Living 50 Plus - March 2016

Living50 leader publications • MARCH 2016

Spring

plus

is here!

Plenty of ways to get out, get active as weather warms

2

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

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Joining

3

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

generations Knights of Columbus looking to grow

By SCOTT NOVAK scott.novak@leaderpub.com

A

t a recent Knight of Columbus dinner, Jerry Marchetti and other noticed that there were a lack of children and younger parents attending.

Since a majority of the Knights from Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg were over 50, the fraternal organization decided it was time to put together a recruiting program.

“We are in the process of recruiting Knights,” Marchetti said. “I just saw our Grand Knight Paul Daiber about it. We are seven years old this March.

So we started out with just a handful of us, but now we are up to 75 members.”

Marchetti said there are over 600 families that are a part of Our Lady of the Lake, which means the potential to add members is certainly there.

“We are going to put notice in the church bulletin that will highlight all the Knights that are already members and asking other member to join us,” Marchetti said. “Getting younger members under 50 is probably a challenge for any organization. With us, I would say that a small percent of our members are under 50. What we are trying to do, and has been a success to some degree since about a year and a half ago, is that our dinners usually have a good turnout, but at one of them we recognized that there were only five kids under 12 year old.

The rest were all adults.”

So the Knights decided that it was important to increase the number of younger children coming to these dinners and bringing their younger parents with them.

“That was not what we were trying to accomplish,” he said.

“So we talked about it and made a decision those children 12 and under from now on at any of our affairs would be free. We just had a fish fry here a couple of weeks ago and we served 330 people.

There were a large number of children there.

“Since the time we made it free, we have had so many more

children attend, which we feel is good not only that they are attending, but their parents are too and we are getting to meet these younger people at these func-

tions that we do. We get to talk to them and hopefully will get them to join us.”

Since many of the project that the Knights of Columbus un-

dertake deal with youth, having younger members would be a plus.

“For example, we take our concessions trailer to the Ed-

wardsburg Sports Complex for soccer games,” Marchetti said.

“We have our concession trailer there four hours every Saturday that they are playing. We have popcorn, various pops and even donuts. We don’t charge, we just take donations.”

The Knights also are a part of the Edwardsburg Community Christmas tree lighting and are at the Edwardsburg Food Pantry on Thanksgiving when families pickup their food.

There work goes beyond just helping members of the Catholic Church.

Marchetti said there are no restrictions to joining the Knights of Columbus and that they meet once a month. There is no pressure to join.

Anyone interested in becoming a member of the Knights of Columbus can contact Marchetti at (574) 350-9242 or by email at rojer42@frontier.com.

“We just want members of the community know we are here,” Marchetti said. “For members of our church, we want them to know we are always looking for new members.”

4

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

Debunking a popular myth The senior center is not just for ‘old people’

W

e hear it all the time. The senior center is only for old people. And sometimes the people we hear it from are actually seniors who have never set foot in the Buchanan Area Senior Center.

Maybe these people are in denial or maybe they just don’t feel “old.” That’s fine. Many of the people who come to the senior center DON’T feel old. They don’t look or act it either!

We sometimes don’t know how to reply to these people. But today, as a group of seniors were enjoying spice cake, cranberry nut bread, and each other’s company, someone Jan Ferris Buchanan Area said something to remember. One of Senior Center the ladies said that someone had remarked to her that the senior center was only for old people.

Her response was that, yes, it was. For old curious, engaged, and active people who like to laugh and have fun.

Touché.

This conversation followed a relaxing and enlightening Deepak Chopra Awaken to Happiness meditation class, and then a deep and thoughtful book club discussion. Some of the people in the group would stay for the communal lunch with friends, prepared by Senior Nutrition Services in Benton Harbor, and some would stay to play cribbage or Mah Jongg. Many of them would go back home to an empty house.

Sure, the people who come to the senior center are old — over 60 years old, to be exact. They may be in pain or need to use a cane to walk, but they are friendly, loving, and fun. They all know that they can find social interaction, friendship, laughs and projects to expand their mind and occupy their time here at the center. The people they meet

and hang out with here come to the center for all the same reasons. There is no judgement and no ridicule if they can’t make it through a whole hour of exercise class without taking a break, if they need someone to help serve their lunch, or if they need a bathroom break in the middle of a card game. They are all on the same plane.

And they help each other out and watch each other’s back. The staff may not notice that a patron has not been here for a few days, but one of the other patrons may notice and ask if they’ve heard anything from them. If someone is sick or hospitalized, everyone signs a card for them and people are truly concerned for each other. In other words, the people who go to the center are like

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Some days there is so much laughter generated by the euchre players that you have to go out into the main hall to see what’s going on! Sometimes the craft room door has to be closed when the Fiber Friends get together, a group of people who bring their knitting, crocheting, and other fiber crafts to work on while socializing, because they laugh so loud it distracts the Bingo players. This is not a bad thing, mind you. There is never a shortage of stories and entertainment, hugs and nurturing, and good food and beverages. Just like home.

The senior center is basically a community center for those young at heart and young of mind, with years of expe-

rience, knowledge, and diverse cultural backgrounds. If the senior center is only for old people, then one might say they are extremely lucky to have such a place to feel welcome and safe.

There is no charge to come through the doors and see for yourself what the “old” people in our community are doing. It might actually make you proud to be considered old enough to stay a while.

Jan Ferris is the program coordinator at the Buchanan Area Senior Center. She can be reached at (269) 6957119 or by email at bascprograming@ yahoo.com. The Buchanan Area Senior Center is located at 810 Rynearson St., in Buchanan.

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

5

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SEE AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL WITH US!

Tips for living a better retirement

(StatePoint) — The conceptions and realities of retirement have changed a great deal over the past several decades, giving many seniors misgivings about the future.

But your golden years can be happy, healthy and productive, say experts.

“For many individuals, confusion, fear and an overwhelming sense of powerlessness accompany the prospect of growing old in America. The good news is that we have power to address these concerns,” says Scott Page, author of the new book “It’s Never Too Late: Getting Older, Wiser, and Worry-Free in our Golden Years.”

Are you retired or approaching the end of your working life? Are you concerned about an older parent or loved one? Here, Page offers expert tips on living better: Living Ideas Reducing housing expenses can have an extra upside.

For example, downsizing your empty nest offers you the benefit of less house to maintain. Moving to a region of the country cheaper than your current area may take you somewhere sunnier, warmer and better suited for aging.

Another popular way to live more frugally is to consider taking on a roommate. “Co-living arrangements like the ‘The Golden Girls’ are becoming more popular with single or widowed seniors. It helps save money and can be beneficial for socialization and support,” says Page.

Make Money You can rake in extra income that doesn’t feel like work. Review your talents and hobbies. Are you an excellent baker, a talented woodworker or musician?

“Seniors often have a lot of time on their hands, and they may be able to transform hobbies or interests into a way to make a little money,” says Page, who points out that such activities can also be an excellent way to stay engaged and active, keeping minds and bodies vibrant.

Saving Tips Don’t be shy about using the age card. After all, you have worked hard for it. Senior discounts are available at restaurants, stores, on travel, adult education classes and gym memberships, and sites like Restaurant.com or Groupon have special bargain days for seniors.

You can also save by eliminating unnecessary expenses.

For example -- do you still need that landline telephone?

Can you bundle certain services to help reduce costs?

Do an inventory of your possessions to determine which objects to keep and which to discard or sell. Free worksheets, available at scottpage.com/free-tools, can help you make smart decisions.

Connect with Friends Consider planning meals with a support network.

“Maybe Sally takes Monday nights, Judy takes Wednesday nights and Sarah takes Friday nights,” says Page. “Cooking for more than one person encourages community, and can be cost-effective if everyone is sharing in the responsibility.”

Maintain an active social media presence online to stay connected to friends and family. Those with the same interests as you are just a mouse click away.

More information about the book can be found at www. scottpage.com.

With smart strategies you can free yourself from worry about aging, while getting wiser over time.

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calendar 6

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

c OF EVENTS SPRING 2016

Friday, March 18 Twisted Stiches 1 to 3 p.m.

All are invited to bring yarn or a sewing project to the Niles District Library. Participants can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while chatting and working. Rookies are welcome and there is a teacher and a few loaner tools to get people started.

Saturday, March 19 Korea Veterans Association 1:30 p.m.

The Papasan-Mamasan Korea Veterans Association will meet at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19 at Three Oaks American Legion, 101 W. Linden St., in Three Oaks.

Palm Sunday service 9:25 a.m.

Dowagiac First United Methodist Church will host Palm Sunday Service at 9:25 a.m. March 20. Service will feature the brass ensemble from Dowagiac Union High School. At 6:30 p.m. March 20, the choir will perform an Easter cantada. The church is located at 236 N. Lowe in Dowagiac.

Baked chicken dinner 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Keeler United Methodist Church is hosting a baked chicken dinner from 4:30 p.m.

To 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 19, in the basement of their chapel on the corner of County Road 687 and Territorial Road East in Keeler Township. The dinner consists of baked chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, applesauce, roll, beverages and dessert. Free will offering is accepted, and take-out is available.

Saturday, March 26 Easter Brunch and egg hunt 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Brentwood at Niles will host an Easter brunch and Egg Hunt at the center, located at 1147 South Third St., in Niles.

Contact Brentwood to RSVP at (269) 2004920.

Saturday, April 2 Spring bazaar 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

St. Mary’s Church in Niles will host a spring bazaar and food drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 2 at St. Mary’s School gym, 217 Lincoln Ave., in Niles. Admission is a non-perishable food item for the Christian Service Center food pantry. Breakfast, lunch and drinks will be prepared by St. Mary’s Boy Scout Troop No. 579.

Wednesday, April 6 Diabetes PATH workshop 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Beginning April 6, Diabetes PATH (Per-

sonal Action Towards Health) will be offered at the Cass County COA’s Front Street Crossing in Dowagiac. Diabetes PATH is a six-week Chronic Disease Self-Management Program that teaches practical skills for living a healthy life with diabetes. Classes are scheduled to meet weekly at Front Street Crossing, 227 S. Front St., Dowagiac, on Wednesdays from April 6 to May 11. Each session will run from 1 to 3:30 p.m.

Niles Handweavers Guilt meeting 10 a.m. to noon The Niles Handweavers Guild meets the first Wednesday of every month at Fernwood Botanical Garden. There is an open meeting at 10 a.m. followed by a members’ gathering from noon to 2 p.m.

to socialize and work on projects. In April, member Margaret Demko will offer a discussion on different types of wool and their appropriateness for felting, followed by a hands-on project on how to make felted dryer balls, which can be used to replace dryer fabric sheets. Call (269) 695-6491 for more information.

Find a full listing of calendar items in your daily newspaper.

To submit a calendar item, send information to news@leaderpub. com, or 217 N. Fourth St., in Niles.

calendar

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Living 50 Plus • March 2016

OF EVENTS

Saturday, April 9 Quilt shop hop 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Niles Piecemakers Quilt Guild will host an indoor shop hop for craft lovers. The event will feature 14 quilt shops, which will be selling everything from fabric to beads. Refreshments will be available for purchase from Brew Ha Ha of Niles. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 9, at 601 Sycamore St. in Niles. There is a $5 admission fee.

Monday, April 11 Creating Confident Caregivers 10 a.m. to noon Beginning Monday, April 11, the Cass County COA will offer Creating Confident Caregivers, a program for individuals who are caring for a loved one with dementia or another form of memory loss. The program will meet on Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon for six weeks, from April 11 through May 23.

Classes will meet at Porter Township Hall, 69373 Baldwin Prairie Road, Union. The

program is offered free of charge. Advance registration is required. Contact Keryl Conkright, R.N., at 800-323-0390 or kerylc@casscoa.org to register or for more information.

Wednesday, April 13 Living with Alzheimers 1 p.m.

This group meets at 1 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month at the Greater Niles Senior Center. Call Karen at (269) 697-8343 for more information.

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calendar

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

c

OF EVENTS

Saturday, April 16 Trivia contest 6 p.m.

The Berrien County Cancer Service is hosting a trivia contest to raise funds for the organization. Doors open at 6 p.m. at the St. Joe Kickers Club, 2601 Hetler Dr., in Berrien Springs (off M-139 between St. Joseph and Berrien Springs). Cost is $100 per team.

Teams can contain up to eight people and members must be adults. Trivia includes 10 rounds of 10 questions in various categories

and a cash prize will be awarded to the winning teams. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks, but a cash bar will be available. Trivia begins at 7 p.m. Contact Melissa to register by April 11 at (269) 930-2928 or cancerisnottrivial@gmail.com Tuesday, April 19 Volunteer appreciation dinner 4:30 p.m.

The Buchanan Area Senior Center will host a volunteer appreciation dinner beginning at

4:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. This event takes place during Volunteer Appreciation Week as a way to honor those who donate their time to the center.

Saturday, April 23 Freedom Fund Banquet 5:30 p.m.

The Niles NAACP will host its 74th annual Freedom Fund Banquet Saturday, April 23 at the Greater Niles Area Senior Center, 1109 Bell Road in Niles. Hospitality begins at 5:30

Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival

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• High blood pressure management

Dr. Wala Medical Clinic Dr. M. Ranginwala, MD Board certified Internist is accepting new patients in his Family Practice/Internal Medicine Clinic.

Walk Ins Welcome!

To schedule an appointment please call (269) 462-9399 106 S. Lowe Street, Dowagiac

Riveridge Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center Spring Cleaning For Seniors: Home Health & Safety Spring Is A Great Time To Tackle Organizing & Cleaning Projects Here are Some tips For “Senior Spring Cleaning” That Will ensure Health & Safety.

1. Remove clutter.

Especially from walking paths and high traffic areas to reduce the risks of falling.

2. Dust ceiling fans and clean blinds and windows.

3. Organize your refrigerator and pantry, remove expired food.

Try relocating items for ease of reach and to make them easier to find.

4. Check the condition of outdoor areas: walking paths, sidewalks & driveways. Remove excess branches and shrubbery: make sure lighting is in working order and providing sufficient light.

5. Check the status of smoke detectors, fire extinguishers & alarm systems.

If you do not have a personal emergency response system consider getting one.

6. Organize paperwork and shred unnecessary papers.

Consider creating a simple filing system if you do not already have one in place. Make sure you have talked to trusted family members about locations of important papers and information they may need to access.

7. DOn’t DO it alOne! Heavy lifting, cleaning tasks and maintenance that requires you to get up on ladders can pose safety issues for you.

Make sure to get assistance.

1333 Wells Street • Niles, MI 49120 • (269) 684-1111 • www.RiveridgeRehab.com

calendar

OF EVENTS

p.m. and the banquet at 6:30 p.m. Speaker is Dr. Marvin Lynn. Theme is “Knowledge: Respect it, pursue it, embrace it, share it.”

Cost is $30 for adults, $20 for youth and $15 for children 12 and under.

Thursday, May 5 Pennies for Patients drive 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Berrien County Cancer Service will host the 27th annual Pennies for Patients Day with the goal of surpassing last year’s

total of $19,201.69. Those interested in donating to the cause can drop pennies off and enjoy a refreshment at the Berrien County Cancer Service, 7301 Red Arrow Highway, in Stevensville. There will also be a Niles location open on Main and Third St. from noon to 2 p.m. with cookies and punch.

Wednesday, April 27 Dinner and a play 5:30 p.m.

As a fundraiser for the Buchanan Area Se-

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Spacious, two bedroom located on beautiful Stone Lake, Intercom entry building, elevator, emergency pull cords. Seniors 62 years or older or disabled of any age. Rent starts at $641.00 (based on income). Please call Toni at 269-445-3333 or stop by today at 145 Stone Lake St. for more information. EHO. TDD 1-800-649-3777 American Preferred 1-800-968-1792

Have

the the the

Have

Talk Talk Talk Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime Have

of a ofofa a SM

You talk You talk You talk

9

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

SM SM

about many things with your loved ones: from day-to-day details to big events. Sharing stories with those who matter most isn’t just important today; it will be especially significant when about it’s time to things honorwith andyour commemorate your lives. details to many loved ones: from day-to-day big events. Sharingabout stories many with those whowith matter most isn’t ones: just important today; it will details be things your loved from day-to-day to Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life especially significant when it’sthose time towho honor and commemorate yourimportant lives. big events.

Sharing stories with matter most isn’t just today; it will be story and be transformative, healing and comforting. especially significant at when it’s of time tomore honor and commemorate your alives.

Memorialization the end life is than it used to be. It can reflect person’s life Meaningful starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story memorialization and be transformative, healing and comforting.

Memorialization at the end of life is more than it used to be. It can reflect a person’s life made, Meaningful lessons learned and how theywhen hope to be remembered. memorialization starts loved ones talk about what matters most: memories story and be transformative, healing and comforting. made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.

Meaningful memorialization starts when loved ones talk about what matters most: memories made, lessons learned and how they hope to be remembered.

For more information and a brochure, please contact:

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nior Center, visitors can join leaders for dinner and a play at Buchanan’s Tin Shop Theatre. Cost is $25 per person. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 18 Traveling Euchre Tournament 1 p.m.

A traveling Euchre tournament will visit the Buchanan Area Senior Center at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 18. Visit buchananareaseniorcenter.com for more information.

Mill Pond Apartments 1 Bedroom Apartments For 62 Years of Age or Disabled of Any Age Located within walking distance of shopping, banking and medical offices. Laundry in each building.

Community Room available for residents to gather and relax. Adjacent to Buchanan Area Senior Center.

Phone: 269-695-0475

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 12:30pm - 5:00pm 800 E. Smith Street • Buchanan, MI 49107 TDD: (800) 649-3777 • Fax: 269-695-1057

Rent Based on Income This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

10

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

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11

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

How to combat rising

life insurance costs (Family Features) — For a good portion of Americans, life insurance is a critical component of financial planning.

However, in recent months, many seniors have been hit with an unwelcome surprise as several insurers are raising the premiums on their life insurance policies.

When a life insurance policy becomes too expensive to maintain due to premium increases, the owner can be faced with some difficult decisions.

Consider this story: A 75 year-old man owned a Universal Life insurance policy with a death benefit of approximately $500,000, which he purchased to provide income for his wife in the event of his death. Unfortunately, a battle with prostate cancer dealt him a financial blow and the low interest rates took a toll on the cash value in his policy. Then came the sucker punch: the life insurance company was raising his premiums to almost

twice what he had originally planned.

He was told that he would receive just $1,006 in cash surrender value from the insurance company. Instead, he contacted Coventry Direct. Through a life settlement, he received $10,000, which he used to supplement his retirement income, getting out from underneath the policy and putting some extra change in his pockets at the same time.

If you are among those policyholders facing an increase in premiums that is stretching you out of your budget comfort zone, it may be time to explore your options. There are a few things you can do to combat rising life insurance costs: Pay the higher premiums. This may seem like a do-nothing option, but look closer. If premiums are exceeding your budget, then you need to make adjustments to ensure that you can continue to make the scheduled payments or you could risk losing the policy altogether.

This may mean cutting other personal expenses, eliminating travel plans or making other changes to your finances.

Maintain current premiums, but take a cut in death benefits. If you find that keeping your policy is creating a financial burden, it may be worth reassessing how much of a benefit you truly need.

Reducing the death benefit amount means less money for your heirs, but it may also help prevent the policy from lapsing and leaving your heirs without any benefit under the policy.

Shop for new coverage. Like any other type of insurance, you have the right to explore different insurers for any number of reasons, including escalating policy rates. However, you’ll want to make sure that you have a new policy in force before cancelling your old policy, just in case you hit any snags finding a new insurer.

Surrender the policy back to the car-

rier. Depending on your financial situation, surrendering your policy back to your insurer may be your best choice.

Although the cash payout will be a fraction of the death benefit that you had established for your heirs, surrendering the policy will eliminate an annual payment that you may not be able to afford.

Explore a life settlement. As circumstances change, your insurance priorities may change, too, and selling your life insurance policy can make sense.

Selling your life insurance policy to a third-party investor, which is known as a life settlement, may be a more attractive alternative to surrendering your policy back to the carrier. Coventry Direct can help you learn whether a life settlement might allow you to sell your policy for an immediate cash payment that could be four to eight times greater than what you would receive from your insurance company.

12

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

Creating confident SUBMITTED Beginning Monday, April 11, the Cass County COA will offer Creating Confident Caregivers, a program for individuals who are caring for a loved one with dementia or another form of memory loss.

This program is offered by the COA through a partnership with Region IV Area Agency on Aging.

Through the program, participants learn about dementia and its effects on the brain, caregiver resources, behavior management techniques, caregiving skills, and much more. Additionally, the class offers useful strategies to help caregivers take care of themselves while also tending to the needs of their loved ones.

A participant in a previous session of the class stated, “After the first class, I felt a weight had been lifted. I learned so much. It’s helpful to know what I’m experiencing is normal and I’m not alone.”

The program will meet on Mondays from 10 am to 12 pm for six weeks, from April 11 through May 23. Classes will meet at Porter Township Hall, 69373 Baldwin Prairie Road, Union. The program is offered free of charge. Advance registration is required. Contact Keryl Conkright, R.N., at 800-3230390 or kerylc@casscoa.org to register or for more information. Respite care for family members with dementia or memory loss issues is available free of charge during the class but must be pre-arranged.

The Cass County COA is a community organization dedicated to enhancing life through programs and services for adults in all life stages. For more information, visit www.casscoa.org.

caregivers

WORK 13

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

Back to Niles District Library offers Job Club

By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com

fessional who has experience in helping others find employment in today’s marketplace, Hollister said. The lessons Trying to navigate the ever-changing will be more hands-on in nature versus waters of the 21st Century job market is straight lecture, focusing more on worka challenge for many — especially for ing with small groups. seniors looking to reenter the workforce The program, which is funded entirely after retirement. by the Area Agency of Aging, is one of Thanks to an upcoming program of- the ways that the Niles library is helping fered by the Niles District Library and to get more area residents educated and Region IV Area Agency on Aging, se- employed, Hollister said. niors can acquire the knowledge and Seniors, in particular, can often benefit skills they’ll need to get greatly from securing back into the swing of employment, be it as a things and continue to means to increase their The schedule of classes are as follows: earn a living. usually fixed income, or • March 21: SemiThe Niles library as way to combat borenar Introduction, Skill will host the Job Club dom or loneliness, she and Experience Identiprogram, which runs said. fication from 1 to 3 p.m. every While the library has • March 28: ReMonday from March 21 offered standalone job sume Writing through April 25. The training courses in the • April 4: Networkfree six-week program, past, they have had ing aimed at low-income mixed results in terms • April 11: Job seniors and adults with of attendance, HollisSearch Resources disabilities, will teach ter said. By partnering • April 18: Interviewing Skills participants a number with the AAOA, the li• April 25: Landing of critical lessons for brary hopes that offerthe Job earning employment, ing a comprehensive set such as resume writing, of lessons will draw in networking, using job more people, she said. searching resources and how to actually “We think offering the entire series of land a job. classes will be beneficial to people who “It really goes in depth,” said Laura need that extra bit of confidence they Hollister, community engagement team need to land a job,” Hollister said. leader with the Niles District Library.

People can reserve a spot in the pro“It’s designed for seniors but can be used gram by calling the library at (269) by anyone. So everyone is welcome.”

683-8545. While advance registration is The courses will be taught by Char- encouraged, people can also show up at lotte Wenham, an area business pro- any of the classes and participate.

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14

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

Ask the expert Question: What is a Social Security Statement, and how can I get a copy?

Answer: Your online Social Security Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for. You can get your personal Statement online by using your own my Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one.

To set up or use your account to get your online Statement, go to www. socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

We also mail Statements to workers attaining ages 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60 and older, three months prior to their birthday, if they don’t receive Social Security benefits and don’t have a my Social Security account. If you don’t want to wait for your Statement, you can access it online, whatever time of year you need it.

Question: I own a business. What should I do if an employee gives me a Social Security number but cannot produce the card, or if the employee is waiting to receive a Social Security number?

Answer: Seeing the card is not as important as putting the correct information on the worker’s Form W-2.

You can verify employee Social Security numbers by using our Social Security Number Verification Service. Just go to www.socialsecurity.gov/bso. This online service allows registered employers to verify employee Social Security numbers against Social Security records for wage reporting purposes. If the employee recently applied for a Social Security number, but does not yet have a card when you must file the paper Form W-2, enter the words “Applied for” on the Form W-2. If you are filing electronically, enter all zeros (e.g., 00000-0000) in the Social Security number field. When the employee receives the card, file Copy A of Form W-2C, Corrected Wage and Tax Statement with Social Security to show the employee’s number.

Question: My wife didn’t work enough to earn 40 credits to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits. Can she qualify on my record?

Answer: Even if your wife has never worked under Social Security, she may be able to get benefits if she is at least 62 years of age and you are receiving or eligible for retirement or disability benefits. If your wife qualifies on her own record, we will pay that amount first. If the benefit on your record is higher, she will get an additional amount on your record so that the combination of

benefits equals that higher amount. The same is true for any spouse, regardless of their sex. To learn more about spouse benefits go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ planners/retire/yourspouse.html.

Question: I’m retiring early, before full retirement age, and I receive investment income from a rental property I own. I’ve hear there’s a limit on income I can make if I retire early. Does investment income from my rental property count as earnings for Social Security purposes?

Answer: No. We count only the wages you earn from a job or your net profit if you’re self-employed. Non-work income such as annuities, investment income, interest, capital gains, and other government benefits are not counted and will not affect your Social Security benefits. Most pensions will not affect your benefits. However, your benefit may be affected by government pensions earned through work on which you did not pay Social Security tax. You can retire online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

For more information, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-3250778).

Question: I was turned down for disability. Do I need a lawyer to appeal?

Answer: You’re fully entitled to hire a lawyer if you wish to, but it is not necessary. In fact, you can file a Social Security appeal online without a lawyer. Our online appeal process is convenient and secure. Just go to www. socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal. If you prefer, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to appeal.

Question: I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare

benefits if I’m approved for disability benefits?

Answer: You’ll receive Medicare after you receive disability benefits for 24 months. When you become eligible for disability benefits, we will automatically enroll you in Medicare. We start counting the 24 months from the month you were entitled to receive disability, not the month when you received your first payment.

Special rules apply to people with permanent kidney failure and those with “Lou Gehrig’s Disease” (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Learn more about Social Security disability benefits by reading our publication, Disability Benefits, at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

Question: I am trying to save up for a truck. I have $1,200 in the bank now and need a little more. How much cash can I have in the bank without affecting my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility?

Answer: The resource limit is $2,000. Unless you have other valuable resources, this means you could save up to $2,000 before you would become ineligible for SSI. We generally do not count your primary vehicle, the home you live in or certain amounts set aside for burial expenses as resources. If you are in this situation, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) or visit any Social Security office.

Question: What are the rules for getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI)? I’m thinking about applying based on my disability.

Answer: To be eligible to receive SSI benefits, you must be disabled, blind, or age 65 or older and have limited income and resources. Income is money you receive such as wages, Social Security benefits, and pensions. Income also includes the value of such things as food and shelter you receive from others.

Resources are things you own such as

Q&A with social security specialist Stephanie Holland

real estate, bank accounts, cash, stocks, and bonds. You may be able to get SSI if your resources are worth no more than $2,000. A couple may be able to get SSI if they have resources worth no more than $3,000. Learn more by reading our publication, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), at www.socialsecurity. gov/pubs.

Question: Is it true that if you have low income you can get help paying your Medicare premiums?

Answer: Yes, you can get help.

• If your income and resources are limited, your state may be able to help with your Medicare Part B premium, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. State rules vary on the income and resources that apply. Contact your state or local medical assistance, social services, or health and human services office, or call the Medicare hotline, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), and ask about the Medicare Savings Programs.

• If you have limited income and resources, you also may be able to get Extra Help paying for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. If you get the Extra Help, Social Security may contact you to review your status. This reassessment will ensure you remain eligible for Extra Help and you are receiving all the benefits you deserve.

Annually, usually at the end of August, we may send you a form to complete: Social Security Administration Review of Your Eligibility for Extra Help.

You will have 30 days to complete and return this form. Any necessary adjustments to the Extra Help will be effective in January of the following year. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ prescriptionhelp for more information.

Also, see our publication, Medicare (Publication 10043), at www. socialsecurity.gov/pubs. For even more information, visit our website at www. socialsecurity.gov.

15

Living 50 Plus • March 2016 “Your life is the focus; Death is the event.

Do you have a Plan?”

We plan for every aspect of life. Having family, vacations, weddings and retirement are all things we plan. We prepare for what might happen, such as fires, accidents or floods. But, because most of us do not like to think about death, we avoid making important funeral decisions in advance.

Hal Shue is a certified funeral planner and he knows how to personalize and customize a plan to provide the most meaningful experience when family and friends gather to remember.

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When you finish your time with Hal, you will have everything you need for your Celebration of Life Plan for your loved one.

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It simply makes perfect sense and you can live carefree knowing that when “it” happens... you have a “plan.”

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16

Living 50 Plus • March 2016

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