Social Security September 2021

SOCIAL SECURITY 2021 EDITION

A supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

2 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

5 WAYS TO APPLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS ONLINE

By Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

We continue to make it easier for you to access our programs and benefits. Our website offers a convenient way to apply for benefits online.

You can apply online for: Retirement or Spouse’s Benefits – You must be at least 61 years and 9 months in age and want your benefits to start in no more than four months.

Check out our Apply for Benefits page for information on how to apply.

Disability Benefits – You can use our online application to apply for disability benefits if you: • Are age 18 or older.

a starting point to request a review of the determination we made. Please visit our Appeal a Decision page to learn more.

• Are not currently receiving Supplemental Security benefits on your own Social Income (SSI) – SSI is a federal Security record. income program funded by • Are unable to work because general tax revenues, and of a medical condition that helps people who have little is expected to last at least 12 or no income and who are months or result in death. age 65 or older, blind, or have Have not been denied disabilities. If you meet certain disability benefits in the last requirements, you may apply 60 days. If your application online. If you are not able to was recently denied, our apply online, call your local online appeal application, is Social Security office to apply.

Medicare – Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 or older, some people younger than 65 who have disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease. If you are not already receiving Social Security benefits, you should apply for Medicare three months before turning age 65 at Medicare Benefits page.

Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs – People who need assistance with the cost of medications can apply for Extra Help on

our website.

We also encourage you to sign up for a personal ‘my Social Security’ account if you don’t have one. Using your personal ‘my Social Security’ account, you can request a replacement Social Security card, verify your earnings, get future benefit estimates, and obtain benefit verification letters.

SOCIAL SECURITY

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 3

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR INCREASED BENEFITS

By Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

We know your circumstances may change after you apply—or become eligible—for benefits.

If you, or a family member, receive Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), certain life changes could entitle you to an increase in your benefit amount.

As part of our Potential Entitlement initiative, we want to help you identify where you might qualify for a higher benefit. For example, you may be entitled to higher benefits based on your own earnings record or someone else’s record. Some of the life changes that could possibly increase your benefits include the following scenarios: • If your spouse or ex-spouse dies, you may be eligible for a higher survivor benefit based on his or her earnings record. The death of an ex-spouse may entitle you to a higher survivor benefit even if you are already receiving a survivor benefit on another spouse.

Our publication, Survivors

Benefits, has additional information we encourage you to check out.

recipients, and people with limited English proficiency. We are proud to say that since we started the initiative in 2017, our efforts have resulted in approximately $553 million in retroactive and total monthly increased benefits paid.

We encourage you to check out our Explore the Benefits You May Be Due page for more information on any additional benefits available for you and your family. You can use your personal my Social Security account to check your benefit and payment information – along with your earnings record. If you don’t have a personal my Social Security account, you can create one today!

• If you are receiving Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work and you have worked, you may be eligible for a higher retirement benefit based on your own work.

• If your deceased adult child provided at least half of your support, you may be eligible for a higher parent’s benefit based on your child’s work history.

Our publication, Parent’s Benefits, includes more information you may want to consider.

We continue to focus our Potential Entitlement initiative on people who face barriers to service. This includes our elderly population, children with disabilities, veterans, SSI

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4 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

10 WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION

emails, texts, or any message that say you need to immediately pay to resolve a problem, such Fraudsters don’t go on as legal trouble with the vacation—so it’s necessary government or a virus on for you and your loved ones your computer, or even to to stay vigilant year round. collect a prize, like lottery Identity theft affects millions or sweepstakes winnings. of people each year and Legitimate businesses will can cause serious financial not force you to make a and identity-related issues. payment over the phone Protect yourself by securing as the only option, and your personal information, will not require payment understanding the threat of by prepaid debit card, gift identity theft, and exercising card, Internet currency, caution. We have a list of 10 or by mailing cash. things you can start doing 2. Protect your Social now to protect yourself and Security number by your loved ones. keeping your card in a 1. Don’t believe calls, safe place at home. Don’t

By Darlynda Bogle, Deputy Commissioner for Communications www.SSA.gov

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SOCIAL SECURITY

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

your computer, take it to someone you know and trust.

9. Create strong passwords so others can’t easily access your accounts. Use different passwords for different accounts so if a hacker compromises one account, they can’t access other accounts. Check out the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) password checklist for tips.

10. Never click on a link sent in an unsolicited email or text message—type in the web address yourself.

Only provide information on secure websites.

Stay smart. Stop scams.

We encourage you to create your own personal my Social Security account to track your earnings record.

Contact Social Security if you find suspicious work activity on your record–you could be a victim of identity theft. You can find more information and report identity theft to the FTC on their Identity Theft website.

Please share this information with your family and friends—and post it on social media.

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carry it around with you or provide your number unnecessarily.

Be careful when you speak with unknown callers. Scammers may use legitimate phone numbers or the real names of officials to mislead you. If they threaten you or make you feel scared, hang up.

Never give out your personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call or message. And don’t post it on social media.

Shred paper that contains personal information, such as your name, birth date, and Social Security number.

Regularly check your financial accounts for suspicious transactions.

Request and check a free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus every year: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.

Install and maintain strong anti-virus software on all your devices—including your smartphone, personal computer, and tablet.

Don’t fall for tech support scams, including pop-up warnings. If you need help fixing a problem on

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 5

Counties Served: Nez Perce, Latah, Clearwater, Lewis, Idaho, Adams, Valley, Benton, Franklin, Yakima, Walla Walla, Columbia, Garfield, Whitman, Spokane, Asotin and Surrounding Counties Lewiston, ID: 208-746-3050 • Kamiah, ID: 208-935-2204 Walla Walla, WA: 509-525-3388 • Moscow, ID: 208-882-0616 Tri-Cities, WA: 509-735-3388 • Yakima, WA: 509-469-3388 Spokane, WA: 509-315-1235

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SOCIAL SECURITY

UNDERSTANDING SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS benefits through two programs: in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition • The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) of disability. In addition to meeting our definition of program. disability, individuals must • The Supplemental Security Disability is something have worked long enough — Income (SSI) program. most people don’t like to and recently enough — under think about, but the chances Social Security to qualify for SOCIAL SECURITY that you’ll become disabled DISABILITY SSDI benefits. While some are greater than you realize.

INSURANCE (SSDI) programs give money to people Studies show that a 20-yearSocial Security pays benefits with partial disability or shortold worker has a 1-in-4 chance term disability, Social Security to people who can’t work of becoming disabled before does not. because they have a medical reaching full retirement age. condition that’s expected to SSDI is funded through Social Security pays disability last at least one year or result payroll taxes. Recipients have worked for years and have contributed to the Social Security trust fund in the form of Social Security taxes – received under either the Federal Insurance Contributions Act for employees or the SelfEmployment Contributions Act for the self-employed. These taxes translate into Social Security “credits.” Qualified Call Cathy Gibbons or Brook Brown dependents of a disabled work today for more information. may also receive benefits even Medicare Supplemental, Medicare Advantage and Part D RX plans available. though they may not have ••• worked.

Call one of our licensed brokers at (509) 758-5529 to schedule an in

By Dawn Bystry, Deputy Associate Commissioner, Office of Strategic and Digital Communications www.SSA.gov

CHECK MEDICARE YOUR LIST.

OFF

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person, virtual, or phone appointment today. We are practicing strict COVID– 19 protocols for your safety during in person appointments.

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The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. In 2021, for example, you earn one credit for each $1,470 in wages or selfemployment income. When

you’ve earned $5,880, you’ve earned your four credits for the year.

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI) SSI provides payments to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources. Although Social Security manages the program, the SSI program is funded by general tax revenues and is not paid for from Social Security taxes. Also, SSI benefits are not based on your work history.

HOW YOU QUALIFY It’s important to know which benefits you may qualify to receive. Please read our publications, Disability Benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), for more information. You can also see if you meet the requirements for disability benefits on our How You Qualify page. When you apply for either program, we’ll collect medical and other information from you and make a decision about whether or not you qualify for benefits.

You can apply online for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare, or disability benefits.

SOCIAL SECURITY

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 7

PEOPLE WITH ALS CAN GET SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS SOONER

By Mike Korbey, Deputy Commissioner for Communications www.SSA.gov

May was Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Awareness Month. ALS is a progressive disease with no known cure. It advances rapidly and attacks the nerve cells responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. On average, 1,000 people with ALS apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits every year.

The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act of 2019 eliminates the required five-month SSDI waiting period for ALS applicants approved for benefits on or after July 23, 2020. The new law, however, does not affect our disability application or determination process.

This past month, we made the ALS claims processing even faster. Our system now automatically eliminates the five-month waiting period for ALS disability insurance claims. Previously, we had to prepare manual awards and

send them to our Processing Centers for action—which took much more time. Now, we can help people with this debilitating disease in just a matter of days.

To give a real life example, a claimant with ALS recently submitted to us an online disability application.

Using an electronic health exchange, we were able to collect sufficient medical evidence for the claimant and processed the claim in just two days. To learn more about how this process works, please visit our Disability Benefits Approval page.

Do you need to file for disability benefits? If so, we encourage you to apply online. You can check the status of your disability application online with your personal my Social Security account. Please share this information with your family and friends—and post it on social media.

Carmel Minogue

8 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

SSI HELPS OUR MOST VULNERABLE

By Kate Lang, Senior Staff, Justice in Aging www.SSA.gov

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced Social Security to limit in-person appointments to critical situations only. This led to a sharp decrease in the number of people applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. SSI provides monthly payments to people with low income and few resources who can no longer work due to age or disability.

Many of these individuals— especially older adults and those with limited English

proficiency—rely on in-person meetings to get the help they need. Social Security stands ready to assist these groups with online and telephone services. Older adults wanting to apply for SSI payments must call the national 800 number (800-772-1213). Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can call TTY 800-325-0778. Anyone can contact a local Social Security office to request an appointment. Social Security also provides free interpreter services in more than 150 languages.

At the end of 2020, Social

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Security began an outreach program for people currently receiving Social Security benefits who could potentially be eligible for additional payments through SSI. These individuals receive letters from Social Security to notify them of their potential eligibility. The letter provides a phone number people can call for possible SSI eligibility screening.

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Social Security has also recently released on its web page additional Information for People Helping Others to apply for SSI or disability benefits. With these resources, more representatives from non-profits, health care organizations, and state and local governments can work with Social Security to serve those in need during these unprecedented times.

SOCIAL SECURITY

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 9

HOMELESSNESS AND SOCIAL SECURITY

and support to this underserved community.

Third-party groups include:

People experiencing homelessness can often start with contacting the Department of Social Services in their state to learn about other service providers who can help. Community behavioral health program providers may also assist homeless individuals to apply for benefits and submit medical information needed for decision-making.

make understanding SSA’s LEGAL SERVICES terminology and process PROVIDERS. difficult to navigate. The • SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access standard process for applying and Recovery (SOAR) for SSI and SSDI doesn’t trained staff. work well for this population.

Supplemental Security Internet access proves virtually • Health Care for the Homelessness doesn’t have to Income (SSI) and Social impossible. The COVID-19 Homeless programs. be an ongoing condition for so Security Disability Insurance pandemic has only made the • Community trained case many of our neighbors. Let’s (SSDI) are lifelines for people struggle to apply for benefits managers and social work together to help those in experiencing homelessness. The worse. workers. need and ensure that those who U.S. Department of Housing Homelessness places are eligible are approved as and Urban Development’s • Protection and Advocacy limitations on a person’s 2020 Annual Homelessness organizations in each state. early as possible in the process. communication with Assessment Report notes Social Security. Phone roughly 580,000 people are currently without a home and communication (including texts) presents difficulties—as Since 1903 the National Alliance to End does traditional mail.

Th e Homelessness found about 2530 percent have severe physical limited options for contact and communication often lead to and mental disabilities. benefit application denial for People who experience technical reasons—such as not Celebrate a life with a special memorial. homelessness tend to age faster responding to mail and not than people who have access to keeping appointments. When housing because of the stress Honor your loved one with this happens, individuals of living on the street, poor a customized work of art. continue to re-apply as their nutrition, social isolation, and health deteriorates and anxiety the effects of extreme weather increases. and unsanitary conditions.

Third-party providers and They also often deal with organizations can help people substance use disorders along experiencing homelessness with severe health issues— navigate the SSI/SSDI process including diabetes, heart for faster benefit payment disease, and HIV/AIDS. decisions. They can assist The mental health with taking their benefits disorders often also include applications and provide cognitive problems that garlinghousememorials.com | 208.743.2471 knowledgeable information

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10 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

THE MOST VALUABLE INVESTMENT: A REFLECTION ON RELATIONSHIPS AND HEARING LOSS Courtesy of Anne Simon, AuD Simon Audiology & Tinnitus

My husband proposed to me on New Year’s Eve, 2002.

The ring he took out of his pocket was the same ring his grandfather proposed to his grandmother with, some 65 years prior. It was a cushion cut diamond. Square with rounded corners on a square setting.

It had an outer border with stones. The style was the most popular in the 1930s. It was classic. I loved it!

Not just for the style. That ring was so richly meaningful because it connected me to my husband’s family. My husband has often spoken how much his grandfather meant to him. And on my hand, was the ring he gave to his wife.

We resized the ring to fit my smaller finger. One day, I noticed a stone missing. I was crestfallen. Yes, I could have put a new stone in and have the settings repaired. But, no, I couldn’t ‘replace’ the stone.

So much of what the stones

What if caring for your hearing could make you more . . . Lovable?

An important key to fondness is the feeling that we are heard and understood. Being heard reinforces the sense that we are not alone in the world. One of the greatest gi�s you can give to your dear ones is to hear them.

Caring for your hearing will help you be more Lovable!

Simon Audiology Anne Simon, AuD

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have done this years ago.”

Untreated hearing loss is a life of missed moments of ‘before.’

Many moments are not heard.

And given the extra effort The ‘now’ is built on so many needed to hear, moments heard may not be well-remembered. ‘befores.’ and the ring mean to me is the history. The ring represents some of the building blocks of the person who grew into the man I married.

THE ‘NOWS’ AND ‘BEFORES’ OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIP When you meet someone new, there can be a point where the relationship branches. The relationship could become a known acquaintance or a dear friend. The friendship blossoms when you exchange one another’s history. You share the ‘befores’ to see what made your new friend into the ‘now.’ It’s as if we say to one another, “Tell me your history. Tell me how you became you.”

Many precious stones that connect you to your dear ones can be lost. Just like my particular stone, it can’t be recovered.

One of the very precious privileges of my life is to see the bonds renewed between those I care for and their dear ones.

There is nothing as precious or valuable than the people in our lives. Don’t cast aside the ‘befores’ that enrich the ‘now.’ Caring for your hearing can transform your life and relationships. If you or a loved one find conversation difficult, When I lost that stone, I an audiologic evaluation is the was scared to lose another. I stored the ring in a safe place, best, next step. You have five promising myself I would have senses that you experience life it repaired. My husband offered through. Why not experience life to the fullest? Call my to have it repaired often over the years. Recently, I took it to office today to schedule your consultation! 208-746-7022. a local jeweler. I find myself asking why I hadn’t done this years ago.

It’s a question I get often from people who come to me for their hearing. Once fitted with hearing aids, I’ll hear, “I should

SOCIAL SECURITY

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 11

HOW THE SAVER’S CREDIT CAN HELP YOU SAVE FOR RETIREMENT

By Catherine Collison, CEO and president of nonprofit Transamerica Institute and its Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies www.SSA.gov

Catherine Collinson of Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies at Marketplace Studios in Los Angeles, CA.Saving for retirement can be difficult in the best of times, but even harder during a pandemic and challenging economy.

An underutilized tax credit, known as the Saver’s Credit, may be able to make it easier.

consistently find that awareness of this credit is low. In fact, our 2019 retirement survey of workers found that only 43 percent of U.S. workers were aware of this credit.

Saver’s Credit eligibility is based on your contributions to a 401(k), 403(b) or similar employersponsored In a nutshell, the Saver’s retirement Credit is a tax credit that is plan, a traditional or Roth intended to promote retirement IRA, or an ABLE account for savings among people who which you are the designated may find it hard to save. It is beneficiary. Depending on your an additional benefit that goes adjusted gross income (AGI) beyond tax-deferred savings, reported on your IRS Form and reduces your tax bill 1040 series return, the amount dollar-for-dollar by the amount of the credit is 50 percent, 20 of the credit. percent, or 10 percent of your The Saver’s Credit can reduce contribution. For tax year 2020, an eligible taxpayer’s federal the following maximum AGIs income taxes when they save apply: in a qualified retirement • Single tax filers: $32,500. plan, such as a 401(k), or in • Heads of households: an individual retirement $48,750. account (IRA). Unfortunately, at Transamerica Center • Married and filing jointly: for Retirement Studies® we $65,000.

3. The IRS has several Free Additionally, the taxpayer File partners that offer must be 18 or older, cannot be online, free tax preparation a full-time student, and cannot tools for taxpayers with a be claimed as a dependent on max AGI of $72,000. another person’s tax return.

Important things you need to 4. You can make IRA contributions for tax year know: 2020 up until May 17. As of 1. The IRS offers a quiz on its tax year 2020, there is no website to easily determine longer a maximum age for if you qualify for the credit. making IRA contributions.

2. You need to complete You can find more details IRS Form 8880 if you are in English and Spanish at preparing your tax return transamericacenter.org/ manually. Note that on this form the Saver’s Credit saverscredit and irs.gov. is called the “Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions.”

12 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

THREE RETIREMENT PLANNING TIPS FOR WOMEN

By Cindy Hounsell, President of Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement www.SSA.gov

One day in 1939, Ida May Fuller stopped by the local Social Security office in her hometown of Rutland, Vermont, and said, “I knew I’d been paying into Social Security and I wanted to learn more.” The following year, she received the very first Social Security benefit payment—$22.54—and it arrived as check number 00000-001. Ida’s story still holds lessons for women today—and it started with her getting the information she needed. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, let us consider the following retirement planning tips you should know.

Today, signing up for a personal my Social Security

account can help you get tailored information to plan for your retirement.

It’s never too late to start planning.

Ida was 65 years old when she started receiving benefit payments, but she lived well beyond her life expectancy of 65 years, 4 months.

In fact, Ida lived to be 100 years old, and received Social Security benefit payments for 35 years.

It’s important to create your personal my Social Security account as soon as possible.

With your account, you can view estimates of future benefits, verify your earnings, and view the estimated Social

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Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid. Verifying earnings is important because your future benefit is based on your earnings history.

having to provide for yourself for 15 years or longer. Unlike in Ida’s day, you can go online to see if you’re eligible to receive a current, deceased, or former spouse’s benefits. It Your Social Security benefit might make financial sense to payments will provide only claim those benefits instead of a portion of pre-retirement income. That means you’ll have your own—since the payments to save more to have adequate could be higher based on the individual’s own earnings income for your desired history. lifestyle in retirement.

Right coverage.

Right price.Savings need to be an active Right here in town. part of your plan to take care

In the spirit of Ida, we encourage you to plan for your financial future. Please share of yourself and your family’s this information with your financial future. Ida never Here’s the deal. The right married.

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LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 13

3 WAYS TO FIGHT SCAMMERS WHO TARGET YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

By Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner www.SSA.gov

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money and personal information by exploiting your fears. The most effective way to defeat scammers is to know how to identify scams and to ignore suspicious calls and emails.

One common tactic scammers use is posing as federal agents and other law enforcement. They may claim your Social Security number is linked to a crime. They may even threaten to arrest you if you do not comply with their instructions. Here are three things you can do: 1. Hang up right away or do not reply to the email.

2. Never give personal information, money, or retail gift cards.

3. Report the scam immediately to our law enforcement team at the Office of the Inspector General.

You should continue to remain vigilant of phone calls when someone says there’s a problem with your Social Security number or your benefits. If you owe

us money, we will mail you a letter explaining your rights, payment options, and information about appealing.

There are a few ways you can identify a scam call or email.

Remember that we will never: • Threaten you with benefit suspension, arrest, or other legal action unless you pay a fine or fee.

• Promise a benefit increase or other assistance in exchange for payment.

• Require payment by retail gift card, cash, wire transfer, internet currency, or prepaid debit card.

• Demand secrecy from you in handling a Social Security-related problem.

• Send official letters or reports containing personally identifiable information via email.

If you do not have ongoing business with us, it is unlikely we will contact you. Again, if you get a suspicious call claiming to be from Social Security, you should hang up and report it right away to our Office of the Inspector General.

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14 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

MEDICAID FACTS Courtesy of Merchant Funeral Home

FACT: Many People

WHAT IS MEDICAID?

By definition, Medicaid is a jointly funded program who require nursing home care cannot managed by both state and afford to pay the costs. federal governments. Medicaid offers medical treatment, Because of the high costs, a high percentage of residents that including nursing home care for low-income individuals live in nursing homes rely on who are 65 or older, blind or Medicaid to pay for their care.

Today, an estimated four percent disabled. of the over 65 age population The rules for qualifying for lives in a nursing home. As the Medicaid change often and proportion of the older people vary state to state and from increases due to longer life country to country. Medicaid is expectancies, it is likely that not considered an entitlement more and more people will need program like Social Security; nursing home care. rather it is a needs-based

Merchant Memorial Group

program. Because it is based on the need, a person is not eligible to receive Medicaid benefits as a matter of right.

Each person must make himself or herself eligible.

or she may have to use his or her own assets to pay for his or her care in a nursing home.

There are several methods to “spend down” assets, one of which is to prepay funeral As a component of qualifying or cremation expenses. Most agencies will exclude a prepaid for Medicaid, a person must funeral plan (within limits) have limited assets. To limit when determining eligibility assets, a person may be for assistance. required to “spend down” his or her assets to a level as MEDICAID ELIGIBILITY determined by the appropriate The qualifications for regulatory agency in his or her Medicaid eligibility vary from area. The concept of “spending state to state and from country down” is simple. Essentially, to country. An attorney who the Medicaid agencies will understands Medicaid should provide funding for nursing be contacted before attempting home care only once a person’s to qualify for Medicaid assets have been reduced to the coverage. In order to qualify, specified limits. you typically need to meet the following requirements: FACT: There are several methods to • Be a U.S. citizen “spend down” assets, one living in the U.S. of which is to prepay • Be over 65, disabled or blind funeral expenses.

• Have a “medical necessity” If a person’s assets exceed the specified limits, then he FACTS cont. on next page

SOCIAL SECURITY

LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | 15

THREE WAYS THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING CAN SUPPORT YOU

By By Jordan Broderick, Public Affairs Specialist, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health www.SSA.gov

yourself, your loved ones, or your organization. Many health information pages and publications are also available in Spanish.

The National Institute on 2. Health information and Aging (NIA), part of the research news about National Institutes of Health, Alzheimer’s disease and conducts and supports related dementias. As the scientific research to help more primary federal agency for people live healthy, active research on these diseases, lives as they grow older. NIA NIA oversees the website offers the following resources Alzheimers.gov. The website to support older adults, their provides information in families, and caregivers: both English and Spanish 1. Information on for people living with these maintaining health and devastating diseases— function as you age. You and for their families and can read NIA’s health caregivers. information online or order 3. Clinical trial information free print publications for and resources for FACTS cont. from previous page

requiring skilled nursing care • Medical and nursing home expenses exceed income • Meet the income cap – the applicant cannot make more than $1,656 (2003) per month in income • Have limited assets (usually less than $2,000, excluding home). Special rules may also cover an applicant’s assets and how they were used up to five years before an application

people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, their caregivers, and healthy individuals. NIA offers in-depth information on participating in clinical trials and can help you find one convenient to you.

community, and clinical trials.

You can also explore NIA’s website for timely information such as federal resources to support older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When you sign up for NIA’s emails, we can receive weekly tips on healthy aging You can contact NIA’s and caregiving—and updates about clinical trials, scientific information resource centers by phone or email to research, and research funding opportunities. You can learn about healthy aging, Alzheimer’s disease and related also follow NIA on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. dementias, services in your

to Medicaid is made.

Examples of assets are as follows: • Checking/Savings Accounts • Mutual Funds • Stocks/Bonds • Deferred Annuities • Cash value of most life insurance policies • Revocable living trusts • 401K/IRA/Keoghs • Burial Trusts beyond a minimum amount

Woods Insurance Agency

16 | SEPTEMBER 25 & 26, 2021 | LEWISTON TRIBUNE & MOSCOW-PULLMAN DAILY NEWS

SOCIAL SECURITY

Timing counts when it comes to your social security benefit Social Security can be one of your most valuable retirement assets. The decision of when you start taking your benefit impacts how much you’ll receive.

Call or visit today, and learn how your decision impacts your overall retirement income strategy.

Final decisions about Social Security filing strategies always rest with you and should always be based on your specific needs and

Edward Jones

health considerations. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Brady S. Arnone

919 Highland Ave. Ste. B Clarkston, WA, 99403 (509) 254-5579

Cody Jess

Scott Arnone 302 5th St., Ste. 1 Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8119 (800) 441-2308

Stephanie

650 SE Bishop Blvd Johnson Suite 130 517 Thain Rd. Pullman WA Lewiston, ID 99163 83501 (509) 339-7090 (208) 746-7167 (877) 490-7167

IRT-1969C-A

Trevor E. Arnone

Brian E. Bailey, ® AAMS

1455 G St., Ste. 101 Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-2308 (844)-746-2308

Larry Kopczynski 2501 17th St. Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 798-4732 (866) 798-4732

931 6th St. Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8731

Christian Leer, AAMS®

Sherrie Beckman, ®

Greg Bloom

AAMS

940 Bryden Ave. Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-3875 (800) 646-8316

Beau A. Melton

Jeff Bollinger, Patrick Cruser, Ryan Hamilton ® 650 SE Bishop Blvd AAMS ®

AAMS®, CFP Professional Mall II 1260 SE Bishop Eastside Marketplace 1420 S. Blaine, Ste. 22 Blvd., Ste. C Moscow, ID Pullman, WA 83843 99163 (208) 882-4474 (509) 332-1564

Brad Melton, Jay Mlazgar, ® AAMS®

AAMS

1300 16th Ave., Ste. 101 Clarkston, WA 99403 (509) 758-8353

Kaitlyn A Pimienta

609 S. Washington 0201 1st St., 609 S. Washington, 621 Bryden Ave., 740 5th St. Ste. 203 Std. A Ste 203 Ste. B Clarkston, WA Moscow, ID Moscow, ID 83843 Lewiston, ID Lewiston, ID 99403 83843 83501 (208) 882-1234 83501 (509) 751-1610 (208) 882-1234 (208) 746-1114 (208) 413-6933 (877) 751-1610

MAKING SENSE OF INVESTING

Suite 130 Pullman, WA 99163 (509) 339-7090

Carolyn Hicklin 212 Rodeo Dr., Ste. 810 Moscow, ID 83843 (208) 883-4460

Matt Sartini, Jessica Riehle Dean E. Roy, ® ® 940 Bryden Ave. Lewiston, ID 83501 (208) 746-3875

Member SIPC

AAMS

AAMS

1024 16th Ave. 122 Johnson Ave. Orofino, ID Ste. C 83544 Lewiston, ID (208) 476-3271 83501 (208) 798-4742 (866) 904-3271 (877) 798-4770

600268I_21