People often think the first step in a job search is writing a resume, but that isn’t true for everyone. Before diving into a job search, it’s important to consider the types of jobs that you are interested in and the skills you most enjoy using. If you haven’t been interested in or passionate about your past jobs, it probably …
Work from Home: Career Exploration Tips
Work from home jobs are appealing to many people, including to those with disabilities. Not only does it eliminate transportation barriers, but it saves money in gas, vehicle maintenance, and clothing. A common question asked of ERI’s employment specialists is “How can I get a job that I can do at home?” Work from home job opportunities have increased dramatically …
Unknown Assets and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries occasionally learn they own a countable asset they weren’t aware of. For example, a beneficiary may discover that a relative had purchased stock for them and it has a cash value. In this type of situation, Social Security first determines if the SSI beneficiary has: If so, the asset is a countable resource for SSI, …
Free Tax Preparation Services
If you’re like a lot of people, you may have waited until now to start thinking about doing your taxes… and may be wondering how you’re going to get them filed by April 15th. Don’t panic — we have good news! You may be able to get free help to prepare your taxes. My Free Taxes is a safe, online …
Ask Ben: How Do I Use SSA’s Online Service?
Yodel-ay-he-hoo! I’m here in the Swiss Alps, learning to yodel and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Did you know herders use yodeling to call their stock, and that the sound of a yodel can travel between Alpine villages? I’ll give my voice a rest and answer a question from Dua about how to get in touch with Social Security. And I …
Social Security, Benefits and Taxes
Benefits Specialists normally do not assist clients with their taxes unless they are qualified tax preparers. However, they should have a general knowledge of how Social Security benefits may affect a person’s taxes and what credits may be available to their consumers. Title XVI and Title II Benefits are Treated Differently All Title XVI (Supplemental Security Insurance or SSI) payments …
Ask Ben: My Spouse and I Want to Enroll in Medicare Part B. What Are Our Options?
Good morning young Hobbits! I am at a Hobbiton where they filmed parts of the Lord of the Rings movies here in Matamata, New Zealand. Even though I still feel hungry even after my second breakfast, I’ll answer a question from Jane and Keisha. Hey Ben – My spouse and I want to enroll in Medicare Part B. Neither of …
Gifts and Social Security Benefits
We hope you enjoy many gifts this holiday season. And remember, sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages. Just in case, it’s a good idea to learn how gifts are viewed by Social Security for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. Let’s start with the easy one: SSDI. Gifts do not affect SSDI …
Ask Ben: Help! Repaying My Student Loans is Tough!
Last month I was enjoying the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin when suddenly. . . the air turned icy! Now I’m at the beautiful Grand Canyon where the temperatures are in the high 50s and wildlife abounds. Just this morning I saw a Golden Eagle, Canyon Wren, and several Bighorn Sheep. There are 447 known species of birds in the …
Ask Ben: I’m Enrolled in Medicare. Is There Something I Need to Do this Fall?
Fall in Wisconsin! It may not be as exotic as Paris or Africa, but who can beat these gorgeous fall colors? As I sit here admiring the beautiful fall leaves and enjoying the crisp air, I’ll answer a question about Medicare that comes along each fall…. Dear Ben, I enrolled in Medicare when I first became eligible last May. I’ve …