Introduction
Consider this Scenario:
Your aunt is
64 years old. She divorced after 15 years of marriage (or you can make her a
widow if you like). Because she has minimal education, and no special skills, she has worked
both in low paying job that included Social Security contributions (we
don't know for how long) and in "under the table" (paying no taxes or Social Security) as a
housekeeper and in childcare positions to support herself and her two daughters
(again we don't know for how long).
At 64 her health is poor and she no longer has the strength to hold a job, or to continue to
clean homes or watch after young children.
She rents an apartment for $950/mo. has no assets and now has to move
because she has no income.
Assignment
We are going to write one mass email to your aunt (yes she is the aunt of all of you). You will be adding to the previous email. Auntie will need to know about income options and services to help her situation (see a potential list below or use any other services or programs you have read about in text, lecture and web assignments) . Explain two points or programs to her that will help her situation then let her next niece or nephew pick up the discussion. When we finish Auntie will have a nice long email to help her.
If you wish, you can embellish her situation to add more benefit options that have not been previously posted by someone else. If you choose to do that explain to us what has changed and why?
Procedure:
After reading the text and lecture materials find a program or service to help auntie. Then go to this week's discussion link and add to the message that was posted previously by your colleagues. Do not repeat what has been posted, and do not use WAGS!!! Base your recommendations to her in facts and giver her your resources (tell her where you got your information). If you want to embellish this scenario some try this benefit calculator service http://www.benefitscheckup.org/
Some ideas for topics to Anutie.
 | Where can she get the information regarding the services
and programs that might help her (besides your expertise) ? |
| What options are available to her for retirement income? |
| How much will she get? |
| How will she keep up with inflation? |
| What does she need to qualify for Social Security? |
| What income options does she have if she does not qualify for SS? |
| Explain means testing to her. |
| How will she pay her medical
expenses? |
| Is she eligible for MediCare Part A or Part B? What are the differences? |
| How much does it cost? |
| How will she pay her rent ? |
| Where can she go for help with her rent? |
| What other needs might she have? Which resources can help? |
| How could she get personal or domestic help in her home as she deteriorates? |
| How will she get meals? |
| Transportation? |
| Socialization? How will she participate in community events? |
Feel free to embellish her scenario to fit your ideas . If you need more check the lecture and web links for ideas.
Here is a cool resource http://www.seniors.org/resources.asp
Also tell us--
| Do you have a plan for retirement income? |
| If not, are you too young? What would the results be at age 60 if you put away $10 per week starting now? Don't forget to look up compounding interest effects. |