Social Services
Planning for your retirement? Let SAI help you!
You’ve probably heard of the many changes and political fights about Social Security. Fact is Social Security is your retirement benefits and proceeds you should receive. As a citizen of the U.S. if you’ve worked at all then you’re entitled to Social Security benefits or Social Security Insurance (SSI) as its known.
Did You Know That…
70.6 million people received benefits from programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2022.
5.6 million people were newly awarded Social Security benefits in 2022.
55% of adult Social Security beneficiaries in 2022 were women.
55.6 was the average age of disabled-worker beneficiaries in 2022.
85% of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients received payments because of disability or blindness in 2022.
|
Year of birth |
Full retirement age (FRA) |
|
1937 and earlier |
65 |
|
1938 |
65 and 2 months |
|
1939 |
65 and 4 months |
|
1940 |
65 and 6 months |
|
1941 |
65 and 8 months |
|
1942 |
65 and 10 months |
|
1943–1954 |
66 |
|
1955 |
66 and 2 months |
|
1956 |
66 and 4 months |
|
1957 |
66 and 6 months |
|
1958 |
66 and 8 months |
|
1959 |
66 and 10 months |
|
1960 and later |
67 |
|
Age for full retirement benefit for retired workers |
|
In 2023 Benefits were awarded to about 5.8 million persons; of those, 62% were retired workers and 9% were disabled workers. The remaining 29% were survivors or the spouses and children of retired or disabled workers. These awards represent not only new entrants to the benefit rolls but also persons already on the rolls who become entitled to a different benefit, particularly conversions of disabled-worker benefits to retired-worker benefits at Full Retirement Age (FRA).
By 2030 the US population aged 50 and over is expected to increase to 132 million and therefore the more we age the more chances of hospitalization and high cost, all which can be taxing on social security benefits.
Here are a few basic Social Security tips to start review NOW:
- Look at your earning record
- Get an idea of your retirement benefits
- See how much you have contributed
- Assess the benefits of taking social security early
- Understand how family members will benefit from social security
One can become overwhelm deciphering truths and falsehoods about Social Security, check out these “need to know”:
Social Security isn’t just for retired workers. Statistic state that as of June 2016,
16 percent beneficiaries were disable workers and their dependents, and 13 percent were survivors (such as widows, widowers and children).
One can start collecting Social Security benefits at age 62, but many wait until age 65 for full retirement benefits. If you are in the categories of any of the following: Widows, widowers, surviving children, the disabled and children of the disabled then you can start collecting earlier. Remember full retirement benefits are based on the year of your birth.
Signing up for Social Security is easy – Call SAI and let them get you signed up painlessly, avoid going online, waiting in line at your local Social Security office or on the phone. TIP: Reach out to Social Security Administration (SSA) three months before you wish to receive your first payment.
How long do I need to work to become eligible for benefits? If you were born in 1929 or later, you need to work at least 10 years to become eligible for Social Security. The SSA determines eligibility with a system of credits. Basically, you earn up to four credits for every year worked, and you need a total of 40 credits to qualify for Social Security.
Must I stop working to collect Social Security benefits? No, you can receive benefits while working. But, if you are younger than the full retirement age and earn more than a certain amount, your monthly benefits will be temporarily reduced. Once you reach full retirement age, however, your benefits will be increased to make up for what was lost over time.
If you’re reaching your full retirement age in 2017, the amount you can earn this year without a reduction in benefits is $44,880. If you’re younger than that, the amount you can earn without a reduction in benefits is $16,920. After you reach your full retirement age, you keep all your benefits, no matter how much you earn.
What’s the maximum monthly Social Security benefit?
The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $3,822. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $2,710. If you retire at age 70 in 2024, your maximum benefit would be $4,873.
Can I receive Social Security benefits based on the earnings of a former spouse? Yes, as long as you were married for 10 years and you aren’t remarried. If so, you’re eligible to claim Social Security benefits under your ex-spouse’s earnings if they turn out to be higher than your own.
How can I boost the amount of my Social Security check? Bottom line: The longer you wait to start collecting after you become eligible at 62, the higher the amount you will receive. For instance, by postponing Social Security until your full retirement age of 66, your benefit will be 25 percent higher than if you started as early as possible. Delay Social Security beyond your full retirement age, and your benefit will go up 8 percent a year until 70 — a 32 percent bonus. Check out AARP social Security Benefit Calculator.
How can I receive my Social Security payments? The Department of Treasury did away with paper checks in March 2013 in favor of direct deposit and debit cards.
When someone dies, how does the Social Security Administration know? The SSA receives reports of beneficiary deaths from family members, funeral homes and other government agencies. You should inform the SSA as soon as possible when a person dies.
There will be monthly updates on Social Security benefits, disability and other pertinent information. Be sure to check the website regularly as a plethora of information on Social Security and how it impacts you will be available. Plus contact SMI Gerontologist for an evaluation and assessment.
Medicare is the hot potato on the tongues of many, especially politicians, who are attempting to make decisions about our health care. The Boomers are and have retired and the last thing needed is to have ‘others’ playing “footsie” with one’s health benefits.
To simplify, let’s start with “what is Medicare?”
Medicare is a government health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To be eligible for Medicare, one must be a legal permanent resident for the past five years or a U.S. citizen 65 years or older, or younger with a qualifying disability. If you are not a citizen of the United States, you can contact the Social Security Administration office to learn if you would be eligible
Medicare Insurance has four plans and coverage: Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.
Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) together make up Original Medicare. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) programs that let you get Medicare plans through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. There is also Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap), which is sold by private companies.
In 2024, more than half (54%) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries – 32.8 million people out of 61.2 million Medicare beneficiaries with both Medicare Parts A and B – are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage enrollment as a share of the eligible Medicare population has jumped from 19% in 2007 to 54% in 2024
Check back regularly with SAI to see the latest updates on Medicare 2017.
Medicare Facts you should know: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/861665341177814214/A
Senior Advocators considers Medicaid and Medicare as first cousins. They are several differences and some similarities.
DIFFERENCES
Medicaid:
- is an assistance program funded by payroll taxes
- Is for people who have low income
- has programs that vary state-to-state
- has people pay very little or no portions for coverage
Medicare:
- Is an insurance program funded by Federal Government?
- Is for people over 65
- Has same program nationwide
- Has people pay deductibles for coverage
SIMILARITIES
- Both Medicare and Medicaid provide inpatient hospital care
- Cover prescription drug consumption
- Benefit people with disabilities
Contact Senior Advocators for an assessment and evaluation in helping sign you up for these services.
The California Medical Assistance Program (Medi-Cal or MediCal) is the name of the California Medicaid welfare program serving low-income individuals, including but not limited to: families, seniors, and persons with disabilities, children in foster care, pregnant women, and childless adults with incomes below 138% of federal poverty level.
Call SAI to assist with completing and applying for Medi-cal as it can be a lengthy process and a lot of moving parts such as, Long Term Care, Hospice, assistance with ACCESS transportation and numerous other benefits that can be complicated to obtain.
Elder Abuse is a ‘silent epidemic’ in America which can affect Elder or dependent adults. In short, elder adult abuse can be defined as the mistreatment or neglect of any elder person (65 or older) or dependent adult (18-64) and physically or mentally impaired. It can be committed by a relative a caregiver, or another person who is in a position to cause harm to the elder or dependent adult. Sometimes the elder/dependent adult can’t take care of her or her own needs. When this occurs, it is called self-neglect.
There are five types of Elder or dependent abuse: Physical, Financial, Mental, Neglect and Self-Neglect. The key signs of Elder and Dependent Abuse can be indicated by ones (a) Physical Appearance, (b) behavioral changes (c) Family or Caregiver Attitude and Behavior.
Any and all observations of Elder Abuse should be reported to Los Angeles County Elder Abuse hotline (877)477-3646, where a ‘live staff’ will gather all information and send to Sheriff and Adult Protective Services (APA) for immediate action.
Who is Adult Protective Services: Adult Protective Services (APS) is 24-hour service program to investigate all situations involving seniors (age 65 and older), and dependent adults (age 18-64 and physically or mentally impaired) who are reported to be endangered by physical, sexual or financial abuse, isolation, neglect, or self-neglect.
Over time SAI will provide a breakdown of each component in Elder Abuse and what to do. Additionally, the most current and up-to-date information and events to attend on Elder Abuse. Contact SAI for an assessment and evaluation on Elder Abuse.
