sponsored by Friendship Manor

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A handsome gift for dad 

[June 13, 2011]  Father’s Day is right around the corner. Perhaps you’ll give Dad the usual gift: a necktie, shaving set, leather wallet, or new fishing lure. But there’s something he may appreciate even more. People all over the country are helping their dads save nearly $4,000 a year on the cost of prescription drugs. You can help your dad too — and it won’t cost you a dime.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Governor Quinn announces state efforts to address seniors' health during warm summer months

Urges Illinoisans to take precautions, check on elderly

[June 13, 2011]  SPRINGFIELD –  As temperatures rise, Governor Pat Quinn has announced services available to protect people from excessive summer heat, and asked people across Illinois to look out for those most vulnerable to the high temperatures, including the elderly and children during the upcoming summer months. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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More June questions and answers from Social Security

[June 13, 2011]  Question:  

I’m applying for disability benefits. Do I automatically receive Medicare benefits if I'm approved for disability benefits? 

Answer:

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

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Watch out for Green Dot scam

[June 13, 2011]  A woman in Springfield was approached by this “Green Dot” card scam. Please keep in mind that there are legitimate Green Dot Cards, but con artists have picked up on this system to fraud people.

“Green Dot Cards are re-loadable debit cards that can be purchased at almost every convenience store. The Green Dot re-loadable debit cards are the latest scam for con artists working a well known type of grant scam. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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June questions and answers from Social Security

[June 13, 2011]  Question:

Is it true I must now receive my benefits through direct deposit? 

Answer:

Anyone applying for benefits on or after May 1, 2011, will be required to receive their payments electronically, while those already receiving paper checks will need to switch by March 1, 2013. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Important links to protect senior citizens

[June 13, 2011]  As the elderly population grows in Illinois and across our nation, protecting older citizens continues to be one of the most important responsibilities of the Attorney General’s office. Far too often, scam artists perceive senior citizens as vulnerable and relatively wealthy due to their ability to access retirement accounts and pensions. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Could CT scans for lung cancer save lives?

[June 13, 2011]  (ARA) - Lung cancer kills more people each year than any other form of cancer. However, a recent medical study found that one screening procedure for those who are at the most risk for lung cancer could be helpful in catching lung cancer in its early stages. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Most Americans unaware of gout risk factors
 

[June 13, 2011]  (ARA) - Most Americans need to know more about the risk factors for gout, according to the findings of a new consumer survey. Gout, sometimes called gouty arthritis, is chronic and painful. If left untreated, it can become disabling. It now affects an estimated 8.3 million Americans. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Social Security: Make sure you get the right amount 

[June 13, 2011]  At Social Security, our goal is to make sure you are paid the correct amount, on time, every month. 

Some things have made that job easier over our more than 70 years of paying benefits, such as direct deposit and electronic application systems. But some of the factors that determine your payment amount still depend on good old fashioned human intervention. And in some cases, getting the correct payment amount depends on you. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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You can rely on electronic payments

[June 13, 2011]  You probably don’t need a reminder that natural disasters lurk around the corner when we least expect it.  

Many natural disasters force people to leave their homes.  The last thing a person who falls victim to this kind of devastation needs to worry about is how they’re going to get their next Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Grandpa John's lesson

By Mike Fak

[June 13, 2011]  Like many of us, I have fond memories of grandparents. My grandpa John and Grandma Mary gave me a lifetime of treasured memories but none as important to me as this story I am about to tell. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Social Security Board of Trustees: Projected Trust Fund Exhaustion One Year Sooner

[June 13, 2011]  The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report on the financial health of the Social Security Trust Funds. The combined assets of the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance, and Disability Insurance (OASDI) Trust Funds will be exhausted in 2036, (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Two stray cats and an old man

By Mike Fak

[June 13, 2011]  We currently have two cats in our family. Smirky is fifteen years old and Jackson is almost six. The family doesn't have anything against dogs but with our families being up north we take frequent weekend trips away from the house and that wouldn't be fair to either a dog's bladder or our rugs. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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May questions and answers from Social Security

[June 13, 2011]  Question: I can’t seem to find my Social Security card. Do I need to get a replacement? 
Answer:

In most cases, knowing your Social Security number is enough.  But if you do apply for and receive a replacement card, do not carry that card with you.  Keep it with your important papers. For more information about your Social Security card and number and for information about how to apply for a replacement, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. If you believe you’re the victim of identity theft, read our publication Identity Theft And Your Social Security Number, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10064.html.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Archived articles

Archived articles