Money

Key Financial Links

• Covid-19 Funeral Assistance from FEMA – Phone 844 684-6333 TTY 800 462-7585
Will cover up to $9,000 per funeral including expenses covered by life insurance (but not burial or funeral insurance) Good until 09/30/2025
https://www.fema.gov/…/coro…/economic/funeral-assistanceThe assistance program runs for another year until September, 2025.  You have to call the number to start the application, and you need the death certificate showing a Covid-19 related cause of death and receipts for the funeral service.  This goes all the way back to the beginning of Covid-19.  Please share as needed as many people are still unaware they can apply for reimbursement of funeral expenses for up to $9,000 each for Covid-19 related deaths.
 
Help with Medicare Costs
There are programs run by the states that can help lower your Medicare costs. Find out if you’re eligible for these programs, how to apply, and other ways to save on your Medicare coverage.
https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help

  My Social Security “My SSA“ – How To Create Your Own Social Security Account and check the status and ensure security https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ 
Social Security does not accept Power of Attorneys and you need to designate a Representative Payee in their system to have someone act on your behalf if you become incapacitated and unable to handle your affairs.  Go to the Advance Designation of Representative Payee section to name the Payees you want.  
  
RMD Strategies to Help Ease Your Tax Burden   
   A QCD can lower your tax bill while meeting your charitable giving goals in retirement. Here’s how.        
    https://www.schwab.com/learn/story/rmd-strategies-to-help-ease-your-tax-burden   
 
   What Is a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)? 
A QCD can lower your tax bill while meeting your charitable giving goals in retirement. Here’s how. 
 https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/what-is-a-qualified-charitable-distribution-qcd
 
  • Tax Return Status Click on Check My Refund Status for your Federal Tax Return https://www.irs.gov/refunds/” “My Return Status “
• Check on your State of Michigan Tax Return Your State of Michigan Tax Return https://etreas.michigan.gov/iit/” Your State of Michigan Tax Return
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan – provided free legal services for Genesee County residents over the age of 65 (no income limit) and those under 65 200% of Fed Poverty level. The phone number for the Legal Service of Eastern Michigan is 810 322-4512
• Genesee Vally Area Agency on Aging in Michigan (GVAAA) $1000 Assistance – for caring for people with dementia. The contact info for the GVAAA $1000 Scholarship for help caring for
Dementia Patients is Caitlin Goyer at 248 996-1066 or
email helplinegmc@alz.org
• Michigan Homestead Property Allowance – $1500 including renters who pay 40% of their income as rent.