs a clear understanding of I can relate. When it’s time what’s important to them. for a big decision, I do a lot of Ethan wants to remove the We first met Ethan when he called our office asking what brands we use. Ethan had asked family and friends with hearing loss their experience. He had a fairly good idea of what brand he would be most happy with.
randomness that creeps into his conversations.
Simon Audiology
We tested Ethan and learned more about his life. A clear choice emerged for what hearing aid he would be most happy with. It wasn’t the brand he was leaning toward. As it turns out, none of the people Ethan asked had the same hearing needs he had running the store. Everyone with hearing loss has a different story. Everyone’s hearing loss is different. We work with all the major
brands. We have found that what works for one person doesn’t always predict what will work for another. As a consumer, I understand brand loyalty. As an audiologist, I want you to wear the hearing aid that will do the best job for you. Premium hearing care removes the randomness that creeps into your conversations. Caring for your hearing can transform your life and relationships. If you or a
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loved one find conversation difficult, an audiologic evaluation is the best, next step. You have five senses that you experience life through.
LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 5
Why not experience life to the fullest? Call my office today to schedule your consultation! 208-746-7022.
WHAT I LOOK FOR IN A HEARING AID MANUFACTURER I want you delighted with your hearing amplification experience. As such, I partner with the best manufacturers to meet your needs. Both pilot and plane are vital to get you to your destination. The best manufacturing partners: • Innovate. Some manufacturers are committed to improving the amplification/listening experience. They consistently track customer experience, and invest in development. Lower tier manufacturers follow the innovations of others. • Support. The best manufacturers support customers through the life cycle of their hearing aids. They provide ongoing parts, service, and support. • Programmable to target. On-target means you have the precise amplification you need at each frequency. Excellent programming software allows us to program to target.
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6 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
SOCIAL SECURITY easily find the meaning in our online glossary at www. SSA.gov.
By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner | www.SSA.gov
Garlinghouse Memorial
Social Security’s acronyms function as verbal shorthand in your financial planning conversations. If you’re nearing retirement, you may want to know what PIA (primary insurance amount), FRA (full retirement age), and DRCs (delayed retirement credits) mean. These terms involve your benefit amount based on when you decide to take it.
Some of the terms and acronyms (an abbreviation of the first letters of words in a phrase) people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help If you take your retirement you understand all you need benefit at FRA, you’ll to know. receive the full PIA (amount Social Security employees payable for a retired worker strive to explain benefits who starts benefits at full using easy-to-understand, retirement age). So, FRA plain language. In fact, The is an age and PIA is an Plain Writing Act of 2010 amount. requires federal agencies Once you receive benefits, to communicate clearly you get a COLA most years. in a way “the public can But don’t expect a fizzy understand and use.” drink — a COLA is a Cost If a technical term or of Living Adjustment, and acronym that you don’t that will usually mean a know slips into the little extra money in your conversation or appears in written material, you can LANGUAGE cont. on page 15 Presnell Gage is Celebrating 69 Years in Business.
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By Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications | www.SSA.gov
Social Security is at the forefront of keeping your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal information too.
LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 7
others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (Medicare).
If you receive misleading information about Social Scammers commonly target Security, send the complete people who are looking for advertisement, including the Social Security program envelope it came in, to: and benefit information. Office of the Inspector You might receive an General Fraud Hotline advertisement in the mail, Social Security but it could be from a private Administration company or even a scammer. P.O. Box 17768 U.S. law prohibits people and Baltimore, MD 21235 businesses from using words Scams can also happen or emblems that mislead online. A growing tactic for
SIGNS THAT SOMEONE MAY NOT BE WHO THEY SAY THEY ARE: • A mismatch between their name and the name embedded in their email address. • There are obvious spelling and grammar errors. • They asked if you would send or receive money/ packages on someone else’s behalf. • They need money right away due to a medical emergency, or they need a visa or air tickets. Or, a business opportunity arose that was too good to turn down. Can you wire a loan?
scammers is to use online dating sites. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service’s recent messaging, before starting an internet-based relationship, we should always keep our personal details to ourselves until you meet face-to-face. Next, do an internet search of the other person’s name and the town they claim to be living in.
If anyone asks for your Social Security number, never give it to them. And if they are specifically pretending to be from Social Security, please report the information to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. Protecting your information is an important part of Social Security’s mission. You work hard and make a conscious effort to save and plan for retirement. For more information, please visit the Office of the Inspector General’s website at oig.SSA.gov.
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8 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
By Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications | www.SSA.gov
This month marks the 29th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990. Disability affects millions of Americans. It can inhibit peoples’ quality of life and their ability to earn a living.
Social Security is here to help you and your family, but there are strict criteria for meeting the definition of disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is also different than it is for other programs. We do not pay benefits for partial or shortterm disability. Social Security has a strict definition of disability.
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Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of shortterm disabilities, including workers’ compensation, insurance, savings, and investments. Social Security is also required by law to review the current medical condition of people receiving disability benefits to make sure they continue to have a qualifying
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disability. Generally, if someone’s health hasn’t improved, or if their disability still keeps them from working, they will continue to receive benefits. Social Security is a support system for people who cannot work because of a disability. You can learn more about Social Security’s disability program on our website and also by accessing our starter kits and checklists at www. SSA.gov.
SOCIAL SECURITY
By Julie Schoen, Deputy Director of the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Elder Abuse is something most people don’t like to talk about. Yet, research shows that as many as two million elders are abused in the United States every year. With the help of our partners at Social Security, the National Center on Elder Abuse believes we can all find a solution to physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful abuse against the elderly.
LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 9
are consistently more at risk. Although social isolation can show up in many ways, building strong community support is essential to deterring abuse.
online at oig.SSA.gov or by calling (800) 269-0271.
We also urged him to report these scams to the Federal Trade Commission through a new site related Social Security is a pinnacle to Social Security scams. of reliability and steadfastness He was grateful for these for older adults. When Social resources and relieved to Security speaks, people listen. know where to file his report. We applaud the agency’s This infrastructure of support efforts to communicate with empowers individuals. and provide resources for the You can help us in our elderly. endeavor to Lift Up the
The other day a frightened 84-year-old gentleman contacted our offices. He The National Center on received a call from “Social Elder Abuse provides the Security” stating that his latest information, research, Social Security number training, best practices, and and Medicare information resources on elder abuse, had been compromised. neglect, and exploitation. Our They needed him to verify agency was first established his information over the by the U.S. Administration on phone. At first, the call Aging in 1988 as a national seemed legitimate but then elder abuse resource center. he thought it was odd that At the heart of elder abuse Social Security would call is a leading factor of abuse — him to verify his personal social isolation. Isolation, in information. He hung up, this context, means a scarce fearful that someone was amount of close relationships trying to steal his identity. We and social contact with family assured him he did the right and/or friends. Research thing and instructed him to shows that older adults who report that information to the have poor social networks Office of Inspector General
Voices against elderly abuse by downloading our Support and Tools for Elder Abuse Prevention, STEAP at eldermistreatment.usc.edu/ national-center-on-elderabuse-ncea-usc/steap/. Together, we can build a society that, as we age, embraces the power, wisdom, and beauty of years of learning and growing.
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10 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner www.SSA.gov
Summer is officially here and you might be planning a vacation or trip. Social Security is here for you when you’re traveling, whether it’s just a state away or when you’re overseas.
SOCIAL SECURITY
• Apply for Social Security benefits • Get your Social Security Statement • Request a replacement Social Security card • Appeal a decision • Find out if you qualify for benefits
Some of these features require you to Our online services page directs you to a have a my Social Security account, which wide variety of useful links. Through our is something everyone should have no online services, you can:
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matter what stage they are at in their working life. And if you receive Social Security benefits or Medicare, you can create or log in to your personal my Social Security account to: TRAVELLING cont. on page 15
SOCIAL SECURITY
By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner www.SSA.gov
Social Security honors the people who risk their lives to protect our freedom. Our disability program is an important part of our obligation to wounded warriors and their families. For military members who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to. If you know any wounded veterans, please let them know about Social
LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 11
Security’s Wounded Warriors website at www.SSA.gov/ woundedwarriors. The Wounded Warriors website answers many commonly asked questions, and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate
military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in application. substantial work for pay or The expedited process is used profit, receipt of military for military service members payments should never stop who become disabled while someone from applying for on active military service disability benefits from Social on or after October 1, 2001, Security. regardless of where the Social Security is proud to disability occurs. support veterans and active Even active duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active duty status and receipt of
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12 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
By Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications www.SSA.gov
Now that tax season is over, it’s probably a good time to evaluate some financial “best practices” for the rest of the year. A good spring-cleaning can clear out the clutter to let you see a clear path for your future. Social Security is always here to help. Even if you just started working, now is the time to start preparing for retirement. Achieving the
dream of a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier with a strong financial plan. TIP 1: START EARLY Our online retirement planning resources are helpful to people at any stage of their career. Our many calculators, Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, and disability resources are all available on our benefit planners website. From here, you can read and
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Elder Law and Estate Planning
We guide you through the tough decisions in your golden years. • Medicaid planning for asset protection. • Guardianship. • Probate. • Wills and Estate Planning, • Powers of Attorney. • Special Needs Trusts. Did you know? • Medicaid can pay for in-home care • Married couples can keep significant assets and qualify for Medicaid for long term care • Advanced planning can avoid guardianship
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download publications and also email and share with colleagues, friends, and family. Remember, the earlier you start, the better chance you have at saving what you need. TIP 2: BE INFORMED
TIP 3: ESTIMATE THE BENEFITS YOU MIGHT GET
Knowing the amount of money you could get is pivotal in planning your finances. With the Retirement Estimator, you can plug in some basic information to get an instant, We’re often asked, “What’s personalized estimate of the best age to start receiving your future benefits. Try out different scenarios, such retirement benefits?” The as higher or lower future answer is that there’s no single “best age” for everyone earnings amounts and various retirement dates to see the and, ultimately, it’s your choice. The most important various potential effects on thing is to make an informed your future benefit amounts. decision, based on your Social Security can help you individual and family spring into action and take circumstances. To help you control of your future with the make that decision, see our proper planning tools. Share retirement publications. these online resources with friends and family so they, too, will have the tools.
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By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner | www.SSA. gov
Timing is everything, and the arrival time of your monthly payment from Social Security can be key to keeping your financial house in order. As you budget to pay your bills and save for future needs, keep in mind that your monthly retirement or disability benefit will be paid at the same time each month. To see your next payment date, create or log on to your my Social Security online account at www.SSA. gov and go to the “Benefits & Payments” section. In general, here’s how we assign payment dates: • If you were born on the 1st through the 10th of the month, you’ll be paid on the second Wednesday of the month; • If you were born on the 11th through the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the third Wednesday of the month; and • If you were born after the 20th of the month, you’ll be paid on the fourth
LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 13
Wednesday of the month. There are exceptions. For example, children and spouses who receive benefits based on someone else’s work record will be paid on the same day as the primary beneficiary. For others, we may issue your payments on the 3rd of each month. Among other reasons, we do this if: • You filed for benefits before May 1, 1997; • You also receive a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment; • Your Medicare premiums
are paid for by the state where you live; or
prior. You can see a current schedule for Social Security and SSI benefit payments in an easy-to-read calendar.
• You live in a foreign country.
Individuals who receive SSI payments due to disability, Social Security is with age, or blindness receive those you through life’s journey, helping you to secure today payments on the 1st of each and tomorrow through month. important financial benefits, If your payment date information, and planning falls on a federal holiday or tools. To learn more, please weekend, you can expect to receive that month’s payment visit our website at on the weekday immediately www.SSA.gov.
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14 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
3. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN DISABILITY STRIKES — Children with disabilities are among our most vulnerable citizens. Social Security is dedicated to helping those with qualifying disabilities and their families through our Social Security disability program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner | www.SSA.gov
Our programs and services have evolved to accommodate the unique needs of families, especially the children in your care. Our website for Parents and Guardians includes information about the benefits available for children. Here are five things you can learn more about on our Parents and Guardians page: 1. SOCIAL SECURITY’S PROMISE — We know
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how much your loved ones mean to you. Our
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promise of a lifetime of protections extends to them. When you work and pay Social Security taxes, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record.
4. WHEN A PARENT OR GUARDIAN DIES — Our benefits help ease the financial burden on your loved ones after you die by providing monthly payments to eligible widows, widowers, children, and dependent parents.
5. IF YOU’RE RAISING YOUR GRANDCHILD — Your minor 2. IT STARTS WITH grandchildren may be YOUR CHILD’S eligible for benefits while SOCIAL SECURITY you’re receiving Social NUMBER — Our journey Security retirement or together begins at birth. disability benefits, in A child needs a Social certain situations. Security number if the Visit our Parents and child’s going to have a Guardians website at bank account or if you www.ssa.gov/people/parents/ want to claim them on for more information about your tax returns. You these services. You can also can apply for your baby’s get all the details about number and card right benefits for children by in the hospital when you reading our publication, complete the information Benefits for Children. for their birth certificate.
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LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | 15
If one of those unknown terms or acronyms comes monthly payment. • Get your benefit up in conversation, you can • Report your wages if verification letter (includes be the one to supply the What about DRCs? you work and receive Medicare and SSI) definition using our online Delayed retirement credits Disability Insurance are the incremental increases glossary. Sometimes learning • Check your information, benefits or Supplemental added to the PIA if you delay the terminology can deepen benefits, and earnings record Security Income (SSI) your understanding of w taking retirement benefits • Change your address Create a my Social Security beyond your full retirement Social Security works for and telephone number account today at www.SSA.gov you. Discover and share age. If you wait to begin to take advantage of these easy• Start or change your benefits beyond FRA — say, more on our website at www. to-use features. Also, share direct deposit at age 68 or even 70 — your SSA.gov. our online services page with • Request a replacement benefit increases. friends and family, who might Medicare card not know how easy and secure EMPLOYMENT cont. from page 3 You can read more about our website is. being self-employed and a joint income tax return. FACTS cont. from page 2 • Meet the income cap – the how that affects your Social The partners must decide the Security benefits including applicant cannot make prepaid funeral plan (within amount of net earnings each optional methods of reporting more than $1,656 (2003) limits) when determining should report (for example 50 at www.SSA.gov. per month in income eligibility for assistance. percent and 50 percent). Have limited assets (usually MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY less than $2,000, excluding The qualifications for home). Special rules may Medicaid eligibility vary also cover an applicant’s from state to state and from assets and how they were country to country. An used up to five years before attorney who understands an application to Medicaid is Medicaid should be contacted made. before attempting to qualify Examples of assets are as for Medicaid coverage. In Call Cathy or Brook today follows: order to qualify, you typically for more information. • Checking/Savings need to meet the following Accounts requirements: Call one of our licensed brokers • Mutual Funds • Be a U.S. citizen TRAVELLING cont. from page 10
• Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season
LANGUAGE cont. from page 6
Check
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• Be over 65, disabled or blind • Have a “medical necessity” requiring skilled nursing care • Medical and nursing home expenses exceed income
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16 | SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2019 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS
SOCIAL SECURITY
Timing counts when it comes to your social security benefit Social Security can be one of your most valuable retirement assets. The decision of when you start taking your benefit impacts how much you’ll receive. Call or visit today, and learn how your decision impacts your overall retirement income strategy.
Final decisions about Social Security filing strategies always rest with you and should always be based on your specific needs and health considerations. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov.
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302 5th Street Suite 1 Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8119 1-800-441-2308
931 6th Street Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8731
1455 G Street Suite 101 Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-2308 1-844-746-2308
517 Thain Road Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-7167 1-877-490-7167
122 Johnson Avenue Orofino, ID 83544 (208) 476-3271 1-866-904-3271
Financial Advisor
Jeff Bollinger, AAMS®, CFP® Jay Mlazgar, AAMS® Financial Advisor
Eastside Marketplace 1420 S Blaine, Suite 22 Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 882-4474
Financial Advisor
609 S. Washington Suite 203 Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 882-1234
Financial Advisor
Carolyn Hicklin
Financial Advisor
212 Rodeo Dr. Ste. 810 Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 883-4460
Financial Advisor
Ryan Hamilton
Financial Advisor
Professional Mall II 1260 SE Bishop Blvd. Suite C Pullman, WA 99163 509-332-1564
Financial Advisor
Brady S Arnone
Financial Advisor
302 5th Street Suite 1 Clarkston, Wa. 99403 509-758-8119 1-800-441-2308
Financial Advisor
Christian Leer, AAMS® Patrick Cruser, AAMS® Financial Advisor
740 5th Street Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 751-1610 1-877-751-1610
Sherrie Beckman, AAMS® Kaitlyn A Pimienta Financial Advisor
940 Bryden Avenue Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-3875 1-800-646-8316
MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING
Financial Advisor
931 6th St. Clarkston, WA 99403 509-758-8731
Financial Advisor
1300 16th Ave Ste 101 Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8353
Larry Kopczynski Financial Advisor
2501 17th Street Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 798-4732 1-866-798-4732
Member SIPC 539436I_18