Page 28 - Senior Times South Central Michigan - July 2016 - 23-07

Page 28
Senior Times - July 2016
N
I-94 Marshall
I-69 Coldwater Exit 13
Old US 12
Indiana
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9011 W. Chicago (US 12) • Allen, Michigan 49227
PREPARATION STARTS WITH INFORMATION
Your parents were there for you when you were born. They’ve been with you through the most important achievements of your life. Now it’s your turn to show them that they can count on you. As your parents get older, they may need help making decisions. When you volunteer to become a representative payee, you’re supporting your parents and their future.
A representative payee is some- one who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments on behalf of a person not capable of managing the funds on his or her own.
As a representative payee, you would make sure your parents’ basic needs are met by using the money to provide them with food, clothing, and shelter. Any left- over money goes into an interest-bearing account or savings bond for your parents’ future needs. You’re responsible for keep- ing records of expenses, and we request yearly reports to see how you’ve used or saved the benefits.
Other representative payee duties include knowing your parents’ needs so you can decide the best way to meet those needs with the benefits provided and
telling us about any changes that may affect your parent’s eligibility for benefits or the payment amount.
If your parents receive Social Security or SSI benefits and are unable to man- age their finances, or you think that may be the case in the future, take the time to become familiar with the responsibilities of a representative payee and consider becoming one.
To learn more about becoming a repre- sentative payee, you can read our publica- tion, A Guide for Representative Payees, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs and
visit the webpage, “When People Need Help Managing Their Money,” at www. socialsecurity.gov/payee. Or, call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request an appointment.
Take the steps to ensure your par- ents have a safe and comfortable future. After all they’ve done for you over your lifetime, volunteering as a representative payee is just one way to show how much you care for and appreciate them. Social Security will always be there for you and your parents through life’s journey.
Stephanie Holland is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 455 Bond St Benton Harbor, MI, 49022 or via email at stephanie.holland@ssa.gov.
updates on your
SOCIAL SECURITY
Stephanie Holland, Special to Senior Times
Social Security Q&A QUESTION: I plan to retire soon. When are Social Security benefits paid?
ANSWER: Social Security benefits are paid each month. Generally, new retirees receive their benefits on either the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of each month, depending on the day in the month the retiree was born. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birth date.
Here’s a chart showing how your monthly payment date is determined:
QUESTION: I’m 65, not ready to retire, but I want to apply for my Medicare coverage. How can I do that?
ANSWER: The easiest and most convenient way is to apply online! Use our online application to sign up for Medicare. It takes less than 10 minutes. In most cases, once your application is submitted electronically, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if we need more information. Otherwise, you’ll receive your Medicare card in the mail. It’s convenient, quick, and easy. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appointment with a Social Security representative. Get started today at www.socialsecurity.gov/medicareonly.
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Before investing, you should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. We can help you with those decisions. We are qualified financial advisors. Give us a call.
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YOUR HOME IS WHERE OUR HEART IS
Day of the Month You Were Born
Social Security Benefits Paid On
1st-10th
Second Wednesday
11th-20th
Third Wednesday
21st-31st
Fourth Wednesday
Securities offered through Harbour Investments, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC