sponsored by Friendship Manor

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Figuring out retirement 

[March 23, 2011]  For almost every American worker, Social Security is “part of the plan” for a secure retirement. If you are among the roughly 95 percent of workers in the United States who are covered under Social Security, here’s a primer on retirement coverage. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland Announces Program for Family Caregivers 
 

[March 23, 2011]  Springfield - The Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland, in cooperation with Senior Citizens of Logan County, has scheduled a Lunch and Learn program for informal caregivers of older adults and grandparents and other relatives raising children.  It will be held at the Oasis Senior Center, 501 Pulaski Street, Lincoln, on Wednesday, March 30, from noon to 1:00 p.m. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Lower your risk with heart healthy habits

[March 23, 2011]  ARA --The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than one quarter of all deaths are caused by heart disease alone. However, despite its often-deadly effects, heart disease does not have the high profile of cancer, AIDS and other terminal diseases. This means that many people with heart disease either do not realize they have the condition, or do not seek treatment for early warning signs. While many think that heart disease primarily affects men or the elderly, women are just as likely to suffer from heart disease as men. In fact, approximately 10 percent of women age 45-64 suffer from the disease. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Questions and Answers from Social Security

[March 23, 2011]  Question: My neighbor said my kids, 4 and 12, might be eligible for survivors’ benefits since their mother died. Are they?

Answer:

If their mother worked and earned the required number of Social Security credits, both you and your children may be eligible for benefits. Apply promptly for survivors benefits because benefits are generally retroactive only up to six months. You can apply by calling Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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How you can avoid falling victim to the second-most-deadly cancer

[March 23, 2011]  ARA --A new survey shows 72 percent of Americans polled are not aware that colon cancer is the second most deadly cancer in the U.S.

 Colonoscopy. That simple word can make the bravest people cringe. Yet it's a routine procedure that could help save the lives of the 150,000 men and women diagnosed with colon cancer in the U.S. each year. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Your March to-do list

[March 23, 2011]  It’s spring cleaning season! There’s no better time than now to start organizing, and getting important tasks cleared off your list of important things to do. Social Security would like to share a suggested “March To-Do List” with you. 
(Click here for the rest of the story)

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State Agencies Offer llinois Families Extra Help Again This Tax Season

[March 23, 2011]  CHICAGO – March 8, 2011. The Illinois Departments of Revenue (IDOR), Human Services (IDHS) and Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) urge Illinois families to take advantage of tax preparation assistance and easy filing options available at www.tax.illinois.gov. By filing their state taxes electronically, families can get their entire refund quickly and for free, avoiding high-interest refund anticipation loans offered by many commercial tax preparation companies. Low and moderate-income families can take advantage of several tax assistance services offered in conjunction with the State of Illinois. (Click here for the rest of the story)  

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What you can do to speed up your disability application 

[March 23, 2011]  If your disabling condition is preventing you from continuing to work, you may want to apply for disability benefits through Social Security. In most cases, doing so involves a thorough process of determining your eligibility, medical condition, and ability to work. Because we look so carefully at so many cases — more than three million each year — it can take us three to five months to determine whether you are eligible. (Click here for the rest of the story) 

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Prose from the Christian Village

[March 23, 2011]  The Christian Village has a writer's club and we are pleased that they have sent us two of their member's works. Betty Armstrong and Helen Tanner write on the topic: "Spring is a wonderful thing'. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Electronic SSN payments are a must 
 

[March 23, 2011]  For years, Social Security has stressed the convenience, security, and safety of getting benefit payments electronically. Soon, direct deposit (or Direct Express) will not only be the best way to receive Federal benefit payments — it will be the only way.  (Click here for the rest of the story)

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