sponsored by Friendship Manor

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100 disability conditions fast-tracked by Social Security 

[October 03, 2011]  Here’s some important news if you’re applying for Social Security disability benefits for yourself or a loved one.  There are 100 conditions which qualify for an expedited process known as Compassionate Allowances.

Compassionate Allowances, which began in December 2007, are a way to quickly identify diseases and other medical conditions that, by definition, meet Social Security’s standards for disability benefits. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Caring for Mom and Dad: cost-effective tips to create an accessible bathroom

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - Many boomers caring for their aging parents don't realize that their bathroom is the most important room in the house.

Remodeling a bathroom for an elderly parent can make life not only safer, but also more enjoyable, improving comfort and personal dignity. Temporary fixes like plastic bathtub seats and toilet frames with elevated seats can be rickety, but even worse, they can be depressing and demoralizing. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Good nutrition important for eye health as you age
 

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - Poor vision has many causes and treatments, and as you grow older, you will likely experience some type of vision loss or reduction in visual performance.

For older adults, bright lights, glare while driving at night and even blindness can dramatically affect quality of life, but the treatment isn't just glasses or a stronger prescription - it's also nutrition and supplementation. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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More Sept. questions and answers from Social Security

[October 03, 2011]  DISABILITY  Question: How does Social Security decide if I am disabled?

Answer:
If you are an adult, you must be unable to work for a year or more because of a medical condition or combination of medical impairments. Overall, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. The process considers any current work activity you are doing. It also considers your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. To be found disabled: (Click here for the rest of the story)

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For caregivers: Dollars and sense about Medicare
 

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - Taking on the role of caregiver for an aging, disabled or seriously ill loved one can be emotionally challenging - and financially baffling. You want to ensure your loved one receives the best medical care available, yet hold down expenses at the same time. And if the person you care for has Medicare, you'll want to make sure you know how to best use it to help with medical expenses. (click here for the rest of the story)

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September questions and answers from Social Security

[October 03, 2011]  GENERAL
Question:

I received a notice from Social Security recently. It said my name and Social Security number do not match Social Security’s records. What should I do?

Answer:

It’s critical that your name and Social Security number, as shown on your Social Security card, match your employer’s payroll records and your W-2 form. If they don’t, here is what you need to do: (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Good doctor-patient communication can lead to better management of rheumatoid arthritis

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - For patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain is a part of life. Nearly 70 percent of people being treated for RA, experience pain, stiffness or fatigue on a daily basis. However, many patients don't realize that better communication with their rheumatologist could lead to improved care. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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socialsecurity.gov delivers

[October 03, 2011]  Would you like to stay informed when there are changes to the Social Security website?  More than one million people currently receive updates when we make changes to the pages they’re most interested in. Now you can too. 

You can subscribe to receive free email updates with the click of a button.  Just visit www.socialsecurity.gov/govdelivery, or look for the red envelope icon on your favorite Social Security web pages. (click here for the rest of the story)

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It's no labor to apply online for retirement benefits  

[October 03, 2011]  If you’re like most workers, you’ve labored hard throughout the year. This Labor Day weekend, it’s nice to be able to kick back and take a rest from all of your hard work. But it may also be a good time to take a look at your retirement plans. The best starting point is to visit Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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For caregivers: tips for addressing chronic illness care

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - Every day, nearly 66 million Americans provide care for a seriously ill, disabled or aging family member or friend. This can be a real challenge, particularly when the person you care for has been diagnosed with a chronic illness. Here are some tips that will make the process easier: (Click here for the rest of the story)

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Want to retire in 2012? Apply now! 

[October 03, 2011]  Plan to start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits in January of 2012?We recommend you apply this October if you’d like your benefits to begin in January. 

If the prospect of traveling to an office does not appeal to you, then save yourself a trip and consider the advantages of applying online for Social Security retirement benefits. The Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov makes the process easy and convenient. (Click here for the rest of the story) 

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Boomer basics: Easy and

affordable tips to maintain an active, safe and healthy lifestyle

[October 03, 2011]  (ARA) - Today's baby boomers are growing older gracefully. And although more than 10,000 boomers each day will turn 65, most are not letting their age stop them from maintaining active and healthy lifestyles.

Here are a few ways to ensure that you (or the ones you love) stay healthy, active and safe. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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If it's not .gov, it's not Social Security

[October 03, 2011]  When you go on a road trip, you need to follow the signs to arrive at the right place. Going online can be very much the same.  Look for the “.gov” at the end of the web address — if it isn’t .gov, it isn’t the real Social Security website — www.socialsecurity.gov. 

Countless consumers nationwide are victimized each year by misleading advertisers who use "Social Security" or "Medicare" to entice the public to use their services. (Click here for the rest of the story)

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People with a disability can get a ticket to work 

[October 03, 2011]  Millions of Americans receive disability benefits from Social Security and there could be good news for many of those who want to work. A free and voluntary program called Ticket to Work gives individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security disability benefits access to meaningful employment while maintaining control over benefit choices. (Click here for the rest of the story) 

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August questions and answers from Social Security

[October 03, 2011] 

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)

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