Identity theft protection may be offered free of charge by some nonprofit organizations, but the costs associated with identity theft protection services typically provide monitoring and recovery services as well as regular access to your credit reports or credit scores.

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to locate free identity theft protection services and assistance.

What is Considered Identity Theft?
Identity theft is a crime that can be prosecuted as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the State and severity of the offense in which a criminal fraudulently acquires all or a portion of personally identifiable information (e.g. social security number, driver license number, etc.) for the purposes of impersonating someone else to unlawfully obtain money, property, credit, services, U.S. citizenship, or to commit acts of domestic terrorism.

Identity theft may also be criminally charged and prosecuted as impersonation or fraud.

The dollar amount or value of stolen property is the distinguishing factor between a misdemeanor or felony.  State law establishes the minimum amount or value of the property usually between $500 to $1000 to be considered a felony theft.

According to Smarter Shredding, Inc. the following facts are related to identity theft:

• Nearly 70% of identity theft cases involve rogue employees.
• Fraudulent charges now average more than $90,000 per name used.
• The average time spent by victims of identity theft is 600 hours.
• It takes more time and money for victims of identity theft to remove negative information from their credit reports.
• The majority of identity theft crimes committed involve opening new credit cards (73%) and accessing (the use of) credit cards (27%).
• The emotional impact of identity theft has been found to parallel that of victims of violent crime.

But identity theft crime is not just about credit fraud. A criminal armed with your personal information like social security numbers and your date of birth has unlimited access to wreak havoc on every area of your life and for many years to come.

Consider what can be done with that type of information?  For example, filing tax returns, stealing money from your bank or investment accounts, getting medical care, or even committing other crimes, to name a few.

Personal information like your name, birthdate, and social security number are permanently attached to your identity and will never change.  That is why data breaches are so problematic when credit files are compromised.  Criminals can assume and use your identity for an indiscriminate number of years long after the breach.

Identity theft protection will either prevent or, at least, minimize those damages.

Consumer data breaches are more common than most realize.  Since 2008, there have been eight (8) major data leaks affecting over 100 million consumers each.

The two most recent, Equifax in March 2017 and Capital One in July 2019 caused consumers to become increasingly concerned with identity theft and securing identity theft protection.

In fact, the growing demand for identity theft protection is largely due to aroused consumer awareness of the nearly incessant corporate data breaches in recent years, most scarcely reported.

The Capital One Data Breach
The latest to fall victim to a data hack was Capital One, again, affecting 100 million people in the U.S. and 6 million in Canada.

Capital One alleges that the breach was manufactured by a single software engineer. Paige A. Thompson, formerly employed with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

It is reported that Thompson was able to exploit a misconfiguration in Capital One’s AWS server (a credit application firewall stored on an Amazon Web Services cloud) through an incognito browser and private IP network which conceals one’s online activities to access the data.

Amazon confirmed Thompson’s employment which ended in 2016, yet the breach is alleged to have taken place between March and July 2019.

The Capital One breach is probably the most egregious because it impacted individuals and small businesses that applied for credit with the company during an extended period of time between 2005 and early 2019.

It also involved a more extensive theft of consumer records that would be most advantageous to criminal assumptions of consumer identities.

Financial analysts surmise the potential for political and regulatory actions including penalties up to $150 million against Capital One as the compromised server was under its direct management.

According to Capital One’s statement, approximately 140,000 social security numbers and 80,000 linked bank accounts were compromised.

Due to the size and frequency of data leaks, cyberattacks have become the biggest threat to the U.S. financial system.  Most companies have taken great strides in cybersecurity to prevent outside attacks but have little defense against inside hackers.

As a result, consumer data vulnerabilities will come into question among tech companies, cloud firms and banks as to how they will limit and control access to consumer data and detect potentially rogue employees.

In the meantime, consumers must be proactive in protecting their identities and minimize the damages of criminal activity.

The Eight Largest Data Hacks of the 21st Century
The following are the eight (8) largest data hacks of the 21st Century, according to Markets Insider (July 2019).

• Yahoo

Date: 2013 – 2014
Number of people affected: 3 billion user accounts
Data released: Names, email addresses, dates of birth, and phone numbers

• Marriott International

Date: 2014 – 2018
Number of people affected: 500 million
Data released: Names, contact information, credit card numbers, passport numbers, Starwood Preferred Guest numbers, and travel information

• Adult Friend Finder

Date: October 2016
Number of people affected: Over 412 million
Data released: Names, email addresses, and passwords

• eBay

Date: May 2014
Number of people affected: 145 million
Data released: Names, addresses, dates of birth, passwords

• Equifax

Date: July 2017
Number of people affected: 143 million
Data released: Social security number, birth dates, addresses, and driver license numbers

• Heartland Payment Systems

Date: March 2008
Number of people affected: 134 million
Data released: Credit card information

• Target

Date: December 2013
Number of people affected: 110 million
Data released: Credit/debit card and contact information

• Capital One

Date: July 2019
Number of people affected: 106 million
Data released: Names, addresses, self-reported income, phone numbers, some credit card data status including credit balances and limits, payments, and transaction history –credit card numbers and log-in credentials not compromised.

How to Freeze or Lock Your Credit to Protect Your Identity
The best way to protect yourself against identity theft is to place a security freeze on your credit and the service is offered by all three major credit bureaus free of charge.

A security freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans and services from being approved in your name without your consent but may also delay or interfere with or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent requests or application you make regarding new credit, loans or services. 

Take the following two (2) steps to freeze your credit:

1. Sign up with a credit monitoring service such as MyFico or through one of the credit bureaus but there will be a fee.  Credit Karma and Credit Sesame offer credit monitoring services free-of-charge. (You will need credit monitoring to ensure your credit information is not compromised in the future).
2. Contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to request a credit freeze.

Please note: Credit Karma and Credit Sesame only monitor your Vantage credit score and not the FICO score which is more commonly used by lenders.

The Vantage Score will not be an accurate depiction of your credit rating and how lenders determine risk in extending credit.
​
If you decide to purchase credit monitoring services with expanded features (e.g. security freeze, identity theft insurance, etc.) it is not necessary to purchase more than one (1) service at a time. Also, make sure that you have access to your credit report and score multiple times a year upon request with your purchase.

To request a credit freeze by mail, you must submit your request by certified mail with all applicable attachments as required per each credit bureau.

Each credit bureau offers a Fraud Alert option which allows you to keep your credit file open to creditors but receive notifications when a credit lender accesses your credit file or opens a new account in your name.

The Fraud Alert option is used as a more convenient identity theft protection strategy to avoid going through the process of lifting a credit freeze each time you apply for new credit or loans.

How to Lift, Unfreeze, or Thaw a Credit Freeze
A credit freeze may be temporary or permanent at your discretion.  But, once you have frozen your credit and decide to apply for a new loan, line of credit, or utility account the freeze must be lifted for lenders to access your credit file.

If you opt to lift a credit freeze by phone or mail, you will be required to provide a PIN number, password, or other personal information to verify your identity.

The PIN number will be provided to you at the request for a credit freeze.  If you lose or forget your identifying information (e.g. PIN, password, etc.) you may access this information by visiting the credit bureau’s website (listed in the chart above) or by phone.

Use the chart above to contact each credit bureau for specific instructions.

The Identity Theft Protection Loophole
The loophole in consumer financial records involve the lesser-known credit reporting agencies that store and share consumer credit and other important financial information.

The number of these “specialty” credit reporting agencies and the extent of data they retain remains a looming threat to consumers even with identity theft protection strategies in place.

There are literally dozens (about or at least, 30) of said credit agencies according to a CBS News report (May 2018) that retain credit files on consumers.

It is recommended that you contact each of these agencies that may be retaining data files of your financial information to initiate a credit freeze or lock as appropriate.

One of which may apply to most everyone is the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE).

The National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) is a member association database, powered by Equifax through which its “member companies” exchange consumer source-anonymous information such as:

• New connection requests
• Payment histories
• Historical account data and status
• Fraudulent telecommunication activities

The NCTUE association also share consumer payment data from utility bills, including:

• Cable accounts
• Utility accounts (electric, gas, and water)
• Telephone accounts

NCTUE is one of many credit reporting agencies that warehouse consumer credit, payment, and banking data to determine risk in extending credit or opening new accounts.
Consumer data is stored with these “specialty” credit reporting warehouses for a myriad of transactions, including but not limited to:

• Purchasing a home
• Renting an apartment
• Opening a bank account
• Purchasing auto insurance
• Opening new utility accounts
• Applying for employment
• Medical records and payments

A link is provided below for a list of “specialty credit reporting agencies” published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

It should be noted that although NCTUE is powered by Equifax, it is technically a separate organization from the credit bureau and freezing your credit file with Equifax does not affect your NCTUE file.

This means that criminals may still access and open new utility, cable, or telephone accounts in your name if you fail to take measures to protect your identity with NCTUE.

You will need to contact the National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) to place a security freeze on your Disclosure Report.

The three options for sealing your Disclosure Report with NCTUE are:

• Security Freeze
• Fraud Alert or Active Duty Alert (for military personnel)
• Opting Out

You may contact NCTUE to inquire if it maintains a file of your financial information at:
            NCTUE Disclosure Report
            P.O. Box 105161
            Atlanta, GA 30348
            PH:      1(866) 349-5185

For instructions on how to place a voluntary security freeze on your NCTUE data file:
            NCTUE Security Freeze
            P.O. Box 105561
            Atlanta, GA 30348
            PH:      1(866) 343-2821

To place a fraud alert or active duty alert on your Disclosure Report:
            NCTUE Alerts
            P.O. Box 105425
            Atlanta, GA 30348
            PH:      1(866) 349-3233

To opt-out of the Disclosure Report:
            Exchange Services Center: NCTUE Opt-Out
            P.O. Box 105398
            Atlanta, GA 30348-5398
            PH:      1(888) 327-4376

It is important to note that opting-out of the NCTUE Disclosure Report will also prevent you from receiving pre-approved credit offers.  You may also be required to submit your name, address, social security number, and data birth with your request for a security freeze.

The National Consumer Telecom and Utilities Exchange (NCTUE) consumer reporting agency is regulated by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and subject to its statutes.

See the link below to the NCTUE website for more information and instructions.

Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act
The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 established identity theft as a federal crime regulated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with penalties up to fifteen (15) years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

The law identifies the person whose identity was stolen as the true victim where only the credit grantors who suffered monetary losses were previously considered the victims.

The legislation further enables the Secret Service, Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and other law enforcement agencies to combat identity fraud crimes and allows financial restitution to victims of identity theft if there is a conviction.

Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act
The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act of 2004 establishes penalties for aggravated identity theft or identity theft in connection with the commission of a felony.

Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a minimum sentence of imprisonment for two (2) years or by imprisonment for five (5) years if it relates to a terrorism offense.

According to the Congressional Research Service, CRS (2015) “The two-year offense occurs when an individual knowingly possesses, uses, or transfers the means of identification of another person, without lawful authority, during and in relation to one of more than 60 predicate federal felony offenses (18 U.S.C. 1028A). Section 1028A has the effect of establishing a mandatory minimum sentence for those predicate felony offenses, when they involve identity theft.”

The sentencing court, therefore, has the discretion not to “stack” multiple aggravated identity theft counts and may impose a sentence of less than the mandatory minimum.

A link is provided below for more information on the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act.

Related Posts:
How to Claim $125 From the Equifax Data Breach Class Action Lawsuit Settlement
https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/equifax-data-breach-class-action-lawsuit-settlement

How to Avoid DTE Utility Fraud: Beware of Telephone Imposters
https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/how-to-avoid-dte-utility-fraud-beware-of-telephone-imposters

Links:
Capital One is the latest company to get rocked by a massive data breach. Here are the 8 largest hacks of the 21st Century.
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/8-largest-hacks-and-data-breaches-of-the-21st-century-2019-7-1028399924

The Capital One breach is unlike any other major hack, with allegations of a single engineer wreaking havoc
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/30/capital-one-hack-allegations-describe-a-rare-insider-threat-case.html

Capital One shares dive after data breach affecting 100 million
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/30/capital-one-shares-dive-after-data-breach-affecting-100-million.html

How to freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian and Trans Union
https://clark.com/credit/credit-freeze-and-thaw-guide/

​This Equifax credit database can boost your risk of phone fraud
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/equifax-managed-nctue-credit-database-can-boost-your-risk-of-phone-and-utility-fraud/

What are specialty consumer reporting agencies and what kind of information do they collect?
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-are-specialty-consumer-reporting-agencies-and-what-kind-of-information-do-they-collect-en-1813/

Disclosure Reports Provide Consumer Information Contained in Their Data Report (NCTUE)
https://www.nctue.com/Consumers

Identity Theft Protection following the Equifax data breach
https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/identity-theft-protection-following-equifax-data-breach/

Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act
https://ftc.gov/enforcement/rules/rulemaking-regulatory-reform-proceedings/identity-theft-and-assumption-deterrence

Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act
http://www.smartershredding.com/identity-theft-penalty-enhancement.php

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Federal Aggravated Identity Theft
https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R42100.pdf

​President Signs into Law H.R. 1731, The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act
https://www.ssa.gov/legislation/legis_bulletin_072004.html

​The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) released a formal statement indicating that the public is misled when people with mental illness are iniquitously presumed culpable in the national conversation on gun violence everytime we experience a mass shooting tragedy

According to NAMI (2019), the national discourse on gun violence is contrary to research findings and only “serves to perpetuate stigma and distract from the real issues.”

NAMI further advocates gun violence restraining orders, or “Red Flag” laws for ending gun violence to remove guns from anyone who poses a real, evidence-based risk of violence, and to prevent erroneously targeting people with mental health conditions.

Evidence-based criteria on the relationship between gun violence and mental health
There are certain conditions that increase the risks of violence among a small portion (only about 4%) of the mentally ill.

Determinant factors that increase risk of violence:

• Co-occurring abuse of alcohol or illegal drugs
• History of violence
• Being young and male (not race specific)
• Untreated psychosis

According to NAMI, although treatment is the most comprehensive way to reduce risk of mental illness escalating to gun violence. less than 1/3 of adults and 1/5 of children diagnosed with mental illness are treated in a given year.

Still, research suggests that most people with mental illness are not violent and are most likely to harm themselves or fall victim to violence rather than become perpetrators.

The hypocrisy, deflection, and rhetoric that undermine appropriate gun laws
It is important to point out that the current Administration immediately revoked the Obama-era legislation preventing the mentally-ill from buying or owning guns.

The very group touted as a root cause of the gun violence epidemic.

On February 28, 2017, President Trump signed the H.J. Res. 40 (Public Law No. 115-8) into law which reversed Obama’s Executive Order to add the names of approximately 75,000 recipients of Social Security for mental illness to the national background database (NICS).

Spokesmen for the Trump Administration claimed that the Obama bill was rolled back because it included all disabled persons who were capable of responsible gun ownership.
This is untrue.

The Obama rule would have, however, made it difficult for persons with mental illness to purchase or possess guns.

The NRA suggests that the Obama regulation infringed on Second Amendment Rights to buy guns when, in fact, the rule specifically targeted people receiving social security checks with a clinical mental health diagnosis.

In recent statements, the GOP blamed mental illness and video games for the rise in gun violence and mass shootings.

​But critics indict Trump and the GOP as complicit in the crisis along with those who have the propensity, capability, and access to exact mayhem on the public by avoiding the real issues like banning military-style assault weapons and racism.

National Disparities in Access to Mental Health Care
NAMI reports, of the one in five Americans who suffer with mental health conditions, only 43% accessed care in 2018.

​The lack of mental health professionals throughout the country is a significant factor in the mental health treatment disparity.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than 60% of U.S. counties do not have a single psychiatrist causing long waits in accessing care for victims, survivors, and first responders impacted by gun violence tragedies.

NAMI calls for a national priority for access to mental health care by Congress and the Administration to assist those who are traumatized and protect communities especially during times of senseless violence.

It is recommended that policies and programs are available which provide access to:

• Early diagnosis and intervention
• Appropriate treatment and support
• Integrated treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders (SUD)
• Family education and support
• Crisis intervention (emergency services)

Federal and state policy and program recommendations are based on removing barriers for people who are willing to seek treatment when they need it and improving access to treatment as a solution to gun violence associated with mental illness.

​Links are provided below for more recommendations for federal standards to remedy gun violence associated with mental health.
​

Mental Health Care Disparities in Michigan
Southwest Solutions released a report of unmet mental health and substance abuse treatment needs in Michigan according to a study by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (July 2019).

According to the report, one in six Michiganders experience mental illness, yet approximately 38% are not receiving treatment.  That is nearly 660,000 individuals with mental health conditions are going untreated.

About 50% of untreated mental health cases are in the Detroit area.

​Likewise, an estimated 80% of the 638,000 Michigan residents with substance use disorders (SUD) are also untreated.

Related factors in untreated mental health care:

• Of the 2 million Medicaid recipients in Michigan, 481,000 experience mental illness and 148,000 have substance use disorders (SUD).
• Of the 5.6 million Michigan residents with private health insurance, 890,000 experience mental illness and 372,000 have substance use disorders (SUD).

Across payor types, Medicaid recipients are most likely to remain untreated for mental illness.

• Half of Medicaid enrollees, or 49%, that is, almost 236,000 people with mental illness and 69% of Medicaid recipients, or 102,000 people with substance use disorders (SUD) are not receiving treatment.
• 1/3, or 34% of the privately-insured, that is, more than 305,000 people with mental illness and 87%, or, 324,000 with substance use disorders (SUD) not receiving care.
• 1/5 of Medicare enrollees

Mental health disparities for people with specific disorders who lack appropriate care or do not receive treatment are also highlighted in the report:

• 46% of people with anxiety disorders
• 53% of people with depressive disorders
• 85% of people with alcohol use disorders

Additionally, 41% of male children and more than 1/3 of female children (ages 0 -17) with mental illness are not receiving care in Michigan.

The study cites a combination of factors for the mental health care crisis in Michigan, such as a shortage in mental health professionals including psychiatrists and other behavioral health providers which limits access to treatment.

According to the report, the availability of mental health services fall short of national ratio standards particularly in the northern half of the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan has 11 child and adolescent psychiatrists per 100,000 residents far below the recommended 47 to 100,000 ratio.

Mental health residential treatment facilities are also in short supply in Michigan.  With only 17 facilities over-populated with 590,000 consumers per facility far beyond the U.S. average of 240,000 per residential facility is also an indicator for the gap in services.

Former Republican Governor, Rick Snyder considered red flag legislation in 2018 that is currently supported by Democratic Governor-elect, Gretchen Whitmer.

The proposal allows for family or law enforcement to obtain an “extreme risk protection order” on an individual who poses a valid threat of danger to themselves or others to be banned from buying or owning a firearm for a specified amount of time.

But due to partisan divides and Republican control of both chambers it is not likely in the foreseeable future that legislative reforms to purchase or carry in Michigan will change.

Michigan GOP leaders posit that “red flag laws would violate an individual’s rights to due process and ignore the underlying issue of the country’s mental health crisis”, according to Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain),

The problem with this assertion is that studies by reputable mental health organizations suggest that mental illness, the most pervasive public health crisis in America is rarely associated with the rise and extent of mass shootings we’ve experienced in recent years.

While some argue that mental health is the fundamental problem, others cite the growing deterioration of race relations (racism) as the real issue.

And, in fact, young, male, white nationalists have tended to be the recurring theme as culprits in the majority of these “hate crime” massacres as of late.

What is President Trump doing to address gun violence?
In the press conference held in the wake of the El Paso and Dayton shootings, President Trump addressed with his proposed plans to address both the gun violence and mental health crisis.

The president persisted in the rhetorical dialogue that culture, video games, and mental illness underpin domestic terrorism.

In an attempt to condemn racist acts of violence, President Trump states, “culture must be shifted from one that celebrates violence to one that celebrates the inherent dignity and worth of every human life.”

He further quotes, “Mental health and illness pulls the trigger not the guns.”

Some of the steps he promises to take to end and prevent gun violence include:

• Ordering the Department of Justice (DOJ) to work with state and local authorities as well as social media companies to develop new technology as tools to detect mass shooters before they strike.
• Reform mental health laws to better identify those who may commit acts of violence, make sure they get treatment, make sure they do not have access to guns, or, if necessary, remove those guns from them through rapid due process.
• Recommends the involuntary confinement of mentally disturbed persons who pose grave risk to public safety.
• Instituting the “extreme risk protection orders” red flag law.
• Encouraging the DOJ to propose laws that will reinstate capital punishment for domestic terrorists.

There was no mention of reversing the H.J. Res. 40 to add the names of individuals with mental health diagnoses to the national database system.

Conclusion
A common denominator in the two studies presented here indicate disparities in the treatment of mental illness as adequate and efficacious access to care.

But the erroneous assumption that mass shootings are inextricably related to mental illness is an impediment to empirical research evidence.

The narrative must be reframed in national dialogue if legislators and society-at-large are serious about the intervention and prevention of senseless killings whether its mass shootings, hate crimes, or other forms of gun violence.

It is a complicated issue that requires legislative urgency but also must involve comprehensive public policy reforms related to the primary issue.

For example, occupational licensing reform may be necessary so as to expand the scope of practice for paraprofessionals to fully leverage the reach of providers in meeting mental healthcare needs.

Gun violence laws must be approached in much the same common-sense way so as to target individuals who pose a real threat to public health and safety.

For example, the 41% of young males (not race specified) identified in the Michigan study as a mental health disparity due to the lack of access to treatment.  This would be an appropriate demographic that should be considered when constructing and proposing gun laws.

Consequently, young males were also identified in the national study.

Mental illness, however, can be a factor in relationship with mass shootings and other gun violence but under very specific and extremely rare conditions that should not be generalized to the entire mental health population.

Unfortunately, while President Trump fell short in declaring war on racism it also became clear that the president and his cohorts will continue on course to scapegoat mental illness as the priority target.

The real positive takeaway from the President’s response is the change in language.  Due to the NRA’s zero-tolerance approach to gun rights, reframing the problem as domestic terrorism just may ignite political action or, at least, a public outcry for action.

But the public overall has been transient on the issue of gun laws and reform mainly because of cultural wars where some individuals and communities resist the idea of government infringement not only on their rights but also on their social norms.

​But casting mass shootings in the framework of terrorism changes the level of the threat and provides some opportunity for change.

Consult the articles below for more information on proposed gun law legislation in Michigan and the potentiality of gun restrictions that may inadvertently target African-Americans.

Related Posts:
Michigan’s Health Report: Chronic Disease and Life Expectancy
https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigans-health-report-chronic-disease-and-life-expectancy
Community Resources: Mental Health and Drug Treatment Services
https://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html

Links:
NAMI Statement on Mass Shootings in Texas and Ohio
https://www.nami.org/About-NAMI/NAMI-News/2019/NAMI-Statement-on-Mass-Shootings-in-Texas-and-Ohio?fbclid=IwAR2naCqi_Hrr397UgK9DKMyBlJGQS77VfYJ8ZikMk6Ta-SFPJj8HV76G9-s

​NAMI: Violence and Gun Reporting Laws
https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-public-policy/violence-and-gun-reporting-laws

Trump made it easier for the mentally ill to get guns when he rolled back Obama regulation
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/president-trump-made-it-easier-mentally-ill-get-guns-when-n1039301

H.J. Res. 40 – 115th Congress (2017 -2018)
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-joint-resolution/40

Southwest Solutions: Study Details Growing Crisis of Untreated Mental Illness in Michigan
http://www.swsol.org/study-details-growing-crisis-of-untreated-mental-illness-in-michigan/?fbclid=IwAR0fn399qwATeQEA4i_CH_zQr-fZUd62N8hU3P-_Rx92s1QBSPOFPGhzjbk

Massacres revive calls to strengthen Michigan’s middling gun laws
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2019/08/05/anger-but-action-michigan-gun-laws-spotlight-after-mass-shootings/1923417001/

​Actually, gun restrictions will target the black community
https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/456243-actually-gun-restrictions-will-target-the-black-community?rnd=156503347

Due to such a large data leak of consumer’s personal information most claimants should qualify for at least the minimum $125 settlement, but it also signals long-term risks for identity theft which can be problematic in the future if the minimum settlement is accepted.

It is important to note that the $125 Alternative Reimbursement Compensation may be reduced by the number of valid claims filed by Equifax customers as benefits will be disbursed on a proportional basis.  See the Equifax Data Breach Settlement website for further information.
Settlement options available to claimants are provided below.

Option #2: Cash payment of up to $20,000 for:

• Up to 20 hours of time spent remedying fraud, identity theft, or other misuse of personal information, purchasing credit monitoring, or freezing credit reports caused by the data breach, compensated at $25/hr.
• Expenses incurred due to the data breach (out-of-pocket losses).
• Up to 25% of the cost of Equifax credit or credit monitoring products purchased one (1) year prior to the data breach announcement. 

​Option #3: You are entitled to a minimum of seven (7) years of free identity restoration services after the settlement becomes final on December 19 even if you do not file a claim if it is confirmed that your credit data was compromised in the breach.  Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlement administrator for additional help.

Consumers who fail to file a claim will forfeit all benefits provided under the final settlement agreement once approved in federal court.

How to opt-out of the Equifax data breach settlement
Consumers may choose to opt-out of the Equifax class action lawsuit settlement if they find that their data was compromised in the breach and can prove losses above the $125 settlement offer.

The opt-out option does not forfeit your rights to claim damages against Equifax and claimants can still file a separate lawsuit against the company.

Claimants with losses above the $125 settlement agreement due to an Equifax-related identity theft or fraud are eligible for damages of $25 per hour spent in identity restoration activities up to a maximum of $20,000.

Seek additional legal advice from an attorney for damages in excess of $20,000.

Claimants wanting to opt-out of the class action settlement offer of $125 in lieu of filing a separate lawsuit must submit a “request for exclusion” in writing by November 19.

​Consumers who fail to file a claim for the Equifax data breach class action settlement forfeit all rights to future claims for damages.
​
Important deadlines to remember

Related Posts:
How to Avoid DTE Utility Fraud: Beware of Telephone Imposters
https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/how-to-avoid-dte-utility-fraud-beware-of-telephone-imposters
How to Understand FICO Credit Scores, Ranges, and Rankings
https://www.canmichigan.com/blog/how-to-understand-fico-credit-scores-ranges-and-rankings
​

​Crime Victims Compensation Fund in Michigan
The Michigan Crime Victims Compensation Fund is a state level program established in 1985 by William Van Regenmorter Crime Victim’s Right Act as a result of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 to assist crime victims with the costs of financial, psychological, and physical impairment when they are violated by federally convicted offenders.

Funding is disbursed in the form of federal grants to state general funds administered by local Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) who allocate those monies to authorized community organizations that service crime victims.

In Michigan, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Division of Victim Services office serves to develop programs and disperse funding to community organizations.

Michigan received 5.6 million in annual funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in fiscal year 2018 and the previous three (3) years.  According to the VOCA statute, funding is unlimited as it is based on DHHS’ report on spending for crime victim’s programs and services.
However, the FY2020 budget proposal seeks to cap the allocation of state grants at $2.5 billion regardless of need.

That is, federal grants to states for crime victim’s benefits used to increase or decrease based on need or how much spending is reported each year by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The new budget proposal would summarily decrease spending by limiting the amount of funds allocated to crime victims grant programs.

Distribution of Crime Victim Funds (CVF) and the Victims Rights Act (VOCA) Reform
The federal distribution cap for crime victim programs and services was set by the U.S. Congress at $730 million as of FY2013.

That is, monies deposited into Crime Victims Funds (CVF) from criminal fines, forfeitures, and special assessments were limited to $730 million.

By 2019, federal grants were reduced by 33% with a cap of $3.3 billion for state crime victim funds through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019.

The $3.3 billion dollars distribution cap included:

• $497.5 million allocated to the Office on Violence Against Women (VAWA) for programs related to women such as sexual assaults and domestic violence.
• $10 million allocated to the Inspector General’s office for administrative costs (e.g. program auditing and oversight duties).
• $167 million allocated for grants to Indian tribes to improve crime victim services in compliance with VOCA regulations.

The 2020 fiscal year (FY2020) federal budget proposal would set a cap on grants distributed to state Crime Victim Funds (CVF) to $2.3 billion dollars, to include:

• $492.5 million allocated to the Office on Violence Against Women (VAWA)
• $12 million allocated to innovations in crime victims services
• $115 million allocated to tribal victim assistance grants
• $10 million allocated to the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of the Inspector General

As budget allocations continue to decline, it is important to note that the current Administration seeks to permanently “reform” state Crime Victim’s Funds by amending the Crime Victim Rights Act (VOCA) in two distinct ways:

• Limit annual appropriations on Crime Victims Fund (CVF) grants to $2.3 billion with a guarantee on:
  • Full funding for the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) programs
  • A standing allocation of $115 million for tribal victim assistance grants
• Limiting annual CVF deposits to $2.5 billion (funds generated by fees from criminal fines and assessments) with dollars over and above that amount given over to the General Fund of the Treasury.

The Administration’s budget proposal advocates the use of CVF funds to offset discretionary spending and claims that it would stipulate more reliable funding and long-term planning for crime victim services.

The proposal does not address how the $2.3 billion would be maintained if CVF deposits fall below appropriation levels.

Who May Qualify for Crime Victim Compensation Funds?
Crimes compensated by the Victims Rights Act (VOCA) varies by state to include:

• Homicides
• Violent Assaults
• Sexual Assaults (e.g. rape)
• Child Abuse
• Elder Abuse
• Burglary
• Domestic Violence
• Human Trafficking
• Other related crimes

For more information on claim filing rules, eligible expenses, fund benefits and payment limitations see the Financial Compensation for Crime Victims blog.

A general summary of benefits for the Michigan Crime Victims Compensation Fund are also provided in the Death and Burial section.

Where to seek help if you are a victim of a crime in Michigan
See our Community Resources section for a listing of community organizations, police agencies and prosecutor’s offices to contact for help.

How to apply for Crime Victim Compensation Funds in Michigan
A link is provided below to the Crime Victim Application and Checklist of information you will need before you apply.

You will also find tips for filing an application with the Michigan Crime Victims Compensation Fund, application processing guidelines, and how payments are dispensed in the Financial Compensation for Crime Victims blog.

Links:
Victims of Crime Act of 1984
https://www.congress.gov/bill/98th-congress/house-bill/6403
MDHHS Division of Victim Services
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71548_54783_54853---,00.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ads&utm_campaign=crimevictims
VOCA Funding (National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators)
http://navaa.org/budget/index.html
Crime Victim Compensation Application and Checklist
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/CVSC_Comp_App_10-11_379345_7.pdf

He has since been arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, a Class 4 felony carrying a potential sentence of 1 - 3 years and fines up to $25,00, if convicted.

​It also helps if the lies are promoted via multiple channels (Hint: In Jussie’s case, the LA concert, social media and the Robin Roberts, GMA interview).

Why?  Because the presumption is that the more that we hear a lie, especially coming from multiple sources the more it becomes credible.

In other words, the more familiar we are with the lie the less likely we are to question it.

It’s important to note here that the concept of “fire-hosing” is theorized as a demonstration of power rather than a means of persuasion.

That’s right.  The perpetrator is not trying to convince anyone that they’re telling the truth, they are asserting their authority over the restraints of reality.

The powerplay is to degrade the fact-checker by forcing them to argue the obvious.  So, the public is essentially strong-armed into working for the truth.

In sum, the use of fire-hosing is to usurp the power of truth and reduce it to just a position – a perspective, - a version of reality, - a simple matter of opinion.

Remember Rudy Guiliani, “Truth isn’t truth?”  Enough said.

Bing Images - Jussie Smollett (The Robin Roberts, GMA Interview)

Jussie Smollett’s Case
Based on this theory, we can see elements of the “firehose” method in Jussie’s account of events, here are just a few:

• He went to the Subway sandwich shop at 2:00 a.m. in subzero temperatures but was recognized as the ‘Empire’ star.
• The attackers were racist and homophobic, riding around one of the most surveilled areas in Streeterville, Chicago (a predominantly commercial district Downtown) in the middle of the night targeting Black people with bleach and a noose on hand.
• They wore red hats shouting, “…this is MAGA country.” Assumed to be intended to mislead the public into believing that the attackers were White – the suspects turned out to be Nigerian-American.
• He was violently attacked with bleach thrown on him and fought back but managed to hold on to his (still edible) sandwich which he was eating when the police showed up.
• There were two (2) attackers but they just ran away as soon as he started to fight back, then dubbing himself “…the gay Tupac.”
• He waited approximately 45 minutes before calling the police but kept the rope (noose) on for police to see after the attack.
• He stopped cooperating with police after they asked for his phone, then turned in altered phone records.

Now, while Jussie is innocent until proven guilty – it looks really bad for him at this point.  With all these discrepancies, it’s hard to point out just one.

But, first, what is the likelihood that he would even be recognized.  There were subzero temperatures in Chicago that night.  Wouldn’t he have been bundled up with a hat, coat, and scarf to be out in that weather?

The most telling, in my opinion is when he made the point of telling Robin Roberts (the Good Morning America interview) that the noose was tied around his neck.  Then doubles-down by saying he left it on because he wanted the police to see it.

The rope could’ve been tested for DNA, there was no reason to leave it on.

​Also, did anybody notice how much he smiled during that interview or when he said the attackers “…would never be found?”

Just an observation but, I digress.

The evidentiary question here is: What Black (person) would leave a noose on after being lucky enough to get away?

I was easily reminded of Trump’s “…just stick with us, don’t believe what you hear from the fake news…” statement than when Jussie repeated over and over again, “…it’s truth, you just don’t want to believe…”

​Still again, Jussie has the presumption of innocence until and if there is a conviction.

​The Political Environment
So, how did this case become a right versus left campaign?

On the cusp of the 2020 election year, the accusations and mud-slinging had already begun but the Jussie Smollett case added just the right fuel to the fire.

Jussie, himself, injected political overtones with “…red hat wearing, white attackers shouting “MAGA country…” and “…going hard against 45…” assertions.

We can also consider the (unconfirmed) statistic that nearly 85% of news media outlets are liberal and employ journalists who are registered Democrats.

If so, it stands to reason why the right readily purports the culpability of the so-called liberal media to be “virtue-signaling” its base with politically correct sentiments such as ‘always believe the victim’ #METOO.

​On the other hand, the left never misses an opportunity to indict the right with accusations of “dog-whistling” its base to incite violence and exacerbate the country’s racial divide #MAGA.

(Gone are the days of traditional party politics – “identity politics,” in other words, race-baiting is the order of the day.)

Then, the rallying of support from Hollywood celebrities, presidential hopefuls, veteran Congress members, and the like, certainly seemed to confirm suspicions giving the necessary ammunition to solidify the right’s position.

The end result is that all hate crimes have come into question and “white privilege” is now challenged by the latest induction to the dogma “Victimhood Chic.”

That is, playing the role of victim as a form of status.

‘Victimhood Chic’ posits that prominent minorities are accruing critical acclaim, prestige and, even, financial gain (i.e. Colin Kaepernick) if they can successfully garner enough public sympathy around a noble cause.

It’s a stretch, but that’s where this is going.

And, in the view of revisionists, Jussie Smollett fits the bill.

The Jussie Smollett Case: Motivations and Consequences
So, why should we be concerned with Jussie’s guilt or innocence?

There is much speculation about his motivations for this alleged crime, such as:

• He was disgruntled about a lack-luster response of Fox studio executives to the recently reported hate mail sent to Jussie on the set of Empire.
• He’s dissatisfied with his salary on Empire and wanted a pay raise.
• He’s seeking attention and wanted to boost his public profile.
• He’s an aspiring political activist with aspirations of becoming a hero in the LGBTQ community.

But we haven’t heard from Jussie since his arrest, so who really knows?

In the words of Charlemagne the God (Breakfast Club), “…we cannot become what we claim to hate.”

The problem is that in the era of fake news, alternative facts, dog-whistling, and virtue-signaling, why is there a need to adapt the tactics of a spectacle-driven culture to accomplish a goal?

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if his reasons were personal, political, or professional.

Integrity matters.

Besides this and most importantly, is the fear of a chilling effect this may have on future victims of hate crimes.

Conservative media outlets are already using the case as a symbol of false claims.  And, with this ammunition the misfortune would be that there are more incidents…without remedy.

It’s going to be interesting to see how defense attorneys are able to spin this story.

​But, rest assured, with the high-potential of undermining the critical cause of social justice and civil rights, there is no room for error.

Related Posts:
The Racial Wealth Gap Explained
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/the-racial-wealth-gap-explained
Poverty & Welfare, Human Behavior, and the Trump Election
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/poverty-welfare-human-behavior-and-the-trump-election

Links:
Jussie Smollett Story Shows Rise of Victimhood Culture
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/02/jussie-smollett-story-shows-rise-victimhood-culture/583099/
The Culture of Victimhood
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/women-who-stray/201406/the-culture-victimhood
The Russian “Firehose of Falsehood” Propaganda Model
https://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/perspectives/PE100/PE198/RAND_PE198.pdf
Why Obvious Lies Make Great Propaganda
https://www.vox.com/2018/8/31/17804104/strikethrough-lies-propaganda-trump-putin

States with Pending CMMS Work Requirement Applications:

1. Alabama
2. Mississippi
3. Ohio
4. Oklahoma
5. South Dakota
6. Tennessee
7. Utah
8. Virginia

​Medicaid Work Requirement Exemptions and Criteria for Extending Coverage
Healthy Michigan enrollees (non-disabled Obamacare recipients) with incomes below the poverty line will not be affected by the work requirement rule.

Other categories of exemptions from Medicaid work requirements:

• Children (under age 19)
• Seniors (aged 62 and over)
• Disabled or medically-frail (including the blind)
• Persons with work limitations (medical documentation required)
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers of young children under age 6 or a family member who is pregnant or disabled (receiving long-term disability benefits)
• Full-time students
• Recipients of state unemployment benefits (UI)
• Recipients of SNAP benefits (FAP) who are already exempt
• Foster care children (aged 20 and under)
• Persons who meet “good cause” temporary exemptions (unspecified)
• Returning citizens (who were incarcerated in the recent 6 months)
• Persons receiving substance abuse treatment

​To remain enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) once you have reached or exceeded of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) you may continue benefits if:

• You have been enrolled in the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) for the 48-month (4 years) term limit and your eligibility has timed-out.
• Your income/earnings have reached between 100 – 133% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL).

Visit the Community Resources section for FPL limits based on family size.

• You will be required to pay a premium contribution equivalent to 5% of your income to continue health coverage.

Healthy Michigan (HMP) enrollees who have reached income and lifetime benefit levels will be offered one (1) of two (2) options to retain coverage:

1. “The Marketplace Option”
2. “The Cost-Sharing Option”

The Marketplace Option
The Marketplace Option requires that you purchase coverage through the Federal Healthcare Exchange.  Participants who select this option will be required to change (opt-out) of their eligibility status from the Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) in order to be eligible for the Federal Advance Premium Tax Credit and cost-sharing subsidies.

It is important to remember that the “individual mandate” provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare imposes a tax penalty on individuals who are without health insurance each year.

The current tax penalty, effective January 1, 2019 is $0.

However, persons who were uninsured for more than two (2) months in 2018 may be subject to a $695 fine plus inflation, or up to 2.5% of their household income.

You may be exempt from the Obamacare tax penalty if:

• If you were uninsured for only one (1) to two (2) months during the year.
• You experienced a financial hardship.
• You have a religious or moral objection.
• You belong to a Healthcare Sharing Ministry.
• If purchasing health insurance will cost more than 8.05% of your income.

Open enrollment for 2019 was from November 1, 2018 to December 15, 2018.
Special enrollment periods are considered for a change in life event or family status.  Contact the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) for more information.  A link is provided below.

​The Cost-Sharing Option
Recipients may choose to continue their Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) coverage by paying a “cost-sharing” premium of 5% of their income.

Effective 4/1/2018, Healthy Michigan Plan (HMP) recipients who are not medically frail and who have been enrolled at least twelve (12) months will be required to complete a “health risk assessment” or to purchase a qualified plan through the Marketplace.

DTE Energy and Consumer's Energy utility fraud is on the rise in Michigan and is accomplished with Caller ID spoofing technology, called Voice Over IP (VoIP) allowing scammers to victimize energy consumers over the telephone.

​The DTE Energy telephone solicitor scam continues to plague various areas across Metropolitan Detroit requiring utility consumers to be aware and protect themselves against the compulsory utility bill payment hoax.

​Initial reports of DTE and Consumers Energy utility fraud scam alerts from the energy giants and Michigan police date as far back as April 2013 and as recent as July 2018.  Imposter utility workers would primarily approach small businesses threatening immediate utility shut-offs and demanding immediate payments.

However, investigators are finding the most recent cases reported are due to new telephone app technology which has emboldened imposters in victimizing a growing number of Michigan residential energy customers.

​In the latest version of the scam, imposters are contacting energy customers via mobile phone as telephone solicitors from the utility company demanding immediate payment began to resurface the scam since the onset of the 2019 post-Holiday season.

It appears that telephone solicitation has become the preferred method of perpetrating the fraud with new app technology that allow culprits to call customers from legitimate utility company phone numbers.

Computer Calling Technology
The reemergence of DTE Energy utility scams can be credited to software technology referred to as Voice Over IP (VoIP) which is a means of Caller ID spoofing that has taken the scammer’s arsenal of deceptive tactics to another level.

Voice Over Internet Protocol, or Voice Over IP (VoIP) is a method of computer calling via broadband internet connections or private corporate networks that allow transmitters to bypass traditional telephone switchboard routes called PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

There is little to no need for special equipment or services except where adapters are required as these applications convert the caller's voice into a digital signal subverting telephone networks so that the call can be made directly from a computer or other data-driven devices.

The technology is available on Skype and other commonly known software applications.
​
In short, don’t trust your Caller ID as the callers are able to adopt the phone numbers of legitimate companies such as DTE Energy giving them credibility in alarming their victims with threats of immediate service interruption.

In other words, the success of the scam is largely due to the caller's ability to contact customers from a recognizable corporate phone number.

DTE Energy executive offices report fraudulent utility bill collections in excess of $200,000 for the 2017 winter season.

​Michigan Energy Consumer Protection Laws
As previously reported, energy consumers should be aware that utility shut-offs during the winter season are illegal in the State of Michigan.

The Michigan Legislature MCL 460.9t(7), a utility shut-off protection statute, provides that energy providers who have opted-out of the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) funding plan are prohibited from terminating residential utility services for non-payment during the “crisis season” from November 1 – April 15 per each fiscal year.

Participating MEAP providers (including DTE Energy, Consumers Energy, and SEMCO) are prohibited from residential utility shut-offs due to non-payment from November 1 – March 31 each fiscal year.

The 2019 fiscal year runs from October 1, 2018 – September 31, 2019.

​Tips for Avoiding the DTE Utility Fraud

• If you believe you have been fraudulently called by DTE or Consumer’s Energy, hang up and call the utility provider directly to verify the status of your account.
• DTE and Consumer’s Energy scammers will ask you to make a payment directly to them, typically requiring victims to immediately purchase a pre-paid debit card and give them the card numbers.  Remember, utility companies will not call you for payment once field technicians have been dispatched to disconnect your services.
• Utility companies do not require payment by pre-paid debit cards.
• Utility fraud perpetrators are generally demanding and intimidating trying to make you believe your services will be terminated within minutes without payment.  This is NOT a standard practice of utility companies who will provide plenty of notice and ample time for you to make your payments.
• Utility fraud perpetrators are now able to purchase your account information online through various Facebook and other social media pages.  Do Not be afraid to hang up and call your energy provider even if they have your correct account information.
• If you are victimized, contact the police and file a police report immediately.
• Call your utility provider and request a credit to your account.
• You may also contact the Michigan Public Service Commission to file a complaint if your utility provider refuses to help you.

The Community Advocate Network of Michigan has been fielding calls from residents complaining about being victimized by these scammers.

If you believe that you have victimized, I recommend that you file a police report and contact your utility provider right away.

DTE and Consumers Energy are fully aware of the problem and should be notified when your account has been compromised or if you have been forced to make fraudulent payments.  You should contact your utility provider and request a credit to your account and you may report the crime to the Michigan Public Service Commission for further assistance.

Help is available if you need assistance with paying utility bills.  Follow the links below and visit the Utility Assistance - Community Resources section for more information.


Related Posts:
Michigan Energy Assistance Programs (MEAP) FY19
michigan-energy-assistance-program-meap-fy19.html

Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Grantees Announced
​michigan-energy-assistance-program-grantees-announced.html

Links:
Utility Imposters Up Their Game with Technology
https://empoweringmichigan.com/utility-imposters-game-technology/

DTE Energy - Tips for Avoiding Utility Fraud and Utility Imposters
https://www.newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/dte-web/home/problems-and-safety-landing/common/problems/problem-center

The Fair Isaac Corporation is a data analytics company that developed the FICO credit scoring system now the lending industry standard for measuring consumer credit risk.  FICO credit ranges from 300 to 850 and rankings from poor to excellent serve to help lenders assess consumer risk and determine whether to extend credit.

FICO Scores are calculated based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies. You have FICO Scores for each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. In other words, each FICO Score is based on information that the credit bureau keeps on file about you.
​

CNBC is reporting on WHY you need good credit.  This is some information you might want to take seriously!!!!

43 million Americans have a 599 or lower FICO score.  So, what does this mean? The most widely used credit scores are FICO Scores, the credit scores created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. 90% of top lenders use FICO Scores to help them make billions of credit-related decisions every year. FICO Scores are calculated based solely on information in consumer credit reports maintained at the credit reporting agencies. You have FICO Scores for each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Each FICO Score is based on information that the credit bureau keeps on file about you. Your FICO score reflects your credit report, and ranges from around 300 to 850. A score below and around 650 is considered problematic, whereas an excellent score of around 750 or above will get you the best rates.

BAD CREDIT STATS
Most banks and lenders consider a bad credit score to be less than:

​“Excellent” Credit Score Range
No matter which scale is used, those whose scores are in the highest range are considered to have excellent credit and present the lowest credit risk.

An excellent credit score not only almost guarantees acceptance when applying for most types of credit, including nearly any of the top credit cards that catch your fancy, but also ensures the absolute best interest rates and the lowest fees.

​“Good” Credit Score Range 
While continuing to command competitive interest rates, those falling into the “good” range of credit scores will likely not see the ideal rates obtained by the people in higher categories. In addition, it may be harder to qualify for some types of credit.

“Fair” or “Average” Credit Score Range
Those who fall into the ranges for “fair” (sometimes called “average”) credit range may have some faults in their credit history but no major delinquencies. Many lenders will approve applicants with “fair” credit but borrowers will be unlikely to see very competitive interest rates.
 
“Poor” Credit Score Range
Applicants who fall into the range described as having “poor” credit will have a difficult time getting approved for most types of credit. If approved, these borrowers will likely see unfavorable rates and may have to meet larger down payment requirements for secured loans.
 
Here are three reasons it’s worth doing the work to get to “excellent credit” in 2019.

1. Better loan rates
2. Top credit cards
3. Lower Security Deposit

 
Next, let’s touch on Employers and Your Credit
Employers sometimes check credit to get insight into a potential hire, including signs of financial distress that might indicate risk of theft or fraud. They don’t get your credit score, but instead see a modified version of your credit report. The report will show your payment record, the amount you owe and your available credit. 

You do however have legal rights in regards to an employer checking your credit.  An employer must notify you if it intends to check your credit and must get your written permission. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires the notice to be “clear and conspicuous” and not mixed in with other language.

Why would an employer look at your credit? An applicant’s credit history can flag potential problems an employer would want to avoid:

• Lots of late payments could indicate you’re not very organized and responsible, or don’t live up to agreements
• Using lots of available credit or having excessive debt are markers of financial distress, which may be viewed as increasing the likelihood of theft or fraud
• Any evidence of mishandling your own finances could indicate a poor fit for a job that involves being responsible for company money or consumer information

 
Lastly, think about it - if more Americans are getting lower interest rates & saving money, then billion dollar companies are not going to be making money.

BANKS MAKE MONEY OFF YOUR BAD CREDIT!!!! 

​My commitment is to help people improve their score and empower them financially. Your credit will not fix it self. Invest in yourself and start restoring your credit today!

​Related Posts:
18 Illegal Questions for Employers to Ask
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/what-questions-can-employers-not-ask
The Power of Credit and Financial Freedom
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/power-of-credit-and-financial-freedom
Common Myths About Credit
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/common-myths-about-credit

The controversial Medicaid Work Requirement Rule, sponsored by Senator Mike Shirkey (MI-R), representing Branch, Hillsdale, and Jackson counties, passed the Senate (Bill 897) on June 7, 2018 and was signed by Governor Rick Snyder on June 22, 2018.
​
Medicaid work requirement legislation is expected to become law effective January 1, 2020 pending approval by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMMS).

The bill originally proposed recipients to work 29 hours per week but was dropped to 80 hours per month (20 hours/week) in order to pass the Michigan House vote.  The effective date of the legislation was also extended from October 2019 to January 2020.

As part of the negotiations and due to racial allegations, work requirement exemptions in counties with unemployment rates at 8.5% or higher was also eliminated.

Some highlights of the final bill signed into law are as follows:

• Non-disabled, Healthy Michigan recipients, aged 19 – 62 will be required to work 80 hours per month to retain Medicaid health insurance benefits.
• Households earning between 100 – 133% of the federal poverty level will continue eligibility for Medicaid.
• Persons affected by the work requirement rule will be given a ninety (90) day grace period of non-compliance in the first year and to allow for seasonal work.
• Non-disabled recipients will be restricted to a 48-month (4 year) lifetime limit.

Please review the link to SB 897 for a complete list of requirements and exemptions.

The goal of proponents for legislative changes to the Michigan Medicaid bill claim that it will restore dignity and self-sufficiency, improve health outcomes, close gaps in labor supply, and save taxpayers money by moving able-bodied, working-age people off federal insurance rolls.
​
The basic logic of Medicaid work requirements has four components:

1. Welfare programs is a viable source of “skilled” workers.
2. Welfare programs does little, if anything, to ease poverty.
3. Welfare programs fail to promote work and self-sufficiency.
4. Work is the best way to escape poverty.

Local Workforce: Supply and Demand
The Trump administration persists in taking credit for the flourishing economy and maintains that its policies incentivizes low-income Americans to return to the labor force while providing qualified workers to employers who will continue to grow the economy.

However, a recent analysis, published in the LinkedIn Workforce Report (October 2018) shows a 1.6% drop in hiring rates in Detroit due to a skills gap and migration patterns in the region.  Data is based on trends from September 2017 through September 2018.

That is, employers are not finding qualified workers because more unskilled workers are moving in and those likely possessing the needed skills are moving out.

The report tracks U.S. workforce hiring trends derived from comparison data of job postings and member profiles posted on LinkedIn.  It is a valuable resource for those seeking employment opportunities throughout the country, especially in large Metropolitan cities.

Data provided in the LinkedIn report provides information on surplus skills (supply) in the area and skill shortages (demand) needed by employers.  As well, we can identify the number of workers moving in and out of the area, where their migrating from, where they are migrating to, and how this factor impacts the local job market.

A link is provided below to the LinkedIn report.

​Medicaid Enrollment and Costs in Michigan
According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), there were 1,858,112 Medicaid cases in FY17 from October 2016 to September 2017, through which 2,920,176 total individual recipients received health insurance benefits.

MDHHS reported a total of 1,767,618 Medicaid recipients in FY15 after the Obamacare expansion became effective 4/1/14.

Of the nearly 3 million people across 83 counties in Michigan who received Medicaid benefits in FY17, an estimated 700,000 gained coverage through ACA’s expansion provision.

The annual expense for Medicaid in the State of Michigan is an estimated $16 billion in healthcare coverage.

Medicaid benefits are provided in six (6) broad categories:

• Families                                                                         
• Children, under 21                                                        
• Pregnant Women & Children under 19                        
• Michigan MI Child Recipients                                     
• SSI Recipients (Aged, Blind & Disabled)
• Non-SSI Recipients (Aged, Blind & Disabled)

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (2016), 27% of Michigan’s population (9.9 million) are low-income with 21% receiving health benefits under Medicaid programs.

​The Kaiser Foundation study reports 70% of Medicaid enrollees are adults and children expending 30% of the costs; while 22% are elderly and disabled accounting for 62% of all funding expenditures.

​*The following table is an overview of Michigan Medicaid recipients per county (FY17).

Source: Total Eligible Medicaid Case and Recipient Annual Information, FY17 - Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

Exemptions and Who Will Be Affected
The Medicaid work requirement rule will generally apply to able-bodied adults and particularly those on the Healthy Michigan plan added through Obamacare.

There are twelve (12) categories of exemptions for Medicaid recipients as follows:

• Children (under age 19)
• Seniors (aged 62 and over)
• Disabled or medically-frail (including the blind)
• Persons with work limitations (medical documentation required)
• Pregnant women
• Caregivers of young children under age 6 or a family member who is pregnant or disabled (receiving long-term disability benefits)
• Full-time students
• Recipients of state unemployment benefits (UI)
• Recipients of SNAP benefits (FAP) who are already exempt
• Foster care children (aged 20 and under)
• Persons who meet “good cause” temporary exemptions (unspecified)
• Returning citizens (who were incarcerated in the recent 6 months)
• Persons receiving substance abuse treatment

Medicaid Work Requirements and In-Work Poverty
When we look at the work requirement rule we must consider how and why employed workers may still lose their benefits.

We have already established that most Medicaid recipients already work.  However, since they are mostly uncounted in the labor force and in welfare budgets, there is no real way to know how often they work (e.g. seasonal, temporary) and how many hours (e.g. part-time, full-time).
But, just to give us an idea.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), there were 4,909,907 jobs in Michigan as of July 2018, of which 4,697,925 were filled (that is, 4,697,925 people were employed).  Only 211,982 people were unemployed at a rate of 4.3% of the Michigan population.

Of course, this does not account for concentrated pockets of poverty and unemployment in certain counties and cities in the state.  Still, it does substantiate the point that most Medicaid recipients in the area are currently employed but remain in jeopardy of losing their health benefits.

One reason that employed Medicaid recipients may lose their health insurance coverage due to the new work requirement rule is that many are low-skilled workers with temporary and part-time employment.  Others may be skilled tradesman but are still affected due to seasonal work.  This is problematic for claims that there is an untapped reserve of millions of qualified workers among low-income Americans on welfare who are needed to fill gaps in the labor force and continue to grow the economy.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Income and Program Participation Report (SIPP, 2012), the largest proportion (33.5%) of participants in means-tested (welfare) programs were unemployed workers.  That is, unemployed workers are likely those receiving Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits.

However, another 25.3% of the unemployed discouraged workers (those not participating in the labor force at all) participated in major welfare programs including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).  Another 17.6% of part-time workers and 6.7% of full-time workers received welfare benefits.

But, those are the national numbers.

Here in Michigan, if we consider the MDHHS Annual Caseload Report (Table 1), we can see that county unemployment rates throughout the state run no higher than 9%, yet most of those counties present, at minimal, almost one (1) quarter to nearly half of their population as receiving Medicaid and other welfare benefits.

That is, again, the majority of participants in the Medicaid program already work but continue to live in poverty, lack employer-sponsored health coverage, and so on.  This is what we refer to as in-work poverty.

Medicaid Recipients in Michigan
According the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), as of September FY2017 with a population of 9.962 million, there were 2,920,176 million recipients of Medicaid.  The U.S. Census Bureau reports the population statistics of Wayne County as of July 2017 at 1.753,616 with almost 46% receiving Medicaid benefits (see the MDHHS report). 

The poverty rate in Wayne County was 22.9% with unemployment at 6.3% during this same period, by the way.

Do we need any more proof that most people on Medicaid are already employed?

It should be noted that each Medicaid case and recipient was counted as receiving benefits at least once during the fiscal year (2017) and does not specify the length of time they were on Medicaid nor any other form of assistance received.

As such, in the numbers of Michigan Medicaid enrollees, the MDHHS report does not indicate how many recipients were employed and, if employed, were they working full or part-time, temporary or seasonal.  But the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.3% unemployment rate in the region during the same period.

So, it is safe to say that most Medicaid recipients have jobs.  That means, not only are employed Medicaid enrollees receiving federal health insurance benefits, they are also paying taxes.

Then, the question is how much in purported tax savings is there for non-Medicaid workers?

Still, some complain that the Healthy Michigan plan, targeted to low-income workers or the “working poor” through the Obamacare expansion in 2014 is unsustainable and needs to be reformed.  According to the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Healthy Michigan program is over-enrolled and underfunded (Detroit Free Press, April 2018).

But, we’ll save the discussion on how and how much Medicaid is funded for a later date.

Michigan Senate Bill 897 – Medicaid Work Requirement Rule
In the final draft of Senate Bill 897 which proposed changes to the Medicaid program in effect established new eligibility criteria.

In order to continue eligibility for Medicaid benefits recipients will be required to:

• Complete 80 hours (20 hours/wk.) of qualifying community engagement activities (e.g. work, school, or volunteering)
• Report their family income monthly.
• Report changes to family income within ten (10) days.
• Recipients failing to meet work requirements in a month will be given a warning and thirty (30) days to become compliant or lose their Medicaid benefits for one (1) year.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
 
Related Posts:
State Assistance Programs Enforce Work Requirements for Government Benefits
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/state-assistance-programs-enforce-work-requirements-for-government-benefits
[Opinion] – The Working Poor: On Welfare with A Job
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/opinion-the-working-poor-on-welfare-with-a-job
Poverty & Welfare, Human Behavior, and the Trump Election
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/poverty-welfare-human-behavior-and-the-trump-election

​Links:
Healthy Michigan Plan Work Requirements and Premium Payment Requirements (SB 897)
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2017-2018/billanalysis/House/htm/2017-HLA-0897-78EF78F9.htm
LinkedIn Workforce Report – Detroit, October 2018
https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/blog/linkedin-workforce-report-october-2018-detroit-mi  
MDHHS Total Eligible Medicaid Cases and Recipients (FY2017)
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/GA-003-Annual_Medicaid_Cases_Recipients_513891_7.pdf  
U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics Databases, Tables & Calculations
https://data.bls.gov/timeseries/LASST260000000000003
U.S. Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics, Midwest Information Office, Michigan
https://www.bls.gov/regions/midwest/michigan.htm   
U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts – Wayne County, Michigan
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/waynecountymichigan/PST045217
 
Articles:
Have Medicaid? New Michigan Bill May Force You to Work (April 2018)
https://www.freep.com/story/news/2018/04/18/michigan-medicaid-work/528197002/
Confused About Michigan Medicaid Reform? These Maps and Charts Explain It All (May ’18)
https://www.bridgemi.com/public-sector/confused-about-michigan-medicaid-reform-these-maps-and-charts-explain-all
Snyder: Deal on Medicaid Work Rules is ‘Basically There’ (June 2018)
https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2018/05/31/michigan-medicaid-work-rules/660980002/
Michigan and the ACA’s Medicaid Expansion (June 2018)
https://www.healthinsurance.org/michigan-medicaid/
Snyder Signs 80 Hour Medicaid Work Requirement Law
https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2018/06/22/michigan-medicaid-work-requirement-law/726538002/
Michigan Bill Forces Medicaid Recipients to Work 80 Hours Per Month (June 2018)
https://www.freep.com/story/news/2018/06/07/michigan-medicaid-employment-jobs-snyder/681138002/
Welfare Work Requirements Will Ease Poverty and Improve Our Workforce (July 2018)
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/07/25/welfare-work-programs-help-people-escape-poverty-column/806311002/
Some on Medicaid Must Adopt A ‘Healthy Behavior’ or Lose Coverage
http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20171022/news/642706/some-on-medicaid-must-adopt-a-healthy-behavior-or-lose-coverage

1) Credit agencies are empowered with some kind of governmental authority?
Truth: Credit agencies have no legal authority at all.

2) Credit agencies are required by law to keep derogatory items on your credit report for 7 to 10 years?
Truth: There is no law that credit agencies report any items at all.  They are required by law to remove all derogatory items older than 7 years like late payments and charge-offs, but in the case of public records like bankruptcy it’s 10 years.
 
3) Information on your credit report cannot be changed; it’s illegal to have the information altered or removed?
Truth: The opposite is true with the Fair Credit Reporting Act both Federal and various state laws REQUIRE that items be removed if they are not 100% accurate or cannot be verified in a timely manner.
 
But you know what?  You can restore your score!

The Fair Credit Reporting Act gives all Americans the right to dispute and/or investigate any item on their credit report: inaccurate, erroneous and obsolete items such as late payments, charge-offs, foreclosures, bankruptcies, tax liens, collections, short sales, medical bills, and many other items can be removed from your credit file or can be updated to say paid as agreed.
Leverage your legal rights to investigate, dispute and challenge negative items on your credit report. And know that restoring your credit will position you with the best interest rates available for future purchases!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t you want your credit power back?

Contact me and let’s get you started today!

Category: Government Benefits and Programs

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC), a division of the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), has announced the 2019 awardees of Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) grant funding.

​The nine (9) service agencies awarded a total of $54.3 million in MEAP grant funds for utility assistance and self-sufficiency programs are:

• The Salvation Army                                                        Award: $11.4 million
• TrueNorth Community Services – Freemont               Award: $10.4 million
• The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) – Detroit         Award: $8.2 million
• United Way of Southeastern Michigan- Detroit         Award: $6.75 million
• Michigan Community Action (MCA) – Okemos           Award: $6 million
• United Way of Jackson County – Jackson                   Award: $5 million
• Society of St. Vincent De Paul – Detroit                      Award: $4.1 million
• Superior Watershed Partnership – Marquette           Award: $2.4 million
• Barry County United Way                                             Award: $150,000

​
​Utility Bill Payment Assistance Limitations
Utility bill payment assistance is a critical issue in Michigan due to the implications of health and safety especially for children, seniors, and the disabled during the harsh winter months. Additionally, assistance programs remain insufficient to meet the needs of the many low-income households with rising energy costs in the region.

​According to the 2017 Home Energy Affordability Gap report, it is estimated that of the 977,5,000 eligible households for utility assistance falling 150% below the poverty line in 2017, less than 500,000 received energy assistance through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), State Emergency Relief (SER), and/or the Home Heating Credit.

Besides an increase in funding levels from $49.5 million for the 2017-18 funding year to $54.3 million for FY19, a streamlined system has been implemented to broaden the reach of these programs and ensure continuity of care.  As well, eligible households may qualify for both short and long-term assistance as well as financial and other energy-related supportive services.

Low-income households in Michigan may seek utility bill payment assistance in two ways:

• State Emergency Relief (SER) funds are available to households in Past Due or Shut-off status.
• Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) in past due status only.  Not available to households whose services are already disconnected.

The assistance limit for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds are $850 for electric and $850 for heat, that’s a total of $1700.

Applicants whose account balances exceed the $1700 limit for SER funds may apply for both programs to restore services or reduce past due balances in order to qualify for MEAP assistance programs such as the Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan.

That is, if your service has been disconnected, you must apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) to restore services.  Then, you may qualify for long-term assistance through MEAP-funded programs to manage monthly bills.

How to Apply for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
The Michigan Public Service Commission has specified some changes in the application process for the 2018-19 funding year.

Applicants must apply directly through the MIBridges website or completing a paper application obtained through local Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) offices or community service agencies.

​Do not submit the United Way LSP application for assistance.

​Two important application changes this year:

• Households seeking assistance must complete a MDHHS application specifying their service agency choice.
• Households seeking assistance may apply year-round rather than the usual open enrollment months between November 1 and May 31.

Selecting a Service Provider
Households seeking assistance may enroll in utility assistance programs by:

• Contacting an area MEAP grantee directly
• Call 2-1-1
• Visit www.mi211.org
• DTE customers may visit: https://www.newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/dte-web/home/billing-and-payments/common/energy-assistance/low-income-self-sufficiency-plan

The Community Advocate Network of Michigan will update its Utility Assistance information in the Community Resources section as soon as new reports are released relative to program design changes and anticipated household reach indicators for each service agency.

​However, applicants may refer to this information for general information on available services and eligibility criteria within each community organization.

​Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
 
Related Posts:
Community Resources Section – Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) Chart & Utility Assistance
http://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html
Michigan Energy Assistance Grants
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-energy-assistance-grants
Energy Security in Michigan: The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Funding Factor
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/energy-security-in-michigan-the-funding-factor
Michigan Energy Assistance Programs (MEAP) FY19
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-energy-assistance-program-meap-fy19
Michigan State Emergency Relief (SER) Program
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-state-emergency-relief-ser-program-structure-benefits-and-eligibility
Michigan Home Heating Credit
the-michigan-home-heating-credit.html

Links:
2018-19 MEAP Grant Awards for Low-Income Energy Assistance
www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,9535,7-395-93308_93327_93336---,00.html
MPSC, MDHHS Announce 2018-2019 MEAP Grant Awards for Low-Income Energy Assistance, Self-Sufficiency
https://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-11472-479875--,00.html
The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW) Assistance Programs
https://thawfund.org/programs/  
2017 Home Energy Affordability Gap Report
http://www.homeenergyaffordabilitygap.com/03a_affordabilityData.html
MI Bridges
https://newmibridges.michigan.gov/s/isd-landing-page?language=en_US
DTE Energy: Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Program (LSP)
https://www.newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/dte-web/home/billing-and-payments/common/energy-assistance/low-income-self-sufficiency-plan
MDHHS Heat and Utilities
www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531_62127---,00.html

Utility Assistance Resources:
DTE Energy – Utility Assistance Programs
PH:      (800) 477-4747
https://www.newlook.dteenergy.com/wps/wcm/connect/dte-web/home/billing-and-payments/common/energy-assistance/low-income-programs
Consumers Energy CARE - Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy Program
PH:      (800) 477-5050
https://www.consumersenergy.com/residential/programs-and-services/payment-assistance/care-program
SEMCO Energy - Payment Assistance Resource Page
PH:      (800) 624-2019
http://www.semcoenergygas.com/main/Default
United Way 2-1-1
http://www.mi211.org/
Detroit Water and Sewage Department – Customer Service
PH:      (313) 267-8000
http://detroitmi.gov/dwsd
Michigan Gas Utilities
PH:      (800) 401-6402

Category: Public Policy

​Announcement of the participating community organizations awaiting fund disbursement for the FY19 provision of winter utility bill assistance and self-sufficiency programs are subject to approval of state and federal appropriations budgets.

Michigan Senate Bill 848 (FY19 State Budget) was signed and submitted by Governor Rick Snyder on June 21, 2018.

FY19 Funding Factor
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced the participating energy providers and those who have opted-out of the 2019 LIEAF surcharge and their estimated contributions to energy assistance programs.

A link is provided below of participating and non-participating energy providers.

The surcharge is a funding factor imposed by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) each year to fund utility assistance programs.

The FY18 funding factor for electric providers was .93 cents per meter.  The FY19 funding factor of .93 cents per meter was adopted on July 24, 2018 but should be finalized upon approval by the State Administration Board.

MEAP Grant Proposals
MEAP Grant Proposals were issued on June 29, 2018 with a return due date on July 31, 2018 to the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) a division of the Department of Labor and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Community organizations were required to submit the proposal requesting MEAP grant funds for participating in the provision of assistance for utility bill payment and self-sufficiency programs to energy consumers.

MEAP Grant Proposals state an anticipated grant period for the 2019 fiscal year to begin on October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019.

MEAP Energy Assistance Programs
Community organizations (private or public) or local governments are required to submit the request for grant funding (RFP) that includes the development of a self-sufficiency plan for eligible consumers.

The consumer must participate in the development of the self-sufficiency plan and it must be designed to resolve “energy crisis” situations, including:

• Pay energy bills on time.
• Budgeting for and contributing to their ability to provide for energy expenses.
  • Prioritizing enrollment in a utility affordable payment plan (APP) if the household meets eligibility criteria.
  • Utilizing energy services to optimize on energy efficiency.

Michigan Energy Assistance Act (MCL 400.1231) Energy Crisis Guidelines

• “Crisis” is defined as:
  1. An individual or recipient has received a past due notice on an energy bill.
  2. A residential fuel tank is estimated to contain not more than 25% of its heating fuel capacity.
  3. A stated need for deliverable fuel or a nontraditional fuel source in which there is no meter or regular energy bill provided.
  4. A notice that the balance in a prepayment account is below a minimum amount.
• “Crisis season” means:
  1. Refers to the period from November 1 through May 31 each year.
  2. Not more than 30% of the funds awarded for energy programs shall be spent on energy costs accrued outside the “crisis season” (June 1 – October 31).

An important note regarding the crisis season as set forth by MCL 460.9t(7) states:
“An electric utility, municipally owned utility, or cooperative electric utility that elects to not collect a low-income energy assistance funding factor shall not shut-off service to any residential customer from November 1 to April 15 for non-payment of a delinquent account.”

That is, energy providers who have “opted-out” of participation with the LIEAF surcharge are prohibited from terminating utility services from November 1 to April 15 each year.  Participating LIEAF providers are subject to the prohibition of utility shut-offs between November 1 and March 31.

Please review the 2019 LIEAF Estimated Surcharge Remittances from Electric Service Providers link below for a list of participating and non-participating energy providers.

• “Eligible low-income household” means:
  1. A household with an income not more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• “Federal Poverty Guidelines” means:
  1. The poverty guidelines published annually in the federal register by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
  2. See the 2017 Federal Poverty Guidelines that will be in effect for the entire 2018 grant year set forth in the MEAP Policy Manual.

It should be noted here that the 2018 Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) will be the used for the 2019 income eligibility requirements for energy consumers.  The chart is available in the Community Resources section.

MEAP Program Enrollment
To date, there has been no official announcement for public access to assistance applications or registration for assistance with community organizations.

However, energy consumers in need of assistance can contact distribution agencies in the Community Resources section or visit the website information provided for more information.
Open enrollment dates and funding levels will be posted as soon as they are available.
 

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US
 
Related Posts:
Community Resources Section – Federal Poverty Levels (FPL) Chart
http://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html
Michigan Energy Assistance Grants
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-energy-assistance-grants
Energy Security in Michigan: The Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) Funding Factor
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/energy-security-in-michigan-the-funding-factor
 
Links:
Michigan FY19 Budget
https://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-61409_85088---,00.html
2019 LIEAF Estimated Surcharge Remittances from Electric Service Providers
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/2019_LIEAF_OPT-IN__OPT-OUT_Electric_Providers_629248_7.pdf
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) – MPSC
https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,1607,7-159-52493---,00.html
MEAP Request for Proposal (RFP)
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/2019_MEAP_Grant_RFP_626762_7.pdf

Helpful Resources:
Michigan Agency for Energy (MAE) Home Heating Help
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/mpsc-ca_homeheatinghelp_276964_7.pdf
MAE Instructions for Switching Natural Gas Providers
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/mpsc-ca_naturalgaschoice_211932_7.pdf
MAE Tips for Terminating or Changing Utility Services
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/mpsc-ca_tipsforterminating_211944_7.pdf
Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) Inquiries and Complaints
https://www.michigan.gov/mpsc/0,4639,7-159-16368_16415---,00.html
Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) FAQs (MDHHS)
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mpsc/MEAP_FAQs_445488_7.pdf
MEAP Frequently Asked Questions (Washtenaw County)
https://www.washtenaw.org/DocumentCenter/View/1849/FAQs-PDF?bidId=


​The Heat and Warmth Fund Assistance Programs (THAW)
Utility Assistance Center
PH:      (800) 866-8429 (M – F, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm)
Website: thawfund.org/programs/

• Currently accepting applications for State Emergency Relief (SER), DTE, Consumers Energy and SEMCO Energy affordable rate plan programs.
• Enrollment for Low-Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) not yet available.

THAW MEAP Application and Eligibility Guidelines
https://thawfund.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/2018-MEAP-Application-THAW.pdf

Category: Consumer Services

Do you know the true power of credit and what it means for the future?  Well, let’s talk about it.

Did you know that your financial health revolves around your credit and FICO score?

​Do you know your credit score?
​
A poor credit score and a bad credit history are costly! Your credit can impact many things from interest rates to high insurance premiums. Without a strong credit score, you could be denied the ability to rent, purchase a car, get credit cards and obtain a mortgage.

Your credit can even be used when being considered for employment!

Can you believe that? How dare them….

Know that the cost of bad credit and a low credit score can cost you hundreds and thousands of dollars over the course of your lifetime.

Having bad credit can cause a person to make higher deposits on something as just getting a cell phone? Poor credit will have you paying deposits on utility bills, cable, and again as mentioned paying much higher interest on purchases

So, let’s just think about this for a moment… If you need a co-signer, then it’s time to seriously start fixing YOUR credit

​Let’s briefly analyze these things and their importance.

• A Will expresses your desires for the handling of you financial and personal affairs.

 

• A Living Trust will avoid the delay of your estate ending up in probate court.

I’m sure you are aware that our beloved Prince had NO Will or Trust and his estate is tied up in probate as we speak. And now our beloved Aretha Franklin had no Will or Trust either. And her estate could very well get tied up in probate if the family is unable to make and agree on how to distribute her money, personal treasures, music, etc...
​

• Financial Power of Attorney (POA) this allows someone to manage your finances or business affairs should you become unable to do so.

 

• Healthcare Power of Attorney (H-POA) is to allow someone to make decisions about your medical treatment if you are unable to.

 
All of these things are important and if you haven’t put something in place, you need to get moving. An illness or an accident can change your entire world for you and your loved ones.

Now let’s assume you’ve taken the step to restore your credit and things have greatly improved.   But the thing about restoring your credit also means you need to understand and become financially educated. It would be a shame to get all this done and create a disastrous situation all over again.

The last thing I want to bring up is to ask yourself - are you on track to be able to reach financial freedom at this point in your life?

In other words, getting to a Debt – Zero status… It is possible but, you need a system and a budget to get you there and again this is how and where financial education is vital to all of this and what I have talked about.  And you know what? If you’re finally tired of being DENIED every time you try to get a new car, credit card(s) or being able to buy a home for you or your family, then guess what? I can help you get ALL of this handled and more…

Don’t delay this any longer, remember credit is “Power” let’s get your Power back! And we can get started doing that today!

Related Posts:
How to Locate A Life Insurance Policy: Free Life Insurance Locator Tool
how-to-locate-a-life-insurance-policy-free-life-insurance-policy-locator.html
Social Security and Veterans Survivor's Benefits
www.canmichigan.com/death-and-burial.html

Category: Government Benefits and Programs

​Program Goals and Objectives
Disability benefits are designed to provide a basic income as a preventative measure for escaping abject poverty when a person becomes severely injured, psychologically impaired, or ill due to a serious medical condition.  But, it is deficient in providing recipients with a lifestyle of independence and self-sufficiency.

The goals of the Ticket-to-Work program are to:

• Offer beneficiaries with disabilities the choice and support to enter or re-enter the job market or maintain employment.
• Increase the financial independence and self-sufficiency of persons with disabilities.

The objectives of Ticket-to-Work and PASS are to help disabled individuals find employment that reduces or eliminates SSI or SSDI benefits.

Ticket-to-Work
The Ticket-to-Work program does not require a special application process.  Disabled beneficiaries who receive cash benefits from Social Security are entitled to participate in the program and may enroll with an approved service provider of their choice.

Beneficiaries may enroll with an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.  The EN or State VR will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find or maintain employment.

Free job support services include:

• Job training
• Career counseling
• Vocational rehabilitation
• Benefits counseling
• Job placement
• Ongoing support services necessary to achieve employment goals

Ongoing support services also involves the initiative to remove barriers from achieving work goals.  This can include purchasing clothing, equipment, or a vehicle when necessary for employment; or, making repairs to an existing vehicle, help with driver license restoration and purchasing car insurance.

Please inquire with your chosen service provider for details on criteria and eligibility requirements for these services.
​
Social Security will not send a paper ticket in the mail.  Recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Social Supplemental Income (SSI) benefits, age 18 to 64, are eligible to participate.  Eligibility is verified through service providers and you can verify your eligibility status by calling the Ticket-to-Work Helpline.
Ticket-to-Work Helpline:
PH:      (866) 968-7842
TTY:    (866) 833-2967

How to Apply for Ticket-to-Work

• Call the Ticket-to-Work Helpline to verify eligibility for the program
• Customer service representatives will answer questions or concerns you have
• Request a list of service providers or use the Find Help Tool for a customized list of providers based on your specific needs or by area (zip code).
• Use the Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet to choose an EN.

The worksheet will provide a list of questions you may want to ask and a space to write your answers which may help with the decision to assign your ticket.
Beneficiaries may choose between an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency for ticket assignment based on your needs and the services provided.

Beneficiaries may also receive services from a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency and then receive ongoing services from an Employment Network (EN).
​
Work Incentives
Work Incentives not only encourage beneficiaries to reduce or eliminate their reliance on social security it also helps in transitioning from benefit rolls to the workforce.

• Go to work without immediately losing cash benefits.
• Return to benefits if you have to stop working.
• Continue to receive healthcare benefits.
• Be protected from receiving a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) while using the ticket and making the expected progress with work or educational goals.

Beneficiaries who opt to participate in the Ticket-to-Work program are afforded the opportunity to safely explore work options and find the job that is right for them without immediately losing their benefits.

If employment earnings surpass allowable benefit amounts, your disability case will remain open up to one (1) year should your disability impair your ability to continue to work and there is a need to return or restore social security benefits.

You do not need to reapply or start a disability case over from the beginning.

Social Security will not terminate your case for up to one (1) year after the start of employment.  Cases where employment earnings exceed benefit amounts are held open in a "non-pay" status in case the beneficiary cannot sustain employment due to their health.  After the one (1) year non-pay status period, beneficiaries must reapply.

Work Incentives are designed to meet individual needs and circumstances.  For a complete guide to Social Security Work Incentives consult the SSA Red Book.

Beneficiaries can use a combination of Work Incentives to maximize their income until they can secure stable employment and adequate income to support themselves.

Examples of Work Incentives:

• Trial Work Period (TWP)
  • SSDI recipients only
  • Allows beneficiaries to test their ability to work for a minimum of nine (9) months.
  • The beneficiary retains full SSDI benefits despite the amount of earnings as long as work activity is reported.
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
  • SSDI and SSI recipients
  • If benefits were stopped due to the new earnings level from employment, and you need to return to benefits because of a medical condition – benefits will be reinstated per your request without having to complete a new application.
  • Six months of temporary benefits are allowed while Social Security reviews the request to reinstate benefits.
• Protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR)
  • SSDI and SSI recipients
  • If a Ticket is assigned to an approved service provider prior to the receipt of notice for a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR), the beneficiary is exempt from the CDR while participating in the Ticket-to-Work program and making progress within Social Security’s timeframes.

These are a few examples of work incentives for recipients of Social Security disability benefits and the program is even more generous for those who are blind.

Click the link for more information on Work Incentives for Blind People:

Beneficiaries may register for a Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE), a monthly online webinar provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA).  The WISE webinar helps SSDI and SSI beneficiaries learn more about Ticket-to-Work and Work Incentives.
WISE Webinar Registration:
PH:      (866) 968-7842
TTY:    (866) 833-2967

Use the link to register online for a webinar: https://choosework.ssa.gov/webinar/

Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs)
Social Security recipients are periodically subject to Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) every three (3), five (5), or seven (7) years to determine if a recipient still meets SSA guidelines for disability.  However, when a beneficiary chooses to participate in the Ticket-to-Work program they are protected from the medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

The income and asset test will be an ongoing process through wage reporting or the Work Disability Review (WDR) process.  In either process, work earnings are monitored which will be incrementally deducted until cash benefits are zeroed out.

For more information about medical or work disability reviews, contact the Social Security Administration at: (800) 772-1213.

Beneficiaries should also be aware that when enrolled in the Ticket-to-Work program they are expected to take certain steps toward preparing for a job, finding work, or maintaining current employment within a specified time frame.

Time frames are determined by Social Security to maintain wages within a certain level and complete job training or educational program.

The steps taken to meet employment goals are outlined in the work plan developed between the beneficiary and chosen Employment Network (EN).

Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies
An Employment Network (EN) is a private organization or public agency (including a State VR agency) which entered into an agreement to provide employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other types of support to beneficiaries with disabilities under the Ticket-to-Work program.

Beneficiaries can contact any EN to see if the services and support offered are right for them.  There are different types of service providers and each type of service provider provides different services.  It is important to understand the services each provider offers before searching so you can select the best provider to suit your needs.

Types of Service Providers:

• Employment Networks (EN)
• Workforce Employment Networks
• State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Projects
• Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)

Types of Services:

• Benefits/Work Incentives Counseling
• Career Planning/Counseling
• Job Search and Placement
• Ongoing Employment Support
• Training Programs
• Special Programs for Veterans and Youth-in-Transition
• Tuition Support for College Coursework
• Rehabilitation Services
• Legal Support and Advocacy
• Assistance with Accommodations

State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies assists individuals who desire to return to work or obtain new employment but require more significant services for work to be possible.

State VRs help beneficiaries get ready for work then refer them to an Employment Network (EN) to help them keep the job and make more money.

Likewise, beneficiaries receiving services from State VRs are assumed to be using a Ticket and, therefore, exempt from Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs).

Work Plans
The beneficiary and EN must agree and develop a work plan that describes the beneficiary’s employment goal.  The plan serves as a roadmap that helps the beneficiary understand their responsibilities and outlines the services and support the EN will provide to help the beneficiary reach their goal.

Use the Planning Your Employment Goals with the Ticket-to Work Program tool to help you define your employment goals and needs from the program.

The Your Path to Work tool helps you identify your phase in making the decision to return to work, look for a job, or maintain current employment.

Beneficiaries may talk to as many ENs as they wish before choosing to assign their Ticket.  If a beneficiary assigns his or her Ticket to an EN and later has a change of mind about working with that EN, the beneficiary can un-assign the ticket and take it to another EN.

Wage Reporting
Beneficiaries who participate in the Ticket-to-Work program are required to report earned income monthly once new employment has begun.  Social Security allows no more than six (6) days after the end of each month for wage reporting.  Recipients may submit pay stubs by certified mail or in-person at a local Social Security office.

Wages may also be reported by a representative payee, spouse, parent, or sponsor of the SSDI/SSI recipient via telephone, mobile app, or the mySocialSecurity website.
PH:      (800) 772-1213
TTY:    (800) 325-0778

Use the Social Security Office Locator tool to find an office near you:

Use the Income Reporting Chart for Social Security Benefits on wage reporting requirements.

A link is provided below for more information on wage reporting.

How to Calculate Benefit Deductions
Beneficiaries who decide to participate in the Ticket-to-Work program will either reduce or eliminate their reliance on disability benefits.

While the first $85 of earnings are not counted, beneficiaries whose income rises above benefit levels will "zero out" their disability payment and lose eligibility for Medicaid health insurance.

The formula to estimate your deductions where N = net earnings and D = deductions is:

That is, the first $85 of earnings are deducted from the Net Income (N).  The balance of the Net Income (N) is then divided by 2 and the balance or difference becomes the Deducted Amount (D) from the Social Security payment.

Example of a Benefit Deduction:

• Net Income (after taxes) = $1000
• $85 is not counted so the balance of the Net Income = $915
• $915 is divided by 2 = $457.50
• $457.50 is deducted from the Social Security payment

Beneficiaries are required to report earnings after the first thirty (30) days of employment.  Benefits are affected after the second thirty (30) days.

Example of Wage Reporting:

• Begins work on April 1st
• Income is reported between May 1st and May 6th
• Social Security benefits are reduced or eliminated on June 1st

That means, the beneficiary can retain their Social Security payments for the first sixty (60) days of employment without penalty as long as the income is reported.

Again, if earnings exceed benefit amounts and the Social Security payment is "zeroed out" the case remains open for one (1) year in a "non-pay status."

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
PASS is yet another provision to help disabled persons who receive or qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits return to work.

PASS allows disabled individuals set aside monies or assets that would otherwise be counted as income toward benefit amounts to pay for items or services needed to achieve a work goal.

A PASS can include supplies to:

• start a business
• attend school
• equipment and tools
• transportation
• uniforms
• other items or services

PASS can help the participant save money to pay these costs, make purchases, installment payments, or downpayments on a vehicle, computer, or wheelchair to achieve a work goal.

Beneficiaries interested in participating with the PASS program can contact an Employment Network, State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, or local Social Security office to apply.

Applicants must complete the SSA-545-BK form to participate.

Beneficiaries with a work goal of self-employment must also submit a business plan.
​
PASS is also an option for claimants who otherwise medically qualify for SSI but whose income and assets exceed the maximum limitations ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples).  This program will help those applicants financially qualify for SSI by setting-aside monies and property to reduce those assets.

A link is provided below for more information.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
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Related Posts:
Disability Resources
http://www.canmichigan.com/disability-resources-michigan.html
State Disability Assistance (SDA) Program Structure, Benefits, and Eligibility
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-state-disability-assistance-sda-program-structure-benefits-and-eligibility
Case Management Services
http://www.canmichigan.com/case-management-services.html
 
Links:
Social Security Ticket to Work Overview
https://www.ssa.gov/work/overview.html
Find A Ticket-to-Work Service Provider
https://choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp/
Finding an Employment Network (EN) and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet
https://choosework.ssa.gov/library/finding-EN-assigning-your-ticket-worksheet
Protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (Social Security Administration)
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/cdrprotection.htm
Social Security Administration Work Site
https://www.ssa.gov/work/
Comprehensive Guide to Service Providers and Services
https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/meet-your-employment-team/index.html
Social Security Red Book
https://www.ssa.gov/redbook/
How to Report Wages
https://choosework.ssa.gov/about/wage-reporting/index.html  
PASS – Social Security Overview
https://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/pass.htm
Guide to Plans for Achieving Self-Support
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11017.pdf
Spotlight on Plan to Achieve Self-Support – 2018 Edition
https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-plans-self-support.htm
The Fully Accessible Guide To Starting A Business With A Disability
www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/accessible-guide-for-disabled-entrepreneurs.php

Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
PH:   (800)605-6722
TTY:  7-1-1
Ticket-to-Work (MDHHS)
www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_25392_40237_42063---,00.html

SSA Timely Progress Guideline (MRS Ticket-to-Work Program)
www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/78b6epub-343_--_MRS_and_Ticket_to_Work_Program_--_2015_509997_7.pdf

Category: Public Policy

​The Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act (Public Act 84) prohibits local governments, that is, cities and counties located within the Michigan territory to adopt Ban-the-Box laws that will regulate the screening procedures of public and private employers.

The original law (Public Act 104 of 2015) emphatically states that “matters of the employment relationship is a concern of the state”, in effect, stripping the authority of local governments to adopt an ordinance, local policy, or resolution that would infringe “don’t ask” regulations not expressly impermissable by law on employers.

EMPLOYMEE RIGHTS AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS
There are literally a laundry list of rules regulating the hiring practices of employers in this country on the national and local levels, namely, the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  These are the two most comprehensive statutory regulations enacted by the federal government preventing discrimination in hiring as well as protections from in-work injustices such as harassment and retaliation.

In Michigan, the Elliot-Larson Civil Rights Act and Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act protects applicants and existing employees against an even more expansive range of discriminatory hiring and employment practices.

Furthermore, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, anti-discrimination laws in employment and housing, publishes a Pre-Employment Inquiry Guide for employers.  While the guide is intended to help employers maintain legal hiring and interviewing practices, it is also a handy tool that all job-seekers should familiarize themselves with.

U.S. and Michigan laws regulating hiring and employment practices:

• Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA)
• Persons with Disabilities Civil Rights Act (PWOCRA)
• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
• Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• Age Discrimination in Employment Act
• Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986

MICHIGAN EMPLOYMENT SCREENING REGULATIONS OVERVIEW
The broad language of Michigan employment laws covers several areas of importance in preventing discriminatory hiring practices, including:

• Recruitment
• Pre-employment Inquiries
• Job Description
• Arrest Records
• Data Collection
• Bona Fide Occupational Qualification
• EEO/Workforce Diversity Plans

Recruitment
Employers are encouraged to include statements promoting or affirming their commitment to equal employment opportunity practices.  However, they are prohibited from publishing or circulating advertisements that indicate candidate preferences, specifications or limitations based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, and disability.

Pre-Employment Inquiries
Employers and employment agencies are prohibited except as permitted by law to ask questions (verbal or written) to elicit information, attempt to elicit information, or express a candidate preference based on race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, and disability of a prospective employee.  This is intended to prevent characteristics which are not job-related from influencing the selection process.
​
Example of an illegal inquiry:
“How old are you?”  “No, thank you, we are looking for someone younger.”

Job Description
Employers are required by law to write descriptions outlining the required skills and abilities for each job position enabling employers to select the most qualified candidates.

Questions that elicit information that are unlawful during the pre-employment screening process may become legal once the extension of a job offer or hiring process begins.  Such information is needed for payroll and benefit processing but should not be included on job applications or asked during an interview.
​
Arrest Records
Michigan law prohibits employers from inquiring about misdemeanor arrests that did not result in a conviction but are permitted to ask questions about the following:

• felony arrests that did not result in a conviction
• misdemeanor convictions
• felony convictions

Some employers are required by law to conduct a criminal background checks on potential hires.  However, in most circumstances, employers may not refuse to hire or accept job applications from any and every person with criminal convictions.  This is prohibited under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Data Collection
Employers are limited to gathering information as permitted or required by law for certain occupations, restricting access to that information, and collecting data otherwise prohibited by law after a conditional offer of employment has been extended to a prospective candidate.

Bona Fide Occupational Qualification
It should be noted that employers can request to be exempt from laws that prohibit hiring practices based on characteristics such as religion, national origin, age, height, weight, or sex if it is a bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ).  That is, these characteristics are necessary for normal business operations.

The BFOQ must be requested prior to posting a job position but can be used as a legal defense against discrimination charges even if the BFOQ was never obtained.

A link to the Pre-Employment Inquiry Guide is provided below for more information.

EEO/Workforce Diversity Plans
The aggregate collection of data on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, or disability of applicants and employees as permissible by the requirement of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and workforce diversity plans.

The information gathered must be separate from the hiring or promotional processes.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT INQUIRY GUIDELINES
​Source: Michigan Department of Civil Rights

1. Address

Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s current or prior addresses.

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry: N/A

    2. Age
Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Are you 18 years or older?

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s age or date of birth.

    3. Arrests
Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Have you ever been convicted of a crime? or, Have you been arrested for a felony?

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Misdemeanor arrests that did not result in a conviction unless applicant is seeking a position with a law enforcement agency.  (Only unlawful in Michigan, not covered by federal law).

    4. Birthplace
Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Birthplace of applicant’s and applicant’s relatives; birth certificate, naturalization and baptismal records, unless required by federal law. (Documents required by the Immigration and Reform Control Act (IRCA) may only be collected after a conditional offer of employment has been made).

    5. Citizenship
Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
These questions are unlawful unless asked as part of the Federal I-9 process.

• Of what country are you a citizen?
• Are you a naturalized or native-born citizen?
• Are your parents or spouse naturalized or native-born citizens?

(The IRCA – Immigration Reform and Control Act mandates that employers verify citizenship and work authorization; but only after a conditional offer of employment has been made).

    6. Disability
Lawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation. (Only lawful if applicant has been informed of essential job duties).

Unlawful Pre-Employment Inquiry:
Physical or mental conditions which are not directly related to the requirements of a specific job.

    7. Education
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s academic, vocational, or professional education and schools attended.

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

    8. Genetic Testing
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s genetic information or requiring an applicant to undergo genetic testing is unlawful. (Unlawful in Michigan, not covered by federal law).

    9. Height or Weight
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
It is illegal to inquire (verbal or written) about an applicant’s height or weight. (Unlawful in Michigan, not covered by federal law).

   10. Marital Status
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Marital status or children: asking applicants to specify titles such as Mr., Mrs. Or Ms. (Unlawful in Michigan, not covered by federal law).

   11. Name
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s name or other names used.

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s maiden name. (Unlawful in Michigan, not covered by federal law). 

   12. National Origin
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Languages spoken or written by applicant.

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s lineage, ancestry, national origin, or nationality.

   13. Notice in Case of an Emergency
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Name, address, and phone number of a person to be notified in case of an accident or emergency.

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Name, address, and phone number of a relative to be notified in case of an accident or emergency.

   14. Organizations
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
The organizations and clubs to which applicants belongs with noted exceptions.

​Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Names of organizations to which applicants belongs if information will reveal the race, color, religion, national origin, or ancestry of the members of the organization.

   15. Photograph
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s photograph prior to hire.

   16. Race or Color
​Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

​Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s race, national origin, or color.

   17. Religion
​Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Religious denomination or affiliation; religious holiday’s observed.

   18. Sex
Lawful Pre-employment Inquiry: N/A

​Unlawful Pre-employment Inquiry:
Applicant’s gender; ability or desire to have children; child care arrangements.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Can an employer do a background check to verify your GPA?
Employers may request a copy of your college transcripts to verify your GPA.  It is permissible by law and may help in the selection process between candidates.

Can an employer ask if you are pregnant?
Inquiring about an applicant’s or employee’s pregnancy status as a condition of employment or a promotion is prohibited.  It is a violation of labor law and can result in legal liability against an employer.

Can an employer ask if you smoke?
While some states permit employers to inquire whether you are a smoker as a condition of employment Michigan law does not expressly regulate the practice.  It also does not require employers to accommodate smokers or non-smokers with designated areas and are generally free to adopt smoking policies at their own discretion.

However, issues of retaliation and harassment are directly prohibited by law.  Employees who experience or suspect adverse sanctions for smoking in the workplace should contact the Michigan Department of Civil Rights or consult a legal representative.

Can an employer run a credit check?
In Michigan, employers can pull your credit report, but your permission is required.  Not only does the law require your permission for an employer to request your records from credit bureaus, employers must also inform you of your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  Additionally, if you are denied employment due to your credit history, the employer must provide you a copy of your credit report and notice of adverse action.  This provides the applicant an opportunity to respond.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Related Posts:
Michigan Bans-the-Box for Felons
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-bans-the-box-for-felons
Ban-the-Box Laws: Employment Rights for Felons
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/ban-the-box-laws-employment-rights-for-felons
State Assistance Programs Enforce Work Requirements for Government Benefits
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/state-assistance-programs-enforce-work-requirements-for-government-benefits

Links:
Michigan Bans the Ban: New Law Stops Local Government Regulations on Employer Inquiries
https://ogletree.com/shared-content/content/blog/2018/march/michigan-bans-the-ban-new-law-stops-local-government-regulations-on-employer-inquiries
Michigan Department of Civil Rights: Pre-Employment Inquiry Guide
https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdcr/Preemploymentguide62012_388403_7.pdf
What You Should and Shouldn’t Ask Job Candidates (For Employers)
https://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/quick.htm
Were You Denied A Job or Promotion Because of Your Credit Report?
https://www.micreditlawyer.com/employment-and-credit-reports/

Resources:
U.S. Department of Labor – Michigan
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
315 West Allegan Street, Suite 207
Lansing, Michigan 48933
PH:      (517) 487-4996
Fax:     (517) 487-4997

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
Detroit District Office
477 Michigan Avenue
Room 865
Detroit, MI 48226
PH:      (800) 669-4000
TTY:    (800) 669-6820
Fax:     (313) 226-4610

Michigan Occupational Safety & Health Administration (MIOSHA)
530 W. Allegan Street
P.O. Box 30643
Lansing, Michigan 48909-8143
Phone: (517) 284-7777
Fax: (517) 284-7725
Toll-Free Complaint Hotline: (800) TO-MIOSH ((800) 866-4674)

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Wage and Hour Division
2407 N. Grand River Avenue
Lansing, MI 48906
PH:      (855) 464-9243 (Toll Free)
PH:      (517) 284-7800
Fax:     (517) 322-6352

Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR)
PH:      (800)482-3604 (Toll Free)
TTY:    (877)878-8464
Website: www.michigan.gov/mdcr

Michigan Department of Civil Rights Detroit Service Center - Cadillac Place
3054 W. Grand Boulevard
Suite 3-600
Detroit, MI 48202
PH:      (313)456-3700
Fax:     (313)456-3701
Fax:     (313)456-3791 (Executive Office)
Divisions:

• Michigan Women’s Commission
• Division on Deaf, Blind, and Hard of Hearing

Website: www.MDCRServiceCenter@michigan.gov

Michigan Department of Civil Rights Lansing – Capitol Tower Building
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 800
Lansing, MI 48933
PH:      (517)335-3165
TTY:    (517)241-1965
Fax:     (517)241-0546
Website: MDCR-INFO@michigan.gov
​
Michigan Department of Civil Rights Grand Rapids Office
State Office Building, 4th Floor
350 Ottawa N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
PH:      (616)356-0380
TTY:    (616)356-0391
Fax:     (616)356-0399

Michigan Alliance Against Hate Crimes (MIAAHC)
PH:      (517)335-3165
Website: mdcrcrt@miaahc.com

Category: Public Policy

 
There has been a slight change in Michigan’s ban on “Ban-the-Box” ordinances.

And a slight change it is.

On Friday, September 7, 2018, the term-limited Governor Rick Snyder, signed an executive-directive ordering all Michigan departments to remove questions about criminal histories from state job applications effective October 1, 2018.

More specifically, applications will no longer ask questions about prior felony convictions.

Furthermore, the governor has also asked the Office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to remove criminal background questions from licensing applications for skilled-trade workers except where required by federal or state law.

That is, some professional licensing depending on the industry may or may not require a criminal background screening.

The good news for returning citizens is that this will prevent state departments from utilizing criminal histories as an initial screening for employment.

On the other hand, applicants seeking employment with the state will only be temporarily relieved of criminal background checks as they may be required to authorize it if offered employment after the initial application.

The bad news is that this new change of heart for the governor did not cause him to reverse the law in Michigan which bans “Ban-the-Box” ordinances in our state.  Neither did he apply his generosity to the private sector.  He only states the hope that the initiative will work and other public and private employers will follow suit.

Remember, this comes after he signed the “Local Government Labor Regulatory Limitation Act” into law on March 26, 2018.  The law states that cities and counties located in the State of Michigan are, in fact, prohibited from adopting "ban-the-box" ordinances for felony convictions. 

So, we’ll see how this pans out.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and please share with your followers.  If you’re in need of case management services or need additional assistance complete the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US

Related Posts:
Ban-the-Box Laws: Employment Rights for Felons
​http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/ban-the-box-laws-employment-rights-for-felons
City of Detroit Project Clean Slate Free Expungement Fairs 2018
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/city-of-detroit-project-clean-slate-free-expungement-fairs-2018
Returning Citizens
​http://www.canmichigan.com/returning-citizens.html

Category: Public Policy

Social welfare refers to the well-being of society and is designed to respond to social, economic, and political problems of constituents through the action or inaction of federal, state, or local governments by the creation of social welfare policy. of which social welfare programs are the result

While social welfare speaks to the collective well-being of society and the state of a healthy balance for people.  Social welfare policy is the domain of maintaining society’s well-being and serves as the collective response to social problems.  The social welfare system consists of the organized efforts and structures used to provide societal well-being.

The government, however, does not have a program called “welfare.”  But as a member of society, everyone is a part of the social welfare system where roles may vary depending on need, position, and at different points in life.  Still, every person that exists in society participates in the social welfare, both, as a provider and a recipient.

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The blatant inaction of the federal government not to intervene in a social problem or act on behalf of society typically is a sign that a decision has been made not to make it a national concern; and, to leave it up to local communities or social service agencies to deal with it.
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Social welfare programs are an outgrowth or product of social welfare policy.  These programs are a response to the economic and social conditions of society.

An example of this is the Social Security Act of 1935, the largest piece of welfare legislation until the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) which regulates our current welfare system.

The Great Depression was a time of such economic insecurity that something had to be done to correct the imbalance of the economy and provide some form of support for citizens.  The Social Security Act was the government’s response.

Changing Values and Beliefs in Social Welfare Policy
Americans have a general value for supporting those in need such as giving to charity or just being socially caring but vary greatly in their view of these values.

Such issues as determining the responsibility for other’s well-being and whether it is a personal or public matter? Collective or individual concern?  Or, whether aid should be short or long-term?  All these concerns serve as conflicting values when it comes to social welfare.

Values are said to be the worth, desirability or usefulness placed on something.  While beliefs can be summed up as an opinion or conviction.

The thing to remember is that values are fluid.  That is, they change over time and, certainly, with changing circumstances.

For example, when a person is young and strong or financially stable they may firmly believe in personal responsibility.  However, with age and changing life circumstances that leads to the reliance on the help of others, they will likely become more receptive to a collective approach to living and giving.

Values and beliefs join forces when people have to decide whether they feel something is worth the investment of our resources such as time, money, or even public awareness.  They also make it difficult to gather a consensus for national commitment to social problems.

So, we examine the principles of values and beliefs which underpin social welfare services to help us understand the development, maintenance, and function of the social welfare system at any given point in time.  Because change always comes with time.

How Conflicting Views Complicate Social Welfare Policy
Let’s discuss some of our conflicting views as it relates to the approach and provision of social welfare, how those beliefs and value systems shape social welfare policy, and how they affect the most needy and vulnerable in society.

The majority of disagreements over the best choices in public policy derive from some very powerful, deep-seated belief systems.  To this point, there are more broad areas of contention that have endured over time regarding social problems and how they should be addressed.

• Undeserving versus Deserving Poor
• Personal Failure versus Systemic Failure
• Individual Responsibility versus Social Responsibility
• Individual Change versus Social Change
• Self-Sufficiency versus Social Support
• Entitlement versus “Handout”
• Aid to Those We Know versus Aid to Strangers
• Religious and Faith-Based Practice versus Separation of Church and State
• Crisis Response versus Prevention
• Sympathy versus Empathy
• Trust versus Suspicion
• Rationality versus Emotions

Examples of Need for Social Welfare: Deserving versus Undeserving Poor
One of the biggest misconceptions I have heard is that only conservatives have a problem with welfare.  But, with our shifting culture and greater emphasis placed on individuality in society – more and more liberals have now adopted the personal responsibility mantra.

A demonstration of this was democratic President Bill Clinton’s Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA), what we know as the Welfare Reform Bill.  This is where the welfare system forever changed with the introduction of work requirements for government benefits has its roots.

So, when we look at the deserving versus the undeserving poor, although not new, the idea has resurfaced in modern liberal circles in what is known as Neo-Liberalism.  Rest assured, there are neo-conservatives as well.

However, in this view of deserving versus undeserving poor the idea is that poverty is acceptable within certain categories of poor people.  Those categories typically include veterans, children, seniors, and disabled people that are accepted as “worthy of help.”

That is, these people are in need through circumstances beyond their control.

The other end of the spectrum is considered to be in control of their circumstances and they should be working hard, pulling themselves up by the bootstraps, and willing and grateful to accept any opportunity to work.  The problem with this perspective is that there is little to no consideration for cause.

The widow who lost all of their benefits due to the loss of a spouse or the unemployed worker whose company moved their job overseas are examples of legitimate cause.

The assumption is that all able-bodied, working-age adults who encounter poverty does so as a personal failure rather than social structures that create barriers to resources.

So, the political dilemma in writing social welfare policy is in determining whether the focus should be on the individual or society.

Importance of Social Welfare
Conflicts are inevitable in the social welfare system and interventions are needed, sometimes on a broad scale depending on the extent of the conflict, to minimize their impact.  Social welfare policies and programs fulfills this need.

We will not expound on all of the conflicting values that have been outlined.  But I wanted to provide a brief examination of some of the issues faced in social welfare and provide an opportunity for us to consider the need and usefulness of federal aid.

The goal is to understand the underlying values and beliefs that shape the social consciousness of contemporary society and how we may use that information to navigate the current state of the social welfare system.

I want to encourage everyone to think clearly and objectively about how we feel on the issues that may not affect us today but what may be encountered in the future.  But, not just to have an opinion…be informed.
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It is important to understand social welfare because it gives us the power to question, advocate for change, and make better decisions for our lives.  Those who know the true strengths and weaknesses of social programs are better able to plan for the future.


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http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/state-assistance-programs-enforce-work-requirements-for-government-benefits
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http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again

Category: Social Topics

The Bible reads, "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore, I command you saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land." Deuteronomy 15:11 NAS.

That lets us know that there will always be poor and that we are to always generously help them. Note that it mentions poor and needy. They are two different things…I'll let you think about that for another time, since it is not our topic today.

We see from just this one reference that we are to help those in need.

The Bible says more…it tells us that we are not to judge. In the world that we live in it has become popular to say, " Don't judge me" or "I'm not judging."  To me, these are code for "I know I should be judged" and "I said I'm not judging you so you won't think that I'm not, but I am alright."  But a genuine heart of giving should be doing it without judging. There are consequences to judging that we can avoid.

The Bible says, "Judge not that you be not judged." Matthew 7:1 KJV. For the sake of this article we are going to subscribe a definition to judge as: “To form an opinion based on what you think you know, draw a conclusion and deliver a verdict.”

It is so simple to see someone or even know many details of their situation and form an opinion of why it is how it is and what they should have done to be out of it. The danger in that is that you set yourself up to be judged too. If not by God, certainly by other humans. (We know how awful that can be).

Someone’s judgement of you can affect a number of areas of your life:

• How you are perceived
• How you are received, and,
• How you interact in other relationships

We can say we don't care, and that can be true, but it doesn't stop others judgement of you from affecting things that you have little control over.  So, when we are helping someone up, be careful not to pull yourself down by judging yourself as better than them, it has consequences.
Lastly, the Bible says," He that hath pity on the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and, that which he hath given will he repay him again." Proverbs 19:17.

I've read a few things about how God gives.  A recurring theme that I found is that he multiples. (I'll take that).  The Bible says he does exceedingly above all that we could ask or think. I can ask a lot and I can think a lot and I want him to write my paychecks!

The Bible says, "He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God."  I want everything I do to honor God…I don't want to show contempt…I don't want to judge…I don't want to be stingy.

I was going to say that I don't want to be selfish, but I realized that in some ways giving is selfish.  It makes you feel so good that the act of giving and helping is sometimes as much for you as it is for others. Jesus said it is better to give than to receive.  That has meant many things - but one is that it makes you feel good  It can bring you joy, make you feel like you made a difference...if just for the moment, it can make you feel better about yourself.
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So, in a sense this is one time it is okay to be selfish.  I say be selfish and generous at the same time.  God bless you and I hope something of my beliefs has helped you.

Related Posts:
Redefining Social Welfare...Again

Category: Public Policy

The statewide expungement program in Michigan was designed to establish job training and placement programs for discouraged workers with chronic unemployment issues including the youth, veterans, and disabled with a focus on reentry programs for returning citizens transitioning out of correctional facilities.

Project Clean Slate Free Expungement Fairs in the City of Detroit began as an initiative to expand the program to all ex-offenders in Wayne County.

Criminal convictions affect many low-income residents in Detroit’s Wayne County.  A defendant must have been sentenced in order to be considered “convicted” of a criminal offense.  The national disparity of African-Americans with criminal backgrounds was 25% in 2016.  In Detroit, there is an estimated 100,000 people unable to obtain a job or housing due to felony convictions.  People who are granted expungements can state on employment and housing applications that they have no criminal convictions.  This will be a mutually beneficial between employers, potential job-seekers, and the public.

State of Michigan Eligibility Criteria for City of Detroit Project Clean Slate
You are not eligible for Set Aside (Expungement) in the State of Michigan if:

• It has been less than five (5) years since your release from prison, discharge from probation or parole
• If you committed or attempted to commit a felony for which the possible maximum punishment is a life sentence including, but not limited to, murder, armed robbery, etc.
• If you have been convicted of any offense classified as “Criminal Sexual Conduct” (CSC) in the First (1st) through Third (3rd) degrees or assault with intent for such conduct (including attempt).
• If you have been convicted of CSC in the Fourth (4th) degree and have more than two minor offenses.
• If you have been convicted of child abuse in the Second (2nd) degree.
• If you have been convicted of child pornography.
• If you have been convicted of an internet or computer offense.
• Any traffic violation is unable to be Set Aside, including drunk driving offenses.
• If you have a felony conviction of domestic violence in addition to a misdemeanor domestic violence offense.
• If you are convicted of a human trafficking crime and cannot prove that you were a victim of human trafficking.
• If you are convicted of an act of terrorism.
• If you have more than one felony, or more than two misdemeanor offenses.

Please review the statutory law for setting aside convictions in the download below and visit the Returning Citizens section for additional information.  You may also find other services with public and private firms for legal representation in the Community Resources section.

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Related Posts:
Returning Citizens
http://www.canmichigan.com/returning-citizens.html
Ban-the-Box Laws: Employment Rights For Felons
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/ban-the-box-laws-employment-rights-for-felons
Community Reources
 http://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html

Links:
Detroit Wins Grant to Help Ex-Prisoners Find Jobs
https://www.freep.com/story/news/2015/06/30/detroit-prisoner-reentry-federal-grant/29519905/
City of Detroit Project Clean Slate (Official Website)
http://www.detroitmi.gov/projectcleanslate
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Over $72M in Grants to Improve Employment Opportunities For Justice Involved Individuals
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20170627
​Detroit, MI Crime Rates
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/mi/detroit/crime
City of Detroit 2016 Crime Statistics
http://www.detroitmi.gov/2016-Crime-Statistics
Detroit’s 100,000-Plus Convicted Felons Need Jobs Too
https://www.mlive.com/news/detroit/index.ssf/2016/07/detroits_100000-plus_convicted.html
Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(u2prly201xnqt0fdouvlbdy0))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=mcl-act-442-of-1976

Category: Social Topics

In social work practice, theories of human behavior scientifically explain how people interact and react to their social environment (external stimuli).

One study of human behavior published in the Science Advances Journal classified 90% of the human population into four (4) basic personality types: optimistic, pessimistic, trusting, and envious.  Identifying envy as the most common.  This is important in the consideration of economic and political motivations during the 2016 Presidential Election.

​As we continue our dialogue on the various facets of poverty, welfare and inequality there will be a series of articles discussing their realities in an affluent country like the United States.

​By most standards we are the wealthiest, most powerful nation in the world, yet millions lack basic resources and opportunities for advancement.  So, our political choices can drastically improve or damage these already extreme conditions.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know
First, many wondered (after the initial shock and, then again, after seeing the exit polls): “Why would so many women and Hispanics vote for Trump?’  Others asked, “Are evangelicals really powerful enough to pull this off?”  Not to mention the strong convictions evangelicals carry about homosexuality, no less, gay rights.  A critical position lost on Obama’s part with this demographic.  Still, why would these morality-lifestyle preaching, family-values connoisseurs cast their lot with a crotch-grabbing, three-time married, shady business-dealing, confirmed philanderer.

But, more relevant to the point, the next looming question was this: “Why would so many of the nation’s poor vote for Donald Trump?  Everybody knows he’s representing the rich, so why would poor people no matter the race or ethnicity vote against their own interests?”  Well…there may be answers to this question most never fathomed.

Let’s review some of the possible social, political, and economic factors based on what we know about each of these demographics that may have influenced the outcome of the 2016 election.

Hispanics
While sharing many of the same Christian-beliefs it was assumed that even right-leaning Latino/Hispanics would reject the anti-immigrant rhetoric of the Trump campaign.  Yet, a significant amount of Hispanic men opted for the Republican ticket.
 
So, who were the “Hispanics for Trump” voters?
 
It could be rationalized that Hispanics have a cultural concept known as ‘machismo’.  That is, male machoism.  Could it be that Trump’s concerted effort to brandish himself as a man of strength hold captive an audience of men in this community?  If so, then we can see how it may be possible that our Hispanic citizens (particularly the men) would rather vote for Trump than to elect a woman.  But, that’s just one social context.

(Machismo is a sociocultural fact, by the way).
 
Besides male machoism, things like respect, dignity, and family values also rank high in interpersonal values with this group.  As it relates to respect and dignity, concepts of hard work such as “pulling yourself up by the bootstraps” or self-reliance may have forged an emotional climate with the overall conservative agenda, even if Trump felt a little different.

On the economic front, Hispanics experienced a pecuniary surge in 2013 that surpassed African-Americans in real median household income, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.  At last reporting in July 2017, Income and Poverty Reports show a $59,039 median household income in 2016 for all Americans (individuals and families).  Real median income for white households was $61,858 and $65,041 for whites (non-Hispanic).  The median household income was $39,490 for black households and $47,675 for Hispanic households.
 
This is a considerable increase in social and economic status for Hispanics whose median household income was just $27,588 in 1995.
 
Politically, this demographic also experienced an uptick in their share of the electorate at about 11%, up from 10% in 2012.  However, voter participation of this group likely increased due to their population growth which may have also complicated the vote.
 
According to Latino/Hispanic community leaders, a combination of party loyalty and religion won out with this group as many opposed the skew toward gay rights and religious liberties of the Obama era.  In addition, the majority of the population felt hopeful regarding Trump’s campaign promise to “give them a voice.”
 
Finally, we have to distinguish between the terms Latino and Hispanic and how each segment of this group identify.  Yes, there are general cultural concepts within this demographic.  But, the broad cultural diversity of Spanish-speaking groups and the countries they migrate from including Puerta Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, Dominicans, Central Americans, and South Americans have differences and identify ethnically in different ways.
 
So, when Trump and his supporters chant, “Build the Wall…!”, maybe Cubans and Puerta Ricans, for example, didn’t take it personal and felt that it didn’t apply to them.
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Women
The social construct of gender is the most basic and pervasive unit of diversity.  Meta-analysis studies on gender differences in cognitive abilities, personality traits, and social behavior between men and women generally show no more than a 5% variance.  More specifically, research findings reveal greater differences within genders than between genders.  That is, women differ more from other women than they do from men.

As such, let’s examine potential motivations and socioeconomic factors that may explain female political behavior during the Trump election.

We will focus on the white female vote since Hillary carried the minority vote with black and Hispanic women at 94% - she also (technically) outshined Trump with college-educated white women.  Still, a great number of white female voters were underestimated.

Cambridge University Press cited party affiliation, sexism, and racial resentment – similar to white men on these biases in explanation of the voting preferences of white females in 2016.  Hillary Clinton cited pressure from dominant white men, whether a spouse, boss, or a son for the reason why this demographic tapped the Trump-Pence ticket.

The assumption is that married white women support their husband’s choices because they earn less money and have less power making them financially-dependent on their men.  According to an article in the Washington Post, it is within the interests of (married) white women to support political platforms and policies that protect their husbands and improve their status.

Hillary Clinton’s assertion deeply offended many women because she seemed to unilaterally draw on the psychology of female oppression alone.  In fact, hierarchies of domination are experienced simultaneously but also differently by different types of women.  Modern psychology also suggests familial and cultural influences weigh heavily on the development of gender identity and sense of self.  So, contrary to popular belief, millions of educated, professional, independent women who voted for Trump at a rate of 40% were not under the direst of spousal or some other male-dominated pressure at the polls.

While the real median income of white households declined 1.7% between 2013 and 2014, the incomes of women (not race specified) increased by $1.6 million compared to men at $1.2 million during the same period.  That is, despite economic disparities in the household and workforce, women began out-earning men by a whopping $400,000 in the years leading up to the 2016 presidential election.

So, men may not necessarily be the breadwinners in the household these days where women are coerced to act based on their husband’s wishes to secure their future.  And if that is the case, then nearly half of this demographic voted for Trump despite his rollback on female reproductive rights and unabashed agenda to restore a patriarchal structure in society.

This was problematic when feminists tried to galvanize female solidarity against his presidency just a month later for the Women’s March.  But, women rallied together, once again, for a nationally successful protest that solidified the #MeToo Movement.  Still, why not vote the candidate who would have broken the ultimate glass ceiling then we wouldn’t have this battle to fight.

So, maybe we have to look at gender dynamics between women to better understand the outcome of the election.  Did a large proportion of the female demographic simply distrust Hillary?

Evangelicals
It remains a source of contention and mystery how Christians could reconcile religious adherence to Jesus with Trump’s immorality, immigration policies, blatant disregard for the poor, and the like.  But, in order to elucidate the meaning of political behavior amongst this group we have to understand the historical context of religion in this country.  Next, we must understand the cultural transformations taking place during the 70s and 80s that resurrected religious movements to combat social policies believed to take God out of American life.

It is important to note how strongly U.S. social welfare history has been influenced by Christianity than any other world religion but also the major historical trends that have shaped religion in the United States.

But, first, here are a few examples of religion’s current influence on American politics:

• Jerry Falwell founded the Moral Majority in 1979, a political action group that supported prayer and the teaching of creationism in public schools and opposed abortion, the Equal Rights Amendment, and gay and lesbian rights.

 

• Rob Parsley, Pastor of World Harvest Church in Columbus, OH created the Center for Moral Clarity (CMC) in 2004.  The CMC is a self-proclaimed grassroots organization advocating for public policies that reflect biblical principles on matters of life, faith, marriage, family and religious liberties, social justice, and citizenship.  Its vision statement professes non-partisanship and allegiance to “values voters” who wish to shape public policy by having Christian ideals represented in government.  It denounces labels such as “Religious Right” or “Religious Left”.

 

• Pastor Andrew Wommack of Cornerstone Church in Colorado Springs, toting an impressive resume introduced his version of moral theocracy for America.

He is the founder of Andrew Wommack Ministries which sponsors his national and internationally-syndicated radio and television program “The Gospel Truth” where he is also host.  He is founder and president of the Charis Bible College and the Association of Related Ministries International (A.R.M.I.).  Pastor Wommack has established the Practical Government School, the first of its kind, within the Charis Bible College to train future political leaders.  It is through these platforms, that Pastor Wommack and his cohorts decry the compartmentalization of secular issues from biblical values in politics.

The common thread between all three examples of interjecting Christian morality into politics are centered on four major issues: abortion, sexual orientation, marriage, and religious freedom.  But the issues of poverty and inequality are rarely, if ever, mentioned.  It is, therefore, questionable to many how Christians can summarily prioritize matters of personal choice over the needs of the poor in the course of doing “God’s work”.

Well, there’s a couple things at play here.  On one end, because of constitutional changes such as abortion and gay rights religious leaders have become embattled with government over statutory regulations which are in violation of biblical principles.  That is, because these issues have become “legalized”, when pastors preach against certain things, even from their own pulpits, churches are at worst, subject to legal action; or, at least, threatened by the loss of their non-profit status which protects them from taxation.

On the other hand, the United States is one of the most highly religious countries in the world.  According to a study at University in Michigan about 46% of American adults attend church at least once per week.  The vast majority of Americans also want their leaders to be religious.  Despite the constitutional mandate to separate church and state, a study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life showed that 72% of American adults agreed that U.S. President’s should have strong religious beliefs (Karger & Stoesz, 2014).  A similar study was conducted in the UK where 74% of citizens stated that religion should be a private matter and not have special influence on public policy.

But, let’s look at the historical context.  Although the roots of social welfare are rooted in Judeo-Christian tradition which emphasized communitarianism, the philosophy of European Protestants prevailed during colonial times known as the Protestant Reformation.  Christian forefathers such as Martin Luther viewed work as a responsibility to God.  He preached that work conferred dignity and was a “calling” by God.  In Luther’s view, man served God by doing the work of his vocation and persons who are able-bodied and unemployed were sinners.

John Calvin, another ecclesiastical theologian and statesman went further claiming that work carried out the will of God, and, as such, would ultimately help establish God’s kingdom on earth.  Both Luther and Calvin believed that God-fearing people must work regardless of wage or type of employment.  It was their belief that God commanded work, therefore the country was tasked with providing opportunity, and economic success became a sign of divine favor.

It is these sentiments that predominate religious circles today where poverty is viewed as “ungodly” and prosperity is distinguished not just as a sign of God’s blessing but His divine approval.  Hence, the prosperity movement prevalent in current evangelical Christianity.

Herein lies the social context.  This worldview references the concept in social sciences known as “material determinism.”  It is the ideology that a culture’s material elements determine its values and beliefs, which in turn serve to maintain and perpetuate the material culture.

Karl Marx, 19th century philosopher, touted material determinism as a rationale for exploitative capitalism practiced by most industrial societies.  He asserts that industry engendered low self-esteem among workers, and workers passively accepted the notion that competition and free enterprise were virtuous as well as their societies’ idealized vision of work.  In Christendom, it is called the “Protestant work ethic” and it became the moral basis for capitalism.

Capitalism depends on the exploitative labor of the poor.  For this reason, there is an express interest in poverty in order to have a system of winners and losers…haves and have nots.  Understand that wealth is derived or accumulated through the poor - owners live off renters, and in biblical vernacular, “…the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7).  So, capitalistic societies will never rid itself of poverty because it is the basis of wealth.  As the upper echelon decries the dependency of the poor (on government welfare), no one talks about the hidden reliance of the rich on the poor to build wealth.

Three times Jesus said, “…the poor will be with you always…” (Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7, and John 12:8).  It is no doubt He knew that poverty is not only socially engineered.  That is, poverty is an inevitable evil wrought and maintained by the greed of man.

Then to seal the deal, democracy itself set forth a form of egalitarianism (equal rights, equal citizenship) but closely related was individualism which denied guarantee of the right to equal resources.  As life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness was left to the idea of individual effort and motivation.  Individual responsibility exonerated society from liability of personal failures for individuals who cannot not reach or achieve success on their own.

When we deal with poverty and welfare in the contemporary Christian context, there should also be a consideration of social policies that influence political behavior.  We’ve already discussed hot-button political issues such as abortion and gay rights and how churches may be adversely impacted with legal and economic sanctions.  Now, lets review an economic benefit of social policy for the Christian church.

President Bill Clinton established the Charitable Choice provision (Section 104) under the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) also known as the Welfare Reform Act.  It was during this time that evangelicals began to redress social services as a duty of the church circling back to origins of social welfare during the 18th century which were handled by traveling missionaries.

The Charitable Choice provision grants federal-funding to churches or faith-based organizations (FBOs), administered by the States, and opened the door to the faith-based social services usually for emergency food and shelter programs.

President George Bush was a fan of Charitable Choice and established the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives with units in five (5) federal departments:

• Department of Labor (DOL)
• Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Department of Education (DOE)
• Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

Are faith-based organizations functioning as Political Action Committees (PACS) structured under religion?  PACs are political organizations that raise money privately to influence elections, ballot initiatives, or legislation especially at the federal level.  PACs are not lobbyists, but they certainly may finance them.

The Feminization of Poverty and Welfare Reform
The racial divide at the exit polls showed whites favoring Trump in every age group and at a higher percentage with age.  The same is true for minority voters who were in favor of Hillary.  Voters also split across lines on the education level as it revealed non-college educated white women preferred Trump over Hillary.

While Trump carried an estimated 40 – 45% of college-educated white women, Hillary maintained the majority vote of this demographic as well.

But. let's examine the socioeconomic history of women and femininity in this country.

A theory known as the feminization of poverty purports that traditional gender roles keep women poor because it impinges on their ability to secure and accumulate economic resources and reinforces her dependency in the family.  Statistics show that divorced women, teen mothers, and women over the age of 65 are more likely to live in poverty.  Women also traditionally earn less than men.  This is stratified by both gender and ethnicity making Hispanic and African-American women the most vulnerable.

The expansion of the welfare state began its decline during the 80s and gained traction with conservatives “Contract with America” spearheaded by House speaker Newt Gingrich.  President Bill Clinton closed the gap with the advent of Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) which made welfare both transitional and temporary stripping the entitlement structure from benefits.  In effect, decreasing the federal government’s role in social programs.

The GOP strategy of retrenching or eliminating elements of the welfare state launched in the 1980s had four main purposes:

• reform domestic spending programs
• redistribute income upwards
• cheapen the cost of labor
• weaken the political influence of unions and popular social movements (i.e. The Civil Rights Movement).

The strategy also began the trend of businesses pushing to lower the cost of production and depressing American wages.  This was accomplished in two (2) ways:

• export labor to third world countries
• corporate downsizing

This benefitted companies in other ways besides a reduction in production costs although the quality of products and services was also lowered but corporate taxes were nearly non-existent.  It also began the elimination of the American middle class.

Although many politicians and citizens alike refuse to recognize legislative strategies that adversely affect the lives of people, government policies are the blame for the feminization of poverty.  Poor women, like other minority groups, are blamed for their personal failures citing things like ethnic deficiencies and feminism (as a moral failure) for their poverty conditions.  In the 1980s, illegitimacy and welfare became the purported hallmarks of the nation’s biggest social problems when in reality, the majority of single mothers were widows.

But political approaches can and usually do influence changes in the family structure.  In fact, the marriage rate has long been on the decline while divorce and single motherhood continue to rise.  Women were then forced into a gender-segregated labor market often in contingency jobs without health and childcare, and little financial security.

The conservative approach has and continues to perpetuate the idea that welfare encourages dependency by rewarding laziness, family breakups, and illegitimate pregnancies.  That is, women are even blamed when men simply walk away or abdicate their familial responsibilities, even to children.  Thus, began the long fight to control female reproduction, marital status, childrearing, and even job choices that is sexism.

Here a few of the policies that reinforced female poverty:

• Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (OBRA)
• Family Support Act of 1988
• Work and Responsibility Act of 1994 – a prerequisite to Clinton’s PRWORA Act introduced by the late Democratic Senator Sam Gibbons (Florida’s 11th District)
• The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 (PRWORA)

So, when it comes to economics, it is not as clear how any impoverished group, even whites, would “vote against their own interests” and elect to resurrect archaic ideologies of racial superiority (hence, the rant “Make America Great Again”) over matters of self-preservation and well-being like healthcare and income safety nets that is clearly needed.

Although the white population has the lowest rate of poverty, they also have the largest percentage of beneficiaries who rely on most major anti-poverty programs than any other racial group or population.  Still, there is a growing trend of “welfare backlash” (whites opposing welfare) that fuels the GOPs latest outcry for welfare reform.

The assumption, here, is that the loss of income has become a perceived threat to white status due to minorities, particularly those on welfare who are believed to be draining the country’s resources.  Political propaganda, in large part, can be blamed for this when false and misleading information is unscrupulously fed to the public.  Unfortunately, this is common practice on the left and right sides of the aisle leaving a great deal of the public fallen prey to political agendas rather than making educated decisions about policy issues and voting preferences.

Let’s review some of the actual statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Income and Poverty Report (2014), income and poverty estimates did not include noncash benefits but was based solely on gross income.  However, for the first time, a synonymous report was released on the same day using the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM).  The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) was developed by the Obama administration in 2011 as an alternative to the Federal Poverty Line (FPL), our current poverty measurement system since 1964.

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) is intended to present more accurate poverty estimates by including in-kind (noncash) benefits such as food stamps, Medicaid, housing subsidies, and other welfare benefits and counting them as income.

It should be noted that poverty measures such as the FPL and SPM are important because they provide the public and federal government information about the economic well-being of American citizens.  They also provide useful information about how those living in poverty are affected by federal policies.  Additionally, the use of annual poverty measures may be useful in providing general information regarding labor force participation, income sources, and amounts but fail to yield substantial information about economic mobility.  According to the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that poverty measures based on longer time frames (e.g. 4 years) rather than shorter periods (e.g. 1 year) would yield, on average, lower overall poverty rates.

Data from the Income and Poverty report suggests that real median income of white households (non-Hispanic) declined 1.7% between 2013 and 2014 but were not statistically significant from black, Asian, and Hispanic households.  Women’s income increased $1.6 million between 2013 and 2014 compared to the earnings increase of men by $1.2 million.

The median household income for all Americans was $53,657 in 2014 slightly lower from $54,462 in 2013 but not statistically significant.  The Income and Poverty report states that the year 2014 marked the third consecutive year that the annual change was not statistically significant after two (2) consecutive years of decline in median household income.

Household Median Income by Race 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau)
            White  $56,866    White (non-Hispanic)   $60,256    Black   $35,398    Hispanic   $42,491

Household incomes for non-Hispanic White households declined 1.7% in 2013 from $61,317 to $60,256 but were not statistically significant for black, Asian, and Hispanic households.  The last increase in median household incomes for black and non-Hispanic White households was in 2007, Asians in 1999, and Hispanics experienced the last median household increase in 2013.  Comparing the 2014 income of non-Hispanic White households to other households, change in the ratio to black households has not been statistically significant from 1972 – 2014.  Over the same period, comparing the Hispanic to non-Hispanic White household income ratio declined from 0.74 to 0.71.  That is, the income and wealth gap between whites and Hispanics are closing at a faster rate than between whites and African-Americans.

The official poverty rate on the national level in 2014 was 14.8%.  That is, 46.7 million people were poor in 2014 and was not statistically significant from the previous year.  The 2014 poverty rate was 2.3 percentage points higher than 2007 (one year before the last recession) but was also not statistically significantly between racial demographics from the previous year.
More specifically, the national poverty rate for non-Hispanic White households was 10.1%, lower than the poverty rates for minority racial groups.  Non-Hispanic Whites accounted for 61.8% of the population and 42.1% of the people in poverty (U.S. Census Bureau, 2014).

The black poverty rate in 2014 was 26.2% with 10.8 million living in poverty.  This is significant because African-Americans only represent 13% of the total U.S. population.  The Hispanic poverty rate was 23.6% with 13.1 million people in poverty.  Poverty estimates for 2014 were not statistically significant from the previous year.

It should be noted that 13.5% of working-age adults (aged 18 to 64) were in poverty compared to the 10% poverty rate for seniors (aged 65 or older).

Poverty Statistics by Characteristics 2014 (U.S. Census Bureau)
            White  12.7%      White (non-Hispanic)   10.1%      Black   26.2%      Hispanic   23.6%

Notice that total numbers and percentages of any measurement may or may not be statistically significant.  That is, measurements of the number and percentage of people living in poverty, for example, may rise or fall in any given year to the next without change to its statistical result, interpretation, or percentage rate.

A link has been provided to the 2016 poverty statistics for review.

Values have always underpinned human behavior - they also permeate our political system and direct social welfare policy.  Whatever culture, perspective, or period in time, values tell us what we ought to provide and how we ought to deal with deviants (those who stray from the norms).

Values and attitudes are typically cloaked in religious, moral, or patriotic terms so much so that we accept them as facts rather than beliefs.  When a worldview, political orientation, or behavioral response is value-laden rather than based in fact we can never be truly objective.  For this reason, it is important not to draw conclusions, base judgments, and certainly make political decisions on value systems alone.  Even what is known should always be tested.

 
Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  If you are in need of case management services or assistance, please contact us by completing the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
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Related Posts:
The Racial Wealth Gap Explained…A Sociopolitical Perspective
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/the-racial-wealth-gap-explained
Redefining Social Welfare…Again
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again
References:
Stoesz, D. (2014).  American Social Welfare Policy (7th Edition), Pearson Education, Inc., Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ
Eitzen, D.S. (2010).  Solutions to Social Problems: Lessons from Other Societies (5th Edition), Allyn/Bacon, MA

​Links:
Like it or Not, Studies Suggest that Clinton May Not Be Wrong on White Women Voting Like Their Husbands
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2018/03/13/like-it-or-not-studies-suggest-that-clinton-may-not-be-wrong-on-white-women-voting-like-their-husbands/?utm_term=.6548df213ab4
Millions of Women Voted for Trump, and Didn’t Need A Man To Do It
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/millions-of-women-voted-for-trump-and-didnt-need-a-man-to-do-it/2018/04/26/9e237ae8-496b-11e8-8b5a-3b1697adcc2a_story.html?utm_term=.e4320e56c12d
What Gender Gap? Exit Polls Show White Women Voters Actually Preferred Trump to Clinton
https://newrepublic.com/minutes/138601/gender-gap-exit-polls-show-white-women-voters-actually-preferred-trump-clinton
“Why Evangelicals Support President Trump, Despite His Immorality”
http://time.com/5161349/president-trump-white-evangelical-support-slaveholders/
“Christian Politics” – The Gospel Truth, Pastor Andrew Wommack Television Broadcast
https://www.awmi.net/video/tv/#/2016/week40/wednesday
“Understanding the Poor Will Always Be with You”
https://kairoscenter.org/understanding-the-poor-will-always-be-with-you/
Attendance at Religious Services (Pew Forum Research Center)
http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/attendance-at-religious-services/
Pro-Trump Pastor: ‘Trump is the most pro-Black’ President I’ve Ever Seen
http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/400021-pro-trump-pastor-trump-is-the-most-pro-black-president-ive-ever-seen
Why More White Americans Are Opposing Government Welfare Programs
https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2018/06/08/616684259/why-more-white-americans-are-opposing-government-welfare-programs
Resident Population of the United States by Race 2000 to 2016
https://www.statista.com/statistics/183489/population-of-the-us-by-ethnicity-since-2000/
Labor Force Characteristics by Race and Ethnicity 2014
https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/race-and-ethnicity/archive/labor-force-characteristics-by-race-and-ethnicity-2014.pdf
Income and Poverty in the United States: 2014
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2015/demo/p60-252.pdf
U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts (2016 Statistics, published July 2017)
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/US/PST045217
Income and Poverty in the United States 2016
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/P60-259.pdf

Category: Social Topics

The racial wealth gap is an important distinction as it is a compound disparity over and above breaches in income and wealth - something we refer to in social work as intersectionality.  All three idiosyncratic and divisive in their own right, yet, collaborative in creating the cohesive synergistic effect that is economic inequality.
​
Intersectionality is a theoretical framework which asserts that people can and most often are disadvantaged by multiple sources of oppression (i.e. race, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation and other identity markers).

Synergistic effect suggests a change in the result as a consequence of an action or other cause which arises out of the interaction between two or more agents, entities, or factors and produces an effect (result or product) that is greater than the sum of their individual weight or forces.

The wealth gap refers to the accumulative assets (net worth) including income, real and personal property, etc. which define the upper and lower classes.

Examples of the wealth gap (Eitzen, 2010):

• In 2006, Forbes magazine reported the total net worth of the 400 richest Americans at $1.25 trillion while 37.3 million Americans were living below the poverty line.
• In 2003, the top 1% of the population owned 38% of the nation’s wealth in stark contrast to the bottom 40% who owned only 1% making the richest 3 million Americans nearly 40 times richer than the 113 million at the bottom.  This massive expansion in economic inequality can be attributed to the $1.7 trillion in tax cuts by the Bush administration in 2001 and 2003 where the top 1% reaped 54% of the tax benefits.

The definition of the racial wealth gap is dynamic in that it is inclusive on all these related dimensions and sets forth inequities regarding social mobility denoting significant differences in the social, political, and economic functioning between ethnic groups in the form of opportunities, ownership, quality of life, and so on.
​
The U.S. racial wealth gap has implications of enormous consequences as the pervasive trend endures beyond pushing people to the economic margins of society.  Social disparities continue to escalate including homelessness, hunger, family disruption, crime rates, civil unrest, deteriorating mental and physical health, drug abuse, and democracy itself.  According to D.S. Eitzen (2010), political author and Emeritus at Colorado State University, inequality erodes the social contract when the promise for a higher standard of living is limited to a few weakening the sense of community and common purpose essential to a democracy.
​

​The Racial Wealth Gap by Design
Barriers to the adoption of more generous social welfare policies and equitable distribution of resources that would, in effect, close the racial wealth gap are two-fold: the first is political; and, secondly, America’s fundamental belief in competitive individualism.

Social policy is not an arbitrary activity but is deliberate in its intent and means to accomplish a goal.  Political conservatives in both federal and state legislatures seek to reduce various dimensions of the welfare state.  As such, social policies are crafted to accomplish that end within the context of historical events, budgetary constraints, and the like.

The goal of eliminating income safety net programs has strong implications for social spending:

• Obstruct spending for social programs by reducing the amount of funding available.  This is accomplished in two (2) ways:

1. The “trickle-down” strategy: increase tax breaks for the wealthiest 1% (generally, corporations) presumably to stimulate the economy through their reinvestments (i.e. corporate expansion and job creation).
2. Increase spending for defense.  When the government reduces its tax income while, simultaneously, raising its budget for defense – the shortfall is made up by defunding social programs.

The high value placed on competitive meritocracy has strong implications for economic inequality:

• Individualism is valued over collectivism.  Therefore, Americans typically do not want to pay taxes for the good of others, namely the underprivileged.
• Big government is fervently opposed.  In the minds of Americans, “big government” equates to government intrusion.  And, since, the fight to protect individual rights are vigorously protected, government invasion (as some would interpret) into personal lives, schools, and communities are not welcomed.
• Americans tend to resist preferential rights for disadvantaged groups (e.g. affirmative action policies based on race and gender).
• Americans tend to resist what is perceived as government handouts to those deemed underserving.
• Emphasis on competition and individualism suggests that individuals are advantaged or disadvantaged by their own hand through choices, skills, intelligence, efforts, and motivation, or lack thereof.  It’s the commonplace of victim blaming devoid of consideration for the structural forces that create and maintain poverty and inequality.  The result...the affluent are venerated…the poor, vilified.

Causes of the Racial Wealth Gap – Systemic Factors
Disparities in homeownership, a key factor in creating wealth, implicates housing discrimination dating back to the 1930s which either locked minorities out of legitimate loan eligibility and equity-building.  Furthermore, minority families are less likely to benefit from intergenerational transfers (family inheritance) due to the lack of ownership and depressed home values which persist to this day in predominately black or Hispanic neighborhoods.

While graduating from college lends to higher earnings in the future, wages for college drop-outs and those who never attend college have deeply declined over the years.  Studies show decreased college completion rates for blacks and Hispanics with only 30% of all working age adults (age 25 to 64) holding a bachelors degree or higher.

Student loan debt is another major factor in the racial wealth gap.  While whites are more likely to hold bachelor degrees, blacks are more likely to have student loan debt and at larger amounts, according to the Urban Institute.  College dropout rates and student loan debt translates into lower future earnings and net worth which disproportionately affects blacks and Hispanics contributing to the racial wealth gap.

Education was once said to be the single-most effective means of escaping poverty.  But that sentiment has become nothing more than an idiom when we look at another economic domain – employment, the purported path to self-sufficiency and financial security.  The reality is that black unemployment is two times the white unemployment rate at every level of education.  Therefore, education has failed to equalize economic outcomes as it relates to financial stability and building wealth.
​
Income and Poverty statistics also show the median net worth of black households below white households with less than a high school education.  At last reporting in July 2017, the U.S. Census Bureau shows a $59,039 median household income in 2016 for all Americans (individuals and families).  More specifically, real median income for white households was $61,858 and $65,041 for whites (non-Hispanic).  The median household income was $39,490 for black households and $47,675 for Hispanic households.

Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  If you are in need of case management services or assistance, please contact us by completing the confidential Contact Form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html

Related Posts:
Housing Resources
http://www.canmichigan.com/housing.html
Redefining Social Welfare…Again
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/redefining-social-welfare-again

​References:
Eitzen, D.S. (2010).  Solutions to Social Problems: Lessons from Other Societies (5th Edition), Allyn/Bacon, MA

Links:
African-American Wealth May Fall to Zero By 2053
www.blackenterprise.com/african-american-wealth-zero-2053/?fbclid=IwAR2hIZPodZZbWcfhNtDcu2vEiMPVQdfBCX2jpyJRnDfHUIN_fYsGc1dHcMk
Black families have 10 times less wealth than whites and the gap is widening—here's why
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/05/18/credit-inequality-contributes-to-the-racial-wealth-gap.html?__source=Facebook%7Cmain
America’s Yawning Racial Wealth Gap, Explained in 9 Charts
https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8051345/black-white-hispanic-wealth-gap
Income and Poverty Report 2016 (U.S. Census Bureau)
https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2017/demo/P60-259.pdf

Category: Government Benefits and Programs

The Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefit is a state-funded cash assistance and supplemental income program administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services for disabled persons, seniors (aged 65 or older), or caregivers of disabled persons.  Caregivers are typically required to be a live-in family member or paid helper and must not qualify as Home Help agents to be eligible for State Disability Assistance (SDA).

State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefits are dispensed on a semi-monthly (bi-weekly) basis but may also be paid in addition to federal disability benefits such as Retirement, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (RSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

​As a supplemental income benefit to federal disability, payments are made four (4) times per year in March, June, September, and December.  The current benefit amount for individual cash assistance recipients is $246.00 per month.  States may reduce benefit levels based on budgetary restraints

The Social Security Amendments Act of 1972 which established the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in January 1974 authorized state payments as a supplement to the basic federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment to needy aged, blind, and disabled persons.  That is, the benefit is payable to all SSI recipients, including children, except those living non-Medicaid certified medical facilities.

It also set forth a provision for a state payment in the form of State Disability Assistance (SDA) which replaced the federal Grants-in-Aid program to former public assistance recipients (if needed to maintain the earlier income level); and, an optional provision to newly eligible persons who were transferred to the federal SSI benefit.

In sum, SSI Recipients are eligible for the State Disability Assistance (SDA) supplement if the "needs standard" of the respective state indicates that their needs are greater than their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment plus other countable income.

Federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) regulations apply to income and asset exclusions and limitations apply to the State Disability Assistance (SDA) supplemental benefit.

Table 1.
Optional state supplementation payment levels, effective January 2011 (in dollars).
(Source: Social Security Administration, Office of Income Security Programs, State Information)
The state supplementation payment is added to the federal payment.  Countable income is deducted first from the federal payment.  Any income that remains to be counted after the federal payment has been reduced to zero is then deducted from the state supplementary payment (SSA, 2011).

DEFINITIONS:
Living independently.
Includes all eligible recipients who are not included in any other state living arrangement, recipients residing in facilities where Medicaid is not paying more than 50 percent of the cost of care, and recipients residing in publicly operated emergency shelters throughout a month.

Living in the household of another.
Includes recipients with no essential person who are residing in a federal Code B living arrangement.

D: Domiciliary care.
Includes recipients residing in licensed nonmedical facilities that provide room, board, and supervision. The state certifies which recipients are residents requiring this level of care.

E: Personal care facility.
Includes recipients residing in licensed nonmedical facilities that provide general supervision, physical care, and assistance in carrying out the basic activities of daily living. The state certifies which recipients are residents requiring this level of care.

F: Home for the aged.
Includes recipients residing in nonmedical facilities for the aged. The state certifies which recipients are residents requiring this level of care. Such care situations include, but are not limited to, licensed homes for the aged.

G: Living independently with an essential person.
Includes recipients with an essential person who are not living in the household of another. Children under age 18 are excluded. Payment levels for essential person apply only to cases converted from the state rolls in 1974.

H: Living in the household of another with an essential person.
Includes recipients converted from the 1973 state rolls who reside in another's household and it is determined that they need assistance from someone considered essential to their well-being. There are no longer any recipients receiving payments for living in the household of another with an essential person.

​I: Medicaid facility.
Includes recipients residing in a federal Code D living arrangement.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) as an Interim Benefit
State Disability Assistance (SDA) is also an available benefit to eligible claimants while federal disability claims are pending for initial approval or appeal.  In most cases, approval for federal disability benefits is a long, complicated process causing applicants to experience financial hardship in addition to their medical crisis.  This state-administered general assistance (GA) benefit may provide some relief.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) is available to SSI and SSDI applicants based on similar medically-determinable and income/asset criteria.  Claimants who apply for State Disability Assistance (SDA) will be required to file a claim for federal disability benefits and may be required to reimburse the state once the claim has been approved.

Federal Disability Claims Processing Procedures (SSDI and SSI)
It is important to know some general information about program structures and claim processing procedures for all disability claims before applying for State Disability Assistance (SDA).  Claimants who apply for State Disability Assistance (SDA) should have a basic understanding of eligibility guidelines while waiting on approval or as a supplement to federal disability benefits to assess their ability to qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA).

The first step is to know the federal definition of “disability” before making a claim for benefits.
According to the Social Security Administration, the law defines disability as “the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months.”

When an individual applies for disability the claim is processed by a local Social Security Administration (SSA) field office.  The field office verifies non-medical eligibility requirements including age, marital status, employment, citizenship and residency, and Social Security coverage information.  For SSI, the field office verifies income, resources, and living arrangement information.  The completed application and related forms are forwarded to the Disability Determination Service (DDS) to establish eligibility for benefits.

The Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS) is a federally-funded state agency that determines the initial and continuing eligibility for benefits for the following programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid Assistance (MA)
• State Disability Assistance (SDA)
• The Office of Retirement Services (ORS) disability retirement program

The Office of Retirement Services (ORS) serves all State of Michigan employees including state police, judges, and public school employees covered under state employee retirement programs.  Claims for retirement benefits are initially processed by the Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS) where medical evidence is reviewed, and recommendations are made to the Office of Retirement Services (ORS).

The Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS) began processing all disability claims received from county offices (e.g. local Department of Health and Human Service and Social Security offices), effective July 1, 2015.

Upon receipt of the claim, the case is assigned to a medical examiner and the process of case development begins.  That is, medical evidence is developed to make the initial determination about whether the claimant is blind or disabled under the law.

Medical evidence is developed in several ways:

1. The Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS) obtains evidence from the claimant’s medical sources (ordering clinical records from treating health care professionals and hospitals listed on the application).
2. If clinical information is unavailable or insufficient to make a determination, a consultative examination (CE) may be arranged for the claimant to be examined by an independent medical provider.
3. Additional information is requested from the claimant’s medical sources as required by the DDS adjudicative team.

Medical evidence is developed (collected) to give rise or substantiate the disability claim.  After case development is completed, an adjudicative team consisting of medical or mental health consultants and the disability examiner in the Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS) makes the eligibility determination.  Approved claimants are referred to a State vocational rehabilitation agency such as Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) where appropriate.

The case is forwarded back to the appropriate Social Security Administration (SSA) field office.  Approved claims are processed to complete non-medical development, compute benefit amounts, and begin paying benefits.  Denied claims are retained in the field office in case of appeal.  Claimants have twelve (12) months from the date of filing to make an initial appeal.

Appeals and unfavorable determinations are handled by the Michigan Disability Determination Service (DDS).  Requests for a redetermination hearing after an appeal is denied is handled by an administrative law judge (ALJ) in the SSA Office of Hearing Operations (OHO).  Claimants may submit additional information not provided in the original filing or appeal to the administrative law judge (ALJ).  A decision will be made based on the evidence of record and new evidence presented at the hearing.

If additional information is needed by the administrative law judge (ALJ), the hearing office will coordinate evidence with the Disability Determination Service (DDS) or contact medical sources directly.  An administrative law judge (ALJ) may issue subpoenas requiring production of evidence during the discovery process or testimony at a hearing.

How long does it take to get disability In Michigan?
Claims processing guidelines established the Standard of Promptness (SOP) rule which requires up to a ninety (90) day eligibility determination for State Disability Assistance (SDA) claims and twelve (12) months for all other state disability claims.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

• Claimants must be incapacitated (unable to work) for one (1) year due to a serious mental or physical disability to be eligible for benefits.
• Claimants and their employers must have paid Social Security taxes for an adequate number of fiscal quarters prior to the onset of disability.
• Benefits are paid to insured claimants who are determined to be disabled due to illness or injury that is expected to last a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months or that is expected to end in death.  You are an insured claimant if you worked long enough (accumulated a specified amount of work credits that equate to a minimum of seven (7) consecutive years of employment) and paid into the Social Security trust fund through employment taxes.
• Certain disabled dependents of insured claimants are also eligible for SSDI benefits.  See the Death & Burial section for more information on Social Security Death Benefits.
• Claimants must be severely disabled to meet eligibility criteria.
• Claimants are not subject to means-testing (income and asset requirements).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Claimants are subject to means-testing (income and asset requirements) as SSI benefits is a needs-based program.
• Claimants are not required to have participated in the workforce (no previous employment requirement).
• Claimants must be incapacitated (unable to work) due to a serious mental or physical disability that is expected to last a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months or expected to end in death to be eligible for benefits.
• Benefits are payable to indigent (low-income or no income and limited resources) disabled adults and children (under age 18) with mental and/or physical impairments causing marked or severe functional limitations.  Disability in children must also be expected to last at least twelve (12) months or end in death.
• Claimants who are approved for SSI benefits automatically qualify for Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.  Approved SSI recipients may apply for a Bridge Card through the Michigan Combined Application Program (MICAP).  A link is provided below.

If your application for SSI or SSDI has recently been denied, the online appeal request is a starting point to request a review of the decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.
If your application is denied for:

• Medical reasons, you can complete and submit the required Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online.  The disability report asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests or doctor visits since the decision was made. A link is provided below.
• Non-medical reasons, you should contact a local Social Security Office to request the review. You also may call toll-free at: 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal.  People who are deaf or hard of hearing can call toll-free TTY at: 1-800-325-0778.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) Medical and Vocational Requirements
The State Disability Assistance (SDA) and Medicaid (MA) programs have the same medical and vocational eligibility criteria.  It is possible to receive State Disability Assistance (SDA), however, and not be eligible for Medicaid (MA).

A claimant’s disability (mental or physical impairment) must be medically-determinable.  That is, medical evidence must establish the anatomical, physiological, or psychological abnormalities through clinical diagnosis, laboratory imaging techniques (e.g. CT Scans, MRI), and medical documentation.  Statements about mental and physical symptoms are insufficient.

Medical Criteria

• The Social Security Law has a list of impairments and a description of the evidence needed to evaluate the disability.
• Benefits are payable when the claimant’s impairments meet or equal the listed body system and medical evidence criteria.

What is considered a disability in Michigan?
Body systems indicated in the Social Security Administration's Listing of Impairments are subject to revision and promulgation and must be extended by the Commissioner or may no longer be eligible after effective dates.  A link is provided below to the official listing, effective dates, and required evidence per each impairment.

What conditions qualify as a disability in Michigan?
The following is a general listing of qualifying conditions to be eligible for disability according to the Social Security Law and Regulations Listing of Impairments.

​Criteria applicable to claimants age 18 or over and children under age 18 where appropriate:

• Low birth rate and failure to thrive
• Musculoskeletal system
• Special senses and speech
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular system
• Digestive system
• Genitourinary disorders
• Hematological disorders
• Skin disorders
• Endocrine disorders
• Congenital disorders that affect multiple body systems
• Neurological disorders
• Mental disorders
• Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases)
• Immune System disorders

Vocational Criteria

• The Social Security Law contains vocational criteria contained in cases in which the claimant’s impairment fails to meet or equal the medical criteria, but the mental or physical capacity to perform basic work-related activities is limited.
• The remaining or equal capacity to perform work is assessed along with age, education, and past work experience to determine eligibility for disability benefits.

Funding for State and Federal Disability Claims
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is 100% federally-financed through Title II funds as required by the Social Security Act of 1935.  SSDI benefits are not appropriated in state budgets.  Recipients who qualify meet the minimum work requirements and have paid into the trust fund through employer Social Security tax known as the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal income supplement program for indigent aged, blind, and mentally or physically disabled to provide for their basic needs.  The flat-grant (set monthly benefit) approach is designed to meet the minimum needs of eligible recipients.  Benefits are financed through general tax revenues as required by the Title XVI section of the Social Security Act of 1935.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) is 100% state-funded per each fiscal year, through the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Annual Appropriations, “boilerplate” language.  The current allocation is set forth in DHHS FY2015, 2014 Public Act 84, Article X.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) claimants must meet the following criteria:

• The claimant must receive other disability-related benefits (i.e. Retirement, Survivor’s, and Disability Insurance (RSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Medicaid (based on a disability or blindness).
• The claimant must reside in a qualified special care facility such as a Home for the Aged, County Infirmary, Adult Foster Care Home or Substance Abuse Treatment Facility.
• The claimant must receive or is qualified for services through the Michigan Commission for the Blind, Michigan Rehabilitative Services (MRS), or is eligible for special education services such as the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• The claimant is certified by a MDHHS Family Independence Specialist as unable to work due to mental or physical disability that is expected to last at least 90 days from the onset of the disability.  In order to receive a medical certification of disability from a MDHHS specialist/examiner, you must submit medical evidence of your disability from an authorized healthcare provider for review.
• The claimant has a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) case pending approval.  If not, you are required to file a disability claim with the Social Security Administration while receiving State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefits.
• Claimants must be a parent/caregiver of a minor disabled child. (Parents/caregivers of minor disabled children do not qualify as Home Help providers.
• Claimants must be terminated from the Family Independence Program (FIP) cash assistance benefits due to lifetime limits.

​State Disability Assistance (SDA) Income and Assets Test
The State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefit is a means-tested program.  That is, it is need-based in addition to the basic criteria of having a disability.  Therefore, earned and other sources of income and countable assets will be considered in determining eligibility and benefit limits.  Gross income includes monies earned in the labor market (job employment), self-employment, and other sources of income (i.e. child support, rental payments, disability payments, or unemployment insurance).  Having these forms of income does not necessarily disqualify you for State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefits but may reduce the amount of benefits you receive.

When calculating assets, claimants should also distinguish between real property and personal property.  Real property includes real estate such as your homestead (property you own and occupy), rental property, or land and anything permanently attached to it.  Personal property includes retirement accounts (i.e. IRAs), investments, or life insurance policies.

To qualify for State Disability Assistance (SDA) personal property assets must meet the $3000 asset threshold.  As a note, real property assets cannot exceed $250,000 in value for any other “cash assistance” program administered by MDHHS.  However, certain assets are omitted from the State Disability Assistance (SDA) eligibility requirement.
​
Please use this information as a guide to how you may qualify for the Michigan State Disability Assistance (SDA) program but only a MDHHS Medical Examiner or Benefits Specialist can accurately determine eligibility for SDA benefits.

​Disability Determination
You are considered disabled and eligible for State Disability Assistance (SDA) if:

• You receive disability-related benefits.
• You reside in a Special Arrangement Facility.

You obtain certification from MDHHS medical consultants deeming you unable to work due to a mental or physical disability for at least ninety (90) days.

Asset Limits
The cash asset limit is $3000.  Assets are cash and any other property you own.  A homestead and a personal vehicle are not counted as assets for State Disability Assistance (SDA).

Cash Assets include:

• Cash-on-hand
• Bank and credit union accounts
• Investments
• Retirement Plans
• Trusts

Income
Most earned and unearned income is counted.  Income is considered when determining the amount of SDA you are eligible to receive.

Examples of countable income are:

• Wages
• Self-employment income
• Rental income
• Social Security benefits
• Veteran's benefits

Residency Requirements
The following residency requirements apply:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal alien.
• Must reside in Michigan.
• Must not be receiving cash assistance from another state.

State Disability Assistance (SDA) Application Process
You may apply for State Disability Assistance on the MI Bridges website or in person at a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office in your area.  Allow sixty (60) to process the application.  It is recommended that applicants print and complete the application form and return it to a DHS Benefit Specialist who can expedite the process.  A link is provided below to MDHHS Applications, Forms, and Publications.
​
Rights and Responsibilities
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) rules and regulations for income reporting including changes in income, employment, and disability status apply.  State Disability Assistance (SDA) benefits may be required in the Total Household Resources for the Michigan Homestead Property and Home Heating Tax Credits.
 
Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment.  If you’re in need of case management services or have questions, you may reach out to us by completing the confidential contact form.

Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html

​Related Posts:
Death and Burial – Social Security Death Benefits
http://www.canmichigan.com/death-and-burial.html
Disability Resources
http://www.canmichigan.com/disability-resources-michigan.html
 
Links:
State Disability Assistance
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5526_7766---,00.html   
Cash Assistance Application Process
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5526_7028---,00.html
Do You Qualify for Michigan State Disability Benefits?
https://www.babutlawssd.com/Articles/Do-you-qualify-for-Michigan-State-Disability-Assistance-benefits.shtml
MDHHS Applications, Forms, and Publications
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71551_7338---,00.html
MI Bridges
https://www.mibridges.michigan.gov/access/
Michigan Combined Application Program (MICAP)
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_7774-213851--,00.html
State Assistance Programs for SSI Recipients
https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/ssi_st_asst/2011/mi.html​

Disability Resource Links:
Social Security Disability Evaluation – General Rules
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/general-info.htm
Disability Evaluation Under Social Security
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/evidentiary.htm
Code of Federal Regulations – Listing of Impairments
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-app-p01.htm
Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities
https://www.ssa.gov/disability/
Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool
https://ssabest.benefits.gov/
Online Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report
https://secure.ssa.gov/iApplsRe/start
Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS)
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_25392---,00.html

Category: Government Benefits and Programs

​​Benefits are payable for eligible applicants in five (5) broad areas:

• Heat and Utilities
• Home Repairs
• Relocation Assistance
• Home Ownership Services
• Burial

Eligibility Requirements for State Emergency Relief (SER)
The State of Michigan provides this temporary assistance through a network of contracts with local community organizations including the Salvation Army and Community Action Agencies (CAA).  Applicants Do Not need to be participants or recipients of other MDHHS benefits to be approved for SER emergency assistance.

Approval for service and benefits must meet three (3) conditions:

• The emergency must threaten health and safety.
• The emergency must not have been caused by the individual or family seeking assistance.
• The emergency must be resolved by the assistance payment and must be one that is not likely to arise again.

​
Scenarios covered under the State Emergency Relief (SER) program:

• Homeless prevention
• Provide shelter for homeless persons
• Repair unsafe conditions and restore essential services (i.e. utilities)
• Provide food for individuals and families who do not qualify for the Food Assistance Program (FAP).
• Prevent utility shut-offs such as water and cooking gas or restore services after interruption to protect health and safety.
• Provide assistance payments for burial and cremation when the deceased estate and family contributions will not cover the expense.
• Emergency shelter provisions for the homeless is contracted through the Salvation Army.  For more information call 1(800)274-3583.

Client-Caused Emergencies
State Emergency Relief (SER) funds will not be issued unless the household has "good cause" for not making the payments.  "Good cause" means household income was below a specified amount, or if available monies in the household were not used to make payments during the time shelter or utility costs were unpaid and led to the emergency.  See the chart below of Household Income Limits for Energy and Non-Related Energy Assistance.

Burial Assistance
State Emergency Relief (SER) will make assistance payments toward a burial or cremation when the deceased person's estate and contributions are not sufficient.  A relative or representative with legal rights to arrange the burial must apply for assistance within ten (10) days of the burial or cremation.  The family member or representative arranging the burial should inform the funeral home that public assistance will be requested.  They may be able to assist with the application process.

Relocation Assistance
State Emergency Relief (SER) assistance may be approved to:

• Prevent eviction
• Set up residence for a homeless household
• Establish a suitable home for children
• Establish a suitable family home due to domestic violence or a natural disaster

Rent Assistance and Foreclosure Prevention
State Emergency Relief (SER) assistance payments are available to prevent the loss of a home due to foreclosure, a land contract forfeiture, the loss of a mobile home, and the non-payment of rent.  Property taxes may be paid to stop a tax sale when a foreclosure hearing has been scheduled.

Home Repairs
State Emergency Relief (SER) funds are available for home repairs to correct unsafe conditions or to restore essential services such as water, water disposal, heat, or electricity.  Eligible home repairs may include but are not limited to: replacement of a non-functioning furnace, hot water heaters, or septic systems.

Qualifying households are eligible for payment toward service repairs under the following conditions:

• To prevent or eliminate a direct threat to health and safety.
• To comply with a requirement by law or mobile home park regulation.
• To restore the home to a safe, livable condition.

A household may be approved for home repair services under the following conditions:

• A household member must be the owner or purchaser of the home, or hold a life estate or life lease. with responsibility for home repairs.
• The home must be the household's permanent residence (a homestead).
• The home must not be for sale or in jeopardy of loss due to a mortgage or property tax arrearage unless a workable payment plan exists.
• The ongoing cost of maintaining the home is affordable, not to exceed 75% of the household's net income.

Home improvements and non-essential repairs do not qualify for the SER benefit.

Maximum Benefit Allowances for Home Repairs
Energy-Related Furnace Repairs:

• Lifetime maximum of $4,000 per family group.
• Approved energy-related repairs since 1/1/1878 count towards this maximum.

Non-Energy Related Repairs

• Lifetime maximum of $1500 per family group.
• Lifetime maximum applies to all home repairs except furnace repair or replacement, including hot water heaters and septic systems for client-owned housing.
• Approved non-energy related repairs since 12/1/1991 count towards this maximum.

Utility Assistance
State Emergency Relief (SER) will make a one-time annual (once per year) payment to prevent shut-offs, or restore heat, electric, or water service.

Migrant Hospitalization
Migrant families with children may have the cost of hospitalization covered under State Emergency Relief (SER), within certain limits, for up to thirty (30) days in a one-year period.
​
Financial Eligibility
State Emergency Relief (SER) is a means-tested program.  That is, household size, income, and countable assets valued over $50 are assessed to determine eligibility for benefits.  It also means that the income-test may affect the benefit amount and that a copayment may be required towards the benefit amount paid.  Assets such as a homestead (a home you own and occupy), one (1) vehicle, personal and household goods are excluded.  Applicants requesting burial assistance are exempt from the asset-test.

Income
It should be noted that all household income for all household members expected to be received within the thirty (30) day period from the SER application is used to determine eligibility.

Follow the income limit charts below for energy and non-energy assistance.  The income limit is based on the number of people in the household.  Applicants will be charged a copayment (out-of-pocket expense) for any income above the amount listed to help pay for the emergency need.  Any required copayment must be paid within the thirty (30) day approval period.

Assets
A household with more than $50 in cash assets must pay the amount over $50 toward the emergency.  The payment must be made within the thirty (30) day approval period.

Cash assets include:

• Cash-in-hand
• Checking or savings accounts
• Stocks and bonds
• Similar resources that can easily be converted to cash

The value of non-cash assets (e.g. a boat or second vehicle) cannot exceed the following limits:

• $1750  for a single-person household
• $3000 for two or more household members
• Some SER groups may be eligible regardless of non-cash assets​

​SER Income Limits for Energy Assistance

Households with monthly incomes above the amounts listed are not eligible for energy-related assistance.

​SER Income Limits for Non-Energy Related Assistance

Income that exceeds the above limits will be assessed as a copayment towards eligible benefits.

Source: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

​How to Apply for State Emergency Relief (SER)
The best way to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) funds is to print the online application, fill it out completely, attach any supporting documents, and turn it in to a local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.  By hand-delivering the application there is an opportunity to explain your situation to a DHS benefits specialist.  Benefits are approved at the discretion of the DHS Benefits Specialist.  A link is provided below to the SER application.  You can also apply for benefits online at the MI Bridges website or request that the application be mailed to you.  You will receive a response within ten (10) days.

Applicants must complete the DHS-1514 (Application for State Emergency Relief) form.  Applicants may be required to apply for other qualifying benefits by completing the following forms to be placed on file:

• DHS-1171 Assistance Application Booklet
• DHS-4574 Asset and Declaration Form
• DHS-1010 Redetermination Form

Applications must provide proof of the immediate need for utility bill payment assistance (e.g. past due or shut-off notice, a court documented eviction notice) or verified need for deliverable fuel (e.g. fuel oil), and energy-related home repairs.

Applicants are not required to complete a new application for additional services requested within the thirty (30) day approval period of the original application.

Applicants have the right to request a hearing for any action, failure to act,, or undue delay in application processing by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

​Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  If you’re in need of case management services or assistance please Contact Us by completing the confidential contact form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html

​Related Posts:
Housing
www.canmichigan.com/housing.html
Michigan Energy Assistance Grants
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigan-energy-assistance-grants
Energy Security in Michigan: The Funding Factor
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/energy-security-in-michigan-the-funding-factor
Michigan Energy Assistance Program Grantees Announced
michigan-energy-assistance-program-grantees-announced.html
Community Resources - Utility Assistance
http://www.canmichigan.com/community-resources-michigan.html
 

​Links:
MDHHS Asset Limit Changes 2019
www.michigan.gov/documents/mdhhs/Asset_tests_QandA_668891_7.pdf
MDHHS Assistance Programs
www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547---,00.html
Locate a DHS office in your county/district
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73970_5461---,00.html
State of Michigan Emergency Relief: Home, Utilities, and Burial
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531---,00.html
State Emergency Relief Income Requirements
https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531-15410--,00.html
State Emergency Relief Q&A Grid
mfia.state.mi.us/SI-Screens/nes_SG/WebHelp/SER_Answer_Grid.pdf
State Emergency Relief Home Repairs
www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5531_62129---,00.html

Category: Public Policy

​The Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) enacted by the U.S. Congress, therefore, established state-level Crime Victims Funds across the country as a reparations program to financially compensate individuals and families who suffer as a result of felony offenses above and beyond the judicial punishment of the criminal.

The law was expanded in Michigan by the Criminal Assessments Act of 1988 to include rights for victims of serious misdemeanors and juvenile offenses

Crimes compensated by the Crime Victims Rights Act vary by state to include:

• Homicides
• Violent Assaults
• Rape/Sexual Assaults
• Child Abuse
• Elder Abuse
• Home Invasions/Burglary
• Domestic Violence
• Human Trafficking

​Crime Victim Compensation programs are available in all U.S. States, administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) but are funded by the restitution payments (fines and penalties) of federally-convicted criminals.

​No federal or state tax dollars are used to fund the program.

Crime Victim Services Funding and Allocations
According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, in September 2013, the fund balance for crime victims services had reached $9 billion dollars in deposits from criminal fines, forfeited bail bonds, penalties, and special assessments.

Victims services and programs are also funded by gifts and private donations.  Due to large fluctuating deposits, the U.S. Congress imposed a cap on funding distributions in 2000 to ensure that the Fund remained a stable source for future services to crime victims.

​In FY2013, funding allocations was capped at $730 million.

​Funds are disseminated between states in the form of grants from the U.S. Department of Justice based on spending for crime victim services by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) reported on annual certification forms.

​According to the Lansing State Journal (January 2018), Michigan received $5.6 million in funding for the past three (3) years for payments and support services to crime victims.

VOCA Program Administration in Michigan
The Michigan Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC) is a state agency within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) which handles funding and services for victims of crimes through the Crime Victims Compensation Board.  See the Crime Victim Compensation Section for program and contact information.
​
Service Programs within the Crime Victim Services Commission (CVSC):

• Crime Victim Compensation
• Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (S.A.F.E.)
• Victim Rights
• Crime Victim Assistance (VOCA)

Crime Victim Compensation (VOCA) Legislation in Michigan
The Crime Victims Compensation Act - PA 223 of 1976 (M.C.L. 18.351 to 18.368) established the Crime Victims Compensation Board responsible for the reimbursement of expenses associated with personal injury resulting from acts of crime.  Program eligibility and coverage was expanded up to $25,000 in basic financial assistance in expenses accrued by individuals and/or their families when physically victimized by criminals.

To file a claim for reimbursement, you must use the Commission’s application form (a link is provided below) and you are entitled to a copy of compensation rules upon request.

VOCA Claim Filing Rules and Payment Limitations:
The following rules and limitations are not exhaustive.  Please refer to the link below to the Crime Victims Compensation Act of 1976 for a full review of the legislation.

• Claims are subject to time limits for filing but may be accepted late for “good cause.”
• Unborn children of a deceased victim are eligible for award.
• Children under a child support order for a deceased victim are eligible for award.
• Claimants are required to cooperate and provide information that will give rise to the investigation.  Claimants who refuse to cooperate with law enforcement or the commission board may be denied in whole or in part of the award.
• Claimants must not have participated (committed) in a crime, be an accomplice to the crime, caused the injury, or was doing something illegal and dangerous at the time of the injury.
• Claimants must justify the claim with documentation from law enforcement, medical providers, and employers within a reasonable time or be denied in whole or in part of the award.  A police report must be filed within 48 hours of the date of injury except for “good cause” or if the injured person is a child.
• Inmates are not eligible for award.
• Medical providers may not bill for services to sexual assault victims under the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (S.A.F.E.) program.
• Peace officers who suffer personal injury due to an assault in the course of employment are eligible for award.
• Loss, damage, or theft to personal property are not eligible for award.
• Punitive damages for pain, suffering, physical impairment, and other nonpecuniary damages are ineligible for reimbursement.
• The claimant must have at least $200 in out-of-pocket expenses or two (2) consecutive weeks of loss of wages or financial support.  Wage loss and personal expense limitations are excluded for retired and disabled persons, and victims of sexual assault.
• Claims resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle are ineligible for reimbursement except when injuries result from a crime rather than a civil infraction.  Claimants from motor vehicle accidents are entitled to Personal Injury Protection Benefits and as such will be referred to the Department of State – Michigan Assigned Claims Plan.
• Funeral and burial expenses are limited to $2000 per victim for the date of injury on or before December 15, 2010.
• Personal family accommodations not directly related to the funeral service or disposition of the body including flowers, gravestones, food, travel, etc. are not eligible for reimbursement.
• Travel expenses for the victim’s body are included in the burial benefit.  Travel costs for family members are not considered eligible expenses.
• Awards for funeral expenses will not exceed eligible payments from public funds and other sources.
• Grief counseling are eligible expenses for family members of the victim including spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• Crime scene clean-up are eligible for reimbursement when the crime occurred at the home of the victim.
• Lost wages are an eligible benefit and a claim for lost earnings must be filed within one (1) year of the crime.
• Victims who are medically-determined as permanently disabled will be referred to the Social Security Administration for disability benefits.
• The commission may award periodic payments over and above the lump-sum benefit for financial hardship when loss of earnings or expenses impair the claimant’s or victim’s family standard of living.  Household financial resources will be considered in the assessment.
• Benefits are paid in a lump-sum award except direct payments for medical care and other service providers, and periodic payments for financial hardships.
• Documentation of household expenses, lost wages, medical treatment, and other services rendered to the victim or victim’s family must be verified from the preceding twelve (12) months for consideration of compensation.
• The board will retain claim files for four (4) years as required by law.
• Claimants must file an appeal for benefits that were denied within thirty (30) days of the written notification.

VOCA Claim Filing Limitations
Victims of crime must file a claim within one (1) year from the date of injury or one (1) year from the time of discovery that the cause of injury was criminal.

Victims do not always immediately recognize that certain acts are criminal such as in domestic violence situations and may consider the injury as natural or accidental.  In such cases, the victim may file a claim for cause at the time of discovery for a criminal act.

Claims for child abuse should be filed within one (1) year from the date of reporting to the police and before the child’s 19th birthday.

"Good Cause" Rules for Filing Late VOCA Claims
Claims may be accepted late for “good cause.”  The claimant must submit a written request to be considered for approval after the one (1) year time frame.

“Good cause” may be considered for the following reasons:

• if the victim is a child,
• if injuries are more serious than first believed,
•  if someone responsible for helping the victim failed to file the claim.

Claimants may file a claim immediately after injury and are not required to wait for an investigation, trial or prosecution to be completed.

If a claim is denied you must submit a written request for appeal within thirty (30) days.  Appeals can be requested in the form of a review of the file or a hearing before the Commission in Lansing.

Applications are available with the Crime Victim’s Service Commission, prosecuting attorney’s office, victim assistance service agencies, the state police, and other care providers.

A list of Crime Victim’s Service Agencies is available in the Community Resources section of this site and a link is provided to the application below.

General Summary of VOCA Benefits and Limitations
The Michigan Crime Victim Compensation Fund will cover funeral and burial expenses for fatally injured victims, pecuniary damages such as the loss of financial support for legally-dependent and unborn children of fatally injured victims, grief counseling for the family, hospital and medical bills if survivors are legally obligated for payment.

​The Fund does not cover the loss or damage of property, pain and suffering, relocation and living expenses, or costs to attend or participate in a trial.  The loss of earnings for the victim’s family members are also ineligible for reimbursement.

Category: Consumer Services

On the subject of accidental or unintentional deaths, the five leading causes are:

1. traffic accidents
2. fatal falls and stumbles
3. fires
4. drownings
5. alcohol and drug poisonings

According to the National Center for Health Statistics (2017), mortality rates for unintentional injury deaths is 45.6 per 100,000 people.  A total of 146, 571 people died accidental deaths in 2017.  A total of 33,381 people had fatal falling accidents (about 10.4% per 100,000 population); 37,357 people had fatal car accidents (11.7%); and, 47,478 people died from accidental poisonings (14.8% per 100,000 population).

Another primary source for tracking U.S. mortality rates is the National Vital Statistics System administered by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Statistics show that there were nearly 3 million U.S. deaths in 2015 at a rate of 844 per 100,000 people.  The data here also suggests that unexpected death rates are rising.  That could include anything from homicides, drug overdoses, suicide, infant mortality, and other unexpected life events besides natural causes.  Since death is a rather taboo subject that most people prefer to avoid, the point is to have a strategy in place for loved ones before a tragic event occurs.

Suicide ranks in the top ten (10) causes of death in Michigan along with heart disease and other chronic illnesses.  See Michigan’s Health Report: Chronic Disease and Life Expectancy.

First Steps in locating a Life Insurance policy:

1. Search for insurance-related documents by examining personal files, a bank safety deposit or other storage boxes.  Address books may also include an agent or insurance company's contact information who may be aware of an active policy.
2. Financial professionals or institutions (i.e. banks, investment firms, attorney’s, or credit unions) may have information on payments made out of an account for a life insurance policy.
3. Review any life insurance policy that you can find - it will have information on any other existing policies that may or may not be active.
4. Contact previous or current employers that will have information on any existing group insurance policies acquired through the company.
5. Check the mail for premium or dividend notices.
6. Check the deceased tax returns for interest income or interest expenses paid for a life insurance policy.
7. Check your state’s Unclaimed Property division.  Insurance companies are now required by law to report unclaimed insurance benefits when a beneficiary cannot be located.
8. Visit your state’s Department of Insurance.  Some states have online locator tools which you can use to search for a missing life insurance policy.  A link is provided to the DIFS’ Life Insurance and Annuity Search Service (LIAS).

​
You can also pay a service to search for any existing life insurance policies through an Medical Information Bureau (MIB) database.  However, there is a fee for each search and are usually unsuccessful.  The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) charges $180 for a policy search that will take up to ten (10) days.  However, the DIFS website offers a free search tool but has up to ninety (90) days to respond.

The DIFS Free Locator tool can be used to search and locate life insurance policies or annuity contracts.  If a financial instrument is found the Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will only respond to the listed beneficiary.
​
Was this post helpful?  Leave a comment and share your thoughts.  If you’re in need of case management services or assistance please Contact Us by completing the confidential contact form.  Also, consider donating to continue this important work and expand our reach to the broader community.
Contact Us:
http://www.canmichigan.com/reach-out-to-us.html
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=u9ZbQw7yTRWAm9K4Yl2MKERd76oKf_lBrejXuVLAx0j5rsSTG72gmICfR9S-bVY4az_Imm&country.x=US&locale.x=US
 
Related Posts:
Death, Burial, and Crime Victim Compensation
http://www.canmichigan.com/death-and-burial.html
Michigan’s Health Report: Chronic Disease and Life Expectancy
http://www.canmichigan.com/blog/michigans-health-report-chronic-disease-and-life-expectancy

Links:
National Center for Health Statistics
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/accidental-injury.htm
National Vital Statistics System
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nvss/deaths.htm
What is the Medical Information Bureau (MIB)?
URL: https://lifeinsurancebyjeff.com/medical-information-bureau-life-insurance-approval/
MIB Policy Locator Service
URL: https://www.mib.com/pls.html
Tony Steuer Insurance Consumer Advocate
URL: https://tonysteuer.com/
National Association of Insurance Companies Life Insurance Policy Locator Service
https://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome
Model Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act Adopted By NCOIL (National Conference of Insurance Legislators)
https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=b3618bee-b5f7-4700-86c9-9a37285b3529