Senior Life
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August questions and answers from Social Security

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[August 15, 2011]  GENERAL

Question:

What should I do if an employee gives me a Social Security number but cannot produce the card? 
 

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 the 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. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Foot care an important factor in healthy aging
 

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[August 15, 2011]  (ARA) - Forget aging gracefully. For today's baby boomers, it's more important than ever to stay healthy and active as they age. While growing older causes some unavoidable body changes, more boomers are focusing on healthy lifestyles that can help them prevent problems associated with aging - like mobility issues related to the feet and legs. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Tips for maintaining a youthful look naturally
 

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[August 15, 2011]  (ARA) - Age means different things to different people. What some might think of as "old", others may view as "young." To present a youthful image to the world, making adjustments to your appearance is key.

To project the right kind of youthful image, it's important to know how to avoid going too far. A common mistake is dressing too young in an effort to avoid looking too old. Striking a balance between embracing current, youthful trends and adding your own style will create a more balanced look.
(Click here for the rest of the story)


The safety net for aged, blind, disabled people with limited income and resources
 

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[August 15, 2011]  There’s a safety net out there for those who might otherwise slip through the cracks. It’s called Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Administered by Social Security, SSI makes payments to people with limited income and few resources who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a disability.  

Funding for the SSI program comes from the general revenues of the U.S. Treasury, not from Social Security payroll taxes. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Beat the heat: Go online to sign up for Medicare 

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[August 15, 2011]  If the dog days of summer have you turning up the air conditioning or fan, here’s a hot tip to keep cool. When the time comes to apply for your Medicare benefits, don’t worry about trudging into the heat and making your way in the blazing sun to a Social Security office. Just pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea, sit back in the comfort of your home or office, and go to www.socialsecurity.gov. (Click here for the rest of the story)


SSN retirement estimator celebrates three years

 

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[August 15, 2011]  It’s been three years since Social Security’s Retirement Estimator went online. Within months of coming out, the online application was praised as one of the highest-rated online services around, and it has consistently remained so every year. (Click here for the rest of the story).


Rules to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation Adopted

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[August 15, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD – July 28, 2011. State regulations designed to protect elders from financial exploitation took effect earlier today. They were approved by the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on July 12. The regulations are needed to implement legislation signed last summer by Governor Quinn that required the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to develop training standards to be used by employees of financial institutions who have direct contact with customers. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Community involvement drives diabetes education

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[August 15, 2011]  (ARA) - Diabetes is a well-known disease, affecting over 8 percent of the U.S. population. However, many adults are living with type 2 diabetes and are not aware they have the disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. Symptoms like frequent urination, blurred vision and excessive thirst often don't appear until after the disease develops. Because of this, frequently a diagnosis isn't made until a serious complication - such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye damage or nerve damage - has occurred. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Springfield Social Security office to begin closing at 3:30 pm daily

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[August 15, 2011]  Congressional Budget Cuts Force Reduced Public Hours

Effective August 15, 2011, the Springfield Social Security office will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – a reduction of 30 minutes each weekday. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Every month is 'National Social Security Online' month 

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[August 15, 2011]  Have you ever stopped to appreciate the many celebrations we enjoy in this country? For example, did you know that July is National Baked Beans Month? It’s also National Hot Dog Month. If beans and hot dogs are not on your diet, that’s okay—it’s also National Blueberry Month! (Click here for the rest of the story)


You and your home: Aging gracefully together

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[August 15, 2011]  (ARA) - Aging gracefully is all about taking a proactive approach to your future well-being - you anticipate the inevitable changes and do what's necessary to stay healthy and fit.

The same principles are true for your home. You need to assess the necessary changes that must be made around your home to keep it fit, and you safe, so you and your home can successfully age together.
(Click here for the rest of the story)


More July questions and answers from Social Security

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[August 15, 2011]  Question:

How does Social Security decide if I am disabled? 

Answer:

For an adult to be considered disabled, Social Security must determine that you are unable to do the work you did before and, based on your age, education, and work experience, you are unable to adjust to any other work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy. Also, your disability must last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability (less than a year). For more information, we recommend you read Disability Benefits (SSA Publication No. 05-10029), available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html. (Click here for the rest of the story) 


Helping people who are living with diabetes save on essential medicines and products

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[August 15, 2011]  (ARA) - Diabetes is one of the nation's most debilitating and costly conditions. Because symptoms can become severe and even life-threatening, management of this chronic condition is essential.

In fact, many of the nearly 26 million adults living with diabetes can maintain a healthier lifestyle using life-saving medicines and products to monitor and control blood sugar levels. (Click here for the rest of the story)


July questions and answers from Social Security

 

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[August 15, 2011]  GENERAL --I thought I saw Patty Duke with George Takei in a new video for Social Security. Was that really them? 

Answer:

Yes. Patty Duke joined George Takei to tell Americans to Boldly Go to www.socialsecurity.gov to apply for retirement, disability, Medicare, and so much more. The two celebrities have donated their time for a new campaign promoting Social Security’s online services as an easy and secure way for people to do business with the agency. Learn more at www.socialsecurity.gov where you also can watch the videos online. (Click here for the rest of the story)


Spend some quality time on Social Security's website 

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[August 15, 2011]  Summertime is here, and for many people that means vacation. Some of the best vacations are the ones that allow you to spend time with family who live far away. 

If you’re planning to visit your kids and grandkids this summer, why not make the most of your time with them?  You may know your way around a computer. (Click here for the rest of the story)


This July, explore Social Security's new frontier 
 
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[August 15, 2011]  Americans have been explorers long before we declared our independence on July 4, 1776.

Colonists were brave enough to venture across the seas to settle in the unknown frontier of the New World.  From there, westward expansion eventually took them from the east coast to the west. Then came the space race, and imagined places to explore. Shows like Star Trek called space the final frontier. But we’ve since found new frontiers, such as cyberspace. (Click here for the rest of the story)


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