April is National Social Security Month! Social Security is a wonderful, essential program, but where can you turn to if you need help or have questions?
Government Resources
- Social Security Administration– The SSA representatives at the Ann Arbor office location should be able to help with any important questions related to Social Security retirement benefits, disability benefits, SSI, or Medicare. Call (877) 402-0825 or visit the website. The office is currently closed for in-person appointments.
- Click here for a link to the website for the Ann Arbor office of the Social Security Administration.
- Benefits Checkup (via National Council on Aging)- a comprehensive, free online tool that connects older adults with benefits they may qualify for.
- Michigan Legal Help– Michigan Legal Help is part of the Michigan Advocacy Program, a legal aid organization that provides access to the justice system for those who need it the most through direct legal help and statewide advocacy. Visit the website for more information.
Local Resources
- Legal Services of South Central Michigan– offers a broad range of civil legal services to low-income individuals and families. Received grant to help older adults in Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, St. Joseph, and Washtenaw Counties. Prioritize services to low-income older adults. Call (734) 665-6181 or visit their website.
- CSSW Resource Advocacy– Based on an initial intake, Resource Advocates provide information and referrals that best meet the needs of seniors and caregivers to maintain independence at home. Call (734) 971-9781 and press “8” for Senior Services.
- AAA 1-B Information & Assistance Line– Staff can answer questions or help find resources to help a senior or person with a disability. Call (800) 852-7795.
Avoiding Scams
Scammers LOVE to use social security as a tool to separate older adults from their money. See below for tips on how to avoid common social security scams.
- Remember that government agencies already have your information so they would never call you to ask for personal information.
- Government agencies would also never call to ask for money- especially through a gift card or wire transfer!
- Don’t just rely on caller ID
- If the caller pressures you, threatens you, or otherwise makes you feel like you need to do what they want immediately, it’s most likely a scam.
- If you get an unsolicited email from a government agency asking you to download paperwork, don’t open it– it could be a phishing scam.
- If you’re not sure if the person calling is really from the agency they claim to be from, hang up and look up the agency’s number, then call.
- Remember: If you’re unsure whether something is too good to be true, it probably is!
